Pusch Ridge Christian 35, Pueblo 13

Not even the weather can stop Pusch Ridge Christian Academy these days, as the Lions beat visiting Pueblo 35-13 to win their seventh in a row Friday night.

Pusch Ridge (7-1) didn’t need a passing game as it rushed for 266 yards overall and had a 21-7 halftime lead, when the game was delayed due to lightning. The intermission was 30 minutes.

“We wanted to prove to this town that Pusch Ridge is for real, we’re not just another small Christian school,” said Pusch Ridge senior running back/middle linebacker James Raica. “All the seniors came together and said: ‘This win helps us control our destiny.’ ”

The win helps solidify Pusch Ridge’s playoff position. The Lions are fifth in AIA’s Division IV rankings, in their first year in the division.

Pueblo is No. 15 in the AIA rankings. The Warriors (5-3) saw their four-game winning streak snapped.

“It’s a real big win,” said Pusch Ridge coach Troy Cropp said. “Coach (Brandon) Sanders has done a great job over there and they’re a really good team, so we’re just thankful to be on the winning side of the game today, for sure.”

Pueblo is seeking its first playoff appearance since 1990.

Pusch Ridge opened the game with a 43-yard touchdown run by Raica and led the rest of the way. Raica ran for 133 yards and three touchdowns on 19 carries.

“Our O-line had a heck of a game, our O-line handled them all game,” Raica said. “I told the guys after the game that if I had to give the game ball to somebody, it would be the O-line.”

Pueblo pulled to within 14-7, but Pusch Ridge outscored the Warriors 21-6 as Pueblo was unable to rally in the rain.

Cropp said one Lion who played football his whole life declared that he had never played a game in the rain.

“It was fun, I’ve never played in weather like that, so I thought it was a really cool experience I’ve always wanted to have,” said Pusch Ridge senior quarterback Cody Cropp, who was 0 for 3 with an interception.

“It certainly didn’t work out for me,” he said with a laugh, “but that’s cool because this win definitely went to the O-line.”

Pueblo senior quarterback Justin Pledger fared better, but still struggled in the elements, with the rain blowing sideways at times. Pledger was 10 for 21 for 160 yards and a touchdown.

Pusch Ridge’s only loss was at undefeated Benson in the first game of the season. The Bobcats are ranked first in Division V.

“We’ve just been getting better every week,” Cody Cropp said. “We’ve added a little bit more to the offense, added a little bit more to the defense but really what it’s been has been focusing more and more and practicing harder each week.”

James Kelley