Football: District teams start their regular seasons
Cherry Creek School District football squads began playing for real on Aug. 29, and went 2-4 in Week 1 of the 2024 season.
On Thursday, Smoky Hill and Overland played the 43rd Wagon Wheel game at the Stutler Bowl. The Blazers wrested the prize away from the Buffaloes for the first time since 2017. The final score was 40-0. Overland first year head coach Tony Lindsay was pleased with the outcome.
“You always want to start off with a win, and it was,” Coach Lindsay said. “We started off a little slow, then we began to bring it on, but you have to keep going from now.”
The 'Blazers and Buffs battled to a scoreless tie after one quarter of play featuring turnovers by both clubs. In the second quarter, Overland opened the scoring with freshman Angel Chavez connecting with fellow freshman Dejay Davenport for a 49-yard touchdown. The 'Blazers never looked back. Sophomore Zyaire Custis rushed for a touchdown, and also opened the second half with a kickoff return for a score. Senior Jarrius Ward rushed for two touchdowns in the win. The stout Overland defense registered the shutout and also scored a TD on sophomore Kashawn Mitchell’s second quarter fumble return.
Lindsay is glad to be in his new position.
“I feel blessed. It was a good decision," he said. "I’m glad they (Overland) brought me over, and I know they’re glad we’re here. The kids have to get used to a different philosophy. They’re coming from a spread (offense) in the past, and we’re old school. We run the I-formation where everything is downhill, so there’s a lot they have to learn and they’re catching on. All we want to do is get better.”
Next, the Trailblazers (1-0) will take on Vista Peak Prep (0-1) at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 6 at Aurora Public Schools Stadium. Smoky Hill (0-1) will host Douglas County (3-0) at 7 p.m. on Friday at the Stutler Bowl.
In Thursday’s other contest, Cherokee Trail fell to Pine Creek 56-14 at Legacy Stadium. The Cougars could not get much going against the Eagles, but had touchdown throws from quarterbacks Tyson Smith and Eliot Ming in the loss. CTHS (0-1) will look to get on the winning track at 7 p.m. next Friday when they travel to EchoPark Stadium in Parker to take on the 0-1 ThuderRidge Grizzlies.
On Friday, Eaglecrest opened their season with a big win on the road over cross-town rival Rangeview at Aurora Public Schools Stadium. New Raptors’ Head Coach Jesse German made his debut with a big 44-14 win over the Raiders. Eaglecrest scored 27 unanswered points in the first quarter, highlighted by senior Burke Withycombe’s three touchdowns, two from senior quarterback Joe Steiner through the air, and another score on the ground. Steiner also had a rushing TD in the win. Next, the Raptors (1-0) host Fort Collins (1-0) at 7 p.m. on Sept. 6 at Legacy Stadium.
Grandview began their season last Friday with a hard-fought 21-14 loss to Legend at Legacy Stadium. The Titans (1-0) gained a 14-0 lead over the Wolves after one quarter of play. Junior quarterback Blitz McCarty threw two touchdowns, one to senior Xay Neto in the second, and the other to senior Kyler Vaughn to tie Legend at 14 in the fourth quarter in the loss. The Wolves (0-1) will try and get into the win column as they host Ralston Valley (1-0) at 7 p.m. on Sept. 5 at Legacy Stadium.
Finally, Cherry Creek opened their season on the road last Friday night in Lehi, Utah to take on the Skyridge Falcons. The Bruins fell behind 17-0 by halftime, but rallied for 14 third quarter points. Skyridge scored again in the fourth quarter to defeat Creek 24-14. Next, the Bruins (0-1) are out of state again as they travel to Omaha, Nebraska to play Millard North (1-0) on Sept. 6.
Flag Football: CCSD clubs complete the first full week of play
Girls flag football teams were on the field in force last week.
The Cherry Creek Bruins went 2-1 with wins over Chatfield and Ralston Valley, and a loss to Mountain Vista. Bruins Coach David Knoeckel says the sport is still having growing pains, but official sanctioning by CHSAA has already made a big difference.
“We’re thrilled because the girls are all really excited,” Knoeckel said. “The sanctioning has led to more of a feeling of legitimacy to what we are doing. It is also pulling more athletes into the program. We have a lot of talent at all levels, and we had to make some tough decisions when finalizing the roster. But we felt very fortunate having to make those tough decisions.”
Coach Knoeckel said community support has been very strong.
“It is just awesome,” he said. “It’s fun because all of our parents are excited, and they’re excited to come to the games at all the levels. Kids at school are talking about it, other adults in the community are interested in hearing about us. So it’s not just the kids who are playing, it seems lots of folks are taking notice.”
Next, the Bruins host Pomona at 6 p.m. on Sept. 4 at the Stutler Bowl.
Grandview went 0-1 last week, evening their record at 2-2 on the young season. The Wolves will travel to EchoPark Stadium to play Legend at 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 6. Smoky Hill got their first win of the year on Aug. 31 moving to 1-3 on the season. Next, the Buffs will host Mullen at 3 p.m. on Sept. 7at Smoky Hill. Eaglecrest and Cherokee Trail are still looking to get into the win column after last week’s play. The Raptors are back in action at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7 as they host Denver East. CTHS travels to play Douglas County at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5 at Douglas County Stadium. Overland will begin its regular season play on Sept. 5. The ‘Blazers will be on the road to play Gateway at 4:30 p.m. at Aurora Public Schools Stadium.
Girls Volleyball: Cherokee Trail off to a great start
The Cherokee Trail girls volleyball team went 4-1 this past week, with wins at the Chaparral Challenge at Gold Crown in Lakewood last weekend. The Cougars lead CCSD clubs with a 5-1 record. Cherry Creek went 3-2 last week, improving to 4-2 on the season. Overland stands at 1-1 after last week’s play. Grandview stands at 2-5 after going 1-3 for the week. Smoky Hill (1-3) and Eaglecrest (0-2) were both winless last week.
Posted 9/2/2024.
