Panthers whip Mancos 42-6, travel to Kiowa for playoffs

RANGELY I The Rangely Panther football team will take a two-game winning streak into the Colorado State 8-man football playoffs Friday in Kiowa after whipping the Blue Jays in Mancos, 42-6, in its final game of the regular season.
The Panthers will represent Rangely for a second year in a row against the same team, the eighth-ranked Kiowa Indians on Friday, under the lights at 7 p.m.
“I feel this year we have had a solid team effort, with lots of individuals contributing,” head coach Paul Fortunato said of the season, then added, “Same as this weekend, lots of big plays by different individuals.”
Many of those big plays in Mancos, on offense and defense, were made by Colt Allred, who Fortunato named as his “player of the game.” Allred had five receptions for 182 years, one touchdown and one two-point conversion, then led all tacklers on defense.
Sophomore quarterback Kaulan Brady and senior receiver Cameron Enterline also made several big plays against the Blue Jays. The two connected for Rangely’s only touchdown (41-yards) and two-point conversion in the first quarter and had a 54-yard connection for a touchdown in the second quarter, when the Panthers scored 20 points, taking the lead 28-0 at halftime.
Brady finished the game having completed 11 of 14 passes, three for touchdowns, totaling 309 yards and rushed for another. Enterline caught four passes, two for touchdowns and 103 yards.
Allred caught Brady’s third touchdown pass and senior Lucas Heinle rushed for a touchdown as did sophomore fullback Jesse Powell.
Rangely’s defense, which, according to Fortunato, was led by “the Allred boys,” only allowed one touchdown.
Colt Allred led the team with one fumble recovery, 11 tackles, including one for a sack, and his cousin, Ethan, finished with 10 tackles, including two for sacks. Senior Wesley Goddard was right behind with nine, sophomore Nakoma Bailey, Enterline and senior Ryan Wilzcek each had five. Enterline also had an interception and junior Austin Blakely recovered a fumble.
The Panthers finished the season with 5-3 regular season record, earning a playoff spot as the No. 3 seed in the league.
“Kiowa is ranked eighth,” Fortunato said. “We played them last year. They are a very well-coached team and will be tough.”