The Fossil Ridge Sabercats are charging into the playoffs, set to host Rock Canyon in a first-round matchup that could set the tone for their postseason run.  

Fossil Ridge will be coming off a loss this past week against Fort Collins 3-1. Rock Canyon will be trying to bounce back after a tough 0-1 loss to #69 ranked Castle View. 

Fossil Ridge will enter their match up Wednesday with a 8-4-3 record. The match will be played on Fossil’s home turf, where the Sabercats have tied or won six of their eight regular-season home games. 

Overall, the Sabercats are #15 in the state and ranked 3 in their league. On Wednesday the team will be looking to their goal keeper senior Quinn Graebner who has an average of 4.5 saves per game. Allowing just 1.17 goals per match, Graebner will be a key asset for the Sabercats. 

Leading the offense is senior Jack Trebon. With 10 goals this season, he is the number one scorer on the Sabercats by twice the next highest goal scorer. 

Junior Micah Perez has 4 assists this season to Trebon. Fossil Ridge will rely on Trebon and Perez to continue their chemistry and push the Sabercats into the playoffs. 

Meanwhile, Rock Canyon is ranked 23 in the state and holds a 7-5-3 record.  If they win this game they will advance to play either #31 Fort Collins or #2 Cherry Creek. To stay in contention, the Jaguars will need to play a disciplined and focused match. 

On the road the Jaguars have only won or tied 3 out of 8 games this season compared to the 5 wins they have at home. In the first regular season match they tied 1-1 the Sabercats, to advance they will have to play a disciplined match.

Overall, Fossil Ridge is favored to win on Wednesday. For live coverage, tune into the Sabercat Sports YouTube channel at 7:30 p.m. for a student-run broadcast. You can also follow live updates and post-game coverage on Etched in Stone.