Capsules of area high school football playoffs on Saturday

A look at this weekend's playoff football games:

4A No. 3 Pine Creek (11-0) at No. 11 Longmont (9-2)

When: 1 p.m. Saturday

Where: Everly-Montgomery Field in Longmont

What’s at stake: For Pine Creek, a shot at redemption is on the line. With a win, the Eagles would return to the final four and likely face the team that steamrolled them last season, Greeley West. For Longmont, it is looking to pull off a second straight upset over a Colorado Springs team after defeating Liberty last week.

Pine Creek

Key to success: The Eagles haven’t given up more than a touchdown in any game since September. The defense has been absolutely nasty, and will have to step up again. Pine Creek also needs to take the home crowd out of the game early and play from ahead.

Key player: Kenny Klein, Tyler Black and Connor Stevens make up one of the best linebacking groups in the state. For the Eagles to be successful at stopping the running game, the linebackers need to make tackles without being blocked by offensive linemen.

Key matchup: The Pine Creek offensive line taking on a bigger, but slower Longmont defensive line. If the Eagles can get their explosive runners, Josh Chance and Stevens, to the second level consistently, they will move the ball well.

Key stat: 4 — In this game, possessions will be precious and minimal because both teams love to run the ball and control the clock. If Pine Creek can force Longmont to punt four or more times, it feels it has a great chance to win.

He said it: “We’re gonna put everything we can into this Saturday, and do everything we can to come out on top, and then whatever happens, happens.” – Pine Creek coach Todd Miller.

Longmont

Key to success: Fresh off of a road victory last weekend, the Trojans return home to face a very tough and seasoned Pine Creek team. While both teams run the ball well, Longmont has a definite advantage in the passing game, and will need to utilize it.

Key player: Jake Johnson is one of the most talented overall quarterbacks in the state, and is the best that Pine Creek has seen all season. He can throw it and also run very well. He has 12 passing and 12 rushing scores this season.

Key matchup: Longmont is going to need to pass the ball to help open up the run game, so the wide receivers going against the Pine Creek secondary could be key.

Key stat: 26 — After falling behind Liberty 12-0 in the second quarter, the Trojans rattled off 26 straight points to help them to a 33-18 win. However, falling behind against the Eagles could be fatal.

3A No. 6 Falcon (10-1) at No. 3 Mountain View (11-0)

When: 1 p.m. Saturday

Where: Ray Patterson Field in Loveland

What’s at stake: A spot in the final four of the 3A state tournament. These two teams got to the quarterfinals in very different ways. Mountain View hammered Pueblo Centennial 40-6, while Falcon was very fortunate to pull out a 12-7 victory over Conifer in the final minute.

Falcons’ key to success: It’s all about the offensive line for Falcon. After an embarrassing performance against Conifer, the big boys up front must step it up if they want a chance to win this game. Joey Caron needs time to throw, and running back Aaron Blevins needs some space to run if the Falcons are going to score points.

Mountain Lions’ key to success: Quarterback Brennan Stine and running back Adam Raberge each scored two rushing touchdowns last week, and they will look to do the same against a tough Falcon defense. On defense, the Mountain Lions need to be able to penetrate the offensive line and get into the backfield to disrupt Falcons’ attack.

8-man No. 1 Merino (11-0) at No. 4 Elbert (9-2)

When: 1 p.m. Saturday

Where: Elbert

What’s at stake: A spot in the A-8 state championship game. Merino has been rolling over every opponent it has faced this year, with the exception of a 34-29 win over Dayspring Christian. Elbert has also had two dominating playoff wins so far, and it looks to climb the highest possible mountain this weekend.

Rams’ key to success: Merino has outscored opponents by an average of 51-8. Wyatt Barber and Bryar Desanti lead the explosive offense, which has scored at least 50 points in five games this season. The Rams will need to play some defense to get to the state championship.

Bulldogs’ key to success: Although a team as good as Elbert has made it to the final four, it will still play the underdog role. The Bulldogs need to get out of the gate quickly and score often to keep up with the Rams. However, the Bulldogs have a better defense than Merino has seen all season, and if Travis Hutchens and Dawson Weber get loose on offense, the Bulldogs can advance to the title game.