LAKEWOOD – Columbine’s first major matchup in 2007 resulted in its most complete game.
The Rebels rolled Arvada West 35-14 on Thursday night at Jefferson County Stadium in The Denver Post game of the week for their 13th Class 5A South Metro League victory in succession and 19th overall. They haven’t lost since the 2006 opener.
Top-ranked in The Denver Post/9News 5A poll, Columbine (6-0, 6-0) was guilty of three lost fumbles, one at the 1-yard line by running back Orenzo Davis, but otherwise was stellar.
The Rebels’ line superiority over the No. 8 Wildcats (4-2, 4-2) was evident on both sides; they received hard running from a series of backs, notably Davis and Jeff Cicchinelli; quarterback Kyler Brady connected with Davis on a 39-yard touchdown pass as the Rebels caught the A-West defense pinching in, a trap they exploit regularly; and their defensive line made it a long night for Wildcats quarterback Luke Campbell.
At halftime, Columbine led 28-7 and permitted the ‘Cats only 13 yards of offense.
“They’re a good team,” Cicchinelli said of A-West. “We just turned the ball over a few times, but other than that we were good.”
Said Arvada West coach Casey Coons: “(The Rebels) were physical. You have to hand it to them.”
Columbine, which always seems to have the lead, drove 73 yards in 18 plays on its first possession, capped by Cicchinelli’s 2-yard run.
A-West was called for roughing the kicker on the conversion, so the Rebels kicked off from the ‘Cats 45-yard line – and they tried an onside kick and recovered.
On Columbine’s second snap of the drive, Brady found Davis alone in the middle and the rout was on.
Two drives, 121 yards and 18 plays later, Chad Korodaj added scoring runs of 11 and 1 yard, the latter with five seconds to play in the first half.
Meanwhile, Matt Birkeness, Curtis Cunningham and Ben Tedford (three sacks) led the charge up front on defense, and Cicchinelli and Jacob Wright added interceptions.
A-West managed a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Trevor Toteve and a 1-yard plunge for another score by Nick Greco, but it wasn’t nearly enough.
“(The Wildcats) have had it tough, already playing Bear Creek, and they had the game with Pomona last week and it’s tough,” Columbine coach Andy Lowry said. “Our guys were good.”
Said Coons: “You get behind them by a couple of scores and it’s tough.”
Davis was big all-around, with 140 yards rushing, the reception for a touchdown and a strong kickoff return. Cicchinelli ran for 112 yards and Brady was 3-for-3 passing.
Arvada West 0 7 7 0 – 14
Columbine 14 14 0 7 – 35
C – Cicchinelli 2 run (Spond kick). C – Davis 39 pass from Brady (Spond kick). C – Korodaj 5 run (Spond kick). AW – Toteve 90 kickoff return (Castor kick). C – Korodaj 1 run (Spond kick). AW – Greco 1 run (Castor kick). C – Cicchinelli 2 run (Spond kick).
Neil H. Devlin: 303-954-1714 or ndevlin@denverpost.com
