AURORA – Cherry Creek dominated all three phases of the game as the top-ranked Bruins downed No. 9 Cherokee Trail 38-7 in Friday nightap 5A Metro East League matchup at Legacy Stadium.
The Bruins scored early and often, building a 24-0 first-half lead en route to their ninth straight double-digit victory to begin the season.
“I thought we did some good things,” Cherry Creek head coach Dave Logan said. “We played a clean game in terms of penalties. We were a lot more disciplined so I was pleased with that.”
Cherry Creek was largely reaping the benefits of a strong defense, twice given a short field following a forced fumble by junior and three-star defensive end prospect Arden Walker along with a blocked punt by senior safety Nathaniel Mariska.
“Since we’ve been doing this, defense has been very important to us,” Logan said. “We have to have a good defense and that’s what we take a lot of pride in.”
Said Cherokee Trail head coach Joe Johnson: “They beat the heck out of us. There’s no question about it.”
Cherokee Trail finally got on the scoreboard late in the second quarter, closing out a 76-yard drive with a 5-yard touchdown pass from Jack Love to tight end Sam Harp, cutting the lead to 24-7. The touchdown was set up with a 72-yard reception by receiver Jack Pierce on the play prior, marking the Cougars’ longest offensive play of the half. In the Cougars’ three prior possessions, the offense was held to just 38 yards total.
In contrast, Cherry Creek posted 179 yards of first-half offense, led by running back Jayle Stacks, who rushed for 67 yards, including the game’s opening touchdown along with four receptions for 31 yards. The Bruins would take the 17-point lead into the half.
Cherry Creek’s dominance continued into the second half, scoring its fourth touchdown of the night when junior running back James Walker found the end zone on a 39-yard run.
Cherry Creek defensive back Myles Purchase tacked on another touchdown at the 8:51 mark of the third quarter, returning a punt 89 yards and increasing the lead to 38-7. The play marked the third touchdown for Purchase on special teams this season.
“He’s a gifted athlete,” Logan said of Purchase. “He’s got a lot of natural ability with his hands on the ball. He’s dangerous when he gets it. Now we just have to find a way for him to get it more.”
Cherokee Trail’s closest shot at points in the second half came late in the fourth quarter, failing to capitalize on a 37-yard field goal with just over six minutes remaining.
“I don’t think we performed very well, but they’re very good,” Johnson said. “We missed some opportunities, they made some and they’re very talented.”
With a running clock, the Bruins closed out the win.
Cherry Creek (9-0) hosts Grandview (8-1) with the outright 5A Metro East League title on the line 7 p.m. next Friday at the Stutler Bowl. Cherokee Trail (6-3) will face Eaglecrest (7-2) with that game taking place simultaneously at Aurora’s Legacy Stadium.
