RBC I Rio Blanco County was well represented in the sectional Punt Pass and Kick contest held in Grand Junction Sunday. The contest measures participants’ distance minus the distance from the center line in three categories: punt, pass and a kick. They only get one chance to perform each skill, so nerves and timing are definitely factors in the event. The winners in each division have their scores sent in to compete against nine other sectionals. The top four from all areas qualify for the state competition held at the Bronco vs. Buccaneers game in December.
The Grand Junction competitors were the individual winners of their age and gender groups in their local competitions.
Beginning with the oldest age group, Jake Phelan was first place. Last year he finished third in the competition held during the Bronco game. Patrick Scoggins of Rangely and Maggie Phelan of Meeker both placed in the 12 and 13 age group with Kaitlynn Brown from Rangely combining for the best score in the age division. Skyler Thacker, also from Rangely, won the 10 and 11 girl’s division, and Megan Shelton from Meeker finished third. Tannen Kennedy and his sister Tatum, as well as Kelton Turner, qualified to compete in Grand Junction winning their local competitions. Connor Blunt won the 6 and 7 boys division and Ellie Hausic was the female representative in the same age division.
Contestants will find out soon if their score was enough to get them to the Bronco game and halftime competition but all the contestants did a great job competing as representatives from their towns.