Happy Thanksgiving everyone and thank you for listening to our show!
1. Two football semi-finals games for your Thanksgiving sports menu as Palisade hosts Palmer Ridge in a rematch of last year’s 3A semis, with Montrose taking on Loveland in the 4A semis. Two quarterbacks that get it done in different with with the Bulldogs’s Cameron Tucker facing the Bears’ Ty Evans. Tucker has over 1,500 yards on the ground and has scored seven playoffs TD’s, with Evans throwing for over 2,000 yards and over 30 TD’s this season. Dogs tied it in the third, but lost to Palmer Ridge 28-14 in the semis as the Bears went on to win the state title. Montrose is coming off their win at Greeley West as running backs Emmert Kastendieck have led the way. Kastendieck scored three touchdowns in the Greeley West win. With Skyline’s upset up Pine Creek, Loveland is the favorite to win the 4A title. The Indians thumped Fruita Monument 43-7. Montrose has to slow down the 4A ranks leading rusher in Zach Weinmaster, whose walking on at Nebraska. Best of luck to Palisade and Montrose! The TEAM Sports Network will have Palisade-Palmer Ridge with updates on Montrose -Loveland starting Saturday at 12:30 PM
2. Both Colorado Mesa basketball teams are in town this weekend for the Holiday Inn-Thanksgiving Classic. First year coach Mike DeGeorge already has two South Central region wins under his belt, with the Mavs averaging 90 points per game. Senior Conor Nichols is off to a great start, averaging 23 points per game and has been named the RMAC Player of the Week this season. Get out and take in what should be an entertaining season of Mavs men’s hoops. The women split at the Dixie State Tournament . Former GJ Tiger Sydni Brandon is running the point and has provided tough defense and smart decision making in the offensive end. Jaylyn Duran is in mid-season form, hitting for 24 in their loss to Western Oregon. Catch the Holiday Inn-Thanksgiving Classic with women’s pregame at 4:45 PM and the men at 6:45 PM Friday and Saturday on The TEAM/CMU Sports Network.
3. After an upset of the LA Chargers, can the Broncos make it two in a row? Philip Rivers’ two interceptions and an ill-timed incomplete pass gave the Broncos a chance to pull off the upset. The Broncos are still dealing with poor decisions by head coach Vance Joseph, but the running game, special teams, turnovers and the best drive of the season by Case Keenum has kept the Broncos’ faint wildcard hopes alive. Denver’s biggest challenge is getting pressure on Big Ben and not letting James Connor hurt them in the passing game. Broncos play tough again, but lose to Pittsburgh 28-17.
4. Have you seen the logo for the Rocky Mountain Vibes? It’s a flaming S’more! I think it’s kind of clever, but my co-host the Buckeye Boy isn’t a fan. I look the goofy stuff like this in minor league baseball and there are worse mascots out there: Scottsdale Artichokes, North Carolina School or Art’s Fighting Pickle and the Stanford Tree. Maybe the GJ Rockies should change to the Grand Valley Peaches? Could be a delicious Pioneer League match-up.