Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — The Soroco High School football team wrapped up the regular season Saturday in North Park, running away with a 48-14 win.

On a cold day, where a plow had to be used to clear several inches of snow off the field, Soroco’s defense and running game took over in the first half.

Behind the legs

of Pie Lombardi and Jacob Hange, and a defense that forced multiple turnovers, the Rams ran out to a 48-0 halftime lead.

“We came out and really played well on defense and just shut them down,” Soroco coach David Bruner said. “Offensively, we ran the ball really well. We probably only threw the ball four or five times in the first half.”

Bruner didn’t have scoring plays or statistics from the game because the snow ruined his stat sheets.

Soroco was without five starters who had prior engagements but still was able to pick up the victory. After running out to the first-half lead, Bruner played the junior varsity in the second half.

The Rams (6-2) now prepare for their inaugural trip to the 8-man playoffs. Soroco plays at 1 p.m. Saturday at Dayspring Christian Academy in Greeley. The Eagles (7-1) are ranked No. 4 in 8-man by The Denver Post and spent most of the year ranked No. 1.

Bruner said he’s started to look at tape and said Dayspring Christian has a good running game and defensive front. He said the Rams must wake up a stagnant passing game to have any success.

Good news might come Wed­­­nesday, however, when sophomore quarterback Nic Paxton could get doctors’ clearance to return.

Paxton injured his hand in practice before Week 6 and hasn’t played since.

“We’ll get back to work and get ready for them,” Bruner said.