LAFAYETTE — Broomfield’s secret weapon is officially out of the bag.
For now on, the Eagles’ opponents would be wise to make sure every punt and kickoff lands in a different time zone from Trent Ireland.
The speedy senior turned in two electrifying kick returns Friday, scoring touchdowns on a kickoff return in the first half and a punt return in the second half, to lead Broomfield, the No. 9-ranked team in Class 4A, to a 42-19 win over top-ranked Monarch at Warrior Stadium.
“Trent Ireland is the fastest kid in 4A,” Broomfield coach Gary Davies said. “People in our league never kick it to us. Hopefully, he gets some more chances. He’s not the only one who can do that . . . but he is fast. That’s why you put him back there. You’re hoping he can put it in the house once in a while. And he sure did.”
Monarch had just tied the game at 7 on a 5-yard run by Ryan Muller when Ireland broke loose on the ensuing kickoff, racing 99 yards to re-establish the Eagles’ lead.
Broomfield (2-0) captured the momentum for good when quarterback Aric Kaiser hit Zach Gorman with a 20-yard scoring strike with 8.4 seconds remaining in the first half, giving Broomfield a 21-13 advantage at the break.
Ireland sealed the Eagles’ victory when he returned a punt 85 yards for a touchdown midway through the third quarter. A 43-yard punt return by Ireland minutes later led to the first of two short touchdown runs by Dan Geubelle as Broomfield steadily pulled away.
Geubelle finished with 118 yards on 17 carries. Muller paced the Coyotes with 115 yards rushing and three touchdowns.
“I just saw a gap and ran as fast as I could through it,” Ireland said. “After I scored the first one, I was surprised they kicked it to me again. We definitely have the speed and capability. I think special teams is one of our strong points on our team.”
Broomfield 7 14 14 7 — 42
Monarch 0 13 0 6 — 19
B: Gentry 1 run (Underberg kick). M: Muller 5 run (Falloon kick). B: Ireland 99 kickoff return (Underberg kick). M: Muller 4 run (kick failed). B: Gorman 20 pass from Kaiser (Underberg kick). B: Ireland 85 punt return (Underberg kick). B: Geubelle 4 run (Underberg kick). M: Muller 11 run (run failed). B: Geubelle 3 run (Underberg kick).
