Tag: Jeffco

Ralston Valley softball opens league with upset of No. 4 Arvada West

Ralston Valley was able to celebrate a 10-2 victory over No. 4-ranked Arvada West to open Class 5A Jeffco League play. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

ARVADA — Ralston Valley’s softball team made a statement Tuesday afternoon — the Class 5A Jeffco League title still goes through the Mustangs.

Despite a 3-7 record in non-league action, the defending 5A Jeffco champions came away with a resounding 10-2 victory over rival and CHSAANow.com Class 5A No. 4-ranked Arvada West (8-4-1, 0-1 in league) on the Mustangs’ home field. It was the conference opener for both teams.

“It was a huge (league) opener,” Ralston Valley senior Malory Eldredge said. “It’s great to start off league with a win.”

Eldredge came up with the big hit that broke the game open in the bottom of the fourth inning. The senior lined her second double of the game off A-West ace Shea Mauser for a bases clearing 3-run double to give Ralston Valley (4-7, 1-0) a 7-2 lead.

“I just really wanted to hit it for my team,” said Eldredge, who went 3-for-4 from the plate and scored three times. “That was a big point with only one out and the bases loaded. We needed those runs. I just wanted to relax and deliver for my team.”

Ralston Valley senior Alexa Samuels slides into home in front of Arvada West junior Shea Mauser (7) on a wild pitch. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

The Mustangs ended up with a 5-run bottom of the fourth inning. Eldredge helped Ralston Valley tack on two more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning with a leadoff single. Sophomores Christaana Angelopulos and Sydney Stewart both singled in the inning of A-West junior Morgan Clausen to push the Mustangs’ lead to 10-2.

Ralston Valley cranked out a 13 hits in the victory. Eight of nine starters had at least one hit in the win.

“It was amazing that everyone up and down the line-up contributed,” Ralston Valley coach Wendy Davies said. “It was definitely a team win.”

Junior Gianna Browdy picked up the win in the circle for Ralston Valley. Browdy gave up eight hits, but the Mustangs’ defense was solid behind her. Ralston Valley turned a pair of double plays and senior catcher Alexa Samuels threw out a pair of Wildcats at third base that were trying to advance on wild pitches.

“Gianna threw a great game. For Alexa to get those put outs at third base were incredible,” Eldredge said. “That was a big key to the game getting those outs on the bases.”

Browdy tossed three scoreless innings to end the game to help erase memories of a rough first month of the season for Ralston Valley.

Ralston Valley junior Gianna Browdy pitches during Tuesday’s win. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

“It’s always a tough game against A-West. We just had to get our heads in the game and come out strong,” Browdy said. “We started out rough this year, but we are making a big comeback.”

Ralston Valley continues its league schedule when it host Lakewood at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22. The Mustangs finish September with a trio of road conference games before returning home to face Dakota Ridge on Oct. 1.

The top two team in 5A Jeffco receive automatic berths into the 32-team regional playoffs. There will be 18 RPI bids handed out to be determined by the seeding committee utilizing the final RPI rankings.

“Absolutely, you try to get one of those two automatics,” Davies said of the importance of league play. “That way you aren’t wondering about RPI points.”

A-West will try to bounce back when it hosts Bear Creek at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22.

The Wildcats could take some positives away from the league opening loss. Junior Kailey Robb went 3-for-3 from the plate and senior Brittany Phillips had a pair of hits, including an RBI double.
“Maybe a little bit of a wake-up call for us. It’s a way to refocus,” A-West coach Brenna Millikan said. “Obviously, we’ve got a lot to work on. I don’t think that was our best game or showed how we’ve been doing to this point and what we are capable of.”

With six conference games remaining, Millikan knows the Wildcats have time to atone its loss against Ralston Valley.

“We still have big goals ahead of us,” Millikan said. “Jeffco is a crazy league and so competitive. Anything can happen. Anybody can beat anybody.”

Arvada West senior Delaney Fletcher, far right, runs to first base during a sacrifice bunt against Ralston Valley. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

September 21, 2016
Wheat Ridge boys soccer shuts out Dakota Ridge

Wheat Ridge junior Ian Spetnagel (12) attempts to split a pair of Dakota Ridge defenders during the Farmers’ 5-0 win. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

LAKEWOOD — For the first 30 minutes Monday night at Lakewood Memorial Field, Wheat Ridge’s boys soccer team looked like a team that could compete with the elite teams in the tough Class 4A Jeffco League.

The Farmers put four goals into the back of the net in the first 27 minutes in a non-league game against Class 5A Jeffco’s Dakota Ridge. Wheat Ridge cruised to a 5-0 victory to get its record to 4-4 on the season.

“We were able to possess a little bit in our offensive zone and to control the game,” Wheat Ridge coach Dave Osse said. “We did a great job of that in the beginning. If we play like we did the first 30 minutes we can play with anybody.”

Wheat Ridge junior Daniel Hernandez got the scoring going with a goal in the 7th minute on a shot from close range that rocketed under the cross bar. Junior Joe Whitney increased the lead to 2-0 four minutes later with a direct kick from near midfield that was placed just out of reach of Dakota Ridge junior goalie Randy Tran.

The Farmers’ leading scorer — sophomore Jorge Baranda — scored his 11th and 12th goals of the season on headers in the 16th and 27th minutes to extend the lead to 4-0 before halftime.

Wheat Ridge sophomore Jorge Baranda (2) heads in his second goal over Dakota Ridge goalie Randy Tran. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

“It’s fun having him (Baranda) around. He is fun. He is energetic. He can make a lot of great touches on the ball,” Osse said. “Hopefully he leads to opportunities to other guys because of his abilities.”

Dakota Ridge (0-8) had a couple of scoring opportunities in the second half. One of the best chances came off the foot of senior Andrew Archuleta in the 62nd minute, but his shot was saved to keep Wheat Ridge’s first shutout victory of the season intact.

The win broke a two-game losing streak while giving the Farmers more wins this season that their total of three victories in 2015.

“We’ve accomplished a lot. I’m proud of my team,” Wheat Ridge senior Ed Adaz-Aguilar said. “We have better chemistry and we know what we are doing.”

Wheat Ridge starts play in the always tough 4A Jeffco conference against Standley Lake at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada. The Farmers look to improve in league after finishing near the bottom of the conference with a 1-7-1 mark last season.

“It gets tough now getting into conference play. We’ve got four tough ones right off the bat,” Osse said of the Farmers facing Standley Lake, D’Evelyn, Evergreen and Valor Christian over the next three weeks. “We’ve got to be ready.”

Struggling has been the case for Dakota Ridge’s boys soccer program. The Eagles’ last league win came against the Bear Creek nearly two years ago on Sept. 23, 2014 in a 5-4 overtime victory for Dakota Ridge. The Eagles actually haven’t won a game since that win and currently have a 28-game losing streak.

“We are still working at it,” second-year Dakota Ridge coach Ryan Miller said of the elusive victory. “We’ll have 10 or 15 minute jumps where the boys look great. It’s about putting a full 40 minutes together in a half and 80 minutes in a game. The boys haven’t given up. They are still working. I think we are just a couple of things away.”

The Eagles’ closest game to end their losing streak was a 3-2 overtime loss to Columbine last season.

Dakota Ridge hopes it can turn its season around when 5A Jeffco League play begins. The Eagles open their conference schedule against Bear Creek at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, at Lakewood Memorial Field.

“For the eight seniors on this team, they don’t want to finish with another winless season,” Miller said.

Dakota Ridge senior Jack Wilson (12) battles with Wheat Ridge senior Jackson Ruden (4) Monday at Lakewood Memorial Field. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

September 20, 2016
Top-ranked Pomona football speeds past No. 9 Ralston Valley

Pomona junior Max Borghi (21) rushed for three touchdowns. More photos. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

ARVADA — Pomona junior Max Borghi has the speed and power that lights up Friday nights on the football field.

Borghi put on a show at the North Area Athletic Complex on Friday as the No. 1 ranked Class 5A football team in the CHSAANow.com poll took care of area rival No. 9 Ralston Valley with a 28-7 victory. The junior had three touchdown runs — 57, 7 and 23 yards — on his way to more than 150 yards on just 10 carries for Pomona (3-1).

The highlight for Borghi was actually nullified with a 15-yard personal foul for hurdling. It appeared the junior had a 79-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter, but the longest run of the game was called back because of illegal hurdling. If a player hurdles a standing player it’s deemed a dangerous play and a 15-yard personal foul.

“I had to do it. It was a crazy play,” Borghi said with a smile. “I knew it was a penalty right when I did it. It was worth it. It will look good on film.”

Borghi would have gone for well over 200 yards on the ground if the run would have counted.

“It’s great to have Max playing for us,” Pomona senior linebacker Garrett Zanon said. “Every time (defense) comes off the field we know he (Borghi) can take it the distance anytime he gets the ball.”

Pomona’s defense limited No. 9 Ralston Valley (2-2) to just one score. Ralston Valley’s offensive highlight was a 65-yard touchdown run by senior Shayne Whitmyer that cut the Panthers’ lead to 14-7 midway through the second quarter.

Pomona senior Cameron Gonzales (22). More photos. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

“We were on the verge of really taking over the game, but when you play a good team they are going to fight back,” Pomona coach Jay Madden said. “Ralston Valley fought back, but every time they fought back we had a little bit more.”

The Panthers led 21-7 at halftime thanks to Borghi’s second touchdown run of the game just before halftime.

Pomona junior quarterback Ryan Marquez opened the scoring with a 14-yard touchdown run. On the next offensive play for the Panthers, Borghi sprinted 57 yards to pay dirt with 6 minutes, 35 seconds left in the first quarter.

Borghi’s third touchdown came in the third quarter. He hurdled a defender, who was already on the ground which is legal, at the goal line to finish off the 23-yard touchdown run.

“It’s always fun playing against Ralston Valley,” Zanon said. “It’s always a tough game no matter the circumstances.”

Ralston Valley versus Pomona is a football rivalry that fortunately didn’t disappear despite the fact the two Arvada-area schools aren’t in the same conference.

The new waterfall format moved the perennial 5A powerhouses to different leagues while dissolving the 5A Jeffco League for at least the next two-year cycle. The Mustangs and Panthers made it a point to keep the rivalry alive with a non-league game.

“This is what high school sports is all about,” Madden said of the atmosphere of the packed NAAC for Pomona’s homecoming game. “Everyone thinks its about state championships, but it’s about Friday nights every September and October.”

Pomona’s regular-season road doesn’t get any easier. The Panthers head to Highlands Ranch next Friday night (Sept. 23) to face defending state champion Valor Christian. The Eagles (1-2) dropped their first two games, but rebounded last week and have a bye week heading into the rematch of last year’s 5A state championship game.

“We’ll just keep pushing forward. We are looking forward to each week,” Zanon said. “I feel pretty confident about where we are.”

Pomona will have a bye week after the showdown with Valor, opening 5A Mt. Evans League play Oct. 6 at NAAC against Rock Canyon.

Ralston Valley has its bye week this coming week before returning to action in its final non-league game of the regular season against Pine Creek on Sept. 30 at NAAC.

There was a big crowd on hand Friday. More photos. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

September 17, 2016
Top-ranked Chatfield football stampedes past Wheat Ridge

Chatfield senior Dalton Keene, far left, celebrates a touchdown 77 seconds into the Chargers’ eventual 57-7 win over Wheat Ridge on Thursday. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

LAKEWOOD — Before Chatfield even took an offensive snap it snagged a 7-0 lead Thursday night at Jeffco Stadium.

Chatfield senior Dalton Keene blocked a punt and scooped it up to return it for a touchdown 77 seconds into the non-league football game to get the ball rolling the Chargers.

“We’ve always talked about blocked punts and 90 percent of the time the team that blocks a punt wins the game,” Chatfield coach Bret McGatlin said. “That’s a stat we talk about a lot. That was huge.”

For the second straight week, the Chargers induced a running clock. Chatfield had a convincing 57-7 victory against Wheat Ridge. Chatfield (3-0 record) lassoed the top spot in the CHSAANow.com Class 4A football poll last week. The Chargers have no intention of letting the No. 1 ranking go anytime soon.

Keene had a monster game. The Virginia Tech-bound recruit not only had the touchdown on special teams, but had a pair of interceptions from his middle linebacker position along with a 17-yard touchdown run in the second half that pushed the Chargers’ lead to 43-7 midway through the third quarter.

Chatfield senior Andrew Mangold looks to make a move on Wheat Ridge sophomore PJ Dewitt (3). (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

Chatfield junior quarterback Colton Arne had an impressive game throwing for 164 yards and two touchdowns. He also had a 17-yard touchdown run.

“It’s always good to have that cushion,” Arne said of the block punt that he followed up with a 36-yard touchdown pass to senior Tylor Rowles on the Chargers’ first offensive play from scrimmage to up Chatfield ahead 14-0 less than four minutes into the game.

Chatfield senior Drew Johnson had a 28-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter to give the Chargers a 30-0 lead. Wheat Ridge got on the scoreboard with a touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Anthony Tate to junior Max Warner to prevent the shutout.

The early-season momentum Chatfield has built is undeniable. However old rival Columbine (2-1), No. 4 in the 5A poll, has a chance next week to slow down the Chargers’ stampede. The south-Jeffco area rivals face off in a non-league game at 6 p.m. next Thursday at Jeffco Stadium.

“It’s going to be a packed house. It’s always a fun game,” McGatlin said. “We’ll be excited and ready for it.”

Columbine handled Chatfield 31-7 in an old 5A Jeffco League showdown last year. The Chargers had a 1-6 conference record last season before moving to the 4A classification for the next two-year cycle. Chatfield begins its five-game 4A Plains League schedule when the Chargers face Golden on Oct. 7.

“We are ready to take it to Columbine next week,” Keene said. “There has been a lot of chatter about the move down to 4A, but I think we’re ready for them.”

Wheat Ridge (1-3) receives a needed bye week after playing in Zero Week and facing three 4A top-10 teams (Pueblo South, Broomfield and Chatfield). The Farmers play their final non-league game against Dakota Ridge on Sept. 30 at Jeffco Stadium before starting play in the 4A Mountain League.

Wheat Ridge opens conference play Oct. 7 on the road against George Washington at All-City Stadium in Denver.

Chatfield junior Griffin Moss (44) puts pressure on Wheat Ridge quarterback Anthony Tate on Thursday at Jeffco Stadium. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

September 16, 2016
No. 4 Columbine handles Bear Creek in football action

Columbine senior Mikey Griebel rushes in for his first of three touchdown runs Thursday at Jeffco Stadium. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

LAKEWOOD — Columbine football’s rushing attack hasn’t changed much over the years under long-time coach Andy Lowry.

The Rebels relentless and punishing ground attack plowed the way to a 38-14 victory over Jeffco rival Thursday at Jeffco Stadium. Columbine (2-1 record), ranked No. 4 in the latest CHSAANow.com Class 5A football poll, had five rushing touchdowns while putting up 311 yards on the ground.

“It all starts up front for us,” Lowry said of the Rebels’ offensive line.

Senior Mikey Griebel, who has moved from tailback to quarterback this season, showed he still has the moves that made him one of the most dynamic offensive players in the state as a junior. Griebel rushed for a pair of short touchdowns in the first quarter to give the Rebels a 14-0 lead.

“It’s a little different, but with the quarterback in this offense it’s like a fourth running back,” Griebel said of returning to the quarterback position where he played as a freshman at Heritage High School. “I’ve got to give the credit to the offensive line tonight. They hustled and blew off the ball tonight. It was fun to see that.”

Griebel’s third touchdown run of 16 yards extended Columbine’s lead to 38-7 with 4 minutes, 29 seconds left in the third quarter. Griebel finished with seven carries for 87 yards and also completed a 37-yard pass to senior Buck Ramming in the first quarter.

Columbine’s running back brother combination of Tim and Ted Mullin combined for 20 carries, 117 yards and two touchdowns.

Columbine junior Ted Mullin leaps into the end zone during a 38-14 victory over Bear Creek. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

“Timmy is a hard-nosed kid,” Griebel said of the older Mullin brother who finished with a team-high 15 carries for 95 yards from his fullback position. “He will run through a wall for us.”

Junior Conner Snow added to the Rebels’ stable of running backs. He opened with a 44-yard run and finished with 90 yards just five carries.

The defensive highlights for Columbine was a pair of interceptions by junior Andrew Arterburn. The Rebels were able to convert both turnovers into touchdowns.

“I saw my teammates make the play on both interceptions,” Arterburn said. “The ball just came to me. It was the front four that did a lot of it.”

Bear Creek senior quarterback Walker Rumsey was able to create some exciting plays on the night. The Bears’ first touchdown came on a play where Rumsey scrambled away from several Rebel defenders before finding senior Dominic Encinas in the end zone late in the first half.

Bear Creek senior running back Andre Renteria had more than 100 yards rushing and scored the Bears second touchdown midway through the fourth quarter to make the final score 38-14.

Every win is precious for Columbine this season. The Rebels are in arguably the toughest 5A conference in the new waterfall format. The Mt. Cameron League features three teams currently in the top-10 rankings — Mullen, Columbine and Fairview.

Grabbing non-league victories will be critical for the Rebels when it comes to grabbing enough RPI points to make the 16-team 5A state tournament in case Columbine doesn’t win its conference and automatic bid to the big dance.

Next up for the Rebels is area rival and undefeated Chatfield, ranked No. 1 in the 4A poll. The showdown against the two south-Jeffco schools is next Thursday at Jeffco Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.

“We’ll think about (Chatfield) on Saturday. We’ll enjoy this a little bit,” Lowry said about looking ahead to the Chargers. “They are playing great right now. We’ll see what happens. It’s about getting better every single day and game.”

Griebel had nearly 100 yards rushing against Chatfield last year in a 31-7 victory, but wasn’t able to get into the end zone against the Chargers.

“We aren’t going to they lightly for sure,” Griebel said. “They are a very, very good football team.”

Columbine has one final non-league game against Denver East on Sept. 29 at Jeffco Stadium before back-to-back conference road games against Fairview (Oct. 6) and Mullen (Oct. 13).

Bear Creek (0-3) attempts to get its first victory of the season during its homecoming game Friday, Sept. 23, at Jeffco Stadium. The Bears face Fossil Ridge in a scheduled 7:30 p.m. kickoff.

Bear Creek senior Neil Vanlerberghe is able to make a catch in front of Columbine junior Richard Hoffschneider (22) on Thursday night at Jeffco Stadium. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

September 16, 2016
Ralston Valley slides past Wheat Ridge in softball

Ralston Valley junior Gianna Browdy hit a pair of triples to lead the Mustangs to a 2-1 win over Wheat Ridge on Tuesday. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

ARVADA — Ralston Valley junior Gianna Browdy helped herself immensely Tuesday afternoon.

Browdy pitched a complete-game in a 2-1 non-league victory against Wheat Ridge, ranked No. 4 in this week’s CHSAANow.com Class 4A softball poll, at Ralston Valley High School. However, she was just as impressive at the plate going 3-for-3 with a pair of triples to give Ralston Valley (3-6) a momentum-building win.

“We could probably bat her (Browdy) three, four or five, but she always does well in that lead-off position,” Ralston Valley coach Wendy Davies said. “She always seems to make something happen. She is really helping us out.”

Browdy’s second triple led off the bottom of the fifth inning in a 1-1 tied ballgame. Freshman Shayla Erickson came in as a courtesy runner for Browdy. Erickson scored the eventual game-winning run when the freshman broke for home on senior Malory Eldredge’s infield grounder.

The home plate umpire make a safe call in favor of Ralston Valley freshman Shayla Erickson (25). (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

The home plate umpire ruled that Erickson slid under the tag of Wheat Ridge catcher Gabby Loya to give the Mustangs the lead for good.

“I just was doing my best to get on base to score some runs because it was a tight game,” said Browdy, who tripled and scored on a throwing error in the third inning.

Browdy took care of business in the top of the seventh inning. Despite giving up singles to Wheat Ridge’s Gianna Welker and Brandy Trengove in the final frame, the Mustangs’ defense was able to strand a pair of runners. Loya flew out to Ralston Valley center fielder Sydney Harsh to end the game.

“We left some stranded runners and we just didn’t hit today. When you don’t hit you don’t win games,” Wheat Ridge’s first-year coach Jamie Heflin said. “Ralston is a good solid team. Hats off to them. They played well.”

Ralston Valley’s Alexa Samuels, right, steals second base before Wheat Ridge’s Aniesa Abeyta can make a tag. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

The Farmers (8-4) had their chances, included a bases loaded situation with one out in the top of the second inning. Wheat Ridge wasn’t able to push a run across the plate to take the lead and ended up stranding nine runners over seven innings.

Wheat Ridge’s lone run came in the top of the fifth inning when Welker reached base on a bunt single and came home on an RBI single by Riley Wickman.

“Wheat Ridge is always a good team and tough competition,” Ralston Valley senior Alexa Samuels said. “We struggled in the beginning of the year, but we are working hard to get back on track and work as a team. We have put in so much practice time. It’s good to have that pay off in games.”

The Mustangs went through a six-game losing streak, but has back-to-back wins under their belts with 5A Jeffco League starting up next week. Ralston Valley opens against rival Arvada West on Tuesday, Sept. 20.

“Hopefully the confidence, and the confidence in each other, will carry through the league season,” Davies said. “You always have pride in your school and want to represent that. We start with Arvada West and they are good.”

Wheat Ridge, last year’s 4A state runner-up, also begins its conference play in 4A Jeffco next week. The Farmers open up at home against Green Mountain on Tuesday, Sept. 20.

“We are very battled tested with the schedule we had,” Heflin said. “I think we are up to the test.”

Ralston Valley and Wheat Ridge players shake hands after the non-league game between Jeffco schools Tuesday, Sept. 13. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

September 14, 2016
Lakewood and Evergreen boys golf teams make clean sweep in Jeffco

Lakewood’s Griffin Barela won the 5A Jeffco League medalist title after shooting a 69 Monday. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

ARVADA — The Jeffco League boys golf regular season belonged to the Big Cats this fall.

The Lakewood Tigers (Class 5A) and Evergreen Cougars (Class 4A) completed sweeps of the Jeffco League team titles, along with individual medalist honors Monday. The Tigers captured their third straight 5A Jeffco team title and Lakewood senior Griffin Barela wrapped up the individual title edging Columbine senior Marcus Tait by seven strokes over the six conference tournaments.

“I felt good with my game coming in,” said Barela, who was four strokes under-par through his first 10 holes at West Woods Golf Course in Arvada. “I knew I would be able to put up a good score and really put the pressure on Marcus to have a good round to beat me.”

Barela fired a tournament-best 3-under-par, 69. Back-to-back long birdie putts on No. 9 and 10 pretty much sealed the deal for the Lakewood senior.

“That’s what I was trying to do,” Barela said of his trying to lag his uphill putt from off the green on No. 10 that dropped in for birdie. “Once I made that I was pretty confident and I really thought I had wrapped it up.”

Tait, who fired an even-par, 72 could only laugh when Barela’s lag putt on No. 10 dropped for birdie.

Columbine senior Marcus Tait watches a drive Monday, Sept. 12. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

“Today was a good round, but I didn’t play well enough to catch Griffin,” Tait said. “He (Barela) made a putt on No. 9 that was from 45 feet. Then he does it again on No. 10. I love making putts like that. I just got in the fun with him.”

Evergreen completed its goal of dethroning Valor Christian for the 4A Jeffco team title. The Cougars ended up beating out the defending 4A state champions by 42 strokes over the six league tournaments.

“It’s awesome. It’s a huge accomplishment for us to beat the starting string of Valor’s kids,” Evergreen senior Lenny Urbas said. “We are probably one of the best 4A teams in the state and hopefully one of the favorites to win state.”

Adding to the team success, Urbas overcame a one-stroke deficit to Green Mountain junior Gabe Goodman entering Monday’s tournament to claim the 4A Jeffco medalist title. Urbas shot a 1-over-par, 73 to out dual Goodman by two strokes for the individual title.

Green Mountain junior Gabe Goodman chips onto the green on No. 2 Monday. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

It was a rollcoaster of a round for Urbas. He started with a double-bogey on No. 17 when it was ruled his tee shot was out-of-bounds because of a missing out-of-bounds stake.

“I’ve just got to keep my composure. I really worked on that this week. It worked,” Urbas said. “Today I wasn’t swinging that well on the first-nine, but started playing well on the second-nine.”

The Tigers and Cougars now turn their attention to the state-qualifying regional tournaments.

Lakewood coach Alan Gonzales hopes Lakewood can carry over its momentum. The Tigers won’t have much to time get nervous for their regional tournament. Lakewood plays in the 5A Western Regional on Thursday at the Broadlands Golf Course in Broomfield.

“We played well, a lot of positives today,” Gonzales said after the Tigers shot a team total of 306 to complete the sweep of winning all six 5A Jeffco League tournaments. “I think we will go into Thursday with a lot of confidence. I’m excited to go.”

Evergreen heads to the Western Slope for its regional tournament Monday, Sept. 19 at Adobe Creek Golf National Course in Fruita.

Evergreen senior Lenny Urbas blast out of the sand on his way to the 4A Jeffco medalist title Monday. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

Class 5A Jeffco League all-conference
Griffin Barela, 12, Lakewood
Marcus Tait, 12, Columbine
Jack Castiglia, 11, Lakewood
Landon Thunell, 11, Ralston Valley
Grayden Wolfe, 12, Lakewood
Max Camp-Oberhauser, 12, Lakewood
Slade Marceau, 12, Bear Creek
Jax Jones, 12, Ralston Valley

Class 4A Jeffco League all-conference
Lenny Urbas, 12, Evergreen
Gabe Goodman, 11, Green Mountain
Jake Welch, 10, Valor Christian
Bridger Tenney, 11, Evergreen
Nolan Miller, 10, Evergreen
Zach Zurcher, 12, Valor Christian
Ty Findlow, 10, Valor Christian
Jack Schoenborn, Valor Christian
Parker Skiles, 12, Golden
Jake Johnson, 12 Golden

September 13, 2016
Big rushing attack leads No. 3 Chatfield football past Palmer

Chatfield junior Cameron Manzanares returns an interception for a touchdown Friday against Palmer. More photos. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

LAKEWOOD — Chatfield’s rushing attack was simply unstoppable Friday at Jeffco Stadium.

The Chargers racked up 279 yards on the ground on 34 carries — in the first half — against Palmer. Senior Dalton Keene (13 carries for 132 yards) and junior Ben Frenette (nine carries for 89 yards) each ran for a pair of scores in the first half as the No. 3 ranked team in the Class 4A football CHSAANow.com poll took a 40-0 lead at halftime.

The final score was 53-7 in favor of the Chargers (2-0).

“It definitely brings a whole new speed to it,” Keene said. “It let’s you slow down and relax sometimes. It’s definitely a lot different then our high-tempo spread offense.”

Chatfield went old school with its rushing attack, bringing back formations that Green Mountain teams coached by Don McGatlin in the 1990s. Chatfield coach Bret McGatlin, Don’s son, decided to go to the old Rams’ rushing style to honor his father. Don, an assistant coach for the Chargers, lost his mountain cabin because of a fire on Monday. The cabin hosted numerous football camps over the years.

“We did it for him (Don McGatlin) because it was a tough week,” Bret McGatlin said.

Chatfield senior Dalton Keene hurdles Palmer senior Adonis Rufran on Friday at Jeffco Stadium. More photos. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

The game-plan was clear from the start of the non-league game. Chatfield ran the ball on its first 21 offensive plays from scrimmage. Junior quarterback Colton Arne put the ball into the air just six times in the first half, but did have a 31-yard completion to senior Andrew Mangold during the Chargers’ 33-point second quarter.

Chatfield junior linebacker Cameron Manzanares had the defensive highlight in the first half with an interception that he returned 20 yards for a defensive touchdown. Palmer (0-2) was held to just a pair first downs in the opening half.

“It was solid effort from everybody,” Manzanares said. “Everyone was doing their job. We got the job done.”

With a running clock for the entire second half, Chatfield added on to its lead with a 9-yard touchdown run by senior Logan Dannenhauer and yet another defensive touchdown when junior Josh Cronin recovered a fumble and returned it 11 yards for the score in the third quarter.

“We have a solid defense. We just made some big mistakes last week,” Bret McGatlin said about last week when the Chargers allowed nearly 500 yards of total offense against Pine Creek. “It was a lot different today.”

Palmer prevented the shutout with a 60-yard touchdown run by senior Daniel Martinez in the fourth quarter to make the score 53-7 with seven minutes to play.

Chatfield rocketed up the 4A state football poll after an impressive 50-39 road victory against perennial 4A powerhouse Pine Creek. The Chargers went from unranked in the preseason poll to No. 3 this week.

“We said when we came to 4A that we wanted to match-up with the best,” Bret McGatlin said. “We are excited, but it is a long, long way to go.”

The schedule gets a little more intense the next two weeks for Chatfield. The Chargers face Wheat Ridge in a battle between two Jeffco schools at 5 p.m. Sept. 15 at Jeffco Stadium. That game will be broadcasted live on Altitude.

Looming after that is the annual showdown against rival Columbine (ranked No. 5 in the 5A poll) on Sept. 22 at Jeffco Stadium.

“We need to stay humble. We can’t take it easy,” Keene said. “We have a tough schedule ahead of us.”

Chatfield junior Ben Frenette runs for a 40-yard touchdown during the Chargers’ 53-7 win over Palmer on Friday. More photos. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

September 10, 2016
Rally pushes No. 4 D’Evelyn over Green Mountain in football action

D’Evelyn sophomore Luca McIntyre (28) fights for extra yards during the Jaguars’ 16-15 win Friday. More photos. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

LAKEWOOD — It was unconventional, but D’Evelyn’s football coach Jeremy Bennett had no problem walking off Trailblazer Stadium late Friday night with a 16-15 victory.

“We’ll take it. It’s different, but I’ll take it,” Bennett said after his Jaguars, No. 4 in the CHSAANow.com Class 2A rankings, rallied with 10 points in the final 7 minutes, 20 seconds to defeat 3A’s Green Mountain by a single point.

D’Evelyn had a come-from-behind victory last week again Sterling. This time around the Jaguars (2-0 record) didn’t even need an offensive touchdown in the final quarter to rally from being down 15-6 with less than nine minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.

Green Mountain (1-1) took a 9-point lead when senior quarterback Dylan Jacob hooked up with senior Justin Booher for a 5-yard touchdown pass with 8:58 left in the fourth quarter. Senior Ben Schlieper bulled his way into the end zone for the 2-point conversion.

“Green Mountain did a great job today. That’s a much improved team. (Green Mountain coach) Matt Pees is doing a great job,” Bennett said. “I knew it was going to be a battle.”

D’Evelyn Junior/Senior High School and Green Mountain High School are separated by less than six miles. However, Friday’s showdown was the first varsity football game between the two Jeffco schools.

D’Evelyn senior Nolan Balbin (48) zeros in on Green Mountain quarterback Dylan Jacob. More photos. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

Fittingly, there was plenty of drama in the final quarter.

D’Evelyn’s rally started with a great punt by D’Evelyn sophomore Noah Miles that pinned Green Mountain back on its own 3-yard line with 7:26 left to play.

On the next play, Green Mountain junior Cade Casterline wasn’t able to get a clean handle on a pitch and fumbled it into the end zone. D’Evelyn junior Jack Vannice recovered the ball in the end zone for a Jaguar touchdown.

“It was awesome. Being able to get a touchdown was amazing. I just saw it on the ground and went straight to it,” Vannice said. “We were hoping for a safety of course, but what happened was even better.”

The defensive touchdown and extra point cut the Rams’ lead to 15-13. Green Mountain went 3-and-out on its next offensive possession. D’Evelyn took over on the 50-yard line with 6:11 remaining.

Back-to-back runs of 29 and 16 yards by D’Evelyn sophomore Luca McIntyre put the Jaguars into field goal range. Junior Cullen Flynn split the uprights from 21 yards out with 3:45 left to give D’Evelyn its first lead of the night and send the Jaguars’ homecoming crowd home happy.

“It’s something we practice every day,” said Flynn of the eventual game-winning field goal. “Good snap, good hold and I do the easy part. I just knew I had to drive my foot through it.”

Green Mountain wasn’t able to get a first down to answer D’Evelyn’s go-ahead score. Vannice was in on a sack of Jacob that turned the ball over on downs and allowed the Jaguars to run out the clock.

“It did slip away,” Pees said. “We knew D’Evelyn was a well-coached team and they would fight to the end. We were trying to do what we could to close it out. It’s a tough one to swallow, but we are ready to move on to Golden.”

Green Mountain plays its homecoming game next week against another Jeffco school, Golden (1-1). The Rams and Demons will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16, at Jeffco Stadium.

“All our dreams are still ahead of us,” Pees said. “We can still win a conference championship and that is what our ultimate goal is. This is a great learning experience.”

D’Evelyn hits the road for the first time this season. The Jaguars should get a good test from The Classical Academy, ranked No. 5 in this week’s 2A football rankings. TCA is a charter school from Colorado Springs.

Green Mountain junior Cade Casterline (24) is tackled to a pair of Jaguars on Friday night. More photos. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

September 10, 2016
Silver Creek edges Golden in boys soccer

Golden freshman Joaquin Garfias (11) and Silver Creek freshman Caleb Sedegan (17) battle for the ball Thursday, Sept. 8. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

LAKEWOOD — The left post was a friend to Silver Creek junior Conner Peskin Thursday night at Lakewood Memorial Field.

Peskin scored the lone goal with just more than a minute left in the first half in a non-league boys soccer game against Golden. The junior’s shot hit the far post and into the back of the net in the Raptors’ 1-0 victory.

“That’s my second or third goal this season just like that,” Peskin said hard shot on the ground toward the far post.

Senior Josh Eher picked up the assist on the goal for Silver Creek (4-1 record). The Raptors could have had a 4-0 or 3-0 lead at halftime if not for a couple of brilliant saves by Golden junior goalie Mats Moreau and a save on the goal line by Golden senior captain Zack Persky.

Golden junior Ben Weir (15) races ahead of Silver Creek sophomore Jorge Morales (3). (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

Silver Creek controlled the majority of possession in the first half and took advantage by getting a handful on scoring opportunities.

“Starting this game we knew this field is nice and wide,” Peskin said. “We figured balls on the ground would be super effective on a field like this with the defense so spread out.”

Golden (2-2) did get better offensive pressure in the second half. The Demons’ best scoring chance came off a corner kick in the 44th minute. A header by freshman Ian Persky was just tipped over the crossbar by Silver Creek goalie Aidan Lantaff.

“Much better second half then first half, but still, not enough to get it done today,” Golden coach Luke Vanderglas said. “We didn’t make enough quality chances. We just couldn’t connect passes and go side to side like we wanted to.”

A direct approach by Zack Persky nearly resulted in the equalizer in the final minute. Golden’s captain raced from his defensive position deep into Silver Creek’s defensive zone with less than a minute to play. The last-ditch effort came up short when he lost control of the ball before getting off a shot. The ball rolled over the end line for a goal kick.

“I love doing that. It’s generally unexpected,” Zack Persky said of his run that started from midfield toward the Raptors’ goal. “When I get a gap I like to take it. I had just too much on that last touch.”

Golden junior Teddy Kuretich (facing) collides with Silver Creek freshman Caleb Sedegan. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

Vanderglas gave a lot of credit to Silver Creek on the Raptors’ defensive effort that resulted on the Demons’ first scoreless game of the season. Golden was averaging three goals per game coming into the non-league match.

Golden is trying to rebound after a 6-9 record last season, which included a 4-5 mark in the Class 4A Jeffco League. A positive the Demons were able to take into this season is the fact Golden forced eventual state champion Evergreen to overtime in the Demons’ season finale last season that ended in a 1-0 loss.

“You’ve got to have a short memory,” Vanderglas said.

The Demons return to the field Monday, Sept. 12, with a non-league game against 5A Jeffco’s Ralston Valley (2-1). Kickoff for the rescheduled game that was postponed Aug. 30 because of lightning is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada.

Silver Creek stays on the road. The Raptors travel to Erie to face the Tigers at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12.

Silver Creek junior Conner Peskin (12) holds off Golden sophomore Artie Battaglin. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

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September 9, 2016