Finals in Review: Valor Christian Eagles vs Cherry Creek Bruins

<strong>Game Review</strong> With the state championship round all wrapped up and winners crowned, we take a look at the 5A matchup between the Valor Christian Eagles and the Cherry Creek Bruins. This contest was a mostly one sided affair from start to finish as the Bruins were able to completely shut down the Eagles vaunted rushing attack led by blue-chip prospect [player_tooltip player_id="22667" first="Gavin" last="Sawchuk"] and as a result, were able to come away with a dominant 21-0 win and their 3rd straight 5A state title. While Cherry Creek played a stellar game offensively, their dominating effort was by far and away led by their defense as they forced the Valor offense into 3 interceptions and stopped them on 4th down on four separate occasions throughout the game. With that being said, here’s a look at the three best performances from this matchup and the traits they displayed that made their performance possible. <strong>Players of the Game</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="43802" first="Christian" last="Hammond"] (QB)(Jr.)(1) - Hammond was easily the Bruins best offensive player from their win over the Eagles. For the game, Hammond went a remarkable 10 of 11 (91%) for 101 yards passing and 2 passing touchdowns while also adding 21 yards rushing on the ground. When you watch Hammond’s performance, you can see he displays outstanding athleticism at the QB position. Highly elusive ball carrier both when he’s buying time in the pocket and on designed runs/scrambles in the open field against 2nd and 3rd level defenders. Displays a smooth release that allows him to get the ball out quickly. Adequate arm strength that allows him to push the back end of the defensive backfield enough for them to respect the deep ball. Displays good ball placement on short and intermediate throws. Shows requisite ability to work through his progressions and take what the defense gives him. Highly efficient passer that rarely puts his team in a bad position with poor decisions or turnovers. While Hammond’s future is most likely on the hardwood, he will cherish the memory of a state championship in football as he prepares for his junior season in basketball. [player_tooltip player_id="62241" first="Blake" last="Purchase"], Cherry Creek Bruins (LB)(Jr.)(12) – Purchase, who is currently rated as the top prospect in the state for the 2023 class and a 4-star prospect, was arguably the MVP of the game for the Bruins. The blue-chip prospect posted an unbelievable stat line, accounting for 11 tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, a sack, an interception, and 2 pass deflections. When you watch Purchase on film, you can see he displays excellent awareness to identify different blocking schemes and quickly react. Good understanding of how to identify perimeter blockers, attack their outside shoulder, and shed the block to prevent the ball carrier from gaining the edge. Also displays elite explosiveness out of his stance to drive down-hill towards the ball carrier/blocker. Maintains a good, low pad level at the point-of-contact that allows him to generate great pop/strength when delivering a tackle. Also displays good hand technique at the point-of-contact to neutralize the blockers hands. All of these traits being displayed in pass rush scenarios, with the opposing tackles routinely being overwhelmed by his speed, explosiveness, size, and technique. Purchase is certainly a coveted prospect by many division-1 programs and will be exciting to watch through the rest of his high school career and wherever he goes at the collegiate level, but I’m sure he’ll be happy to be a state champion for now. [player_tooltip player_id="22680" first="Jordan" last="Norwood"], Valor Christian Eagles (LB)(Sr.)(30) - Norwood was one of the few bright spots for the Eagles in the loss to the Bruins, but he might’ve been the brightest. Against the Cherry Creek offense, Norwood posted an incredible 16 tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss, and a sack. When you watch the tape of Norwood’s performance, the first thing that jumps out about him is his outstanding strength/power at the point-of-contact. Extremely physical LB that has a very high motor and plays with an immense amount of aggression when attacking opposing blockers or ball carriers. Downhill defender with a highly explosive first step that allows him to quickly gain leverage over opposing blockers. Displays elite hand placement, timing, and strength when taking on opposing blockers and shedding blocks. Shows elite closing speed when pursuing the ball carrier or when rushing the QB. Excellent foot speed, first step explosiveness, and lateral agility allow him to play an extremely versatile role as a LB, often being asked to line up on the edge as a pass rusher, standing up as a 2nd level defender, dropping into zone coverage, while also being tasked with covering TEs out of the slot and RBs out of the backfield in man coverage. Norwood is currently rated the number 1 LB and number 15 player overall in the state of Colorado for the class of 2022 and it’s easy to see why when you watch his tape. He will certainly continue his high level of play in college after closing his prep career against the Bruins.