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Step one is complete.

After the results of Friday's other Western Slope League games, the Sailors' 5-1 league record puts them in a position to get no worse than fourth in the league. It also guarantees they'll be part of the Class 3A playoffs.

"There may be a scenario where we may not be in the playoffs, but I couldn't find it," Sailors coach Aaron Finch said.

Even if Steamboat were to lose its last two games, tie-breakers would put the Sailors in the playoff picture.

It's a goal Finch said players and coaches have been trying to achieve all year.

"What's neat about this team is we put it out there and painted a picture of what it could be," Finch said. "It feels pretty good to have a couple of weeks left and be where we want to be. Now we have another short-term goal."

That goal is a league title.

Steamboat plays on Friday at Rifle - the only team with an undefeated record in league play. The game will most likely decide the outcome of the league, with the winner gaining a higher seed heading into the state playoffs. With a higher seed, a team is more likely to have at least one home game in the playoffs.

"Our focus is now on Rifle," Finch said. "They've had a good season and have a good tradition, with a state championship two years ago and being state runner-up last year. It's a great test for our guys to see where we stand."

The game will shift the Sailors back to playing a team that is physical up front and relies predominantly on the running game. The Sailors' last three games have all been against teams that run a spread option attack.

"Rifle really, really doesn't throw the ball but they really run the ball," Finch said. "We're back to a really good running team. They always have a strong defense as well. There is a reason they are undefeated in the league."

It might be the best time for the Sailors to play the Bears. Friday night, Steamboat played its best game of the season in a 31-6 romp of Glenwood Springs. The Sailors were solid in all three facets of the game - offense, defense and special teams.

"There's no question it was our best game," Finch said. "(Glenwood) came out with their first long drive and then had one big play. A lot of the yards came in the fourth quarter when we were subbing in and out."

Finch said the Sailors are glad to know they've made the playoffs. But they also know their job isn't done.

"Not until last night after the game was the first time we talked about (a league championship)," Finch said. "I just told them how proud I am of them. They've done a great job of elevating their game."