LAKEWOOD — The message was clear: Wheat Ridge isn’t ready to pass the torch to its neighbors to the south.
The Farmers, Class 4A state runners-up last season, entered Friday a pedestrian 2-2 while Green Mountain had won its first four games, leading the Rams to believe they had a shot at dethroning their rival.
Maybe next year.
Wheat Ridge dominated the line of scrimmage, did as it pleased in the run game and thoroughly outmanned the Rams in a 39-6 Mountain Plains League win at Trailblazer Stadium.
“Coach (Reid) Kahl said we were going to come out and run it down their throat, and that’s what we did,” Farmers fullback/linebacker Josh Brake said. “There was no way we were going to lose to Green Mountain. We didn’t care that they were 4-0 and we were 2-2. We’re still better.”
Nick Swanson ran rampant, as the senior three-sport athlete reeled off 211 yards and three touchdowns on 31 carries. When the Farmers (3-2, 2-0) changed up from the 165-pound Swanson, they utilized the 210-pound Brake (two touchdowns) and 220-pound fullback Juan Carter (89 yards on 10 carries).
“One time we come at you quick, then it’s a big dude, me or Josh,” Carter said. “It’s unstoppable.”
The total yardage in the first half said it all, when the Farmers outgained the Rams 179-16 in building an 18-0 cushion.
Green Mountain (4-1, 1-1), under the guidance of former Golden coach Tom Ward, exhibited flashes of effectiveness when quarterback Jake Garegnani had time in the pocket, but that was rare. The Farmers sacked the senior seven times.
“When we went to no-huddle to slow them down, we did well, but under center, it didn’t turn out too well,” said Garegnani, who completed six passes for 121 yards and a touchdown to Jordan Estrada.
Players didn’t believe the loss will derail the Rams’ rebuilding effort.
“Everyone can see we’re a better team this year,” Garegnani said. “We might not get respect from guys like this, because they’re them, but we’re earning a lot of respect back.”
Wheat Ridge: 6 – 12 – 7 – 14 — 39
Green Mountain: 0 – 0 – 0 – 6 — 6
WR — Swanson 12 run (kick failed).
WR — Brake 3 run (run failed).
WR — FG Strickler 39.
WR — FG Strickler 31.
WR — Brake 24 run (Strickler kick).
WR — Swanson 11 run (Strickler kick).
GM — Estrada 48 pass from Garegnani (pass failed).
WR — Swanson 10 run (Strickler kick).
