Peetz loses fourth-quarter lead, chance at state title

The Peetz High football team took an eight-point lead into the fourth quarter on Saturday afternoon against the Eads Eagles, but couldn’t hold on as it lost 52-50 in the Colorado High School Activities Association six-man state semifinals.

Eads (11-0) advanced to the state championship game against Arikcaree/Woodlin (11-0) – 75-22 winners over Fleming – on Saturday, Nov. 15. Kickoff time hasn’t been set yet.

For the first time since 2002, the championship game will be held at Peetz High School – a particularly painful reality for the Bulldogs after their loss. Peetz ended its 2014 season with a 9-2 record.

The Bulldogs got out to a nice start as they held a 16-8 lead after the first quarter and led 23-22 at halftime. Peetz’ defense did a great job of slowing a powerful Eads offense in the first half.

The Bulldogs struck three times in the third quarter and led 44-36 heading into the fourth quarter. But much like their second quarter, Peetz was unable to put together more than one scoring drive, while the Eagles were able to find the end zone twice and squeak by the Bulldogs at the end for the two-point victory.

Junior running back Jordan Nelson led the Peetz attack with 138 yards and two scores on 13 carries. Senior quarterback Bradey Holtz added 21 rushing yards on five carries, while also completing 11 of his 14 pass attempts for 104 yards, three TDs and two interceptions.

Sophomore receiver Cody Wilson caught six passes fir 81 yards and two of Holtz’ TD passes. Senior Casey Barrett caught the other touchdown pass, a 16-yard strike.

Defensively, Nelson also led the Bulldogs with 14 tackles, while Holtz recorded 10 of his own. Wilson intercepted Eads quarterback Tyler Rouse, who only had one interception all season coming into this game, twice.