HIGHLANDS RANCH — The first meeting between ThunderRidge and Highlands Ranch, which took so long to set up, should be everlasting.
Denver’s southern suburb finally got its first two schools together Friday night in The Denver Post game of the week and ThunderRidge defeated Highlands Ranch 33-14 at Shea Stadium to take control of the Class 5A Southern League.
The Grizzlies, ranked seventh in The Denver Post/9News 5A poll, improved to 6-0 overall, 5-0 league. No. 8 Highlands Ranch, which couldn’t get it together down the stretch, dipped to 5-1, 4-1.
Behind another terrific performance by senior running back Chris Nwoke, improved defense in the second half and sound line play, the Grizzlies trailed early, then gradually took control.
ThunderRidge 7 13 0 13 — 33
Highlands Ranch 7 7 0 0 — 14
HR — Jose 17 pass from Kahl (Gomes kick). TR — Nwoke 7 run (Jenkins kick). TR — Glassman 1 run (Jenkins kick). HR — Kahl 4 run (Gomes kick). TR — Nwoke 3 run (kick failed). TR — Nwoke 8 run (run failed). TR — Nwoke 5 run (Jenkins kick).
Neil H. Devlin: 303-954-1714 or ndevlin@denverpost.com
