After-Action Report: Week Eight Recap
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There were big games scheduled for the eighth week of the season, many of which ended with large scoring margins that will undoubtedly impact the rankings. This article will briefly examine the three games attended last week and a few…
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Continue ReadingThere were big games scheduled for the eighth week of the season, many of which ended with large scoring margins that will undoubtedly impact the rankings.
This article will briefly examine the three games attended last week and a few standout players from each match.
#5 Columbine (7-1) at Arvada West (3-5) | Thursday
Final Score: 60-14 Columbine
The Columbine Rebels traveled to Arvada on Thursday and took care of business against the Arvada West Wildcats. Columbine reached the end zone nine times by six different players during the game, with six of those touchdowns being scored in the first half. The Rebels improved their league record to 2-1, while the Wildcats fell to 1-2. Columbine is set to travel to Lakewood next Thursday night, whereas Arvada West will look to get back on track against Pomona the same night.
4 CAR, 149 YDS, 2 TD rnSnyder was one of three running backs for Columbine to have an outstanding showing during Thursday’s game. His numbers came in the first half of the match, including a 75-yard touchdown run. Snyder is an underrated player currently sitting as the 12th-leading rushing in yards (1,041) for the entire state, making him a player worth investing in early.
3 TCK, 1 sack rnShields is a monstrous defensive lineman whose motor has a wide-open throttle, making his playing style the embodiment of all gas and no brakes. His ability to split gaps, defeat a double team, and fight through blockers is impeccable. After watching Shields play, it is no surprise he holds over 10 Division I offers.
Highlights
Other Columbine standouts
Marquane Taylor
Marquane
Taylor
5'6" | 165 lbs | RB
Columbine | 2023
State
CO
| Columbine | 2023 RB | 11 CAR, 112 YDS, 1 TD
Spencer Houle
Spencer
Houle
6'3" | TE
Columbine | 2024
State
CO
| Columbine | 2023 TE/DE | 3 REC, 60 YDS, 2 TD
8 REC for 106 YDS, 2 TD rnDespite the outcome of the game, Witherspoon had an impressive showing. His athleticism and 6-foot-4 frame make him an ideal target for quarterbacks and a problem for secondaries. He has a wide catch radius and reliable catching abilities, pairing perfectly with run-after-catch skills. Witherspoon recently received his fourth Division II offer, proving that his stock is steadily rising.
Highlights
Other Arvada West standouts
Ethan Cook
Ethan
Cook
6'3" | 175 lbs | QB
Arvada West | 2023
State
CO
| 2023 QB | 11 of 21 for 120 YDS, 2 TD; 7 CAR, 30 YDS
Vincent Vigil | 2023 LB | 2 TCK, 1 TFL, 1 sack
Adrian Symalla | 2026 RB | 15 CAR, 92 YDS
Eaglecrest (6-2) at Cherry Creek (7-1) | Friday
Final Score: 42-7 Cherry Creek
The perception coming into this game was that it had the potential of being a hard-fought contest, but the reality was that it was a one-sided game with a dominant performance by Cherry Creek. The Bruins reached the end zone six times with six different players, three in each half. The Raptors’ only touchdown happened on a 70-yard run late in the third quarter. Cherry Creek improves their league record to 3-0 as they prepare to travel to Arapahoe next Friday. Eaglecrest falls to 1-2 in league but will look to regroup as they travel to Smoky Hill on Thursday.
Smith-Combs is an under-the-radar player with a significant upside. The 6-foot-6, 250 lbs defensive end possesses skills that make him an excellent addition to any defensive front. He does a great job of bending around offensive tackles and applying pressure from the edge. His ability to stunt inside and disrupt the interior of the offensive line is how he does the most damage. Smith-Combs has been turning the heads of a few Power 5 schools, proving him to be a true sleeper.
Other Cherry Creek standouts
Brady Vodicka
Brady
Vodicka
6'1" | 205 lbs | QB
Cherry Creek | 2026
CO
| 2026 QB | 2 pass TD, 1 rush TD
Jordan Herron
Jordan
Herron
5'10" | 155 lbs | ATH
Cherry Creek | 2024
State
CO
| 2024 RB | 1 rushing TD
Andre Burton
Andre
Burton
6'5" | 285 lbs | OL
Cherry Creek | 2024
State
CO
| 2024 OL
12 CAR, 107 YDS, 1 TDrnCearns is an exciting player to watch because of his show-stopping athleticism that makes him one of the more dangerous players on the field. Even though he game did not go as planned for the Raptors, he managed to spark excitement into the Eaglecrest faithful when he broke a 70-yd touchdown run. Cearns has seen an uptick in his stock value as a prospect, including earning offers from Western Colorado University and Wheaton University.
Other Eaglecrest standouts
Kael Weatherby
Kael
Weatherby
6'4" | 295 lbs | OL
Eaglecrest | 2024
State
CO
| 2024 OL
Payton Taylor | 2023 CB/ATH
Cam Chapa | 2024 FS
Valor Christian (6-2) at Rock Canyon (6-2) | Saturday
Final Score: 28-13 Valor Christian
The Valor Christian Eagles pulled off a win against the Rock Canyon Jaguars on Saturday afternoon. Both teams struggled to get things going in a scoreless first quarter, but the Eagles were able to find their rhythm in the second and go into halftime with a 21-0 lead. The Jaguars managed to score twice in the second half, bringing the game to a score of 21-13 with just over nine minutes left in the game. Halfway through the fourth quarter, the Eagles put up the game’s final touchdown and secured the victory. Valor Christian moves to 3-0 in league as they get set to travel to an undefeated ThunderRidge team on Friday. Rock Canyon falls to 1-2 in league but will look to bounce back next Friday in an away game against Castle View.
2 TCK, 1 TFL, 1 QB HUR, 1 sackrnBliek is an interior lineman who sets the tone for Valor’s defensive front. He has formidable strength and unstoppable power to split blockers and plug gaps. His athleticism and speed allow him to disrupt the backfield and pursue the ball carrier with bad intentions. Bliek is a dominant player who can deliver devastating hits, making him a must-see player.
Highlights
Other Valor Christian standouts
Asher Weiner
Asher
Weiner
6'5" | QB
Valor Christian | 2024
State
CO
| Valor Christian | 2024 QB | 15 of 20 for 157 YDS, 1 INT; 15 CAR, 34 YDS, 1 TD
Trey Stott
Trey
Stott
5'11" | 195 lbs | DB
Valor Christian | 2023
State
CO
| Valor Christian | 2023 FS/RB | 4 TCK, 1 TFL; 1 rush TD, 1 of 1 for 48 YDS, 1 TD
Rowdy Beers | Valor Christian | 2023 DE/TE | 1 TCK, 1 TFL, 1 sack; 2 REC, 33 YDS
Ryland Mill
Ryland Mill
5 TCK, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 1 FMB REC, 1 PBU rnMill is an outstanding linebacker who plays a significant role on the Rock Canyon defense. He is a tone-setting defender who checks all of the boxes as an inside backer. He has excellent speed and explosiveness, which he uses to dominate the box and disrupt the backfield. Mill’s instincts and willingness to leave everything on the field make him a true sleeper.
Other Rock Canyon standouts
Aidan Duda
Aidan
Duda
RB
Rock Canyon | 2023
State
CO
| Rock Canyon | 2023 RB
Luke Wennogle | Rock Canyon | 2023 QB
Brady Campbell | Rock Canyon | 2024 LB | 4 TCK