October 19th 2024.
In a thrilling overtime showdown, Ralston Valley narrowly defeated Columbine 35-34, dealing the Rebels their first loss in almost two years and ending their impressive winning streak, which included a state championship last season in the Class 5A division.
The Rebels made a gutsy call to go for the win and a two-point conversion after senior running back James Basinger scored a 1-yard touchdown in overtime. However, Ralston Valley's defense was ready and quickly swarmed the line of scrimmage, successfully bringing down Rebels' quarterback Brennan Goodwin to secure the victory.
"Our defense had a brilliant game plan and made some crucial stops," praised Ralston Valley's head coach, Jared Yannacito. "That two-point conversion stop was massive. I couldn't be prouder of the entire team and our strong defensive showing."
Columbine's last defeat was in the quarterfinals of the 2022 5A state playoffs, also against Ralston Valley, who is now 5-3 against the third-ranked Rebels since 2018.
Junior quarterback Zeke Andrews led the way for Ralston Valley with an impressive 167 passing yards and 91 rushing yards. "He's truly incredible," Yannacito gushed. "He can make plays with his legs and his arm, and he was confident all night. He did a great job of reading the defense and making big plays when it mattered. He's a special player."
The game started off in Ralston Valley's favor as they scored the opening touchdown on their first drive, with Andrews connecting with sophomore Levi Rillos for a 4-yard pass. This was set up by an impressive 63-yard catch-and-run from Andrews to Rillos.
The Mustangs' defense also came out strong, forcing the Rebels to turn the ball over on downs on their first possession. Ralston Valley took full advantage and quickly scored again, with Ethan Shirazi running 50 yards for a touchdown, giving the Mustangs a 14-0 lead over Columbine.
But the undefeated Rebels refused to back down and answered back with a big play of their own, as Snyder broke several tackles and ran 63 yards for a touchdown, making the score 14-7. The Rebels' defense then forced Ralston Valley to punt, and Goodwin found Basinger for a 66-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 14-14 at the end of the first quarter.
A mishandled snap on the extra point attempt prevented the Rebels from taking the lead, and Ralston Valley maintained a narrow 14-13 advantage.
In the second quarter, Ralston Valley continued to dominate, with Andrews connecting with Rillos for two more touchdown passes, giving the Mustangs a 28-13 lead heading into halftime.
Columbine came out strong in the second half, scoring a touchdown on their opening drive with Basinger running 32 yards for the score. They also converted a two-point conversion, bringing them within seven points of Ralston Valley at 28-21.
The Rebels' defense then forced Ralston Valley to punt, and they capitalized on the opportunity by tying the game at 28-28 with a 28-yard touchdown run by Snyder. He finished the game with 106 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
From there, both defenses stepped up, and the game remained tied until the end of regulation, forcing the game into overtime.
In overtime, Ralston Valley started on offense and scored on their fourth play, with junior wide receiver Nico Benallo running it in for a touchdown, giving the Mustangs a 35-28 lead. But Columbine quickly responded with Basinger scoring another touchdown, bringing the score to 35-34. However, Ralston Valley's defense came up big once again, stopping the Rebels' two-point conversion attempt and securing the victory.
Andrews reflected on the game, saying, "We knew we were the underdogs, and we thrive on that kind of challenge. We came out and executed, and it paid off in the end."
Yannacito had nothing but praise for his team, stating that he had full confidence in them to end the Rebels' winning streak. "I kept telling them all week that if we executed our game plan, we could be the ones to end their 21-game winning streak. I'm proud of their determination and grit."
Next week, Ralston Valley will take on Denver East, while the Rebels will look to bounce back against Denver South. For more sports news and analysis, sign up for the Sports Omelette and stay up to date with all the latest happenings in Denver's sports world.
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