MONUMENT — The Palmer Ridge Bears entered Saturday's 4A quarterfinals game against Erie without wide receiver Anthony Costanzo.
The absence of Costanzo seemed like a loss, but it turned the focus to running back Conner Cook, who finished with 24 carries for 97 yards and a touchdown.
However, the Tigers' offense set the tone early, taking a 14-0 lead in the first half. Erie's quarterback, Blake Barnett, showed to be a threat to the Bears' defense as he recorded 99 rushing yards and three rushing scores.
The Bears' offense showed production in the second half, but it wasn't enough to close the gap as the Tigers advanced with the 28-18 win.
