2022 State Championship Predictions
With the 2022 season coming to a close this Saturday, I have decided to do something that is a bit out of the norm for me, which is to give my game predictions in an informal manner. These predictions will…
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Continue ReadingWith the 2022 season coming to a close this Saturday, I have decided to do something that is a bit out of the norm for me, which is to give my game predictions in an informal manner.
These predictions will cover the games in the 5A, 4A, and 3A classifications in that order.
#1 Cherry Creek (11-2) vs. #2 Valor Christian (11-2) | Saturday, December 3rd | 2:30 P.M.
The Cherry Creek Bruins have proven over the last three years that they are a force to be reckoned with in the championship game. The Bruins’ defense has been the shining example of championship caliber, only allowing 10 points in the last three state finals.
Even with the Eagles bringing out a new offensive scheme this season, it is difficult to see them being capable of rolling through the Bruins. Week 10 showed us that Cherry Creek’s defense can be overpowered, but it is no cakewalk. Defensively, the focus for Valor Christian will be their defensive front. If their line can at least keep the Bruins’ offensive line from getting a push, they will have a shot at leveling the playing field.
Looking at the Bruins’ roster and history in the postseason, the obvious favorite in this game is Cherry Creek. The question surrounding them is can their offense be productive enough to keep this game at a comfortable distance?
I do not think the Eagles will get shut out for the third year in a row. However, I do not see them defeating the Bruins this year. I predict Cherry Creek will have one defensive score and win 28-10.
#2 Broomfield (13-0) vs. #4 Loveland (12-1) | Saturday, December 3rd | 11:00 A.M.
It will be surprising if the 4A championship game turns into a high-scoring back-and-forth with multiple lead changes. Still, anything is possible when you have two teams capable of easily putting together scoring drives.
The Loveland Red Wolves have an offensive scheme designed to grind the clock and their opponents, whereas the Broomfield Eagles can score quickly through the air or chew up the clock if needed. Time of possession will be a significant factor in this game, especially for Loveland. If the Eagles manage to get out to a hefty lead, the odds will not favor the Red Wolves.
That being said, this is not Loveland’s first encounter with a high-powered offense from an opponent, and their defense has answered the call every time. Broomfield’s defense has consistently been one of the best defenses in the state, especially when it comes to forcing turnovers. Their performance in the second half of the semifinals put them in a bend-don’t-break mode, where they won on a forced fumble in a game-winning play on the goal line.
Due to the strengths of both defenses, I find it difficult to see this game ending with a margin larger than a ten-point difference. That said, I see Broomfield winning this game 21-17.
#1 Roosevelt (13-0) vs. #3 Lutheran (11-2) | Saturday, December 3rd | 1:00 P.M.
Much like the 4A game, the 3A state title has the potential of being a game that can fall in favor of either team. However, this game can very well turn into a shootout with multiple lead changes because of the powerful arsenals both offenses possess.
The Lutheran Lions run an up-tempo spread offense with a quarterback shy of passing for 2,500 yards and a running back close to the 1,500 rushing yard mark with over 20 touchdowns. The Roosevelt Roughriders have a balanced offense that has produced pair of running backs who have over 1,000 yards, one of which is the state’s second-leading rusher.
On paper, this game has the ingredients to end up being the more exciting game of the three being played on Saturday. This is a challenging game to predict because of how evenly matched these two teams are, but I think it will be a high-scoring game with another close margin, 36-32 in favor of the Lutheran Lions.