5A Semifinals Recap: Cherry Creek vs Ralston Valley
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The #1 ranked Cherry Creek Bruins faced the #5 ranked Ralston Valley Mustangs. It was a close game throughout with them both being tied 14-14 at half. Neither team scored during the 3rd quarter. The Bruins pulled through in the…
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Continue ReadingThe #1 ranked Cherry Creek Bruins faced the #5 ranked Ralston Valley Mustangs. It was a close game throughout with them both being tied 14-14 at half. Neither team scored during the 3rd quarter. The Bruins pulled through in the 4th when QB Brady Vodicka Brady Vodicka 6'1" | 205 lbs | QB Cherry Creek | 2026 CO got a rushing touchdown. Great game between two fantastic teams. Cherry Creek goes off to face the #2 ranked Columbine in the 5A Championship game. Here’s some of the players that stood out in this matchup.
Shepardson balled out for Cherry Creek. He had 5 tackles (4 solo, 1 assist) 3 TFL and 3 sacks. Game changer on defense. Shepardson has very good athletic ability, due to his very good speed and acceleration/burst off the line of scrimmage. He’s consistently beating the tackles due to him getting a low pad level to out leverage the offensive line, and will bend around the edge. Shepardson also has good arm length to swat the ball at the line of scrimmage. He has good competitive toughness due to him playing with a high tenacity and playing after the whistle. Excellent performance, and I’m excited to see what he does in the championship game.
Highlights
Laird Jones
Laird Jones
Jones had a good game for Ralston Valley. He had 10 total tackles (4 solo, 6 assisted). Jones was all over the field and consistently was where the ball carrier was. Jones has good athletic ability, thanks to very good speed, acceleration, and change of direction. He’s got good mental processing shown throughout his play. He’s consistently watching the QB’s eyes, and diagnosing where he needs to be. When the QB throws the ball, Jones is instantly where the ball carrier is. He’s got good competitive toughness. He plays after the whistle, and even when his team’s down, he doesn’t give up. Jones is a senior, so I’m excited to see what college he’ll attend.
Herron balled out against the Mustangs. He accounted for 19 carries for 101 yards and 1 touchdown. Herron looks like the real deal. He has very good athletic ability, due to very good speed, acceleration and change of direction. His change of direction is very impressive to me. He pivots on a dime, making very clear cuts. Herron looks like he’s using a glider on his feet. He demonstrates good mental processing by choosing the correct hole to run through. He’ll hit the hole with ferocity. He’s also got good physical strength. His stiff arm over powers defenders, and they’ll fall down. Not afraid of contact, and will put the shoulder down to create it. Good catching out of the backfield, natural catcher. Very electric out in space. Excited to see how he does in the championship game.
Jackson Hansen
Jackson Hansen
Hansen was a key cog in the Ralston Valley Machine this season, and this game was no different. Hansen accounted for 8 receptions for 103 yards. As a DB, he accounted for 7 total tackles (6 solo, 1 assisted). However I will be discussing his WR capabilities. Hansen has very good athletic ability. He’s got very good speed, acceleration, and change of direction. Hansen has good mental processing. He’s able to identify the zones and sit in the void. Hansen has good separation quickness. He’s able to use his mental processing and athletic ability to create separation. He’s a fluid natural catcher. He’s got good adjustment and body control. Will turn around keep both feet in bound and make the big play on the sideline. He’s got good ball tracking skills. Very good yards after the catch. He’s uses his homerun speed and takes it up a notch to gain a lot of YAC. Great player who deserves some offers.