GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. ( KREX )—Grand Junction, led by quarterback Will Applegate, made a statement in their playoff opener, rolling past Longmont 59-29 at Stocker Stadium. The Tigers were determined to advance, while Longmont hoped to avoid a repeat of their last trip to Grand Junction, a 40-14 loss against Central.
On the first play of the game, Applegate connected with Mason Anderson for a 52-yard touchdown, giving the Tigers an early lead. Applegate kept the momentum going on the next drive, handing off to Noah Watkins for a 6-yard touchdown run. Grand Junction opted for a two-point conversion and succeeded, going up 8-0 in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Applegate continued to lead the charge. He handed the ball to Mathias Martinez, who broke free for a 23-yard rushing touchdown, extending the Tigers’ lead to 14 points.
The Tigers’ offense was relentless. Applegate found Watkins on a short pass, gaining significant yardage and setting up another scoring opportunity. Applegate then ran the ball in himself, bulldozing through defenders to increase the lead to 21 points.