Jack Griffin dropped an early pass Saturday for what would have been a sure score, and some feared it would be symbolic of Ponderosa failing to snag a Class 4A postsesason berth.
However, the senior and the rest of his Mustangs teammates had little else fall through their fingers at All-City Stadium. With Griffin scoring three touchdowns in the second half, the Mustangs fended off host John F. Kennedy 26-21 to grab a piece of the Plains League championship, win a three-way tiebreaker and unofficially secure the classification’s final seed into the playoffs.
It will be confirmed Sunday, when the bracket is released, but the Mustangs know they have snuck into the postseason at 5-5, jumping from the mid-20s in 4A victory points to take No. 16. They tied in league play with Dakota Ridge and Littleton.
“One hundred percent, we won league by point differential,” an elated Ponderosa coach Jaron Cohen said. “And Jack’s a player. Instead of tucking his head (after the early drop), he said, ‘We’re not going to lose.’ “
Griffin, The Denver Post MVP in the title game last spring when he led the Mustangs to their first boys lacrosse title, scored twice out of the wildcat formation and grabbed a pass for a score. He also hauled in 11 catches for 108 yards.
“I knew I needed to pick up my game to help the rest of the team,” Griffin said. “And we had great blocking on those running plays. It helps.”
It did. Ponderosa answered everything JFK (7-3, 2-3) offered. Ponderosa also used its running game to eat some clock, and its defense generated a couple of key turnovers inside its own territory.
With the Commanders leading 14-6 at halftime, Cohen said he challenged his players to be there at practice Monday in preparation for the playoffs. They responded. JFK didn’t score after halftime until the final minute of the game, and the Mustangs recovered an onside kick.
Santana Mejia ran for 132 yards and Victor Horta had two touchdowns for the Commanders, who began 6-0. They had multiple chances to take the lead and keep it but never regrouped after losing their halftime lead.
Said Cohen, “Playoffs, here we come!”
Neil H. Devlin: ndevlin@denverpost.com or
Ponderosa 6 0 14 6 — 26
John F. Kennedy 0 14 0 7 — 21
P — Maxie 5 run (kick blocked). JFK — Horta 1 run (DeLaCruz kick). JFK — Horta 12 run (DeLaCruz kick). P — Griffin 6 pass from Wilson (Wilson run). P — Griffin 7 run (kick failed). P — Griffin 11 run (pass failed). JFK — Horta 2 run (DeLaCruz kick).
