GREENWOOD VILLAGE — Mike Morean ended one sport in a way he’ll never forget.
He’s close to doing it in another.
In late November, Morean was instrumental in helping Cherry Creek win the Class 5A state title in football at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Four weeks later, he returned to accept the trophy as The Denver Post’s 65th Gold Helmet winner.
With a victory Wednesday in the Class 5A boys lacrosse semifinals, he can make one final appearance at Sports Authority as a schoolboy, this time as the senior captain for the Bruins, who are trying to take home a title that has eluded Morean the past three seasons.
“It would be pretty awesome to have two championships in one year,” the midfielder said. “Losing three years in a row makes you want it that much more.”
In 2014, Morean and the Bruins went down to annual power Regis Jesuit. In 2013, it was at the hands of the Arapahoe Warriors, who also won the 2012 crown.
The Bruins will take on Kent Denver in one semifinal at Legacy Stadium in Aurora. Not only did Sports Illustrated recognize the rivalry as one of the best in the nation, but the two programs have combined for nine titles since sanctioning in 1999, five by the Sun Devils.
“It has always been a big one,” Morean said.
The Bruins and the Sun Devils always schedule their last regular-season game against each other, so as to be prepared for the postseason, and Cherry Creek won easily, 16-7 on May 2, but Bruins coach Bryan Perry is taking zero chances.
“You know, we got a good piece of them the first time, but expect a totally different game,” Perry said. “They’re well talented, and we have to play well to win. No question, definitely our biggest rival.”
Morean should figure heavily into the match. His 34 goals are second on the team, and he has been a popular target every time out.
“(Morean) is definitely one of the best midfielders in the state, a top nationwide recruit,” said Kent Denver coach Ben Brenneman, a former Sun Devils all-stater and Duke Blue Devil who played in an NCAA title game. “His overall athleticism, speed and explosiveness are awesome.
“I’m not in their huddle, but he has been their only captain and there’s a reason for that.”
Bruins senior goalie Ben Adams, who previously played at Regis Jesuit, has seen Morean for years.
“I remember playing against him in Little League, in eighth grade, and he’s been a great player since then,” Adams said. “He’s the most athletic on the field. His work ethic is, like, not like anyone’s I’ve ever played with.
“He has the skill, but he just leaves it all out on the field. He sells out on every play. That’s what makes him special.”
Said Perry: “We wouldn’t be the same without (Morean).”
An All-American in lacrosse as well as an All-Colorado performer by The Denver Post as a safety in football, where he was honored as the state’s top senior player, scholar and citizen this past fall, Morean, who’s still intent on playing both sports at the Ivy League’s Princeton, knows it isn’t all about him.
A victory Wednesday means a return trip to the final on Friday at Sports Authority.
“I think the team is good this year, we all have the same common goal,” he said. … We’ve come so close. We’re ready to get one.”
Boys lacrosse
Semifinals
Wednesday At Legacy Stadium, Aurora
Cherry Creek (17-1) vs. Kent Denver (12-5), 5 p.m.
Mountain Vista (16-1) vs. Regis Jesuit (15-2), 7 p.m.
