Adam Martinez (67) of Mancos High School prays prior to playing Haxtun High School on Friday in the Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association 8-man State Finals at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium. Laura Domingue special to the Durango Herald 11-24-23
Laura Domingue
Bluejays close out season with seventh straight appearance in the round of eight
AKRON – Making the long sojourn across the state for a second consecutive weekend, the Mancos football could see a bit in their opposition that brought back memories of their memorable 2023 state title run.
Much like the Bluejays, the No. 1 seed Akron Rams had been waiting their turn for the stars to align and prominent seniors to reach their peak – all while having to feel some heartache along the way. The Jays had close calls in 2021 and 2022 before their program’s first 8-man title, and the Rams had their dreams dashed in last year’s state final against Haxtun, only to come back even stronger this fall.
One of two remaining unbeaten teams in the state field, Akron faced a test from the feisty No. 9 seeded Bluejays (7-4) on Saturday afternoon, and in their pursuit of their moment of glory, the Rams ousted Mancos in a 62-26 offensive showcase. Two passing scores and a rushing touchdown from Mancos junior quarterback Michael Resner wasn’t enough to keep pace with the hosts, wrapping up Mancos’ 11th straight playoff appearance with a departure in the quarterfinals.
Akron, meanwhile, piled up points in the first half with sophomore quarterback Kolten Randel tossing two of his four passing scores on their way to a 30-6 halftime advantage. Resner’s first passing score – a 25-yarder to senior Jonah Ritter – closed the gap to 36-12 midway through the third stanza, but a pair of Akron scores thereafter meant that scores from MHS junior James Potts and Resner in the fourth quarter wouldn’t be enough to dent the Rams’ lead.
While Akron’s pursuit of a state title wouldn’t be their first – they’ve won six overall and three in a row from 2006-08 – it would be their first since heading into the 8-man ranks. Bluejays head coach Josh Gardner, meanwhile continues to lead the Jays on their pathway as one of the blue-blooded programs in the classification. Several seniors put on the blue-and-white helmets for the final time, including Ritter, Jacob Martin, Adam Martinez, Colten Vannest, and Miguel Derizotis – having amassed a record of 38-9 over their four-year tenure.
Akron (11-0) heads to the semifinals to host No. 4 Sanford, with the winner set to meet either No. 2 Haxtun or No. 3 McClave in the 8-man title game on the day after Thanksgiving.
