A younger Cherry Creek team is starting to evolve.
The two-time defending state champion Bruins easily handled Kent Denver 12-4 on Saturday at Invesco Field at Mile High in the prep portion of the Rocky Mountain Lacrosse Showdown and added another wrinkle to the sport’s best in-state rivalry.
The two programs have garnered seven of the eight sanctioned championships, including three of the past five by the Bruins, so anticipating controlled, stellar play wasn’t out of the question.
As for this version, it was Cherry Creek, which improved to 9-2, up high; Kent Denver, which suffered its first setback in 10 games, down low.
“This is (a lopsided victory) you don’t expect against (the Sun Devils),” Bruins coach Bryan Perry said.
Kent Denver coach Tom Graesser didn’t argue.
“Good isn’t a good enough adjective (to describe the Bruins). They’re tremendous, they executed in every phase of the game and we did not beat them in any,” he said.
Behind three goals each by Ryan Link and T.J. McCauley, Cherry Creek generally did whatever it wanted against the Sun Devils.
The Bruins were faster and quicker, committed fewer turnovers, took advantage of openings, had better rotation, ball movement and transition, put up a virtual defensive wall and received superlative goaltending from Mark Stone.
Of particular note, the Bruins also ran freely through the middle of the Kent Denver defense.
“We had a good week of practice and we just started clicking,” McCauley said. “We executed.”
Link noted that “(the Sun Devils) defense pressures out so much and we were able to get inside.
“It’s just a big rivalry game and it’s always fun to play them.”
Dane Mueller tallied two goals for Cherry Creek, which had seven players reach the back of the net.
Kent Denver was led by Moses Taylor’s two goals.
“The light bulb’s been going on for us and they’re starting to figure out what their jobs are,” Perry said of his players.
“(But) this is one you don’t expect, and (the Sun Devils) will be back.”
Cherry Creek 3 1 2 6 – 12
Kent Denver 0 2 0 2 – 4
Goals: CC – Link 3, McCauley 3, Mueller 2, Gillam, Bailey, K. Driver, Platt; KD – Taylor 2, Key, Strazza. Assists: CC – Link 2, Mueller 2, K. Driver 2, R. Driver 2; KD – Murray, Strazza, Cavness, Cunningham.
