HIGHLANDS RANCH — Since 2009, Valor Christian is 85-12 with five state championships over three classifications, seven consecutive finals showings and a 29-1 playoff record.
The Eagles certainly enjoy upholding the tradition, but reputation plays only a small role.
“Every year’s different, every team’s different,” Eagles tackle Dillon Reinkensmeyer said. “And we feel ours is very special.”
At 11-2, Valor Christian meets Pomona on Saturday at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in a rematch — the Panthers beat the Eagles 28-14 in Week 1. A year ago, the Eagles were knocked off by Cherry Creek in the Centennial League, then again in a thrilling Class 5A finale.
This year’s group began under .500, as have other Valor teams, and the opportunity to cap a successful ending and win a rematch has presented itself in a different manner after surviving and responding to critical moments.
“I told our team that I remember going back to the hotel when we lost (41-22) to Bentonville (Ark., in Week 2), we were 1-2 and Pomona had outplayed us,” coach Rod Sherman said. “I think the Lord gave us the opportunity to rise up and say, ‘Who are we going to be?’ And the changing point of our season was our trip to Utah, which won its state championship.”
Valor beat East of Salt Lake City 26-10.
Sherman said the Eagles “didn’t want to go into the Centennial League 1-3,” and they didn’t. After the victory over East, Valor ran the league table and beat Cherry Creek a second time, in the state semifinals. Valor enters the championship game on a 10-game winning streak.
It was basic, gradual improvement. Reinkensmeyer and the offensive line started to protect junior quarterback Dylan McCaffrey, who began connecting with all-state receiver Ben Waters — including a 98-yard play against Cherry Creek. Tanner Tadra overcame a stinger down the stretch and has returned as the best option at running back. Defensively, the Eagles haven’t been hit by meaningful big plays in weeks.
Tanner said he and his teammates understand.
“We’re definitely not worried about getting our tradition back,” he said. “We’ve just been hanging out with these guys and been here since Day One, and want to finish it together.”
Said Reinkensmeyer: “We have to play for the here and now.”
Improving, Sherman said, as opposed to upholding, has been key: “I feel like our identity is a lot more now than in the first Pomona game.”
