Steamboat Pilot & Today

Soroco football coach Gary Heide is pretty sure he can read the minds of the West Grand football team.

"I know they believe they will beat us. I know it," he said. "We have to respond to that."

After a one-year stint coaching in Middle Park, Chris Brown is back on the sidelines in West Grand, and the confidence he possesses is most likely back within the program.

Last year, the Mustangs were an uncharacteristic 1-7 overall and won just one league game.

Soroco took advantage of an off year for the Mustangs, manhandling them, 41-6. No one is expecting such a lopsided game when the two teams square off at 1 p.m. Saturday in Kremmling.

West Grand is 1-1 thus far and nearly defeated Summit, a 3A squad, to open the season. Soroco is 2-0, having defeated junior varsity squads from Rifle and Battle Mountain.

But Heide knows the difference between a junior varsity squad and the Mustangs is "significant."

"They have taken an about turn," Heide said. "They are well-coached and have the confidence they can win. We have to come back with that same type of attitude."

Soroco defeated Battle Mountain's JV, 41-21, on Saturday in Minturn. The offense that stalled in the wind and rain on Sept. 4 found itself in the sun of Summit County.

Senior Matt Iacovetto rushed for 70 yards on eight carries and scored two touchdowns. Senior Tony Iacovetto caught four passes, including two touchdowns, for 95 yards. Senior Dylan Knudsen caught one pass for 25 yards, and senior Ben Montoya rushed for 31 yards on five carries.

Senior quarterback Zach Shaffner was 5-of-7 for 120 yards and two touchdowns. He threw no interceptions.

"I think that was a confidence builder for Zach," Heide said. "After that rainy day (against Rifle), I think his confidence is back up. I think we will concentrate on running the ball, but we have to have 8 to 10 quality pass plays a game."

West Grand runs the ball, as well, but Brown isn't shy about taking shots down the field or using a tight end. During the first week against Summit, the Mustangs used a quick, left-handed quarterback, Heide said. In the win against South Park last weekend, the sophomore did not play, but the senior put in was effective.

-- To reach Melinda Mawdsley call 871-4208 or e-mail mmawdsley@steamboatpilot.com