The Montrose Indians football team beat the Ponderosa Mustangs 19-14 on Oct. 29 advancing them to the first seed going into 4A State playoffs. 

Montrose’s running back AustinGriffin ran the ball in to put  the first 7 points on the board in the first quarter.  Then Ponderosa answered with a touchdown of their own in the second quarter, and the first half ended in a tie.

Also in the first half the Indians suffered a couple impactful injuries. Starting running back Austin Griffin tore his hamstring and is now out for the rest of season, and starting guard Tayne Ila sprained his ankle. Ila should be healthy to play in the first playoff game against Denver South Nov. 12.

In the second half Montrose’s Blake Griffin scored a touchdown, but the team missed the extra point making the score 13-7. 

In the fourth quarter, Ponderosa scored a touchdown pulling ahead of Montrose 13-14. However, Montrose did not give up and scored a final touchdown when Blake Griffin rushed for his second touchdown of the game. The final score was 19-14. 

 “I think we’re ready for the playoffs and we’ve shown we can play and beat some of the toughest teams in the state.It’s gonna be all about taking one game at a time and just getting through each one with a win,” Blake Griffin said. “It’s very exciting to be playing again and getting better, especially with being a part of such a great team.”

The team earned a bye week for the first round of playoffs, and will be the home team. The team has spent the week fine tuning plays and getting mentally ready for Denver South and the rest of the playoffs.

“The team has a huge step in the door for an opportunity to take the upcoming challenges on. I’m glad to be a part of a great team that can take it all the way,” said defensive end Kai Piceno.

MHS is excited to host the playoffs and will also take the first playoff game Nov. 12 to honor Veterans at half time.