Broomfield, Pine Creek focused on the Colorado Class 4A football prize

If there is one message that Broomfield football coach Blair Hubbard has focused on this week, it is making sure his players don't get caught up in the moment.

Headed into the Class 4A state championship game at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Broomfield is the fresh-faced newcomer. The Eagles haven't played for a state title since 2001, while their opponent, Pine Creek (Colorado Springs), is making its fourth appearance in six seasons.

Hubbard – who coached Faith Christian (Arvada) to three 2A state titles – realizes playing at Mile High is a big event, but he has made sure to tell his team not to let the event get in the way of the game.

"You would think a team playing in its first state championship since 2001, that they would be overly excited and you'd have to get them focused," he said. "But that's not the case. They are excited – they were excited to knock off Windsor and have a chance to be there – but that focus has been really good."

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Fifth-seeded Broomfield (11-2) is back in the title game after defeating defending 4A state champion Windsor 25-13 last weekend. The team last won a state title back in 1984 while playing in the 3A classification.

No. 3 Pine Creek (11-2), which won state titles in 2013 and 2014, gained a measure of revenge by defeating Chatfield (Littleton) 28-14. The Eagles had given up 50 points to the Chargers in a Week 1 defeat, then lost again to Fountain-Fort Carson 14 days later.

Then, Todd Miller's team rallied from a halftime deficit for a big victory over Vista Ridge (Colorado Springs) the following week, and hasn't looked back.

One year after being upset by Loveland in the playoffs, Miller told reporters at a press conference Tuesday that it was all about getting back to basics and not focusing on a championship.

"We weren't chasing anything. What we were chasing was trying to be the best we could be," he said. "That's what we've really preached … that it isn't about that trophy. Ultimately it's about the game, and how are we respecting the game."

Broomfield and Pine Creek have similar aspects working for them headed into the title game. Broomfield went to sophomore quarterback Steven Croell after senior Mason Keeler was injured against Wheat Ridge in early September. Hubbard stayed with Croell through a tough stretch that saw the team defeat Windsor, Greeley Central, Monarch (Louisville) and Loveland, using Keeler in different ways on both sides of the ball.

"Steven stepped in and did a great job," Hubbard said. "I think we got through those (four) games and realized this could be a team that could make a run."

Senior Jalon Torres has helped carry the remainder of the load for the offense. Hubbard has stressed that the offense needs to see goals in smaller terms – if the team starts with the ball at the 20-yard line, don't look at it as an 80-yard goal; focus on getting 10 yards and a first down.

"We've really worked hard with him, especially in the playoffs, that we really want him to run downhill. Early in the season he was trying to score a touchdown on every play," he said. "Jalon has really come to understand that in the playoffs, putting his head down and trying to get his 4 yards, as a result of that we told something is going to pop."

The Eagles' defense will be challenged by Pine Creek's offensive attack. Senior quarterback Brock Domann has passed for nearly 2,000 yards this season and has 25 touchdowns, with fellow senior Peter Isais hauling in 53 passes and 12 scores.

Standout freshman David Moore III rushed for nearly 1,400 yards and scored 17 touchdowns in his first season.

"He has got an edge to him of just wanting to compete and be the best," Miller said. "That's a special combination when you have the gift of speed and vision and also on top of it wanting to compete and win."

The team's defense has been outstanding as well. After giving up 50 points in the season opener, Pine Creek has not allowed more than 14 points in a game the rest of the way.

Hubbard said Pine Creek's tradition and experience playing at Mile High will be working in its favor Saturday. That said, the game itself won't change.

"We've just got to get back to realizing it's a football field," Hubbard said. "We're playing on the same size field as we were at home, it's just a little bit different venue."