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In the Western Slope League, considered by many to be the state's best in Class 3A, the early advantage goes to teams dominated by upperclassmen.

But in football, especially high school football, individual talent rarely is exposed without help from teammates. A running back or quarterback won't shine unless the offensive line blocks well. A wide receiver won't put up big numbers if a quarterback can't get him the ball. On defense, if one player misses his assignment, the play can go for broke and result in a score.

Rifle defeated Steamboat behind strong play from its senior class Friday night. Rocky Rauman had 251 rushing yards. Quarterback Kyle Sanderson protected the ball, made wise decisions under center and kicked well. And, perhaps most important, the Bears' offensive and defensive lines, anchored by seniors Jeff Zimmerman and Andrew Stone, sparked both units.

"It does make a big difference in leadership," Rifle coach Darrel Gorham said about having 20 seniors on his roster. "They have a goal they want to meet."

Steamboat's seniors have goals they want to meet, too. And while they are just 10 strong, they have played well and tried to put their team in a position to win.

Brad Bonner is averaging 4.5 yards a carry this season. Charlie Pappas has 231 yards on 16 receptions and has racked up 63 tackles in the past two games. Chris Baumann and Wayne Buelter are trying to bring stability to an offensive line with several new players. The line will have to introduce another new player after Zach Savage's knee injury Friday.

Coaches can't control experience or injuries, and through three weeks, Steamboat has been on the short end of both. On Friday, senior quarterback Tyler Fosdick and senior linebacker/running back Clay McKenzie sat side by side on the bench with injuries while inexperienced players were thrown in to produce.

But, if Steamboat could find anything positive after a 35-7 loss Friday, it was the performance of sophomore quarterback Tanner Stillwell, a player with little varsity experience but plenty of exposure to varsity players.

Stillwell was brought up to the varsity team last season as a freshman and worked with then-senior David May, the most prolific passer in recent Sailor history. On Friday, what Stillwell didn't do -- panic -- stood out just as much as what he did do with his accurate passes and poise under pressure.

Instead of force a throw, he tucked and took a sack for a short loss. Under duress, Stillwell didn't pretend he could tuck and run like Fosdick; he threw the ball out of bounds. His first varsity touchdown came in the opening play of the fourth quarter when he found senior Daniel Coloccia after he waited for the play to develop. It was Coloccia's first varsity touchdown, as well.

"My dad always taught me to keep my head, to stay in the game and be calm," Stillwell said.

Sounds like something a senior would say.

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