MEEKER | Continue to keep Senior Cayden Schaeffer of Grand Valley High School in your thoughts and prayers. Schaeffer incurred a life-threatening head injury in last Friday’s game. He underwent surgery in the early morning hours Saturday and is currently in ICU.
Meeker opened the game putting up 16 points by the end of the first quarter.“We set a good tone from the beginning of the game, focused and competitive,” commented head coach Shane Phelan. The game was 24-0, Cowboys, as the boys headed to the locker room at the half.
With 5:06 left in the third Colby Clatterbaugh ran it in for six and with the two-point conversion, Meeker was up 36-0.
After the kick and one quick play later, senior defensive tackle and center Ridge Williams, recovered a fumble and carried it 27 yards, nearly to the Cardinal 10-yard line. The Cowboys converted the fumble and with 4:51 left in the third the Cowboys were up 42-0 and the running clock began.
“Our kicking team, defense and offense all played really well,” commented Phelan, “when the running clock begins we start shuffling kids in and were able to get nearly every player an opportunity.”
The fourth quarter was a no score quarter for each team, and just before the tragic injury, Meeker had rotated in the freshmen. The varsity games are a great time to get players of all ages some field time at a high caliber.
This week is the Meeker High School Homecoming and the Cedaredge Bruins are coming to town with a new coach and 2-3 record. The Bruins are currently ranked 24th in the state and fourth in the league. Last weekend they got walloped by Olathe 32-13, who sits atop the league at this time. “Cedaredge has the number one leading rusher in the state,” said Phelan, “they have an explosive offense and put up 61 points against Salida, our defense is going to need to be ready.”
Kickoff for the Cowboys and Bruins will be at 7 p.m. at Starbuck Stadium.
By TIFFANY JEHOREK | Special to the Herald Times