Summit gets set to run into Hornets' nest

Paul Willis, Special to the News

Thursday, November 23, 2006

One Class 3A football semifinal is no bolt out of the blue. In fact, it's a rematch from last season.

The other? While it currently might not qualify as a shocker, considering the proficiency in which Pueblo County and Summit have operated in recent weeks, few would have forecasted it in the preseason.

Pueblo County went 1-9 last season and Summit was an independent that played against more than its share of 2A teams.

As recently as 2003, the Tigers program seemed to be floundering when only 22 players were on the roster at season's end.

While the matchup might not have the buzz associated with the Alamosa-Florence game on the other side of the bracket, the freshness of the adversaries is compelling.

Pueblo County (10-2) has rolled over postseason foes Sterling and Steamboat Springs with a power rushing attack, while Summit (12-0) used a tough defense in shutout victories against Moffat County and Englewood.

"That was a point we made (Monday) in film is they haven't been scored upon in the playoffs," Pueblo County coach Jeff Wilson said. "They're athletic and they fly to the ball."

Summit, which has yielded only three points in its past four games, utilizes three speedy, hard-hitting linebackers to alter opposing game plans.

Middle linebacker Jordan Sitkoski gave Englewood fits in Saturday's 17-0 win, and outside linebackers Drew Crangle and Scott Campbell also are always near the ball.

The Tigers get a good push up front from their defensive line and have an athletic secondary that aggressively seeks the ball.

Steven Ike and Ryan Eberhart had interceptions against Englewood, among the highlights for a defense that has forced 10 turnovers in the first two rounds of the playoffs.

"Our 'D' is definitely the best part of our game," said Eberhart, who also caught touchdown passes of 16 and 28 yards against Englewood. "Our three linebackers, those guys are good. We're ready for anyone because those three, they will get it done."

Pueblo County, which will host Saturday's game, raised some eyebrows, including Summit's, by walloping a strong Steamboat Springs squad 41-7 last week.

Eberhart suggested the Tigers might have to "kick it up a little earlier" this week to prepare for the Hornets.

"One of the things about this team is we've gotten better each week," Wilson said. "That was a question mark, whether we could keep that up. After going 1-9, you kind of wonder about confidence."

Senior running backs Myles Martinez and Zach Martinez - no relation - have proved to be a potent two-pronged attack for the Hornets, as Myles has rushed for four touchdowns and Zach for three in the postseason.

Zach Martinez poses a true dual threat, as he also leads the Hornets in tackles from his linebacker position.

Free safety Zack Maes also has his share of big hits for the only team in the state that has remotely threatened top-ranked Alamosa. The Hornets lost 21-20 on Oct. 20.

"It showed us we could be one of the best teams in 3A," Wilson said. "We easily could have won that game."

If the Hornets had any element of surprise about them, that is gone. The secret is out.

Asked his thoughts after hearing the Pueblo County-Steamboat Springs score, Summit coach Dylan Hollingsworth said, "We've got a lot of work to do, that's my thought. We have to get our kids healthy. At this point in the season, they're getting beat up and they're tired.

"But at this point, I truly believe it's just as much mental as it is physical, saying, 'Yes, we can win.' So we'll preach to the kids all week that, 'Yes, you can beat them.' We'll take a look at the film and see what we can do to prepare them."

No. 7 Summit (12-0) at No. 6 Pueblo County (10-2)

• Game plan: Pueblo County running back Zach Martinez crossed the 1,000-yard mark in the Hornets' 41-7 win against Steamboat Springs in the quarterfinals. Martinez, who has gained 1,011 rushing yards, also scored two touchdowns. It is Myles Martinez who leads the Hornets in average per carry (7.9), but he missed some time in the middle of the season and has 759 rushing yards. Joe Pullara has 732 for the Hornets, who are making their first appearance in the semifinals since 2002, when they lost to Palisade. For Summit, this round is uncharted territory, but the Tigers have proven to be playoff worthy. Ryan Eberhart, a 6-foot-5 receiver, is an X factor on a grind-it-out team who can outleap defensive backs and quickly turn a stalled drive into something special. In the Tigers' power run game, Drew Crangle and Jordan Sitkoski get the bulk of the work.

• Extra point: If Pueblo County's offense can break Summit's scoreless streak (three games), the Hornets have the capability to keep on adding points.