Football Recap: Denver West Starts Season with Victory Against Prospect Ridge Academy

Denver West gave their fans exactly what they wanted out of a home opener on Thursday. They breezed past the Prospect Ridge Academy Miners to the tune of 49-0. That's more bragging rights for the Cowboys, who also won the pair's last head-to-head.

Marcelo Ortiz

Rushing Yards

08/28/25 vs Prospect Ridge Academy	27
11/10/24 @ Strasburg	20
11/02/24 vs D'Evelyn	8
10/25/24 vs Alameda	15
10/18/24 vs Lincoln	26
09/20/24 @ Jefferson	67

A big part of Denver West's win came down to the chemistry between Marcelo Ortiz and his top target Robert Wittke. Ortiz threw for 124 yards and five TDs while Wittke picked up 62 receiving yards and three scores. What's more, Ortiz racked up 27 rushing yards, the most he's had since back in September of 2024.

Denver West didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of King Stancil and Wittke.

Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Denver West will host Englewood at 7:00 p.m. on September 5. As for Prospect Ridge Academy, they will be defending their home field for the first time this season when they go up against Manitou Springs at 6:00 p.m. on September 6.