Looking Back: Broomfield vs. Erie

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the focus of <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2022/09/in-attendance-week-four-games/">last week's match-up</a> between the Erie Tigers and the Broomfield Eagles carrying over into the junior varsity game, a look at stand-out players from each program is in order.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both varsity teams are stacked with talented players, some of whom have lengthy reputations as potential recruits for college programs. What may be a little less known is the amount of talent each program has on the junior varsity levels.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This article will briefly examine the must-know varsity and junior varsity players from the rivalry weekend between Broomfield and Erie.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"25px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:25px"><strong>Erie (1-3) at Broomfield (4-0) | Varsity</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><em>Final Score: 35-14 Broomfield</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6328deb7169d9","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["62228"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":85826,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"LaCrue was on fire during the highly anticipated rivalry match. He completed 10 of his 14 pass attempts for 172 yards and scored four rushing touchdowns on 19 carries for 53 yards. His ability to scramble and avoid one of the more relentless pass rushes allowed him to show off his elite talent as a quarterback. LaCrue is undoubtedly one of the best QBs in the entire state by far.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview","anchor":"acf-block-6499fbf51815c"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:18px"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='22784' first='Ryland' last='Boehmer'] | Broomfield | 2023 RB/LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Boehmer is the leading rusher for the Eagles, who ran for 144 yards and one touchdown on 24 carries Friday night. The powerful running back is a two-way player who tied for the most tackles for the Eagles' defense with nine total. Boehmer has been a solid three-down back on offense for the Eagles and a dominant interior linebacker for the defense, making him a versatile player with legitimate value as a recruit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:18px"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='269650' first='Devin' last='Furuiye'] | Broomfield | 2023 DE/DT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Broomfield's defensive front is a force to be reckoned with, and Furuiye plays a significant role in the line's dominant performances. His talents, techniques, and understanding of what his opponents are trying to do, make him a formidable opponent against the run and pass. Furuiye's ability to sniff out a screen shows his superb awareness and provides insight into his coachability, making him a top-tier prospect with a high ceiling.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:18px"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='404963' first='Mikhail' last='Benner'] | Broomfield | 2025 CB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Benner is arguably one of the more promising cornerbacks in his class. He is a physical player with great athleticism and a serious nose for the football. On the first defensive drive of the game, he was able to bring Erie's drive to a halt by forcing a fumble in the red zone that was recovered by his teammate. Benner ended the game by securing an interception in the endzone to allow Broomfield's offense to kneel out the clock, extinguishing all hope Erie had of mounting a miracle comeback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6328dfba169da","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["62229"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Lettis has been the receiving leader for the Tigers since last season, and this game was no different. He tallied three catches for 55 yards and Erie's sole receiving touchdown during the game. His speed and determination make him a problematic receiver to contain for secondaries, especially in one-on-one situations. Lettis, a Southern Utah commit, has the capability of being one of the top receivers in the state.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview","anchor":"acf-block-6499fbf51818e"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:18px"><strong>Trey Khanna | Erie | 2023 RB/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Khanna is an outstanding athlete who plays a significant role on both sides of the ball for the Tigers. He finished with 11 carries for 58 yards and 82 kick return yards, giving him the second-most all-purpose yards for the Tigers. Defensively, he finished with a total of 3 tackles and one recorded pass deflection. Khanna has proved to be a multipurpose athlete for Erie, making him a prospect worth watching.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:18px"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='251219' first='Jackson' last='Cowgill'] | Erie | 2024 DE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cowgill is a monstrous defensive end who is arguably one of the best edge rushers in his class. The power and explosiveness he brings to the line immediately elevates the play for Erie's defensive front. His overall speed is awe-inspiring. Not only was he able to get into the backfield multiple times in the game, but he was also able to successfully chase down the QB on several pass rushes that night. Cowgill is a defensive end with elite talent who will undoubtedly become one of the top prospects in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:18px"><strong>Gavin Lusk | Erie | 2025 RB/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lusk had a solid showing during Friday night's game, especially at the start of the second half. He carried the ball eight times for 58 yards and Erie's sole rushing touchdown while racking up 30 yards from a single reception. Lusk is a young player with serious potential, making him one to watch as he progresses through his career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"25px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:25px"><strong>Broomfield (3-1) at Erie (3-1) | JV</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><em>Final Score: 21-19 Erie</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6328e0e5169db","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Ronin Ward","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'8u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2409","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Erie","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Ward is a dual-threat QB with impeccable skills and solid mechanics. He can extend plays with his legs, make throws on the run, or take off and outrun defenders, making him a dangerous opponent for defenses to contain. Ward threw two touchdowns and ran for one in a nail-biting victory that went down to the wire. This kid has grit, so stay on the lookout.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview","anchor":"acf-block-6499fbf5181ca"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:18px"><strong>Noah Garcia | Erie | 2024 WR</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Garcia finished Saturday's game with both touchdown receptions for the Tigers while showing his potential to become a legitimate deep threat. His long arms give him a wide catch radius, while his stride gives him the ability to gain a step on the defender. Garcia's progress will be worth keeping an eye on as he continues to develop within the Tiger's system.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:18px"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='404978' first='Cooper' last='Lettis'] | Erie | 2025 LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lettis was perhaps the most dominant defensive player in the game, which is saying a lot. He was rarely not near the ball on run plays, and he was almost always causing chaos in the backfield on pass plays. He had four sacks during the game, but his diving pass deflection on a fourth-and-short late in the fourth quarter secured the win for the Tigers was extremely impressive. Lettis is consistently progressing as a player and is on track to become a serious sleeper in the linebacker position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6328e11a169dc","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["251319"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Worley is a dual-threat QB with great size. His arm strength is incredible and he has tremendous power in his legs, giving him the ability to beat his opponents through the air and on the ground. Worley scored a rushing touchdown and a passing touchdown in a game that proved to be an actual battle for the Eagles. Unfortunately, Worley went down in the fourth quarter and could not return for the remainder of the game, but his talents reassure Eagles fans that the program has a bright future.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview","anchor":"acf-block-6499fbf5181f0"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:18px"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='448875' first='Mason' last='Smiley'] | Broomfield | 2025 FS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smiley's performance as a free safety was outstanding. He is a player with a high motor who can fly around the field and stay over the top of passing plays or come downhill and initiate contact in run defense. His awareness and understanding of his teammates' assignments and responsibilities make him the general of the secondary. Smiley is a prime example of what a ball-hawking free safety should look like, making him a player to watch for the next few years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:18px"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='404987' first='Darien' last='Jackson'] | Broomfield | 2025 QB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jackson entered the game in the fourth quarter after Worley sustained an injury that sidelined him for the rest of the match. Once settled, Jackson led the Eagles on a long drive that ended with a touchdown pass to <strong>Grisham Lemely </strong>(2025 WR), who scored on an impressive run after the catch. Jackson's ability to enter the game with his team down mount a successful drive is a testament to his confidence and willingness to remain prepared</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->