The high school football state championship game between Cherry Creek and Columbine was probably the game I was looking forward to the most (the bitter cold aside) all year and it didn’t disappoint, with Columbine emerging victorious with a final score of 28-14.
Going into this game I will be honest; I really thought Cherry Creek was going to run away with it. Columbine always comes out strong running their double wing offense and generally always has solid defense but they came to play this weekend.
Coach Andy Lowry had his crew ready to play and they could not have had better execution. They embraced their underdog status, transforming into ‘junkyard dawgs’ with a relentless ground attack that churned out 251 yards. In football, as in life, it’s often the fundamentals – executed to perfection – that make all the difference.
Josh Snyder, the Rebels’ workhorse, was on fire all game long. Scoring three touchdowns, he personified the style of running attack we have become accustomed to from Columbine teams. His 46-yard dash to the end zone was the kind of breakout run that elevates a grind-the-run team from good to great.
What truly set this game apart was the defensive masterclass by the Rebels. They shut out the Bruins in the second half, and it was absolutely shocking to watch. This defensive prowess wasn’t just about physicality (though that certainly was a big part of it); it was about heart, unity, and a little bit of help from some uncharacteristic mistakes by Cherry Creek.
The turning point, in my eyes, came when Snyder returned a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown. It’s these moments of individual brilliance, combined with collective effort, that define championship teams.
But let’s not forget Cherry Creek. They had an amazing season behind one of my favorite QBs; Brady Vodicka. His long scrambles and Jordan Herron’s touchdown run kept the Bruins in contention, but Columbine clamped down when it mattered most..
This victory was more than just another title for Columbine; it was a triumph of spirit. Coach Lowry’s emotional post-game remarks, reflecting on his wife’s brave battle with cancer, remind us that sometimes, football is more than just a game. It’s a metaphor for life’s battles, where determination, courage, and support play pivotal roles. Congratulations to Coach Lowry and the Columbine players on another championship, it was a well deserved win.
Here’s an in-depth recap of the game:
1st Quarter
- The game started with both teams at 0-0.
- Cherry Creek’s Jordan Herron made a long run, but the team couldn’t capitalize on it.
- A fumble by Cherry Creek’s Vodika and a bad punt gave Columbine good field position.
- Columbine’s Mason Moreno scored a 1-yard rushing touchdown, followed by a successful PAT by Ian Copeland, making the score 7-0 in favor of Columbine.
2nd Quarter
- Columbine extended their lead with a 50-yard rushing touchdown by Josh Snyder. Julian Ruiz successfully kicked the PAT, bringing the score to 14-0.
- Cherry Creek responded with a 3-yard rushing touchdown by Jordan Herron, and Jolan Quintana’s PAT made it 14-7.
- Columbine’s Josh Snyder returned a kickoff for a 100-yard touchdown. Ian Copeland’s PAT took the score to 21-7.
- Cherry Creek’s Jayden Fox scored a 3-yard rushing touchdown, and Quintana’s PAT closed the gap to 21-14 at halftime.
3rd Quarter
- The third quarter saw both teams battling hard but failing to score. Cherry Creek turned over possession on downs deep in their territory.
4th Quarter
- Columbine’s James Basinger scored a 1-yard rushing touchdown, and Julian Ruiz’s PAT increased their lead to 28-14.
- Cherry Creek turned over on downs again, failing to close the gap.
- The game ended with Columbine winning 28-14.