December 6th 2024.
Football is more than just a game, it's a way of life. And for two senior captains at Cherry Creek High School, Ned Zilinskas and Keegan Perea, football has been a part of their family for as long as they can remember. Both players credit their fathers and brothers for guiding them on their journey to the state championship game, where they will face off against Legend High School in pursuit of their fifth title in six years.
For Zilinskas, football runs in the family. His father, John, and brothers, Gus and Hank, all played center, and while they learned the position later in their careers, Ned knew from a young age that he wanted to follow in their footsteps. "I just kind of decided that it was what I wanted to be," he said, as the teams toured Canvas Stadium, the site of the championship game. "I like to touch the ball every play. I feel like that's special. The aspect of leading the line, making calls for everybody, knowing who's doing what is a big responsibility."
Despite his imposing size of 6-foot-2 and 280 pounds, Zilinskas was initially hesitant to take on a leadership role. However, with the encouragement of his coach, Dave Logan, he has embraced his role as a team leader and has been a great motivator for his teammates. "Going into his senior year, I said, 'Ned, you have only said like six words so you have accumulated the right to talk.' He said, 'OK, coach,'" Logan said with a smile. "He's been great with his teammates. A great weight room kid."
Meanwhile, Perea comes from a football family as well. His father, Rick, was a standout player at CSU Pueblo before finding his passion as a sports performance psychologist for multiple NFL teams, including the Broncos. Perea credits his father for inspiring him to pursue football, but also for instilling in him the importance of hard work and dedication. "We come from a family a generation before of leaving school early to put hands on a farm in Southern Colorado, in Alamosa. My dad applied that work ethic to get his PhD. It is about having the mindset that you have to work hard for everything and everything you start, you finish," Perea said.
Perea's hard work and dedication have paid off, as he has become a standout outside linebacker for Cherry Creek. His coach, Logan, describes him as "self-made," and praises his strength and work ethic. "He is one of those kids who doesn't have to say much. He just goes out there, plays hard and does his job," Logan said. Perea's commitment to the team and his dedication to the sport have earned him a scholarship to play for the University of Nevada next year.
For both players, this Saturday's championship game holds special significance. After a disappointing loss in last year's championship, they are determined to finish their high school careers on a high note. "We came up short last year, and I think I can speak for the entire team when I say we have a bad taste in our mouths for how it ended," Perea said. "So starting with those workouts during the first week of June until now, we have had that in the back of our minds and we want to do everything in our power to make sure this year ends differently."
Their coach, Logan, understands the importance of this game for his players and their desire to bring home another championship. While he stresses the importance of the journey and the experience, he also knows that this year's team has a special bond and determination to finish strong. "He is just self-made from time in the weight room," Logan said. "He is so strong. He is one of those kids who doesn't have to say much. He just goes out there, plays hard and does his job."
As their time as teammates comes to an end, Perea and Zilinskas are grateful for the bond they have formed through football. They may have started in different backyards, with guidance from their fathers and brothers, but they have become a family on the field. And for them, this final game together is about more than just winning another title - it's about fulfilling their commitment to each other and finishing what they started.
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