HIGHLANDS RANCH — Neither the snow, wind nor Cañon City slowed the steamroller that is Valor Christian. When the flakes stopped and a crew of shovelers, a pickup truck and a John Deere plow had finished clearing the turf, Valor’s option and team-speed advantage was even more pronounced in a 45-13 victory over the Tigers on Friday night at Valor Stadium.
It was the first playoff victory in Valor’s two-year varsity football history, following a 4-7 inaugural season.
“It is a goal we had,” Valor coach Brent Vieselmeyer said. “It is important for our school. We have hard-working students in the classroom and in their faith development.”
The second-seeded Eagles (11-0) led only 12-7 at halftime. Then, senior Ryan Nu’u took advantage of the now-pristine track, scooping up a pooched kickoff and racing 71 yards for a touchdown. With a failed conversion, Valor led 18-7.
Cañon City (6-5) drew within 18-13 on David Huffington’s blocked punt and 17-yard return for a touchdown, but on the ensuing possession, Valor junior quarterback Brock Berglund dashed 51 yards, aided by Stephen Miller’s crucial block. On the next play, Berg- lund burst 11 yards into the end zone for a 25-13 lead with 8:45 to play in the third quarter.
Throughout the night, Berg- lund deftly ran the option, burying the ball into his fullback’s gut, then pulling it away and hiding it for keepers around end. Berglund, who ran for 224 yards and four touchdowns on 17 carries, also threw well on the run, passing for 109 yards. His performance was interrupted late in the second quarter when he was knocked out of bounds.
“I just got a little disoriented,” Berglund said. “But I came back. I was fine; we were just being cautious.”
After missing a series, Berg- lund was able to run an option behind a cohesive and athletic offensive line that created gaps for whoever carried the ball. For the night, Valor rushed for 416 yards.
