5A State Football: Cherry Creek advances to Final Four
The No. 1 Cherry Creek High School Bruins stayed on track to defend their 2022 state title by defeating No. 8 Mountain Vista 51-24 last Friday at the Stutler Bowl. The Bruins (12-0) started fast and early, taking advantage of Golden Eagle turnovers to build a 21-0 first quarter lead. The Creek defense got an interception, a turnover on downs, and a blocked punt, all of which resulted in points. Senior running back Jordan Herron had two short rushing touchdowns, and sophomores Brady Vodicka and Jadyn Irving connected for a 5-yard TD and the rout was on. Mountain Vista (9-3) got on the board in the second quarter, but Creek answered to take a 31-6 lead to the halftime break. Vodicka also hit senior wideout Tyson Mauck for two more scores in the win.
Next, Cherry Creek hosts No. 5 Ralston Valley in a semifinal contest at 1 p.m. on Nov. 25 at the Stutler Bowl. The Bruins opened the season with a 35-9 win over the Mustangs back on Aug. 25. The winner will advance to the State Championship game at 3 p.m. on Dec. 2 at Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins.
The No. 11 Grandview Wolves’ hopes for football supremacy ended last Friday night as they fell to No. 14 Chatfield 37-28 at Legacy Stadium. Senior quarterback Liam Szarka led the way for the Wolves as he threw three touchdowns and ran for another in the loss. Grandview finished the 2023 campaign at 8-5.
See the updated 5A bracket here.
5A State Spirit: CCSD teams head to state
The schedule for the upcoming State Spirit Championships was released by the Colorado High School Activities Association (CSHAA) on Nov. 16. Teams from all six CCSD comprehensive high schools will compete in the Cheer and Gameday Cheer competition, Jazz and Hip-Hop in dance events, and Poms. The State finals will be held Dec. 7-9 at the Denver Coliseum.
Good luck to all the CCSD spirit teams!
Winter sports: Practice is underway
Practice for the CHSAA winter sports season got underway Nov. 13. Players and coaches started getting ready for competition in boys and girls basketball, ice hockey, girls swimming and boys and girls wrestling.
For basketball, CHSAA made a major recommendation at its Nov. 15 meeting to introduce a 35 second shot clock starting in the 2026-27 school year. Other proposals were also discussed.
CCHS football photo courtesy Theodore A. Stark.
Posted 11/19/2023.
