Photo by Will Cornelius
Senior Spartan linebacker Uriah Chacon leaps to swat a pass from Wellington High School quarterback Tanner Gray during Berthoud’s 38-6 win on Oct. 3 during the opening round of the 2A state playoffs.

By Will Cornelius

The Surveyor

Under Friday night lights, Berthoud High School defeated Wellington High School 38-6 to win the ‘Battle of Larimer County’ in the opening round of the 2A state football playoffs.

The Spartans and Wellington both entered the game with a perfect 9-0 undefeated regular season record, setting up one of the biggest football nights in Berthoud in years. After the game, Head Football Coach Cory Ticnor said winning the first home playoff since 2007 was huge for the team and community. “I’m so proud of these kids, they’ve worked so hard for the last year. To put in the time, in the off-season and in the regular season. That was a perfect game.”

Both the home and visitor stands at Max Marr Stadium were packed for the highly anticipated matchup, with people lining the chain link fence encircling the field to see the game. The game began with the Spartans receiving the opening kickoff which sophomore Jayce Newbill returned past halfway to Wellington’s 47-yard line. After senior Alex Larson took the first offensive carry seven yards, he took the very next carry 40 yards to score his first touchdown of the night. After a successful extra point from junior Ben Schroeder, Berthoud led 7-0.

Wellington then took the field with their devastating Wing-T offense. Slowly and methodically driving down the field, the visitors ran sweeps, counters and dives on their way to the endzone. From five yards out, junior Cash Altschwager crashed into the endzone for a Wellington touchdown. However, a failed two-point attempt by the visitors kept the Spartans in the lead 7-6. It would be the high-water mark for Wellington as they failed to score again all night while Berthoud scored 31 unanswered points.

The next Spartan drive showcased the stable of backs Berthoud relies on with Ben Larson, Joey Finnegan and quarterback Darin Davison all using their feet to gain ground. Alex Larson punched in another touchdown from three yards out. On the two-point conversion, Ben Larson then converted the attempt to make it 15-6 for Berthoud.

After allowing a touchdown on Wellington’s opening drive, the Spartans altered the attack of their defensive ends to stymie the visitor’s potent rushing offense. Wellington never got near the Berthoud endzone again. The Spartans added to their score in the second quarter with a short pass from Davidson to wide receiver Weston Peatrowsky and a 31-yard field goal from Schoeder. At halftime, the score was 24-6.

Berthoud rode the momentum into the second half as they scored two more touchdowns thanks to the feet and arm of Davidson. After scrambling out of the pocket, Davidson made one man miss, then another as he strode into the endzone on a 25-yard run. He then added a 25-yard touchdown pass to Jayden Michaelis on a fourth and long for the final score of the game.

The Spartans spent the rest of the game running down the clock while continuing to keep Wellington’s rushing attack in check. The final score was 38-6.

Ticnor credited the two coordinators on the team, Isaac Vandeweert for defense and Daniel Francis for offense, with the big win. “You got to give it to Daniel Francis, offensive coordinator, put 38 points up on the board in the first round of the playoffs. Those two coaches won this game, as well as our kids.”

Berthoud’s opponent in the quarterfinals will be decided on Saturday, Oct. 4 in a game between No. 5-seed Elizabeth and No. 12-seed Moffat County High School. Spartan players and coaches said they were ready for whoever they had to face, but for Friday night Schroeder had other ideas. “Honestly, that’s tomorrow’s subject, not tonight’s. Tonight, I’m celebrating this one!”