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Steamboat Springs — When the Steamboat Springs offense takes the field Saturday against Pueblo County, the team will see a familiar sight. The Sailors will look across the line of scrimmage at the Hornets defense and see a scheme that mirrors their own.

"They'll line up in a 3-5, they'll blitz a ton and they move their defensive line a little bit," Sailors head coach Aaron Finch said Thursday. The Sailors also run a 3-5, blitz often and constantly shift on the defensive line.

The similarities don't stop there. Both defenses have keyed their team's run to the playoffs. The Sailors defense gives up nine points per game. The Hornets give up 10. Steamboat has held seven of its last nine opponents to single digits, including last weekend's shutout of Fort Lupton. Pueblo County has held six opponents to single digits this season, including two shutouts.

What does all that add up to?

"It's going to be a heavyweight fight," Pueblo County coach Jeff Wilson said earlier this week.

Still, if there's an offense that can put up points against Pueblo County, it might be the Sailors'. Wilson said Steamboat might be as complete a team as the Hornets have seen all season. In the past five games, Steamboat has rushed for more than 1,300 yards and outscored its opponents, 148-32.

"I wish there was something bad or some kind of weakness that jumps out to me," Wilson said. "They're solid in every aspect of the game. I compare them to some of the best teams we've played this year. They're every bit as good or better."

For Pueblo County to make it as far as it has is somewhat remarkable. The team finished 1-9 in 2005 and struggled on the defensive side of the ball.

"Literally, it took us four games to make someone punt last year. When we did, it was a real achievement," Wilson said. "Offensively, last year we could run the ball and move the ball on people, but we couldn't stop anyone. Defensively: That's where we've made a vast improvement. Man, have we made such a vast improvement."

On offense, the Hornets run a double tight end, three running back set and try to control the ball on long, sustained drives. Last week, against Sterling, the Hornets gained 311 yards rushing, including 181 from senior Myles Martinez.

"Take the most powerful running game you saw, add two tight ends and three running backs. That's the way they start every set," Finch said. "They really want to control the ball, the tempo and the physicality of the game."

Both coaches said the game likely will be a defensive battle, and it could come down to special teams and field position.

"It will probably come down to big plays," Wilson said. "Whether that means special teams, a turnover or a penalty, that will probably be the difference. With as quality of team as Steamboat Springs, you don't want to give them anything extra."

The winner of the game will move on to the Class 3A semifinals to play either Summit or Englewood.