The WACO Warriors football team continues their pursuit of an undefeated regular season when they visit the Lone Tree Lions tomorrow night. WACO remained ranked second in the state in 8-player football after another convincing 43-14 win over New London last week. The Warriors have scored at least that many points and won by at least 28 points in every game of their 6-0 start.

Senior running back Simeon Reichenbach continues to lead the way with 648 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns. Reichenbach also has four TD receptions and is averaging almost 10-and-a-half yards per touch from the line of scrimmage. On defense, WACO has shown a proclivity for taking the football away. Senior Mason Miller has six interceptions this year, part of 20 total takeaways forced by the Warriors. That success can be traced to putting pressure on the quarterback. Junior Colton Leichty leads the team with 12 tackles for loss and five sacks, part of 49 total stops for loss and 11 sacks for the defense.

It is into this pressure cooker that Lone Tree starting quarterback Ethan Bockelman walks. It’s been a strong campaign for the junior, passing for eight touchdowns and rushing for a team-high 709 yards and seven scores to help the Lions get to 3-2. Bockelman gets help from junior Jaden Sanchez and freshman Emmett Burke at wide receiver, who have combined for seven TD catches and better than 15-and-a-half yards per reception.

Lone Tree’s biggest concern will be on defense. Despite strong leadership from seniors Andrew Hotz and Joe Boxwell, the Lions are reeling after a 54-14 loss to Winfield-Mount Union. WACO got the win in last year’s matchup. This year’s battle starts at 7 tomorrow evening.