Boulder Creek opens football playoffs on road

Staff Report~ 11/2/2011

The Boulder Creek Jaguars will need short memories and much improved play when they get back on the bus for the ride to Mesa Friday.
For the second time in eight days the Anthem team will face their namesakes from Desert Ridge, this time with the season on the line for both teams in the first round of the 2011 Div-I playoffs.
In last week’s regular season finale the Jaguars, from Anthem (6-4), fell 38-14 to Desert Ridge (8-2), in a game in which they trailed 28-0 at the half.
Heading into the game Boulder Creek was No. 10 in the power ratings, but with the loss fell to No. 13. As a result they will face No. 4 Desert Ridge at 7 p.m., Friday in Mesa at 10045 East Madero Ave.
Boulder Creek’s lone win against a playoff team this season came against 6-4 North Canyon, the No. 14 seed. Overall Boulder Creek went 1-3 against playoff teams, falling to No. 2 Brophy (10-0) and No. 6 Pinnacle (8-2) along with No. 4 Desert Ridge (8-2).
The winner of Friday’s matchup advances to the state quarterfinals where they will face the winner of No. 5 Red Mountain (8-2) and No. 12 Sunnyside (7-3). The
highest remaining seed will host the game.
CACTUS SHADOWS
The Falcons closed their season with a 3-7 record, failing to qualify for the Div-II playoffs, following a 70-46 loss to Shadow Mountain (4-6) Friday.