The Ignacio High School football team and its defense had a much needed bye last week after it gave up 86 points in the last two games, both of which ended in defeat.
The Bobcats (2-2) will travel to play at 5 p.m. Saturday at Colorado Springs Christian where they will look to end their non-league portion of the schedule on a high note.
The Lions (3-1) have been an exciting team to watch, as the offense has put up 139 points this season, including two consecutive shutouts with wins of 27-0 against Ellicott and a 51-0 win last week against Calhan.
Ignacio will be heavily tested once again on defense when it will line up against another run-heavy offense. The Lions have averaged 285 yards on the ground per game, and 17 of the team’s 19 touchdowns have come via the run.
Junior running back Peyton Brones has led the Lions with 689 yards on 84 carries and has 11 touchdowns on the season. Sophomore Joe Dunn is second on the team with 252 yards and three scores but has only appeared in two games. Sophomore quarterback Caleb Stockton has been fairly accurate despite only 21 passes attempts on the season. He has averaged 45.5 yards per game and has thrown for two touchdowns.
During the two-game losing streak, the Bobcats have started off games strong with a 15-0 lead against John Mall and a scoreless first quarter against Newcomb, New Mexico, only to have collapsed late, as both Newcomb and John Mall were able to find ways through Ignacio’s finicky defense.
The Bobcats have found out the tough realities of holding onto leads late in games, as they did two weeks ago against John Mall. The Bobcats led midway through the fourth quarter before two interceptions on back-to-back Bobcat possessions sealed the deal for John Mall.
Despite the two consecutive losses, running back Dustin Sanchez has been a particular bright spot for the Bobcats and has rushed for 221 yards in the last two games on 18 carries. He also scored a touchdown.
Meanwhile, the defense has not forced a turnover during the stretch after forcing 10 to start the season in their first two games.
bploen@durangoherald.com
If you go
WHO: Ignacio at Colorado Springs Christian
WHAT: CHSAA Class 1A high school football
WHEN: 5 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Colorado Springs Christian High School, Colorado Springs
