The Game of Week Nine: Cherry Creek vs Arapahoe
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The Centennial League matchup between the Arapahoe Warriors and the Cherry Creek Bruins was an exciting game played by two teams with extremely talented rosters, which turned out to be one of the best games of week nine. There were…
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Continue ReadingThe Centennial League matchup between the Arapahoe Warriors and the Cherry Creek Bruins was an exciting game played by two teams with extremely talented rosters, which turned out to be one of the best games of week nine. There were college prospects in all 22 positions on the field at all times, making this game a perfect match for college scouts from every level to watch on FanVu Sports.
The contest consisted of three lead changes but ultimately ended with a 24-14 victory for Cherry Creek.
The Bruins started the game with a strong defensive performance and forced Arapahoe to punt on their first series. Cherry Creek’s dynamic offense put the first points on the board with a 20-yard touchdown pass from Brady Vodicka Brady Vodicka 6'1" | 205 lbs | QB Cherry Creek | 2026 CO (2026 QB) to Blake Becker (2024 WR) in the first quarter. The Warriors were in complete control during the second quarter, scoring twice through the air while keeping the Bruins out of the end zone for the remainder of the first half.
Michael Moynihan (2024 QB) completed a 25-yard pass to Andrew Smart Andrew Smart 6'4" | 180 lbs | WR Arapahoe | 2025 CO (2025 WR) for Arapahoe’s first points before connecting on a deep pass with Charlie Eckhardt Charlie Eckhardt 6'2" | 180 lbs | WR Arapahoe | 2024 State CO (2024 WR/ATH), who took it 60 yards for the second score.
The third quarter was scoreless until Cherry Creek kicked a 25-yard field goal to bring the score to 14-10 in Arapahoe’s favor going into the fourth quarter. Creek went on to score two more touchdowns in the final quarter. Vodicka rushed for a touchdown with just under nine minutes of play left, and Jordan Herron Jordan Herron 5'10" | 155 lbs | ATH Cherry Creek | 2024 State CO (2024 RB/ATH) punched in the final touchdown with 2:21 left on the clock.
Arapahoe’s hopes of mounting a comeback disappeared when Luke Owen (2024 LB) secured an interception on the first play of the drive, giving Cherry Creek’s offense the ball back and solidifying the win for the Bruins.
Players of the Game
The performance from Charlie Eckhardt Charlie Eckhardt 6’2″ | 180 lbs | WR Arapahoe | 2024 State CO was nothing short of amazing. The only people on the field longer than him were the referees. He played at every level on defense, lining up as a safety who would come down into the box as a backer or play on the line as an edge. His talents as an offensive player were unmatched, gashing his opponents for a 60-yard touchdown reception and breaking loose for multiple gains as a rusher. Even though the Warriors fell short, Eckhardt proved that proper preparation, heart, and sheer will can turn a player into a legitimate candidate for a potential Player of the Year award.
Herron is one of the more exciting athletes to watch carry the ball in the state. His explosive speed, elusive running style, and vision as a ball carrier help him navigate the slightest creases within the defense and exploit them for significant yardage. Herron’s ability to effectively establish the run game plays a significant role in Cherry Creek’s high-powered offense, so it never feels like the game is out of reach for the Bruins.
Pick Your Prospect
More than 30 players stood out in this game as legitimate college prospects, making both programs prime destinations for college recruiters.
Cherry Creek’s offensive front is comprised of three seniors who are Power 5 commits and two juniors with Power 5 futures. Dawson Johnson Dawson Johnson 6'4" | 225 lbs | TE Cherry Creek | 2024 State CO (2024 TE/WR) has a handful of Division I offers, which will surely be the case for the underclassmen who make up the rest of the starting receiving core. The defensive front for the Bruins is littered with FBS talent. Exodus Johnson Exodus Johnson 6'4" | 265 lbs | DL Cherry Creek | 2024 State CO (2024 DL) and Tufanua Ionatana “T.I.” Umu-Cais Tufanua Ionatana “T.I.” Umu-Cais 6'3" | 305 lbs | DL Cherry Creek | 2026 CO (2026 DL) are big-time college prospects. The linebacker core features Angelo Petrides Angelo Petrides 6'2" | 225 lbs | LB Cherry Creek | 2024 State CO (2024), who has multiple FBS offers, which helps to shine a line on players like Ashton Shepardson Ashton Shepardson 6'1" | 205 lbs | LB Chery Creek | 2025 State CO (2025). Each starter in the secondary has an offer to play college ball at the D2 and D1 levels.
Arapahoe has D1 talent on their offensive line, which has helped Trajan Fraiser (2026 RB) pave his way to becoming a top prospect and provided time for the QB to hit Andrew Smart Andrew Smart 6'4" | 180 lbs | WR Arapahoe | 2025 CO (2024 WR) multiple times in the game.
The Warriors’ defense had an excellent showing on Friday. Players like Will Knox (2024 LB), Joshua Acker (2024 SS), Bode Schelhaas (2024 CB), Tommy Whitehouse (2024 DL/OL), Callahan Davis (2024 DL), MJ Adolph (2024 LB), and Dylan Juarez Dylan Juarez LB Arapahoe | 2024 CO (2024 LB) are seven of the eleven starters who should be on scouting radars.
Naming every player on either team who should be recruited would require multiple parts to this write-up, making it a must for scouts and fans alike to watch this game on FanVu Sports.