December 1st 2024.
In the world of high school football, Class 5A has been buzzing with excitement as the top teams battle it out for a chance at the state championship title. In a thrilling game, No. 1 Cherry Creek faced off against No. 5 Valor Christian, and it was the Bruins who came out on top with a commanding 42-17 victory. This marks their seventh consecutive year making it to the title game, and they certainly earned it with a strong performance from junior RB Jayden Fox, who scored two touchdowns, and junior QB Brady Vodicka, who threw for one and ran for another. This wasn't the first time these two teams met in the playoffs, with Creek previously beating Valor in the championship three times in the last five years.
The Bruins dominated from the start, taking a 21-0 lead in the second quarter thanks to a 25-yard interception return for a touchdown by Ashton Shepardson and a 17-yard pass from Vodicka to Alijah Landrum-Hamilton. They extended their lead to 28-7 just before halftime and continued to dominate in the second half, eventually securing a 42-10 lead after a touchdown run by Elijah Cromwell. Valor managed to score a couple of touchdowns, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Bruins' strong performance. This loss marks the end of a great season for Valor, finishing with a record of 11-2.
In another exciting game, No. 6 Legend faced off against No. 7 Fairview, with both teams vying for their first ever 5A title game appearance. It was a close battle, but it was the Titans who came out on top with a 35-21 victory. Fairview took the lead early on with a 15-yard touchdown pass from sophomore QB Ki Ellison to junior WR Toray Davis. They extended their lead to 14-7 in the second quarter, but the Titans fought back, with a pick-6 by junior LB Derek Neuenschwander tying the game at 14. From there, the Titans took control, scoring two more touchdowns in the third quarter to take a 28-14 lead. Fairview managed to pull within seven points, but a late touchdown from Champ Jones sealed the deal for the Titans, handing Fairview their first and only loss of the season.
In Class 4A, the competition was just as fierce as No. 5 Broomfield faced off against No. 1 Dakota Ridge. Broomfield put on a dominant performance, securing a 45-7 victory and booking their spot in the 4A title game for the fourth time in eight years. It was a strong all-around effort from the team, with two defensive touchdowns and six takeaways. Senior RB Colin Torres had an outstanding game, running for 149 yards and two touchdowns, while senior Mikhail Benner and senior Maverick Scarpella each scored a defensive touchdown to help Broomfield secure their win. Dakota Ridge managed to score a late touchdown, but it was too little too late as Broomfield had already triggered a running clock.
In another exciting 4A matchup, No. 2 Montrose took on No. 3 Pueblo West for a chance at their first title game appearance in 11 years. After falling short in the semifinals in the past few seasons, the Montrose defense stepped up and delivered a strong performance, leading the team to an 18-7 victory. They kept Pueblo West out of the end zone until the fourth quarter, with junior RB Elijah Womack scoring two touchdowns to give Montrose a 12-0 lead. Pueblo West managed to score a touchdown, but Montrose answered back with a touchdown of their own to secure the win and move on to the title game.
In Class 3A, the top teams were also battling it out for a chance at the championship title. No. 1 Thompson Valley faced off against No. 5 Green Mountain, and it was Thompson Valley who came out on top with a convincing 31-3 victory. The Eagles have been dominating all season long, and this game was no different. They held their opponents to just a field goal and secured their sixth shutout of the season. Senior RB Wes Bebo led the way, scoring a 78-yard touchdown in the first minute of the game. Junior Triston Hill and senior QB Garet Hendrickson also contributed with touchdowns, while the defense held strong to secure the victory and a spot in the title game.
In other 3A action, No. 2 Mead faced off against No. 3 Pomona in a nail-biting game that went down to the wire. After a back-and-forth battle, it was Mead who came out on top with a close 21-19 victory. Senior RB Edison Burke had a strong game, scoring two touchdowns, including a crucial fourth down conversion that put Mead ahead 21-6 in the third quarter. Pomona fought back, but Mead's defense held strong and secured the win, sending them to the title game for the second time in four years. This loss marks the end of a great season for Pomona, who battled hard but ultimately fell short.
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