Valor Christian (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) vs. Cherokee Trail (Aurora, Colo.)
Justin Falls and Valor Christian are gunning for their fourth-consecutive state title.
Photo by Ray Chen
After winning the Class 3A title in 2009 and the 4A state championship in 2010 and 2011, Valor Christian has a chance to win its fourth title in a row – only this time at the 5A level. The Eagles rebounded from an 0-2 start to win their next 11 games, including a dominant 49-3 decision last week over a ThunderRidge (Highlands Ranch) squad that had lost only once this season – by 11 on the road against nationally ranked Vista Murrieta (Murrieta, Calif.). Senior
Luke Del Rio – son of Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio – matched a season high with four touchdown passes against ThunderRidge. The 6-3, 210-pound Oklahoma State recruit has 2,186 passing yards, 28 touchdowns and a 134 passer rating this season.
View the MaxPreps Colorado football playoff bracketsThis is the first trip to a state championship game for Cherokee Trail. In a game it trailed 10-0 in the second quarter, Cherokee Trail battled back to beat Ralston Valley in last Saturday's semifinals, 17-10. Cherokee Trail took the lead in the third quarter on an 80-yard touchdown run by senior
Sherman Thomas, who finished the game with 111 yards on 11 carries.
Mitch Stephens: Valor Christian 42, Cherokee Trail 28
Steve Montoya: Valor Christian 35, Cherokee Trail 21
Stephen Spiewak: Valor Christian 35, Cherokee Trail 10
Kevin Askeland: Valor Christian 48, Cherokee Trail 21
Leland Gordon: Valor Christian 49, Cherokee Trail 27
Jamie DeMoney: Valor Christian 56, Cherokee Trail 14
Jamie DeMoney is a Regional Content Manager and Product Specialist for XOS Digital PlayerOnDemand. He has covered high school sports and recruiting for more than 15 years.
