Palmer Ridge wins third straight state title
The Palmer Ridge Bears made history with their 35-13 win over Pueblo South. The Bears became the first team from Colorado Springs to win three straight state titles in football.
"I'm at a loss of words," said quarterback Luke McAllister. "Three in a row and I couldn't be more proud of our team. I'm filled with emotion and all happy."
McAllister, the game's MVP, had plenty of reasons to be happy. The Colorado State commit launched four touchdown passes in route to the win, and never seemed phased by the magnitude of the moment.
Palmer Ridge jumped ahead early thanks to a 37-yard touchdown run by Raef Ruel.
Pueblo South, playing in its first state title game since 2017, answered with a 23-yard touchdown from George Longoria to even the game at 7-7.
Palmer Ridge responded with an offensive flurry. The Bears scored 21 unanswered points to take a 28-7 lead. McAllister fired touchdown passes to Kaden Dudley, who leaped over two defenders for an amazing 87-yard touchdown, and Anthony "Deuce" Roberson to put the Bears up for good.
Pueblo South closed to within 28-13 thanks to Logan Petit's touchdown run, but they wouldn't get any closer.
Marcellus Reed put the game away for good with a touchdown catch, the fourth off the arm of McAllister, to give Palmer Ridge a 35-13 win.
The win marks the end of an era at Palmer Ridge. Roberson, Ruel, and others leave the program as champions.
"It's hitting me hard," Roberson said. "These are the dudes that helped me when I was struggling the most and I give all the credit to them. Right now I'm just thinking about what it is going to be like when without them and I honestly I'm scared. I love these dudes."
"I've got a lot of emotions right now not gonna lie," Dudley said. "I cried. I cried at the end of the game and then you know. I'm happy right now because I got three state championships and I'm with my brothers still."
Palmer Ridge still figures to be one of the state's best teams in 2020. Both McAllister and Dudley are among the returning starters for next year's team.
