Mountain Vista joining list of Colorado boys lacrosse contenders

At first glance, traditional powers jump off the Class 5A boys lacrosse bracket heading into Saturday's quarterfinals. Stalwarts such as Cherry Creek (Greenwood Village), Regis Jesuit (Aurora), Kent Denver (Englewood) and defending champion Arapahoe (Centennial) are immediately apparent.

But a closer look reveals something of a surprise. Mountain Vista (Highlands Ranch), which has never advanced past the quarterfinals, is the No. 3 seed and is rolling.

Heck, the Golden Eagles have only been to the quarters one other time. But they are 14-2, have lost only one in-state game and are just as legitimate a contender as the longstanding powerhouses.

One of the primary reasons for their ascension is first-year coach Jake Herman. After spending six seasons as the defensive coordinator at Regis Jesuit, he has taken over the reins at Mountain Vista and made an immediate impact.

"What I would say put us where we're at is our training year-round," Herman said. "We spend so much time working on our skills in the box. And I would say the synergy between me guiding the defense and Jamie Munro running the offense has been something that has put us over the edge."

The Golden Eagles won their first-round matchup against Heritage (Littleton) 11-4 on Wednesday night and next face No. 6 Arapahoe (11-5). If the bracket holds to form, Herman and Mountain Vista will take on his former Regis Jesuit squad in the semifinals.

Regis Jesuit is responsible for Mountain Vista's lone in-state loss, a 13-8 decision on March 15. Herman believes the complex emotions of playing against his former team – both from his own standpoint and those of players on both sides – were exhausted in that initial meeting. So, if the teams meet in the semis, it will be solely about lacrosse.

"I think they're the best team in the state of Colorado, so if we play them, it's a tough road for us going forward for sure," Herman said.

Mountain Vista is stocked with college-level players up and down the roster. Junior Bryan Hancock is headed to Hobart College. Shane McKenna will play at Christopher Newport University. Freshman Colin Munro already has given a verbal to North Carolina.

Leading goal-scorer Alec Womack (50 goals) plans to attend either Colorado or Colorado State and play club lacrosse. Junior Christian Barker (34 goals, 34 assists) is uncommitted. A collection of players like that is the way a team begins to work its way into the list of traditional powers.

"It's been awesome," Herman said. "Before I came to Vista, they were always in the playoffs, but as a 10, 11 or 12 seed. So for us to get the 3 seed this year, it's a tribute to the kids' hard work. And having me in the school (as a teacher) has made a big difference in the accountability of the players."

The only upset in the opening round was No. 10 Mullen (Denver)'s 8-6 win over No. 7 Columbine (Littleton). The Mustangs (8-8) will look to keep it going against Regis Jesuit (15-1).

MaxPreps Colorado Class 5A boys lacrosse state bracket

The Class 4A boys bracket completely held to form in the first round, as all eight top seeds advanced without much challenge. Each won by at least eight goals.

Top-seeded Wheat Ridge rolled Denver South 19-1. The Farmers, who next face Cheyenne Mountain (Colorado Springs), have gotten 46 goals and 35 assists from John Roach and 41 and 29 from Dima Makarov.

Another intriguing 4A squad is No. 5 Aspen (14-2), which boasts the state's top two goal-scorers in juniors Tyler Tick (67) and Ryan Fitzgerald (60). The Skiers face No. 4 Battle Mountain (Edwards) in the quarters.

MaxPreps Colorado Class 4A boys lacrosse state bracket

On the girls side, Centaurus (Lafayette) has inherited a new role this season – that of favorite. The Warriors earned the No. 1 seed, part of a steady rise in the program. The Warriors appeared in two straight semifinals before reaching the championship game last season (they were beaten by Cherry Creek).

After a stellar regular season, Centaurus (14-1) has the unfamiliar designation of overall favorite.

"It's an interesting spot to be," Warriors coach Genny Horning said. "I shared with the girls my belief that, through our play, we have earned this No. 1 seeding. But we're starting all over now."

Horning has relayed to her group, which includes Colorado-bound Sarah Brown (49 goals, 31 assists), that a top seeding doesn't guarantee a spot in the title game, particularly with up to eight capable contenders.

Among those is No. 2 Chatfield (Littleton) (15-0), which has gotten a spellbinding 88 goals from Kendra Lanuza, 59 from Shelby Piper and 56 from Rachael Walker. And don't rule out No. 3 Air Academy (US Air Force Academy), No. 4 Arapahoe (which played Centaurus to a one-goal game) and perennial-power Cherry Creek looming at No. 5.

Centaurus will take on Regis Jesuit in the round-of-16 and looking to start with a clean state despite the lofty seeding.

"It's validation of a successful season, but we're really keeping it in perspective," Horning said.

MaxPreps Colorado girls lacrosse state bracket