Area’s top teams renew rivalry

One of the biggest rivalries in Colorado Springs football will be reignited this weekend when Pikes Peak No. 2 Palmer and No. 1 Doherty clash in 5A Southern Conference action at Garry Berry Stadium at 7 p.m. Friday.

The Spartans defeated Palmer 38-21 in last year's meeting, and the Terrors will attempt to switch the roles in 2008.

"This is a great rivalry and the players and coaches have a lot of respect for each other," said Palmer coach Rod Baker. "This is what high school football should be about, big crowds and great competition."

Baker is no stranger to his counterpart, Spartans coach Matt Wibbels, as the two have been going against each other for 11 years now. Wibbels was a longtime Doherty assistant.

"We're not going to change anything as far as our strategy goes for this game because the two teams know each other very well," said Wibbels. "They know we are going to run the ball, and we know they are going to spread it out and throw it more."

The Terrors' spread offense will be led by junior quarterback Andre Brown, senior receiver Maurice Blackledge and sophomore tailback Dominic Rufran, who mixed the run with the pass effectively in Palmer's first game against Sierra, a 28-28 tie that ended in the third quarter because of lightning.

"Our offense fits our talent set very well," said Baker.

"The team that takes care of the ball and plays with passion without letting it affect their game plan will win this game."

The Spartans will counter with a strong linebacking corps anchored by Jaden Terry and Beau Kelly. However, Terry also plays fullback, and Kelly leads the offensive line, so these two will be important in the Spartans' rushing offense.

"We need to make sure we are solid up front on both sides of the ball, but especially on offense," said Wibbels. "We also need to execute our defensive plays well and get a good rush on the quarterback to be successful against their passing attack."

CSCS at Manitou Springs, 7 p.m. Friday

In 2A Tri-Peaks play, Colorado Springs Christian School takes on the reigning conference champion in both teams' league opener.

Manitou Springs quarterback Alex Reiter will look to all-conference receivers Daniel Gieck and Zac Johnston to move the ball through the air against the CSCS defense.

The Lions have a very athletic team led by quarterback Rocco Bachara and wide receiver Micah Walker.

Manitou Springs will look to avenge a 21-19 nonconference loss to CSCS in its 2007 home opener.

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