Glenwood vs. Basalt football: State’s leading rushers take center stage

Two of the top running backs in Colorado are set to face off Friday night when Glenwood Springs travels to Basalt. Glenwood’s Mason Markovich and Basalt’s Will Daniel have dominated the state in rushing through the first three games of the season, setting the stage for what should be an exciting matchup between the rivals.

Markovich currently leads the entire state, regardless of classification, with 539 rushing yards, 54 total points, and nine touchdowns. Daniel ranks third in rushing yards with 392, while also ranking in the top 20 alongside Basalt teammate Taylor Hays for total touchdowns (5) and points (30).

“I’m expecting a hard-hitting game,” Markovich said. “Two studs going at it, so it’s going to be fun.”

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The two senior running backs spent the offseason training together at Ebel Athletics in Basalt under the guidance of trainer Jordan Ebel. Despite their friendship off the field, both players are ready to compete when the game kicks off.

“We’re good friends, always,” Markovich said. “But once game-time comes, once the captains meet in the middle, it’s a whole different game.”

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Daniel echoed that sentiment, noting how their bond started at church and strengthened over the summer through offseason workouts. But once the whistle blows, it’s all business, especially as both players also line up on the defensive side of the ball.

“We’ve both talked about this a little bit at church,” Daniel said. “We’re going to make hits on each other and help each other back up.”

Beyond the individual duel, both teams have a lot riding on the game. While still early in the season, both Glenwood and Basalt have solidified themselves as two of the high-powered teams in the valley. Basalt is coming off back-to-back 40-point performances, and Daniel knows his team will have to execute to win.

“I think this is really going to be the toughest game for us and for Glenwood in our valley,” Daniel said. “We have to stop 22 (Markovich’s jersey number).”

Markovich is well aware of Basalt’s firepower, with Daniel and Hays leading the way.

“We’re just going to have to hit them hard, hit them low and hit them first,” Markovich said.

Trainer Jordan Ebel has worked closely with both players, pushing them to new levels of performance throughout the offseason.

“Mason was up near 225 pounds, and we dieted him down to around 213 for training camp,” Ebel said. “He’s faster, more efficient with his movement patterns, and improved a lot of different metrics that we are happy about.”

“Will took a half-second off of his 40 yard dash time this summer, which is absolutely insane,” Ebel continued. “He put about 80 pounds under his deadlift, about 50 pounds under his squat, another 50 pounds under his bench press, and a good few pounds of productive muscle.”

Ebel noted their dedication, particularly Markovich driving an hour each way from his home in Rifle to train in Basalt.

“They both show up every single day ready to work,” Ebel said. “It’s been fun watching them push each other.”

While Ebel will be on the Basalt sideline Friday night, he’s excited for both of his athletes to showcase their talents.

“I’ll be rooting for Mason,” Ebel said. “I want to see him ball and I’ll be happy for him regardless of the outcome.”

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday at Basalt High School.