ALAMOSA — It seems like the fall season just started and now crisp leaves are lining every sidewalk as we make our slow march to the post season. There are a couple surprises from last year as well as teams that took the next step. All RPI references are made in the knowledge that CHSAA’s RPI standings are unofficial until the end of the season and are current as of press time.

FOOTBALL

2A
18. Alamosa (3-2-0)
The Mean Moose are right on the cusp, at the 18th spot, Alamosa is hanging just out of post season range by .03 of a rating percentage point. This could be a turning point for Alamosa to veer away from the path they took last year. In 2017 Alamosa finished 5-4 in the 21st spot.  

This weekend is shaping up to be the first step on the right path. The Mean Moose welcome No. 19 Montezuma-Cortez (2-6-0) on Friday. While it’s critical the Moose don’t look past Montezuma-Cortez. They have some big fish to fry on the horizon. A trip to fourth ranked Salida (5-0-0) on Oct. 12, followed by hosting No. 9 Pagosa Springs (3-3-0) to close the season on Oct. 26.

1A
2. Centauri (4-1-0)
The Falcons have put themselves in pretty good position in preparation for the big games. Well within the top 16 teams the Falcons are nestled in to defend a playoff berth. Down the stretch Centauri is slated for three two-win teams and Florence (4-1).

Even though the Florence Huskies boast four wins they are ranked number twelve by RPI.  The present challenge for the Falcons is winning their league. Currently Centauri shares the league lead with Monte Vista at one league win apiece. That tie will be decided this weekend when Centauri travels to meet Monte Vista on Friday Oct. 5 at 7 p.m.

19. Center (3-2-0)
Center is currently on the outside looking in. At this point in the season the Vikings are wrestling with a bit of a conundrum.

While the odds are in their favor with four games remaining against opponents with an average winning percentage of .380. Will wins against said teams make up enough ground to add .03 of a point to their RPI and pass gatekeeper No. 16 Platte Canyon.  The Vikings start their journey with a home meeting against Ignacio (2-3-0) Friday at 7 p.m.

21. Monte Vista (2-3-0)
The Pirates started slow this season with three straight losses. But as winners of their last two Monte Vista has catapulted themselves back into striking range. With big-ticket games left on the slate against No. 2 Centauri and No. 7 Buena Vista. Putting a trophy Falcon or Demon on their wall would go a long way towards reserving a seat at the table.

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4. Sanford (5-0-0)
A 2-7 season in 2017 cast a shadow of questions on 2018 for Sanford.  Week after week however Sanford has answered those questions and then some. A month later and Sanford is undefeated and look like they will host a few playoff games in November.

This weekend looks like Sanford could be playing for the Mountain league. In a clash of undefeated teams No. 7 Mancos (5-0-0) will be in town to test Sanford’s mettle Friday Oct. 5 at 6 p.m.

18. Sargent (3-2-0)
The Farmers are back above .500. Sargent took a big step back by defeating Norwood by a score of 27-22. The Farmers aren’t out of the woods yet however.

Sargent still trails the 16th spot by .01 of a percentage point. Sargent no doubt has Dove Creek (4-2-0) on Oct. 11 and Sanford (5-0-0) on Oct. 27 circled, as those teams will do the most towards punching a meal ticket.

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5. Mountain Valley (3-0-0)
Mountain Valley has been putting up consistent wins thus far this season. While their overall record shows that they’ve collected four overall wins, with regards to RPI this week’s victory over Sargent’s junior varsity will not be considered in the final standings.

Despite that, the black and crimson are still looking good. Mountain Valley is sitting in playoff position and has three opponents with an average winning percentage of .083. Their fourth opponent Manzanola (4-1-0) has a gaudy record but their disproportionate ranking (20th) suggests they won’t be much more of a challenge.

17. Sierra Grande (3-2-0)
The Panthers’ season didn’t start on the right foot. But from the ashes of a tough defeat from Briggsdale, Sierra Grande has fielded a respectable season. One spot out of the playoffs there is still time.  Expect to see the Panthers keep working. This weekend they can take the next step against Cotopaxi (4-1-0).

VOLLEYBALL

3A Intermountain
3. Alamosa (19-0)
The spectacular season for the Mean Moose continues. Alamosa sports an untarnished record and is an odds-on shoe-in to host a regional triangular for the Intermountain league.

Alamosa has  a win against Centauri (8-5) in their pocket and had a good showing at the Battle Mountain Tournament against the likes of tenth ranked 4A Battle Mountain. The Moose are four games away from completing a perfect regular season. First up, Alamosa will be looking to sweep the season series against Pagosa Springs (5-9) on Saturday Oct. 6. At 9 a.m.

27. Centauri (8-5)
Hosting a regional tri feels like a lofty expectation as the Falcons trail their league leader by three games and are a good deal behind the twelfth spot holder in the class. Centauri is however well within the qualifying 36 spots.  As such look to have earned an opportunity to take the role of road warrior to earn their way to the State Tournament.

It can never hurt to better one’s position and the rematch against league rival Alamosa on Oct. 9th holds plenty of potential towards doing that. Meanwhile the Falcons will travel to Bayfield this Saturday for a league tri including the Wolverines and Montezuma-Cortez.

2A Southern Peaks
6. Del Norte (13-1)
The Tigers are amongst good company in the 2A class. The Tigers have picked up some wins in the 3A class as well a whole host in their own class to build an impressive record.

As a member of a mixed classification league the Tigers must win their league outright to obtain an automatic berth to regionals. Fortunately Del Norte has done plenty to ensure they’re season will continue beyond October. In addition to that the Tigers share the league lead with Sangre de Cristo at 7-0. The two teams can settle that tie on Oct. 13th in Mosca.  Even without a league-winning berth the Tigers are settling in nicely to host a regional tri come November.

11. Sanford (8-5)
The mixed class league makes things a little murkier for Sanford as they trail the league leaders by two games and are already behind on the head-to-head with Del Norte (0-1). While Sanford is among the top twelve spots, there are a lot of leagues in 2A with champions looking to snap up guaranteed berths and home court.

The home court advantage spots will likely dry up quickly and Sanford would be wise to keep their foot on the gas so as not to miss out. However even if Sanford misses the boat on home court they still sit comfortably above the cut off line of 36 teams. Sanford will look to keep building toward the post season when they host Sargent (4-8) this Friday at 11 a.m.

1A Southern Peaks
14. Sangre de Cristo (10-2)
30. Creede (6-5)
36. Sierra Grande (6-6)
53. Centennial (0-6)
56. Antonito (2-8)
58. Mountain Valley-Moffat (2-7)
Within the 1A class there are a bit more snakes to unravel. With 11 teams in the Southern Peaks the district officials may opt to run play-in games to pare down competitors. From there, pool play at district playoffs will further thin the herd until the district sends three teams to regionals.  Meaning each team holds its own future in its hands.

Sangre de Cristo sill has the possibility to win the league outright to claim a berth. But every team will be competing amongst the likes of La Veta come district playoffs to be one of the three to advance to regionals