Holtz named to Colo. all-state football squad

Peetz junior quarterback and defensive back Bradey Holtz was selected to the All State 6-Man Football team by the Colorado High School Activities Association.

"I had no idea I was even being considered," Holtz said. "It's a nice accomplishment that says something about our team. I think it means that we have something to really look forward to again next year."

Peetz was a playoff team last year after finishing the season with a 6-4 mark.

Offensively, Holtz led the Bulldogs in touchdowns scored (17), yards-per carry (9.38), and all-purpose yards (1,403). He averaged more than 150 yards each game. He was also successful in the run-first offense as a passer. He completed 39 of 70 passes for 540 yards and 12 touchdowns. He threw only one interception all season.

"He was an integral part of our team," said Bulldogs Head Football Coach Scott Sorensen. "With his quickness and ability to change directions, he was the perfect complement to our power running game."

In the defensive backfield Holtz was also an effective pass defender and tackler. He finished the season fourth on the team with 58 take downs. He also tied for the lead with Cody Wilson for most interceptions with three.

If that wasn't enough, Holtz was also busy on special teams. He averaged more than 35-yards per boot as a punter. At the other end of the field he led the team in return yards with 510 in just 21 attempts.

That's an average of more than 24-yards per return.

While the Bulldogs often relied on their big backs Logan Vach and Jordan Nelson to eat up yards, Holtz was the perfect change of pace. With his speed and agility he gave defenses a completely different look. While Vach and Nelson would ground and pound, as Sorensen put it, Holtz would cut and slash his way for big gains.

"It's not surprising he had the most yards-per carry," Sorensen said. "He was very quick and elusive."

As a junior, Holtz was only one of two from that class to be selected for the honor. Thirteen of the 15 selected on the 6-man team were seniors. But as the Bulldogs only had a couple of seniors on their roster, Holtz was also one of the team leaders.

"He led our offense and never got too far up or too far down," Sorensen said. "As a quarterback he was a good leader for us."