MEEKER | The Meeker High School football team returned to Starbuck Stadium this past weekend to host the first round of the CHSAA Class 1A state playoffs, taking on the No. 9-seeded Platte Valley Broncos. The No. 8 Cowboys entered the matchup riding a seven-game win streak and coming off a dominant 53-0 win over Grand Valley the week before.
Meeker kept its momentum rolling, extending its winning streak to eight with a 41-18 victory over Platte Valley to advance to the quarterfinals.
Junior Said Rodriguez led the way for the Cowboys, racking up 208 all-purpose yards and four total touchdowns, including an 83-yard kickoff return and 117 rushing yards on just nine carries. Senior Tristin Rollins was a force on both sides of the ball with 94 rushing yards, a touchdown, and a team-high 13 tackles, while senior Samuel Conrado anchored the defensive front with two sacks and a fumble recovery.
Freshman Lawson Anderson continued to impress with eight tackles, an interception, and seven kickoffs averaging 40.6 yards. Junior Tucker Chinn contributed 54 rushing yards, a touchdown, and five tackles, and quarterback Cade Mills added 56 rushing yards and a 50-yard punt to help power the Cowboys’ victory.
After the game, head coach Andy Coryell shared his thoughts on the team’s performance.
“I’m really proud of how they came out and played. That’s a very good offense that scores a lot of points, and I thought our defense showed up today,” Coryell said.
He also reflected on his team’s composure under playoff pressure.
“It’s really hard to win playoff football games and to show up and be physical for four quarters. I’m really proud of them,” he added.
Chinn said the Cowboys’ energy and team chemistry have been key to their success.
“Our practices are fun and help me to get better every day, and I have amazing teammates that make the game fun and the spark easy to keep,” he said. “I was extremely amazed by how well we played as a team, especially the improvement in our defense as we held a high-scoring team to only 18 points. Our offense is preparing just like we did last week and any other week—working hard in practice to be more than ready on Saturday. The most important thing for us to keep the season alive is having a good mentality. As long as we continue to have this winning mindset and not let any setbacks disrupt our attitude, we can easily continue to dominate.”
Rollins echoed that sentiment, saying leadership and preparation have been central to the Cowboys’ success this season.
“I am really proud of the defense,” he said. “Me and the rest of the seniors are keeping ours and the rest of the team’s heads in the game by having good, hard practices—going over their offense and how we can defend it. Win or lose, we’re keeping our heads high because we’ve had a good season.”
Quarterback Cade Mills credited his teammates’ effort and the Cowboys’ balanced mindset for their strong performance.
“What stood out was the blocking throughout the whole game—it was really good, and everyone did their job the whole game,” Mills said. “As the quarterback, I’m trying to keep everyone up and remind them that every team is beatable in the playoffs and that we’re a good team that will put in the work. To stay balanced this week, we’re focusing on the small things and making every day count. I’ve grown as a player by keeping the whole team’s trust, knowing that everyone makes mistakes, and having faith in the great coaching we have here in Meeker.”
The Cowboys now turn their attention to a tough road test as they face the No. 1-seeded Buena Vista Demons in the second round of the Class 1A state playoffs. Buena Vista has been dominant throughout the 2025 season, entering the postseason undefeated after decisive wins, including shutouts against Peyton and Ellicott. Known for their powerful running game and disciplined defense, the Demons will present a major challenge. For Meeker, maintaining momentum, executing cleanly, and capitalizing on early opportunities will be key as they look to pull off the upset and extend their postseason run.
For Meeker, this week represents both a challenge and an opportunity — a chance to prove they can compete with the best in the state. The Cowboys have found their rhythm at the right time, fueled by confidence, chemistry, and a belief in one another. With momentum on their side and a spot in the semifinals on the line, Meeker will look to carry its hard-nosed mentality and team-first approach into Buena Vista, ready to leave everything on the field.
(Above) Meeker juniors #5 Said Rodriguez and #4 Tucker Chinn celebrate in the end zone after one of Rodriguez’s four touchdowns during the first round of the Class 1A state playoffs against Platte Valley. (Top Right) Meeker junior quarterback #11 Cade Mills takes off on a run during the first round of the Class 1A state playoffs against Platte Valley. Jared Henderson PHOTOS