Class 5A State Championship Takeaways: Returning Names-to-Know

The final game of the 2020 fall season is in the books, with Cherry Creek claiming the title of the 5A state champions for the second year in a row. The contest between the top-two teams in the state's highest classification provided high school football fans with many takeaways in every facet of the action. In a matchup that concluded with a 21-0 victory for the Bruins, there was no shortage of standout talent present on the field Saturday night. Both programs have been extremely successful over the years, and one primary key to that success is their ability to reload high caliber talent to their teams every year. Below is a list of a few returning players for each team who stood out during the 5A championship matchup. Cherry Creek has a roster of highly scouted athletes who are revered as the top in the state within their graduating year and position. [player_tooltip player_id="22530" first="Myles" last="Purchase"], [player_tooltip player_id="22535" first="Al" last="Ashford III"], [player_tooltip player_id="22521" first="Arden" last="Walker"], [player_tooltip player_id="22547" first="Julian" last="Hammond III"], [player_tooltip player_id="22523" first="Gunnar" last="Helm"], [player_tooltip player_id="22528" first="Chase" last="Penry"], and [player_tooltip player_id="22559" first="James" last="Walker II"] are a few names of Bruins seniors who have put in the work to ensure a successful season for their team and themselves. [player_tooltip player_id="62241" first="Blake" last="Purchase"] - 6'4”, 210lbs - 2023 OLB/DE Purchase was an absolute force from his edge-rushing position in this game, as well as all season. His pass-rushing abilities consist of speed, strength, and awareness. In the first half, he had a pass deflection that he was almost able to haul in for an interception. In the second half, he was able to get a hand on the ball once again while it was in the air. This time, he corralled it in for a one-handed interception. Although he is the younger brother to Myles, this particular Purchase is already creating his own stardom. Sam Pezdirtz - 5'11”, 170lbs - 2022 DB Pezdirtz stepped up in a big way in this game by making a few big plays for the Bruins defense. In the first half, he could be seen flying all around the field, breaking up passes and making tackles. On one of Valor's run attempts, Pezdirtz shot into the backfield to make a tackle for loss. A few short plays later, he was covering a deep pass attempt and was able to help force an incompletion. There is a massive upside to the versatile defensive back's playing style, one that will undoubtedly carry over into the next season. [player_tooltip player_id="43837" first="Ky" last="Oday"] Jr. - 5'10” - 2022 WR With most of the offensive starters graduating this year, Oday will possibly be moving into that number one receiver spot. He is a shifty receiver who is quick off of the line and explosive out of his breaks. He lines up opposite of Penry but possesses a skillset that makes him equally dangerous. His production was limited in this game, but he came in clutch when his number got called. Expect Oday to finish his senior year as one of the top receivers in the state. Keegan Holles - 6'0”, 175lbs - 2022 RB/WR Holles is another player who will potentially be seeing an increase in production due to the senior turnover. He was targeted a few times by Hammond and had a couple of receptions that set up the Bruins' final touchdown in the second quarter. Holles' value as a running back only increases with his ability to be a reliable target in the passing game. Look for him to continue being a valuable part of the team's offense next year, regardless of where he lines up. Valor Christian's roster is also filled with highly talented players. Senior players like Sean McNair, [player_tooltip player_id="58941" first="Tyler" last="Larson"], Robbie Dunbar, [player_tooltip player_id="22549" first="Elijah" last="Hamilton"], Jackson Zimmermann, Landon Turnwall, and [player_tooltip player_id="22542" first="Zaire" last="Jackson"] have concluded their outstanding high school careers, including being apart of the 2018 state championship title program. [player_tooltip player_id="22667" first="Gavin" last="Sawchuk"] - 5'11”, 185lbs - 2022 RB Sawchuk went up against the most formidable defense he has seen all season, and he looked like a future superstar while doing so. He is the workhorse for his team when it comes to the run game, and the championship matchup was no different. He carried the ball 23 times for 153, putting his average at 6.7 yards per carry, which is why keeping him out of the endzone is a testament to Cherry Creek's defense. Sawchuk is a powerful runner who is tough to bring down, making it no surprise that he is the only five-star football player in the state. His junior season may have fallen just short of the state title, but that adds to his motivation for next season. [player_tooltip player_id="22680" first="Jordan" last="Norwood"] - 6'1”, 200lbs - 2022 MLB/RB Norwood is the centerpiece for this Eagles defense, and he plays like it. He finished the contest with four recorded tackles, one of which was a drive ending boom that he laid on a Creek ball carrier as he met him in the hole. What never gets recorded on a stat sheet is how well a linebacker fills gaps, which Norwood does exceptionally well. After a rough first half of play, the Eagles defense was able to keep Cherry Creek out of the endzone for the rest of the game, and Norwood was a crucial component in those adjustments. Cayden Hawkins - 6'1”, 185lbs - 2022 OLB/DE Hawkins had his work cut out for him in this game, but he managed to give almost as much as he got, which made him stand out during this contest. He finished with eight total tackles and a reputation for being a backfield disrupter. Hawkins was able to force the Creek ball carries to have to look for cutback lanes and apply pressure in the passing game. Hawkins a real under-the-radar player, which makes him one of Valor Christian's biggest defensive sleepers. Luke Meyer - 6'5”, 210lbs - 2022 OLB/TE Meyer is another outstanding addition to a very well versed linebacker core. One of his six total tackles was a touchdown-saving wrap up in the first quarter. Much like Norwood, his ability to fill gaps and force cutbacks is extremely impressive. Meyer and his fellow junior linebackers put on a performance that could potentially have them viewed as the best returning linebacker core in the state.