As we are now more than halfway through the 2021 high school football gauntlet, the stakes are higher than ever. Each contest and high profile matchup brings more to the table, with a single win or loss possibly determining the difference between a playoff berth or the #1 overall seed in the state playoffs. With only about a month left to leave an impression, the time is now to engrave yourself into Colorado high school football galore. With that being said, let us dive into some of the best games that stood out from Week 5.
<strong>Cherry Creek 34 @ Regis Jesuit 14 </strong>
If it wasn’t for Cherry Creek and Valor Christian, the Red Raiders would be undefeated. However, Regis Jesuit’s two losses have come from the two football powers in Colorado, including a 20 point loss to the Bruins Friday night. Although the Red Raiders are a talented bunch, it was Coach Dave Logan’s squad that came out victorious. It was the 26th straight win for Cherry Creek against Colorado competition, showcasing why they are in hot pursuit for their third straight state title. Senior RB Zavier Carrol led the scoring for the dynamic Bruins, reaching pay dirt twice while rushing for 70 yards on 12 carries. Despite the loss, Regis Jesuit had a big time performance from Senior DB [player_tooltip player_id="22691" first="Dallas" last="Macias"], who recorded an absurd 18 tackles against the Bruins, flying around on the field with a motor similar to that of a B-52 fighter jet. Overall, there was plenty of skilled players on each team, but there is currently a wide talent gap between the both of the schools.
<strong>Columbine 21 @ Valor Christian 35</strong>
In one of the more intriguing matchups of the weekend, the #1 ranked Valor Christian Eagles pitted themselves against the #4 rated Columbine Rebels in a physically bruising game. With both teams known for the physical brand of football and their deep affection to pound the rock, the game would be reminiscent of a Roman gladiator going to battle inside the ancient Colosseum. However, as it is most of the time in sports, it sure helps having the best player on the field. Point, set, match Valor Christian. On Friday night, RB Gavin Sawchuck displayed why he continues to make scouts all around the nation salivate profusely. Despite the national recognition, the four-year ball tailback has not been reading the newspaper clippings whatsoever. Sawchuck was utterly dominate, leaving his competition in the dust none more notably than on a 54 yard scamper that showcased the type of speed that can translate to the next level. He finished the day with 154 yards on 22 carries and had three rushing touchdowns. He also tacked on 52 receiving yards on four catches, even finding the end zone once as a pass catcher as well. For the Rebels of Columbine, they imposed their will for much of the game, but we unable to slow down the explosiveness of Valor Christian. Playmaker RB [player_tooltip player_id="22688" first="Seth" last="Cromwell"] was the star of the show for Columbine, tormenting the Eagles for a team-leading 135 yards on 21 touches.
<strong>Pomona 27 @ Smoky Hill 28</strong>
First year Pomona head coach Nate Johnson has huge aspirations and expectations for the program, and he had big shoes to fill when he accepted the position back in March after longtime head man Jay Madden transformed the Panthers into a 5A Class power over an 18 year run. Despite a disappointing 2-3 start to the 2021 campaign and a loss to the Smoky Hill Buffaloes on Friday night, Coach Johnson should be pleased with the resilience his team showed throughout. In what was a nail biter all night long, Senior tailback Chase Muller carried the Panthers offense by a tune of 235 yards on the ground and even caught a nifty 27 yard reception that was a confidence booster at the time for an offensive attack that struggled chucking the ball through the air for most of the evening. Alas, it was the Buffaloes who had the last laugh, as they were led by star wideout Anthony Harris Jr. who demonstrated why he is an elite player at the high school level. Harris Jr. had one of his best games statistically so far this year, hauling in a season-best seven catches and an impressive 108 receiving yards to go along with a touchdown grab. Consider this a monumental win for Smoky Hill, as the victory snaps their two game skid and improves them to 3-2 on the season.
<strong>Loveland 35 @ Broomfield 12</strong>
Both offenses couldn’t have looked any different on Friday evening between Loveland and Broomfield. Broomfield opted for a perfectly balanced attack on offense, generating 28 passing attempts to 28 rushing attempts, but Loveland proceeded to carry the ball an astounding 56 TIMES resulting in a dominating 351 yards. Compare that to their three passing attempts total for the entire contest and the 35-12 victory for the Red Wolves looks that much more impressive. Obviously, Loveland dominated the line of scrimmage, as they had at least four ball carriers obtain at least 40 rushing yards on the night. Leading the way was believe it or not Junior QB [player_tooltip player_id="62223" first="Garrett" last="Harstad"], who decided to use his legs for the majority of the game.The run-threat Harstad finished with 157 yards rushing and added two scores with his feet to lead the team to a decisive win. While Broomfield wasn’t nearly as successful running the pigskin, they had WR [player_tooltip player_id="153694" first="Josh" last="Dunn"], a senior wideout who continues to have a big time season. Dunn did his fair share of contributing by reeling in seven balls for 163 yards and a pair of TD’s. The connection between Dunn and QB [player_tooltip player_id="62228" first="Cole" last="LaCrue"] has been a fun treat to watch.
<strong>Lutheran 60 @ Heritage 14</strong>
It has been hard to find a more impressive group of individuals than the ones at Lutheran High School in Parker, CO. The #9 ranked team in the state has turned some heads around the high school football community, and their scorching hot 5-0 start is a big reason for that. It has now been THREE straight games the Lions have scored at least 60 points, almost a bewildering stat. Senior signal caller [player_tooltip player_id="153674" first="Clayton" last="Jacobs"] is playing at an efficient, high level and against Heritage it showed. Jacobs completed 11 of his 17 passing attempts for 237 yards and had three tosses for touchdowns. Jacobs even had time for his contagious play to continue when he invited his understudy to the party of touchdowns and points galore. Lutheran even decided to give backup QB Andrew Kronbach a chance to exhibit his passing abilities during the 60-14 rout, and he also contributed to the beatdown; firing two touchdown passes and going 4/6 for 71 yards. Senior pass-catcher Ryan Allen capitalized on the productive day from the quarterbacks, snatching five passes for 101 yards and a single touchdown. There’s no denying that Lutheran can put up points in a hurry, and it will be compelling to find out if they can keep up the good play when they are faced with tougher competition.
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