WESTMINSTER — If this whole Lakewood playoff run sounds familiar, that’s because you’ve heard it before.
In 2006, the unheralded Tigers knocked off the likes of Columbine and Grandview on their way to the quarterfinals. Fast forward five seasons and coach Mark Robinson’s bunch is at it again.
A stout defensive effort that included seven turnovers and some bold play-calling propelled the Denver Prep League champions to a 10-0 victory Friday night over Horizon at Adams 12 North Stadium.
“We knew they were good and we knew their defense was good. We struggled to get 10 points up on them,” Robinson said. “We felt like that might be the case during the week.”
The reward for No. 10 Lakewood (10-1) is a trip across the mountains to take on No. 2 Grand Junction at Stocker Stadium. The Front Range League champs from Horizon conclude the season 9-2.
It was an ugly first half, especially for the Hawks’ offense. Horizon turned the ball over on each of its four first-half possessions, including two interceptions thrown by senior quarterback Brent Albrandt.
“We had four turnovers in the first half and were only down 3-0, which told me we were the better football team,” Hawks coach Frank Ybarra said. “I still think we are a better football team. We just did things tonight that were very uncharacteristic for us and things we haven’t done all year.”
Said Lakewood senior linebacker Djen Whitaker: “It was all about the hard work we put in all week at practice. We just showed up and played our game.”
A sputtering Lakewood offense had punted on six straight possessions and was facing a third-and-38 on its own 3-yard line when the Tigers got creative.
Dylan Nelson hit a streaking Robert Condon, who had beaten his defender off the line, and went 97 yards to put a nail in the Hawks’ coffin.
“Coach (Dave) Belloni called it. He was like ‘Coach, I know it’s 38 yards, but I promise you he can beat him,’ ” Robinson said. “We called the play, and he got over the top of him. I didn’t think he’d do it. I thought he was crazy on third-and-38, but I listened to him. Now I’m glad I listened to him.”
Lakewood running back John Greer finished with 94 yards on 16 carries to pace the Tigers. Nelson was just 2-of-7 for 101 yards.
Lakewood knows it will go to Grand Junction as the underdog, but relishes the chance to still be working.
“We are not going to go in cocky, but confident and respecting our enemy,” Whitaker said. “And we are going to show them that we are better than them.”
Lakewood 3 0 0 7 — 10
Horizon 0 0 0 0 — 0
L — FG Chado 20. L — Condon 97 pass from Nelson (Chado kick).
Jon E. Yunt: 303-954-1354 or jyunt@denverpost.com
