By Phil Sandoval

Post Independent Staff

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Troy Weiss will take his football talents west.

The two-time, Class 3A all-state selection from Rifle High School signed a letter-of-intent to play at Glendale Community College in Arizona this fall.

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“I visited the Phoenix area, and I liked a lot.” Weiss said. “Going to a junior college, I’ll get more playing time, and hopefully prepare to move to a university-level (program) in two years.”

Playing at the Arizona school should give Weiss plenty of exposure.

In 2003, the Gauchos went 9-2, won the Western States Football League title and were ranked eighth in the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I national poll.

In the post-season, Glendale defeated Hutchinson Community College, 41-7, in the Valley of the Sun Bowl.

Offensively, Weiss should blend in well with Glendale’s high-power offense.

Last year, the Gauchos were the No. 1 NJCAA team in the nation in per-game rushing yards and second in total offense, averaging 478 yards per contest.

“I’m pretty excited about playing at Glendale because they have a legitimate chance at a national championship,” Weiss said.

Weiss said the Glendale coaches told him he will play mostly running back. He might also see action as a wideout and on special teams as a kick returner.

Weiss rushed for 3,130 yards, caught 43 passes for another 675 yards and scored 46 touchdowns in three high school seasons as a starting running back.

Notes … Rifle wrestler Jesse Long will attend and compete for Western (Rock Springs) Wyoming Community College next season. Long was the 2003-2004 Class 4A, 160-pound third-place state medalist. Notes … Rifle wrestler Jesse Long will attend and compete for Western (Rock Springs) Wyoming Community College next season. Long was the 2003-2004 Class 4A, 160-pound third-place state medalist.