Not only has Arapahoe High School football gotten off to a 2-0
start, it has yet to be scored on.
The Warriors kept their record perfect Sept. 9 at Littleton
Public Schools Stadium in Littleton after blistering Palmer in
nonconference action with a 41-0 win.
“I think that defensively we are playing great ‘team’ defense,”
Arapahoe coach Mike Campbell said. “We run to the ball really well
and have tackled well to this point.
“Two-and-oh is huge. We start four sophomores on offense and
seven juniors on defense, so we are improving each week and growing
up.”
On offense, quarterback Alec Gieser finished with 152 passing
yards and three touchdowns. Taven Sparks and Ethan Brunhofer had 95
receiving yards between them. Brunhofer, Gabriel Peterson and
Michael Babb each caught an end-zone pass. Gieser rushed one in,
and Jose Cancanon had a touchdown run and 62 yards rushing.
Another reason, Arapahoe has done so well so far this season is
taking care of the ball.
“We have only turned the ball over one time in two games and
have created six,” Campbell said. “That statistic, along with us
rushing for over 150 yards each game and giving up less than 60
yards each week, will get us convincing wins.”
Next, Arapahoe kicks off for another nonconference rumble Sept.
16 in Fort Collins against Fossil Ridge (0-2). Ridge is coming off
a 44-21 loss to Highlands Ranch in Week 2. Despite the 0-2 start,
Campbell isn’t underestimating the Warriors’ Week 3 opponent.
“Fossil Ridge is the best team we have faced,” he said. “They
have lost to quality teams and will present a challenge to our
defense.”
Fossil Ridge does have a decent passing game still in
development, led by senior quarterback Landon Ecker with over 200
passing yards on the season. Down field, Arapahoe’s secondary will
want to make sure Jace Horak and Ben Madrick are well covered.
On defense, No. 24 Horak is also a bigger tackler for Ridge, as
is Michael Harrison (No. 20) and Caleb Aslor (No. 52), so
preparation is as important as always for Arapahoe.
“We are working very hard in all phases to be as prepared as
possible when league play opens,” Campbell said.
