Tag: Jeffco

Arvada West football resurgence continues with win over Standley Lake

Arvada West’s Isaiah Ocana (20) and Chase Dixon (11) celebrate a Wildcat touchdown Friday at NAAC. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

ARVADA — Arvada West sophomore quarterback Johnny Krutsch might very well be a symbol of what the present and future holds for the Wildcats’ football program.

A-West (4-1 record) ran its current winning streak to four games with a 41-14 victory over Class 4A’s Standley Lake on Friday at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada. Krutsch led the way with an impressive first half as the Wildcats jumped out to a 27-0 lead at halftime. Krutsch was 18-for-23 passing for 257 yards and three touchdowns after two quarters.

“He is a unique individual. To be 15 years old and be doing what he is doing in a varsity game. It’s pretty special to have a kid like that who has been thrown into the fire as a freshman,” A-West coach Brad Pyatt said of Krutsch who started his freshman year. “He has gotten better and better. He has done an amazing job and I’m really excited about the future with him.”

Krutsch completed his fourth touchdown pass — 42-yard connection to senior Trevor Lepke — midway through the third quarter to go over the 300-yard mark against Standley Lake. He finished 23-for-30 passing for 334 yards and four touchdowns.

“With the defense Standley Lake runs we felt like we could pass on them,” Krutsch said. “We wanted to spread it out a lot, get it to everyone and get a lot of yards tonight.”

A-West sophomore Isaiah Ocana was the Wildcats’ leading receiver with 10 catches for 129 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Senior Chase Dixon added five catches for 99 yards.

Arvada West junior Jack Boyer (98) puts pressure on Standley Lake quarterback Jake Foutz (15). (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

Senior Joey Perez was the workhorse on the ground with nearly 20 carries and had A-West’s final touchdown on a 1-yard run in the fourth quarter. Sophomore Tony Cass had a 25-yard touchdown run on A-West’s opening drive as the Wildcats jumped out to a 20-0 lead in the first quarter.

“I’m just proud for the boys. They are getting some success. I’ve told them from Day 1 that we are going to grind it out,” Pyatt said. “I’m proud of these seniors. They have stuck it out for two years and now their hard work is paying off this third season.”

A-West has already reached the win total — four — it had over the past two seasons combined.

“This is a start of a new A-West,” Krutsch said. “I’m just happy to be a part of it.”

The Wildcats are still very young, but the non-league wins early this year should benefit A-West as it heading into conference play next week.

“I’m excited to see what we can do in league,” said A-West senior James Gould, who had a trio of sacks on Standley Lake quarterback Jake Foutz. “These wins have built up our confidence.”

The Wildcats host Rangeview at noon Oct. 8 at NAAC in the 5A Mt. Wilson League opener. A-West then faces area-rival Ralston Valley at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14, at NAAC. A-West and Ralston Valley are actually the only two 5A Jeffco schools in the same league as the start of the new waterfall league system begins.

The Gators (3-2) had their three-game winning steak come to an end. Standley Lake did manage a pair of touchdowns in the second half against A-West. Foutz had an 8-yard touchdown pass to senior Beck Halbiesen and senior Landon Warriner broke off an 82-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter.

Standley Lake kicks off its league play at 7 p.m. Oct. 7 at NAAC against Thornton. The 4A Mountain League opener is also the Gators’ homecoming game.

Arvada West sophomore Tony Cass (2) breaks out of a tackle attempt by Standley Lake’s Zach Johnstone (62) during the Wildcats’ 41-14 victory. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

October 1, 2016
No. 4 Pine Creek football grinds out road win against Ralston Valley

ARVADA — Pine Creek’s football team made it a productive trip to the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada on Friday night.

The Eagles, No. 4 in this week’s CHSAANow.com Class 4A rankings, spoiled Ralston Valley’s homecoming game. Pine Creek came away with a 22-10 win in the final non-league game for both teams.

“We’ve had a tough grind in our non-conference,” Pine Creek coach Todd Miller said. “Coming in here and playing a great quality (Ralston Valley) program that is well-coached. Our players executed the game-plan and played hard.”

The plan for Pine Creek (3-2 overall) was to bottle up Ralston Valley’s rushing attack. The Eagles did just that in the opening half holding the Mustangs (2-3) to under 50 yards total offense in taking a 14-0 lead at halftime.

“Pine Creek’s defense just kind of dominated our offensive line and we made too many mistakes,” Ralston Valley senior Shayne Whitmyer said. “We’ve got to improve.”

Pine Creek capped off an opening 7-play, 66-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown by junior Wyatt Weiland. Senior quarterback Brock Domann ran in a 2-point conversion to give the Eagles an 8-0 lead.

Ralston Valley’s defensive highlight in the opening half was Whitmyer recovering a fumble by senior Pete Isais on the Mustangs’ 44-yard line with 9:28 left in the second quarter. However, the Mustangs weren’t able to take advantage of the good field position. After a first down, Ralston Valley had to punt.

While a punt by Ralston Valley senior Salvetti D’Ascoli pinned Pine Creek back on its own 6-yard line, Domann quickly got the Eagles out of the hole. Back-to-back runs of 14 and 38 yards by Domann got Pine Creek across midfield. The Eagles then went to the air for their second touchdown.

Ralston Valley quarterback Salvetti D’Ascoli gets off a pass Friday night. More photos (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

“We saw the mismatch and we went to it,” Isais said of the biggest play of the game.

On a fourth-down play from Ralston Valley’s 27-yard line in the waning minutes of the first half, Domann connected with Isais for a 27-yard touchdown pass. Pine Creek took a 14-0 lead at halftime.

“Pete was calling for it. Sometimes as coaches you’ve got to listen to the guys that are involved in the mission,” Miller said. “(Isais) wanted it and Brock put it right on the money.”

Ralston Valley got on the board in the second half with a 36-yard field goal by senior Ben Raybon late in the third quarter to make the score 14-3. It capped off a long 15-play drive that covered 75 yards before stalling out on Pine Creek’s 20-yard line.

The Eagles did respond. Domann, who finished with 103 yards rushing and 58 yards passing, ran for a 12-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter to push Pine Creek’s lead to 22-3.

Ralston Valley managed a touchdown late on a 21-yard touchdown run by D’Ascoli to make the final score 22-10. The Mustangs finished with just over 200 yards of offense in the second half. Whitmyer, Tyler Callaway, Tyler Shannon and Brad Roberts combined for 170 yards rushing.

“We’ve got to look forward. We’ve got to look past this,” Whitmyer said. “We’ve got to get back to work at practice and take it to our league.”

The Mustangs opens play in the 5A Mtn. Wilson League against Castle View (2-3) at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6 at Douglas County Stadium.

Pine Creek begins play in the 4A Southern League at home against Pueblo Centennial at 1 p.m. Oct. 8.

“It was huge to get this win going into league,” Isais said. “This is just a stepping stone. It’s on to next week.”

Pine Creek’s Toby Scoles (14) and Bo Epperson (32) wrap up Ralston Valley senior Tyler Callaway. More photos (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

Pine Creek’s Wyatt Weiland (1) fights for extra yards as Ralston Valley’s Gabe Cook hangs on for the tackle. More photos (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

October 1, 2016
Dakota Ridge softball stays hot, edges Pomona

Dakota Ridge senior Caryle Levy pitched a four-hit shutout against Pomona. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

LITTLETON — Dakota Ridge softball has pretty good timing.

The Eagles started off the season with a rough 2-7 start, but a six-game winning streak has Dakota Ridge soaring into a head-to-head battle for first-place in the Class 5A Jeffco League. Dakota Ridge (8-7, 4-0 in league) travels to Arvada to face Ralston Valley (8-7, 5-0) at 10 a.m. Saturday, with the winner taking the driver’s seat in the conference race.

“We want it so bad,” Dakota Ridge senior Melissa Mages said of a conference title. “We feel like this is our year. It’s going to come down to that game.”

While Saturday’s could decide the league champion, Pomona (7-9, 2-3) did its best Thursday, Sept. 29, to put a stop to the Eagles’ winning steak and end the Panthers’ own skid. Dakota Ridge received stellar pitching performance from senior Caryle Levy and the Eagles were able to get a couple of key two-out hits to grab a 2-0 victory.

“We need what we are doing now in the worst way, especially with the way we started,” Dakota Ridge coach Marvin Van Lingren said. “This is big for us. It’s not over. We’ve got a couple more key games.”

Pomona’s Abriana Ramirez forces out Dakota Ridge’s Faith Lawson at third base. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

It wasn’t over until Levy struck out her six batter in the top of the seven inning with the tying run at the plate for the Panthers to seal the four-hit, complete-game shutout.

Levy had a no-hitter going through four innings, but the Panthers made things interesting in the seventh.

Senior Gracie Cordova, one of the top power hitters in the state, ripped a leadoff double to start the seventh with the Eagles holding on to a 2-0 lead.

Fortunately for Dakota Ridge, a two-out double by Mages in the bottom of the sixth inning gave the Eagles a much-needed insurance run with Cordova coming up.

Junior Alexis Blatner had given the Eagles a 1-0 lead with a two-out single in the bottom of the second inning.

“That run was very important,” Levy said of Mages’ double in the sixth. “It took a lot of weight off my shoulders.”

Pomona senior Abriana Ramirez ripped her second single of the game with Cordova on second base. However, a good throw from Dakota Ridge centerfielder Jordyn Baca cut down Cordova at the plate to keep the Panthers off the scoreboard. Levy struck out the next batter in Pomona junior Destiny Maes to end the game.

“She (Levy) is obviously a pretty good pitcher. We just could never get comfortable,” Pomona coach Jim Biddle said. “She moved the ball real well on us. We couldn’t get that key hit when we needed it.”

After the loss, Pomona dropped to No. 34 in the RPI rankings. The Panthers are clearly on the bubble to make the 32-team regional field for the postseason. Pomona closes its conference schedule against Lakewood (10 a.m. Saturday) and Arvada West (4:30 p.m. Wednesday).

“We can’t afford anymore losses,” Biddle said. “League wins are tough to get.”

Thursday’s conference game for Dakota Ridge started a string of three games in three days. The Eagles have a break from league play when it hosts Mullen at 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, before the showdown with Ralston Valley.

“We haven’t beat Ralston Valley in the last three years, I think,” Van Lingren said. “Every game that we played them was a tight game. This next one won’t be any different.”

The Eagles finish league play at home against Arvada West at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 7.

Dakota Ridge senior Kacey Valerio prepares to take off from second base during the Eagles’ sixth straight win. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

September 30, 2016
D’Evelyn handles Evergreen in 4A Jeffco softball action

D’Evelyn junior Angi Reed had an RBI single in the Jaguars’ 8-run 1st inning Tuesday against Evergreen. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

DENVER — Eight was enough for D’Evelyn’s softball team Tuesday afternoon against rival Evergreen.

The Jaguars (10-5 overall, 2-1 in Class 4A Jeffco) scored eight runs on seven hits while sending 11 batters to the plate in the bottom of the first inning. The big opening inning was all D’Evelyn needed offensively in an eventual 10-3 home victory over the Cougars (9-5, 1-2).

“It was really nice how they attacked right away,” D’Evelyn coach Dan Porreco said of the 8-run first. “Then we kind of cooled down, popped things up and was getting into easy outs. We’ve been trying to have complete games where we keep scoring.”

D’Evelyn led off the game with four straight hits. Bailey Marvel, Angi Reed, Peyton Balbin and Sarah Dirks got the Jaguars rolling. Balbin went 3-for-4 with a pair of triples, a home run and four RBIs. She has proved how valuable young talent can be.

Balbin tripled in the fourth and finished off the Jaguars’ scoring with a 2-run home run on a line-drive to left field in the bottom of the sixth inning to make the final score 10-3.

Evergreen senior Katie Solis (1) slides into home before D’Evelyn catcher Peyton Balbin can apply the tag. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

“My expectations were just to help the team out,” D’Evelyn’s starting freshman catcher said. “This team is fun and I respect them. I wanted to get hits for them when they need it. I’m just pushing more.”

Marvel provided a nice push also going 3-for-4 from the plate, which included a 3-run triple in her second at-bat in the bottom of the first inning.

“We came out with a lot of hits. We drove in a lot of runs,” Marvel said. “We always come out strong and then seem to flatten out.”

After belting seven hits in the first inning, D’Evelyn took its foot off the accelerator. The Jaguars only had five hits off Evergreen senior pitcher Katie Solis for the remainder of the game. The only runs for D’Evelyn after the first inning came on Baldin’s 2-run inside-the-park home run.

“She (Balbin) crushed it,” Porreco said. “She doesn’t act like a freshman. She is aggressive and handles herself.”

Evergreen did get on the scoreboard in the top of the fourth inning. The Cougars took advantage of three walks by D’Evelyn pitcher Jamie Lefevre in the inning. Solis picked up an RBI on a groundout to first base.

Evergreen senior Jessica Bellatti had two singles to lead the Cougars’ offense that had three hits in the game. Evergreen scored two more runs in the top of the sixth inning, but Bellatti was caught stealing in the top of the seventh for the final out of the game.

With only two automatic bids awarded to 4A Jeffco, it may very well be the case that D’Evelyn and Evergreen postseason dreams will be realized or crushed by RPI points. Half of the postseason field will be made up of at-large bids to make the 32-team regional playoff field.

“We’ve just got to win,” Porreco said of the playoff hopes. “I feel good so far. We want to go to the playoffs and prove something.”

Going into Tuesday’s game, D’Evelyn was 23rd in the RPI standings and Evergreen sat near the bubble at 30th.

D’Evelyn closes its conference schedule with the two top dogs — Valor Christian (15-0, 4-0) and Wheat Ridge (11-5, 2-1). The Jaguars faced two-time defending 4A state champion and No. 1 ranked Valor at 10 a.m. Saturday in Highlands Ranch. D’Evelyn wraps up league play at No. 4 Wheat Ridge at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 5.

“Valor is our main one. Hopefully we’ll come out and hit Ali (Valor junior pitcher Ali Kilponen). She has been having a great season,” Marvel said. “If we can beat Valor, I think we can carry that momentum over to beat Wheat Ridge.”

Victories over Valor and Wheat Ridge would put D’Evelyn in the driver’s seat for a conference title. Evergreen gets its shot against Wheat Ridge on the Cougars’ home field at 4:30 p.m. Thursday.

D’Evelyn softball coach Dan Porreco, right, greets junior Bailey Marvel at third base after her 3-run triple against Evergreen. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

September 28, 2016
Video: Jeffco Preps with Dennis Pleuss

A roundup of Jeffco prep highlights, interviews and schedules with the newest member of the JPS-TV team, Jeffco Communication Specialist for Athletics & Activities Dennis Pleuss.

September 28, 2016
Alameda boys soccer defeats Weld Central to begin league title defense

Alameda International sophomore Derik Gutierrez (4) scored four goals.
(Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

LAKEWOOD — Alameda International’s quest for back-to-back Class 4A/3A Colorado 7 League boys soccer titles began Monday at Lakewood Memorial Field.

The Pirates (4-3-2 overall, 1-0-0 in league) started its conference schedule with an impressive 9-2 victory over Weld Central (1-8, 0-1). Alameda’s had a three-headed scoring monster with senior Brian Varela, junior Lodrigue Byamungo and sophomore Derik Gutierrez. The trio combined for eight goals and four assists against the Rebels from Keenesburg.

“We’ve got some guys who can put it in the back of the net,” Alameda coach Steve Houwen said. “That is something we’ve been working on because when we started the season it was hard to come by goals.”

The Pirates graduated six seniors from last year’s team. Houwen said all six were on the offensive side of the ball. Alameda had to find new personal to give the Pirates a scoring punch.

Gutierrez got Alameda off to a quick start Monday with a pair of goals in the first four minutes. Both were assisted by Byamungo. Varela put in the Pirates’ third goal in the 23rd minute on an assist by Byamungo. Varela returned the favor a minute later assisting on Byamungo’s first goal.

Alameda International senior Brian Varela (2) races after the ball with Weld Central sophomore Santana Hernandez (1). (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

“We have to play strong and not let anything through,” Varela said of the desired style of play this season. “We need to keep shooting and making goals.”

After taking a 4-0 halftime lead, the Pirates keeps things going with Gutierrez picking up his third and fourth goals in the first 10 minutes of the second half before taking a seat on the bench. Byamungo put in his second goal and Varela scored on a penalty kick to make it an 8-0 lead in the 63rd minute.

Alameda starting goalie Casey Pruitt got into the scoring mix with the Pirates’ final goal in the 73rd minute. Weld Central did prevent the shutout with goals from senior Sergio Gonzales and sophomore David Melendez late in the second half.

“It’s nice to get into league and it’s nice to get healthy again,” said Houwen, who didn’t have the services of Byamungo for a few of games due to injury. “We played some quality opponents and that is what we need to do to get better for league.”

This is Alameda’s third year playing in the Colorado 7. Houwen has made it a point to schedule some non-league games against former 4A Jeffco foes. Alameda suffered a 2-0 loss to D’Evelyn and 1-0 defeat to Golden during a three-game losing streak the Pirates were able to snap Monday night.

“Our goal is to go back-to-back,” Houwen said about the Pirates going 6-1 in the Colorado 7 League last year in winning the conference champions. “It’s not going to be easy. It’s a good league.”

Fort Morgan and Skyview should be in the league mix. There are also some old 4A Jeffco foes who will challenge Alameda. Arvada and Conifer both moved out of the 4A Jeffco League for the next two-year cycle to play in the Colorado 7.

“This is a league we can compete in,” Houwen said of the Colorado 7. “None of our kids play club soccer. That is a real determinate when you have other schools who have club players who have been playing for a real long time.”

Alameda was the No. 18 seed for the 4A state tournament last year after winning league. The Pirates suffered a 2-0 loss to Denver North in the opening round.

“Last year was heartbreaking,” Varela said of Alameda’s state tournament loss.

The Pirates continue their journey to a conference repeat when they face Fort Lupton at 7 p.m. Thursday at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada. Alameda then goes on a three-game string of road games at Englewood, Conifer and Fort Morgan.

September 27, 2016
Hail Mary helps Standley Lake football edge Green Mountain

Standley Lake junior Ty Webber (21) hauls in a touchdown pass on the final play of the first half. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

ARVADA — A tip on the final play of the first half Friday aided Standley Lake football snag victory against Jeffco rival Green Mountain at the North Area Athletic Complex.

With 2.4 seconds left in the second quarter, the Gators (3-1) had the ball on Green Mountain’s 27-yard line. Senior quarterback Jake Foutz heaved a pass into the end zone. Standley Lake senior Beck Halbiesen and Green Mountain senior Emery Schattinger battled for the jump ball. Halbiesen was able to tip the ball up in the air. Standley Lake senior Ty Webber caught the deflection in the back corner of the end zone to give the Gators a 13-6 lead at halftime.

“I saw the ball and everything stopped,” Webber said about the Hail Mary catch. “I didn’t hear the crowd or anything. I was so surprised.”

Webber said Halbiesen told him before the snap of the ball to be prepared for a tipped ball.

“That wasn’t the plan,” Standley Lake coach Don Morse said after the Gators’ third straight victory. “I just said throw it to the end zone and see what happens.”

What happened in the end was Standley Lake taking a 20-12 victory. Foutz actually connected with Webber in the final minute of the third quarter on more of a conventual touchdown pass of 18 yards to give the Gators a 20-6 lead.

Standley Lake junior Ty Hammock (28) is tackled by Green Mountain’s Thomas Lyall (11) and Ben Schlieper (9) (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

The Gators’ other touchdown came on a 17-yard touchdown run in the first quarter by sophomore Brady Kizer that erased Green Mountain’s early lead.

“Football is a game of inches. Sometimes the ball bounces your way and sometimes it doesn’t,” Green Mountain coach Matt Pees said. “You’ve got to overcome those things and I think our kids did in the second half.”

Green Mountain took advantage of a Standley Lake turnover with less than four minutes to play. Rams’ senior quarterback Dylan Jacob hit senior Justin Booher for a 29-yard touchdown pass to cut the lead to 20-12.

The Rams were able to get the ball back with 1:59 to play and on Standley Lake’s 38-yard line, but a pair of sacks on Jacob eventually turned the ball over on downs to the Gators to seal the win.

“It was a shock. It was pretty stressful,” Standley Lake defensive end Jack Anderson said of Green Mountain getting the ball back late with a chance to tie things up. “Any win is a big win. You have to take them when you can get them.”

Anderson was in on a number of plays in the Rams’ offensive backfield. The Gators sacked or held Jacob to zero yards on eight plays.

“I really think our defense played outstanding,” Morse said. “We got a lot of pressure on Jacob.”

Green Mountain jumped out to an early 6-0 lead when Jacob hit senior Kyle Clabaugh for a 74-yard touchdown on a slip-screen on the Rams’ first offensive possession. Jacob finished 11-for-19 passing for 187 yards and two touchdowns.

“That screen really opened our eyes. We had prepared for it, but we didn’t read it,” Anderson said. “We changed it up and we figured out how to beat it.”

Clabaugh had four catches for 104 yards, along with 64 yards rushing to pace Green Mountain (2-2).

“We’ve got a lot to clean up before playing Battle Mountain,” Pees said. “Our goal is still there to win a conference championship. That is what we’re aiming for.”

Green Mountain has its final non-league game at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 30 at Trailblazer Stadium in Lakewood against Battle Mountain.

Standley Lake is back at NAAC next Friday for another late-afternoon game against yet another Jeffco school. The Gators get a shot against Class 5A’s Arvada West at 4 p.m. Sept. 30.

“You like to see your team progressing so once you get into league hopefully you’ve worked out some of those kinks,” Morse said. “Each week you just kind of piece it together and see what you can do.”

Standley Lake’s Landon Warriner, Brady Kizer and Jackson Dowis celebrate Kizer’s first-quarter touchdown run. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

September 24, 2016
Columbine hitters deliver in softball win over Pomona

Columbine shortstop Shania Lopez forces out a sliding Pomona junior Alexus Spinks during the Rebels’ 5-1 win Saturday. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

ARVADA — Clutch hitting by the bottom of Columbine’s line-up guided the Rebels to a nice Class 5A Jeffco League softball road victory Saturday morning.

Sophomore Daysha Mendez and junior Amber Davis — Columbine’s eight- and nine-hole hitters — combined to drive in four runs to lift the Rebels (8-7, 2-1 in league) to a 5-1 victory over Pomona (7-7, 2-1).

“I liked our approach at the plate,” Columbine coach Brooks Roybal said after the win at Pomona High School. “They made some adjustments after striking out early. Everyone put the ball into play.”

The Rebels broke a 1-1 tie in the top of the fourth inning with a big two-out rally. Lynsie Scheid, Shania Lopez, Mendez and Davis strung together four straight singles to plate a pair of runs to give Columbine a 3-1 lead.

Columbine was able to crank out 13 hits off Pomona pitchers Alysa Wilner and Makaila Chadwick.

“Our line-up has definitely improved from top to bottom,” said Columbine junior pitcher Erin Smith, who added it was a “must-win” situation for the Rebels on Saturday. “Everyone is getting hits and doing their job.”

Columbine junior Erin Smith gave up just four hits against Pomona. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

The Rebels added to their lead in the top of the sixth inning. Senior Kasey Cruz led off the inning with a double to deep right field. Mendez drove in her second run on a fielder’s choice and Davis ripped a single to left field to extend Columbine’s lead to 5-1.

“It was a game where we couldn’t get that key hit and (Columbine) got the key hits. We couldn’t make that one key defensive play and (Columbine) made key defensive plays,” Pomona coach Jim Biddle said after the Panthers’ had their three-game winning streak snapped. “It was a pretty good softball game. They played a little bit better than us and they deserved to win the game.”

While the bottom of the line-up delivered for Columbine, Smith settled in after giving up a walk and pair of singles in the first inning. Pomona junior Jessica Espinoza drove in the Panthers’ lone run with a single in the bottom of the first.

Smith, a lefty, retired 11 straight batters and finished with seven strikeouts.

Columbine junior Zoey Cruz, left, slide into home Saturday, Sept. 23. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

“She (Smith) has been doing a great job all year. She has kept us in every ballgame she has pitched in,” Roybal said. “Today she gave up just four hits. She was able to adjust and find the zone.”

Pomona threatened in the bottom of the seventh inning. The Panthers loaded the bases with two outs, but Mendez raced in from centerfield to grab the final out on a fly ball by Pomona senior Nicole Sullivan.

“It’s always a little nerve-racking, but I know I have a good defense behind me,” Smith said of Pomona bringing the tying run to the plate in the seventh inning. “I trust them to make the play.”

Columbine is back at home Tuesday, Sept. 27. The Rebels host Lakewood at 4:30 p.m. Pomona has a tough test at home against defending 5A Jeffco League champion and rival Ralston Valley at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27.

“In our league every game is tough. Anybody can beat anybody,” Biddle said. “You just have to play your best and hope for good things.”

Columbine coach Brooks Roybal, far left, talks with players during the sixth inning Saturday at Pomona. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

September 24, 2016
No. 3 Columbine football grinds out win over 4A’s No. 1 Chatfield

LAKEWOOD — By ground or by air, it didn’t matter which way Columbine’s football team found its way into the end zone Thursday night at Jeffco Stadium.

The Rebels, No. 3 ranked in this week’s Class 5A CHSAANow.com poll, used two first-half touchdown passes from senior quarterback Mikey Griebel to junior Ted Mullin and a 2-yard scoring run by senior Tim Mullin to jump on 4A’s No. 1 Chatfield. Columbine (3-1) raced out to a 21-0 lead at halftime on the way to a 28-7 victory in the south-Jeffco rivalry game.

“I don’t really care if Chatfield is 5A or 4A, that is always going to be a good football program,” said Griebel, who also ran for a 1-yard touchdown run to ice the game in the fourth quarter. “We came in ready to roll tonight.”

Ted Mullin caught touchdown passes of 6 and 12 yards in the final three minutes of the first half to open up a 21-point lead at halftime. The older Mullin brother, Tim, started the scoring capping off a 12-play, 80-yard drive on the opening possession of the game.

Columbine junior Ted Mullin caught a pair of second-quarter touchdowns. More photos. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

“If it wasn’t for the Columbine run game I wouldn’t be able to go up and get those,” Mullin said of his touchdown catches. “Having a player like Mikey really puts the defense on their toes and allows for other guys to step in when they need to.”

Columbine’s defense was outstanding in the first half, allowing just three Chatfield first downs before halftime. The Chargers (3-1) had scored more than 50 points in their first three games.

“It took a lot of work to stop them on defense,” Columbine senior defensive end Bradley Kinzer said. “We played our assignments and if we do that it gets the job done.”

Chatfield came up with its most impressive drive of the game with a 96-yard drive that ended in a 1-yard touchdown run by Chatfield junior quarterback Colton Arne in the third quarter. The touchdown came after an interception by Chatfield junior Keland Rumsey.

However, Columbine answered with a signature scoring drive to seal the victory.

“It’s kind of what the doctor ordered,” Columbine coach Andy Lowry said of the Rebels’ 70-yard, 16-play scoring drive that ate up more than 10 minutes of the second half.

Ted Mullin nearly caught his third touchdown off the night, but the Rebels had no problem settling for a 1-yard touchdown run by Griebel with 6:37 left in the fourth quarter.

Griebel has three passing and five rushing touchdowns on the season, but gave a ton of credit to his offensive line when it came to the offensive success Thursday night.

Chatfield junior Colton Arne (5) gets off a pass with Columbine senior Bradley Kinzer (45) in his face. More photos. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

“We kept preaching about putting the nail in the coffin,” Ted Mullin said. “That 10 minute drive and putting points on the board in the end really sealed the deal for us.”

Chatfield drove down inside Columbine’s 20-yard line in the final minutes thanks to a 52-yard run by senior Dalton Keene, but the Chargers eventually turned the ball over on downs.

“This isn’t the end of our season. We had three goals to the season — beat Columbine, make the playoffs and make it to state,” Keene said. “This was just one goal. We have a long season ahead of us.”

Chatfield’s last victory over its rival was back in 2009. The Chargers edged the Rebels 16-13. Columbine has now won seven straight in the south-Jeffco rivalry game.

Both Chatfield and Columbine have one final non-league game remaining before heading into conference play.

The Chargers head to Colorado Springs next week to face Widefield at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30. Chatfield then turns its attention toward play in the 4A Plains League that begins Oct. 7 at Jeffco Stadium against Golden.

“We can’t put our heads down after this,” Keene said. “We’ll regroup and hit it next week.”

The Rebels finish off non-league play hosting Denver East at 6 p.m. Sept. 29, at Jeffco Stadium. Columbine has the task of playing in one of the toughest 5A conferences — the Mt. Cameron League — that features three current 5A top-10 ranked teams in Columbine, Mullen and Fairview.

“Fairview and Mullen are going to be similar games to this,” Kinzer said. “We are definitely looking forward to those two and where we are going as a team.”

Conference play won’t be a picnic for the Rebels. Columbine starts with road games against No. 8 Fairview (Oct. 6) and No. 2 Mullen (Oct. 13).

Columbine’s Mikey Griebel passed for a pair of touchdowns and ran for a third in a win over rival Chatfield. More photos. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

Columbine senior Tim Mullin (5) breaks away from Chatfield senior Drew Johnson (1) on an 80-yard run. More photos. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

September 23, 2016
No. 9 D’Evelyn boys soccer works OT to defeat Evergreen

D’Evelyn players celebrate after the Jaguars’ 3-2 overtime victory against Evergreen on Sept. 21 at Lakewood Memorial Field. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

LAKEWOOD — If Wednesday night at Lakewood Memorial Field was any indication, the race for the Class 4A Jeffco League title will be a wild one.

D’Evelyn, ranked No. 9 in this week’s CHSAANow.com 4A boys soccer poll, knocked off defending 4A state champ Evergreen in a 3-2 overtime thriller. It was the conference opener for both teams.

“Jeffco is a really good league,” said D’Evelyn senior Wesley Tedstrom, who scored his team-leading ninth goal in the win. “It’s very intimidating, but we are one of those intimidating teams that people have to look out for as well.”

Jaguars’ opponents have to beware of the return of D’Evelyn senior Charles Doebbler. Doebbler, a starter for D’Evelyn as a freshman and sophomore, ran cross country instead of playing soccer last fall. He decided to return to the soccer pitch for his senior season.

“I just really missed the guys,” Doebbler said when asked why he came back. “I love soccer and I’m glad I came back.”

Doebbler was key in the win over Evergreen. The senior opened the scoring in the 19th minute with the lone goal of the first half. Doebbler scored his fifth goal of the season three minutes into overtime for the game-winning goal.

“To have him (Doebbler) back this year is amazing,” D’Evelyn coach Paul Moline said.

Evergreen senior Adam Babb (9) wards off D’Evelyn senior Tommy Evon (5) on Wednesday night. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

The game-winning goal was set up from some deep offensive pressure on Evergreen senior goalie Logan Westgard. D’Evelyn senior Owen Fulton had a pair of shots at point-blank range on Westgard, but the Cougars’ keeper was up to the task with a pair of sprawling saves.

However, the second rebound went right to Doebbler who rocketed a shot into the back of the net to give the Jaguars (6-3 record, 1-0 in league) their fourth straight victory.

“It was just there and came right to me to give me a perfect shot,” Doebbler said.

Evergreen had fallen behind twice. A goal off the head of Evergreen senior Adam Babb in the 54th minute tied the game at 1-1. Evergreen senior Brock Anderson sent the game into overtime with his fourth goal of the season with just less than two minutes remaining in regulation time.

Despite losing a pair of leads, Moline was confident the Jaguars could get the game-winning goal with solid offensive pressure in the first 10 minutes of overtime.

“We just turned it on in overtime,” Moline said. “We have that character on this team these last few weeks. We don’t quit. They really believe in each other a lot.”

D’Evelyn had an impressive last week with a 4-1 victory over then 4A’s No. 1 ranked Cheyenne Mountain and 1-0 win on the road against Ponderosa.

“If we want to go deep in the playoffs these are the games we have to win,” Moline said. “If we can play our best game it gives us a chance against anybody.”

Next up for the Jaguars is league rival Wheat Ridge at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27, at Lakewood Memorial.

D’Evelyn senior Josh Schlicht (20) and Evergreen senior Patrick O’Neil (13) chase after the ball. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

The defending 4A state champions have already endured a pretty rough patch. After a dominating 6-0 victory over Palmer in the Cougars’ season opener, Evergreen (3-4-1, 0-1) had an eight-day stretch of three straight losses (Air Academy, Arvada West and Durango) and a tie against Kent Denver.

“We’ll get back to work tomorrow,” Evergreen coach Ross Fowler said. “It’s about making sure we are proactive on how we solve problems before they become real problems.”

Heading into conference play its pretty clear 4A Jeffco will be competitive. Seven of eight teams in the conference were at or above .500 during non-league play. Evergreen and Standley Lake both made the 4A state semifinals last year with the Cougars eventually defeating The Classical Academy 1-0 in the state championship game.

“There were very few easy games in Jeffco last year. It’s going to be no different this year,” Fowler said. “We know we have to dig in. We know everyone is going to raise their game against us. We’ve got to be able to match that and go one step beyond.”

Evergreen’s next league test will be against Golden on Tuesday, Sept. 27, at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada.

D’Evelyn senior Charles Doebbler, far right, celebrates his game-winning goal over defending 4A state champion Evergreen at Lakewood Memorial Field. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

September 22, 2016