Preparing ourselves for success - the Jeffco league

In the past two weeks we played two of the premier programs in the state, and adding that to the two matches prior to spring break (Windsor and Northfield) we are on our way once again to playing one of the most challenging schedules in the state.

Green Mountain looked fantastic against us two weeks ago, remains undefeated, and has a premier player for sure. They will be in the thick of things when the state championship is decided I am sure, and will be looking to become the third different Jeffco team to win the 4a state title (Dakota Ridge in 23, and EVG in 24.) 

Then this past week we had an excellent opponent in 5A Ralston Valley. They were in the 5A state semifinals last year and seem like a more balanced and excellent team this year. I think they are currently ranked 3 in 5A. They too will be in the thick of things at the 5A level this May when the state playoffs come around. While I was a little disappointed in some of our decisions and executions against RV, at the least the game gives us a perfect opportunity to know what we need to improve on to win our conference and do well in the post-season. If we can learn from that game, apply ourselves to the things we need to improve upon, then I like our chances down the road.

We also had three games against conference foes who are still developing and are a few years from competing at a higher level. And those games gave us the opportunity to work on some things, and also to get everybody experience on the field.

Currently we sit in a two way tie for 2nd in Jeffco 4A with Green Mountain, with Dakota Ridge sitting atop, undefeated. Jeffco appears to be the premier league in the state, with 4 teams in the top ten of the RPI, and a fifth just outside that top ten. It will be a great battle for the conference once again.

All of this is great preparation for the state playoffs, as we contemplate possible matchups against really good teams, and often in hostile or unfriendly environments.  Last year that same preparation led us to do something that is most challenging to accomplish - win a difficult road game against a very good team in the playoffs (against Windsor in the second round.)  Here's hoping we don't NEED to do that again this May, but I rest assured that we will be ready when that situation - a tough opponent - presents itself this May.