Coaches and players from the seven classification state champions also will be recognized. In Colorado’s 87th season, it was quite different from its 86th, when five teams finished undefeated. In 2007, seven championship games were capped with six new winners from a year ago. Only Class 1A Akron repeated, and first-time winners included Grandview (5A), Berthoud (3A) and Platte Valley (2A).
CLASS 5A
Bo, Grandview know how to survive. It turned into a 14-week fight. Grandview was left standing. Talented in recent years, one of Colorado’s newer big schools, located in southeastern Aurora, had visions of a title in terms of ability, but lacked know-how. These Wolves took their lumps early, beginning 1-2, and not winning a game in the state until Week 4. Once they did, they never stopped. Their defense, anchored by Cody Gilmore at nose guard and surrounded by an emerging blend of speed, quickness, strength and savvy, turned into a monster. In the middle three playoff games, Grandview (12-2) generated 18 turnovers. On offense, senior running back Bo Bolen ran for more yards after contact than a lot of others had overall. His final play was what proved to be the winning touchdown run, standing up from 10 yards, in overtime against Douglas County.
CLASS 4A
Pride of Pueblo. First times? Ask Pueblo West’s Cyclones, who won their first-ever playoff game, in November. Apparently, they liked it so much they went ahead and won three more, including a rousing 21-14 victory in the state final against Monarch. The school’s initial first-place trophy in football also was the first for Pueblo since 1992, when Centennial won in the same class (but designated 5A in a 6A system). The Cyclones (12-2) scored the game-winner with 27 seconds to play, high drama at Invesco Field at Mile High — but not as high as their spirits.
CLASS 3A
Major success. The second time’s good, too. Berthoud ran the regular-season table in 2006, then went out in a whimper in the preliminaries. All was forgotten — and forgiven — after a 21-13 victory last month against previously undefeated Falcon in Colorado Springs. The Spartans (12-2), who hadn’t won a postseason game since 1985, rolled behind quarterback Jordan Major and a series of contributors who probably outlasted as strong a playoff field as any of the six.
CLASS 2A
Broncos bounce back. In 2006, Faith Christian ripped Platte Valley 41-7 for the class championship. A year later, the Broncos came back with a textbook 21-7 decision of Platte Canyon behind three touchdowns by Parker Gutterson, a first title and stories to tell over a lifetime. It was the first all-public school final in the class in six years.
CLASS 1A
Akron looks awesome. The best-ever tag in the modern era often arises, but Akron’s Rams at least flirt with the suggestion. They waxed fellow class power Limon 46-14, gave up a measly 52 points all season and won their 26th game in succession in repeating as state champions. Their 2007 season (13-0) was as encompassing as a Colorado snowstorm. Coach Brian Christensen, whose career record is 125-22 overall, 32-8 in the playoffs, had a long list of major contributors, including running back and safety Joe McKay.
CLASS A 8-MAN
Memorable season for Merino. In taking its fifth title since 1998 and seventh overall, Merino’s 26-9 victory over Dayspring Christian was in typical Rams form. Coach John Barber, who earlier in the season surpassed 100 career victories, said his guys (13-0) did what they always have done: “We punch you in the mouth and keep coming.” Merino quarterback Ethan Kurtzer threw for 187 yards and ran for three touchdowns.
CLASS A 6-MAN
Eagles soar to state title. Eads’ first football championship since 1986 came a year after losing 69-16 at home to Idalia. The Eagles (10-2) tried it again in 2007, against previously undefeated Peetz, and won 75-19. Over the past four seasons, Eads coach Shawn Randel has won state titles in boys and girls basketball, and football. Senior Kevin Lindholm led the way with four touchdowns.
Neil H. Devlin
