A preview of the Pueblo West football team
After, losing in the first round of the playoffs last season, Pueblo West is on a mission. The Cyclones return a dozen starters and second year head coach Clint Buderus expects improvement, “The kids know what to expect. They know what we’re doing offensively and defensively. We’ll get a little more in depth with our install. It’s an exciting time right now,” says Pueblo West head coach Clint Buderus.
Eight of the teams returning starters are on the offensive side of the ball and there’s a lot of talent there. Senior Chandler Mason is the quarterback, and he is surrounded by weapons, including his friend, wide receiver Dawson Menegatti. They believe the offense can be special, “I think everyone is super confident. I’m more confident than I’ve ever been. Just having guys that have been playing with me since fifth grade… We all trust each other. We think it’s going to be a great year,” Chandler Mason. Dawson Menegatti added “You know, this could be one of the best offenses in the state. We’ve just got to execute and get the job done. We try to push for that state championship every year and losing in the first round – we don’t want to do that again.”
On defense linebacker Julian Martinez leads the way. He’s finished last season playing through a broken bone in his wrist, so he’s clearly tough. Last season’s early playoff exit has him motivated, “We will push ourselves to the limit. It’s either you come in first place or you come in second. But we don’t ever want to come in second. We always want to be first and on top, says Julian Martinez. Mason added “Our expectations are always state or bust. What do you play for if you’re not trying to win it all? If your expectation is not to be the best, you’re in the wrong thing.”
