Week 10 Review: Broomfield Eagles vs Heritage Eagles
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A look at the three best performances from this 4A regular season finale. Review This game was, without a doubt, one of the most anticipated 4A matchups of the weekend as the 9th ranked and undefeated Broomfield Eagles traveled to…
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Continue ReadingA look at the three best performances from this 4A regular season finale.
Review
This game was, without a doubt, one of the most anticipated 4A matchups of the weekend as the 9th ranked and undefeated Broomfield Eagles traveled to take on the Heritage Eagles, who were hoping to pull off the thrilling upset at home before beginning play in the state playoffs the next week. This game certainly played out exactly how many had hoped, as Heritage laid it all out on the field against Broomfield, keeping things neck-and-neck for the entire game. Early on, it looked as though Broomfield was going to run away with it, as they held a 14-0 lead with 8 minutes left in the 2nd quarter. Heritage responded quickly though, as they scored on their ensuing two possessions to cut the lead to 14-13 at the half. The 2nd half was almost a completely different game as neither offense could get much of anything going, but Broomfield did just enough to kick a field goal at the end of the 3rd quarter, that would ultimately be the last points scored as Broomfield’s defense was able to seal the 17-13 exciting finish. While both teams played extremely hard and left it all on the field in this thrilling matchup, these were the three players who I felt made the biggest difference in the game.
Players of the Game
Mikhail Benner Mikhail Benner 6'1" | 170 lbs | DB Broomfield | 2025 State CO , Broomfield Eagles (DB)(So.)(9) – Benner was easily one of the biggest contributors on the defensive side of the ball for Broomfield. Benner was about as lockdown as a DB can get, as he accounted for 2 tackles, a pass deflection, and a huge interception. Turning on the tape of Benner’s night against the Heritage offense, you can see he displays an uncanny ability to find the football, with this being the result of a combination of excellent top end foot speed, lateral agility, and tracking ability while the ball is in the air. Outstanding athlete with excellent first step explosiveness that allows him to hit top gear quickly and run stride-for-stride with most boundary receivers. Has the ideal build for a top-flight boundary corner as he has outstanding size and length (6’1, 175 lbs) that most lock down DBs have. Technically sound DB that rarely ever panics or gets handsy if he is in a less than ideal position to make a play on the ball/receiver. Prototypical ball-hawk DB that can shut down an entire quarter of the defensive backfield, routinely making opposing passers pay when they decide to test his side of the field. Benner is currently rated the number 2 DB and the number 11 player overall for the class of 2025, which isn’t really a surprise at all. He has elite talent and despite only being a sophomore, will be a key piece of the Broomfield defense in the state playoffs.
Nick Long, Heritage Eagles (LB)(Jr.)(48) – Long was undoubtably the biggest reason defensively that Heritage was almost able to pull off the improbable comeback and upset. Long made his presence felt by the Broomfield offense the entire night, as he registered an impressive 8 tackles, 3 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks, and a pass deflection. When you turn to the tape of Long’s performance against the Broomfield offense, you can see Long displays excellent athleticism/foot speed out of his stance that allows him to cover sideline-to-sideline when pursuing the ball carrier and crash downhill to fill his run fits. Smart, saavy LB with good instincts that can quickly diagnose running lanes and run fits/gap responsibilities accordingly while also presenting good instincts when playing underneath in zone coverage, rarely getting caught covering grass. Displays a motor that runs white hot while having an extremely tenacious and aggressive nature as a defender. Highly physical defender with a good frame for the backer position (6’1, 195 lbs) that doesn’t shy away from contact with would-be blockers and ball carriers. Displays excellent form as a tackler, consistently wrapping up the ball carrier and driving his legs through contact to secure the tackle. Down-hill runner with an extremely explosive first step that allows him to generate significant amounts of force at the point-of-attack when making contact with the ball carrier. Versatile 2nd level player that can play both a Mike backer position and a Sam/Will edge rusher role in a 3-4 scheme. Long isn’t currently ranked on any recruiting boards, which is rather surprising considering he has the size, tape, and production that indicate a collegiate level player.
Cole LaCrue Cole LaCrue 6'2" | 190 lbs | QB Broomfield | 2023 State CO , Broomfield Eagles (QB)(Sr.)(18) – There’s no doubt, in my mind at least, that LaCrue was head-and-shoulders the best offensive player on the field for either team in this game, contributing to the win through the air and on the ground. Against the Heritage defense, LaCrue went 18 of 28 (64%) for 250 yards passing, a passing touchdown, and a QBR of 104.8 while also adding 30 yards rushing on the ground. When you go to the tape of LaCrue’s night against the Heritage defense, you can see that LaCrue is a very gifted athlete. Highly explosive and elusive runner in the open field routinely making multiple defenders miss in the 2nd and 3rd levels. Very balanced runner that can run through arm tackles and remain physical on designed runs between the tackles. Great arm strength with the ball almost leaping out of his hand. Generates good velocity on short and intermediate throws while also having the arm strength to stretch the defense to almost any level of the field. Displays good accuracy on throws outside the pocket/on the run, showing an ability to consistently hit receivers in stride, downfield, while escaping pressure. LaCrue is currently rated the number 4 QB and the number 37 player overall for the class of 2023 and, given his performance against Heritage, it’s not hard to see why he’s so highly regarded. He’s an extremely gifted player that will look to close out his career as a Broomfield Eagle with a 5A state title and an undefeated senior season.