Montrose - Daily Press

MONTROSE – It’s a 3-4 base defense, not unlike others the Montrose Indians have seen all season.

But Grand Junction High’s defense has more speed and skill than the average prep unit. And it’s laced with attitude, as well.

“They want what we have,” said Indians head coach Todd Casebier, referring to his program’s three straight Southwestern League crowns. “It will be the best defense we’ve faced yet.”

MHS's Glayden Berry runs in for a touchdown during second quarter action Friday night. (William Woody / Daily Press) Advertisement

The Tigers (2-1 SWL, 3-5 overall) may not have the most impressive of records. But they have gotten healthy in recent weeks on both sides of the ball. And their second-year head coach, Robbie Owens, happens to know a thing or two about Casebier, if not the Indians, too.

“I’ve known Todd’s programs well for years, especially at Palisade,” said Owens, who moved over to Grand Junction after both playing and then helping coach at Mesa State. “He dominated that division statewide with the same brand of football they are playing now at Montrose … they come right at you.”

Something’s got to give when the Class 5A Tigers host the Indians (2-0, 7-1) – ranked No. 6 statewide among 4A teams – tonight at Stocker Stadium. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. with SWL title implications on the line.

That, even with Montrose closing against unbeaten and newly state-ranked No. 2 Durango. The Demons (2-0, 8-0) are due into these parts next week to close the regular season. A win by Grand Junction tonight followed by a Montrose win next week could make for a crazy tri-title in a five-team league.

After three straight sole-SWL crowns, the Indians aren’t into sharing one now.

“We’re not even mentioning Durango,” said Casebier, who has worked hard to keep his Indians focused on cleaning up their play – especially on defense. “This game has our full attention.”

Especially now that Grand Junction has its sophomore quarterback, Sean Rubalcaba, back from an early-season lower leg hairline fracture. He started as a freshman and is now considered the team’s leader.

“He may not be in the class of athlete as (Nathan) Robertson or (Jordan) Passehl,” said Owens. “But he is just as valuable to us.”

With Rubalcaba out, tailback Andy Willett had to shift to quarterback. The 5-foot-9, 177-pound Willett averages 93 yards rushing per game, making for a dual-threat with the shifty Rubalcaba now back in action.

 

Comments

Brian Rumbaugh wrote on Oct 30, 2009 9:57 AM:

" Get your facts right. Durango is not Number two, they are number nine "




Report Abuse