GREENWOOD VILLAGE — It seems to be about time. Cherry Creek is due for a football championship.
The program that is most recognized for building local suburban football makes its 16th appearance in the state final Saturday.
Senior safety Mike Morean is thrilled about his Bruins’ chance for a ninth title Saturday when they take on two-time defending Class 5A champion Valor Christian at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
“To get Creek back on the stage like back in the ’90s … we have tons of state championships (in other sports), and to get our team back out there is really exciting,” he said.
Colorado’s largest school owns more than 200 state titles but has lost its past four finals and hasn’t won a football title since 1996. These Bruins (10-3) have been hungry since dropping two of their first three games — 30-28 to nonleague rival Pomona and 38-14 to powerful Jordan of Sandy, Utah.
“Ever since that second loss, because we lost two, back to back, at home, we were going to school and people were saying Creek isn’t that good,” sophomore linebacker Santino Marchiol said. “But we really came together as a team.”
Cherry Creek has reeled off victories in nine of 10 games, and have shown the up-front power of the 1982 and 1983 teams as well as the all-round ability of other past champions.
“We haven’t won since 1996, so it would be great to bring back that spirit,” said senior running back Milo Hall, who has rolled to 2,086 yards and 27 touchdowns. “It would be a great accomplishment to be one of the alumni that has won. It would be something just to be mentioned with great guys like Darnell McDonald. We can get the love from the alumni.”
Cherry Creek also has the exceptional coaching of years past. Fred Tesone’s 27-year run into 1989, which included 272 victories and three state titles, is one of the best on state record. And all Mike Woolford did from 1990-99 was go 107-26 with five titles, two runner-up finishes and two semifinals appearances. These Bruins have Dave Logan, who’s in his 10th final (six championships) with his fourth school and has a sparkling 227-53 career mark, 26-10 in his third year heading the Bruins.
“We’re going to have to play 48 minutes,” Logan said. “(The Eagles) have a lot of talent. They’re coached well, and they play hard. We’re going to have to play our best game.”
The current players are looking past the finals setbacks in 1998, 1999, 2004 and 2008 and hope to begin a new string.
“Our coaches have preached all week we’re going down in history, we’re going to be in trophy halls and see our names on the plaques,” Marchiol said. “It has been a long while. … A lot of our kids weren’t even born yet.”
Neil H. Devlin: ndevlin@denverpost.com or
When the Eagles run
Valor Christian uses a committee approach to running the ball, but Stone Watson has emerged as the team’s most dependable ball carrier, and the offensive line has improved throughout the season. But Cherry Creek’s defense has been putting up wall after wall for weeks. Edge: Cherry Creek
When the Bruins run
Coming off a 329-yard performance in the semifinals, including 278 from player of the year candidate Milo Hall, Cherry Creek has the top rushing attack in the state because it has a terrific line and the best running back. Valor has proved sturdy against the run, although Hall has had a ball with 2,086 yards and 27 TDs. Edge: Cherry Creek
When the Eagles pass
Sophomore quarterback Dylan McCaffrey already has been offered a scholarship by the University of Colorado. He has a big arm and continues to improve. The back of Cherry Creek’s defense has been solid in coverage and making hits, and it will be taxed to cover the likes of Nebraska-bound Eric Lee Jr., perhaps the state’s best athlete. Edge: Valor Christian
When the Bruins pass
Junior quarterback Joe Caplis deserves credit for stabilizing what was a problem position in the first month of Cherry Creek’s season. He has been patient, efficient and smart, and he has played virtually mistake-free football. But the Valor Christian secondary, led by Lee and Brian Dawkins Jr., is regarded as the best in the state. Edge: Valor Christian
Special teams
Plenty of size, speed and athleticism to go around for both units, and the coaches believe in them. Plus, the kickers and punters are proven. It’s a wash. Edge: Even
Team statistics
| Valor Christian (10-3) | Cherry Creek (10-3) | |
| Total offense | 4,690 | 4,588 |
| Rush offense | 2,196 | 3,055 |
| Pass offense | 2,494 | 1,533 |
| Total TDs | 54 | 58 |
| Points/game | 30.4 | 32.8 |
| Opp. pts./game | 17.4 | 17.9 |
| Return yards | 788 | 849 |
| Int./yards | 16-95 | 19-111 |
| Fumble rec. | 8 | 10 |
| Punting (avg.) | 30.4 | 32.7 |
| State titles | 5 | 8 |
Individual leaders
VALOR CHRISTIAN
Rushing — Stone Watson 115 carries, 665 yards, 5 TDs; Eric Lee Jr. 36-359, 3 TDs.
Passing — Dylan McCaffrey 151-of-251 2,149 yards, 20 TDs, 6 interceptions; Parker Courier 23-of-43, 323 yards, 4 TDs, 2 Int.
Receiving — Ben Waters 24 receptions, 539 yards, 7 TDs; Eric Lee Jr. 28-404, 4 TDs; Brandon O’Donnell 26-297, 4 TDs.
Tackles — Gabriel Kortz 99, Grant Craver 84; Bubba Watkins 79; Brian Dawkins Jr. 77.
Sacks — Brandon Biggs 7½, Bubba Watkins 4½; Nathan Whatmore 3.
CHERRY CREEK
Rushing — Milo Hall 240-2,086, 27 TDs; D.J. Luke 129-685, 16 TDs.
Passing — Joe Caplis 87-of-169, 6 TDs, 6 int.
Receiving — Joseph Parker 44-663, 5 TDs; Jaylon Jones 18-242, 2 TDs; Tyus Carter 15-267, 1 TD.
Tackles — Mike Morean 101; Zach Grado 80; Luke McCallister 78; Santino Marchiol 70.
Sacks — Jonathan Van Diest 11; Trevor Philio 3½; Luke McCallister 3.0.
