Week 1 Review: Broomfield Eagles vs Longmont Trojans

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A look at the two best offensive and defensive performances from this Week 1 nonconference matchup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Review</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Of all the matchups this weekend, this was one of the matchups that didn't have as much fan fare because the tale of these two programs last year was wildly different. In 2022, the Broomfield Eagles went undefeated and won a 4A state championship, while the Longmont Trojans went 4-7 - narrowly squeaking into the playoffs just to get crushed in the opening round. Unfortunately for the Trojans, the game played out exactly as most predicted with the Eagles holding a clear talent advantage, considering Broomfield returned most of the roster from their state title run last year. The game was never necessarily close, as the Eagles carried a 14-0 lead into the locker room at halftime, but then proceeded to open the flood gates in the 2nd half, quickly scoring in the 3rd quarter to take a 21-0 lead. Longmont would respond with a touchdown of their own to cut the lead to 21-7 heading into the 4th quarter, but it still never felt like they were really in the game. In the 4th quarter, things went from bad to cataclysmic for the Trojans, as Broomfield would score on their final three possessions of the game to put a stamp on their 42-14 beatdown of Longmont. One can probably assume that the four players of the game were all on the winning side of the field, and you'd be correct. With that being said though, here were the four players who I felt had the strongest showings in this game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players of the Game</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='251319' first='CT' last='Worley'], Broomfield Eagles (QB)(Jr.)(17) - In his first start taking over for former Broomfield star Cole LaCrue, Worley certainly made the most of the opportunity, asserting his presence against the Longmont defense and simultaneously ushering in a new era for the Eagles. The Trojans had no answers for Worley through the air or on the ground as he went an impressive 12 of 19 (63%) for 145 yards passing and a QBR of 86.5, while also adding 51 yards rushing and 3 rushing touchdowns on 9 carries (5.7 YPC). When you put on the film of Worley's night against the Longmont defense, you can see he shows a combination of incredible athleticism and size (6'2, 210 lbs) from the QB position that adds a lethal second element to the Broomfield offense. Well-rounded ball carrier that is both an elusive runner and a physical runner in the open field, consistently showing the ability to break tackles in a multitude of ways. Great top-end foot speed and acceleration that allows him to easily separate from 2nd and 3rd level defenders. Exceptionally live arm with a smooth, over the top release that makes the ball look like it's coming out of his hand effortlessly. Highly accurate passer on short and intermediate throws, while also displaying consistent ball placement while on the move. Smart QB that rarely makes bad decisions with the ball that put the offense in a tough spot. Worley is currently rated the number 3 QB and the number 12 player overall in the class of 2025, and it's easy to see why he's generated so much buzz on the recruiting trail. If his night against the Trojans is any indication, he - and the Eagles - will be a tough outing for every opponent they play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='232169' first='Colin' last='Torres'], Broomfield Eagles (RB)(Jr.)(26) - Torres was probably the most productive offensive player on the field last Thursday, as he was nearly unstoppable on the ground for the Broomfield offense. Torres had a truly impressive rushing performance against the Longmont defense, as he registered a remarkable 188 yards rushing and 3 rushing touchdowns on 23 carries (8.2 YPC). When you dive into the film of Torres' night against the Trojans, you can see he is a tremendously well-rounded back that doesn't have many weaknesses to his game, consistently making a play no matter the situation. Displays a combination of great top-end foot speed and a highly explosive, one-cut running style that allows him to outrun most 2nd and 3rd level defenders if given enough daylight. Exceptional lateral agility/change-of-direction makes him an elusive ball carrier in one-on-one situations with defenders in the open field. Shows an aggressive, highly physical running style on carries between the tackles - consistently lowering his shoulder and driving his legs through contact with the defender. A combination of great balance and strength allow him to run through arm tackles from smaller defenders on inside runs. Displays excellent vision and patience, allowing him to anticipate the running lanes that will be created as his blocks develop. Shows good ability as a receiver out of the backfield, routinely being an extremely difficult matchup for slower 2nd and 3rd level defenders in man coverage. Torres is currently ranked the number 13 RB and the number 88 player overall for the class 2025, which is surprising given his potential and his night against Longmont. Regardless, Torres will be a tremendously important piece to another Broomfield state title run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='448875' first='Mason' last='Smiley'], Broomfield Eagles (DB)(Jr.)(13) - On the defensive side of the ball for the Eagles, Smiley might have had the strongest performance of any defender for Broomfield. Smiley was all over the defensive backfield, making plays in every phase of the defense - accounting for 8 tackles, a tackle for a loss, a pass deflection, and an interception. Turning to the tape of Smiley's stellar night against the Trojans offense, you can see he displays a highly tenacious and aggressive playing style as a DB despite his smaller frame (5'8, 160 lbs). Brings plenty of force to the point-of-contact when asked to come down in run support and make a tackle on a ball carrier. Displays an incredible ability to stack-and-shed opposing blockers when pursuing the ball carrier. Combination of excellent top-end foot speed and explosiveness out of his backpedal allows him to run with most receivers on the boundary. Tremendous explosiveness out of his stance also allows him to crash downhill quickly in run support. As versatile a DB as a player can be sowing the ability play on the boundary, in the slot as a nickel, or as a deep-middle safety role all at a very high level. Smiley is currently ranked the number 7 athlete and the number 62 player overall in the class of 2025, which is certainly a well-deserved ranking. If Smiley can continue to play at a high level with the other play-makers on the Broomfield defense, there's no reason to believe they can't repeat as state champs this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='514391' first='Brent' last='Harris'], Broomfield Eagles (DB/RB/WR)(Sr.)(6) – With the next defender, comes another player from the Broomfield defensive backfield as Harris had nearly as strong a performance as Smiley. Harris was a lock down defender all night against the Longmont offense, as he accounted for 2 tackles, a tackle for a loss, a pass deflection, and an interception. Turning on Harris' film from his performance against the Trojans, you can see the first thing that jumps out about Harris is his outstanding overall athleticism and versatility as a DB. Excellent athleticism, lateral agility, and top-end foot speed allow him to excel at both the boundary corner role, in either man or zone coverage, as well as the ability to play a deep middle safety role in cover 3 – while also being occasionally asked to come into the box for run support. Despite his relatively smaller frame (6'0, 165 lbs), he brings plenty of power and force behind his pads at the point-of-attack when making contact with the opposing ball carrier. Exceptional awareness and change-of-direction allows him to cover hash-to-hash or run with even the fastest receivers on deeper routes downfield. The prototypical fast, explosive, and long-armed ball hawk that can shut down an entire third of the field. Savvy, ball-hawking DB that always seems to be around the ball and shows a good understanding of how to bait opposing QBs into dangerous throws. Harris is currently ranked the number 4 athlete and the number 39 player overall for the class of 2024, with his performance against Longmont further supporting his ranking. Harris in combination with the other DBs on this team make the Eagles a tough matchup for any team hoping to throw the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->