HIGHLANDS RANCH – In sub-freezing conditions that favored the run game, top-ranked rushing offense Columbine upset No. 3 Valor Christian 37-30 in Friday nightap 5A football quarterfinal at Valor Stadium.
Led by the thunder and lightning pair of tailbacks in Adam Harrington and Tanner Hollens, who combined for six touchdowns in the game, the sixth-seeded Rebels managed to engineer a comeback while shortening the game against a potent Valor (10-2) offense which had posted the fourth-most yards in Class 5A entering the contest.
“We know we’re both threats and we know that the defense is going to key on both of us,” said Hollens. “They don’t know where the ball is going to go. I have faith in either of us.”
Four of those touchdowns came in the second half as the Rebels erased a 14-12 halftime deficit.
“I think our guys just wore them out,” said Columbine head coach Andy Lowry. “We had a couple long drives that first half. We’re going both ways and they’re going both ways. Our linemen just got off the ball.”
With conditions below freezing at kickoff, the hosts also looked to run the ball, with starting QB Jack Howell and rushing leader Gavin Sawchuk anchoring the Eagles offense. Sawchuk led the team with 58 yards rushing on 12 attempts, but it was Howell who led the team with two first-half rushing touchdowns, both from two yards out.
“We knew there were going to be a lot of possessions in the game and every one would count,” Valor head coach Ed McCaffrey said. “They played to win today; we just didn’t have enough time to make it happen on the scoreboard.”
Harrington and Hollens combined for 131 yards rushing in the first half, but it was Harrington who found the end zone on both of the Rebels’ touchdowns in the opening half.
“Tip of the hat to Columbine,” said McCaffrey. “They’re a really good team.”
Columbine (11-2) matched Valor touchdown for touchdown in the first half, but a blocked extra point by Eli Miller helped the Eagles preserve their lead and maintain momentum in the game. The Rebels opted for a two-point conversion on their final drive of the half which was stopped inches short of the goal line and Valor preserved a 14-12 advantage at the half.
With the opening possession of the second half, Columbine took its first lead of the game. This time, it was Hollens who found the end zone on a three-yard run. Following another missed two-point attempt, Columbine jumped in front, 18-14.
“We knew we were getting the ball,” said Hollens. “We knew we would have to go out there, do our assignment, punch them in the mouth and march down the field. We did and we ended up scoring.”
After a defensive stop, the visitors added to their lead. Hollens punched it in from one yard out, capping a 55-yard drive and giving the Rebels a 25-14 advantage to start the fourth quarter.
With just under eight minutes remaining in the game, Harrington added his third touchdown of the game, this time from nine yards out, giving the Rebels a three-possession advantage, 31-14.
Not to be outdone, Hollens added his third of the night on the ensuing drive. Following the fifth missed point after of the night, Columbine led 37-14 late in the fourth quarter.
With under five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Valor found its first points of the half as Howell connected with Zain Zinicola on a 74-yard passing TD. Tight end Rocky Beers hauled in the two-point conversion to close the gap to 37-22.
After a turnover on downs by Columbine, Valor drove the length of the field to score another touchdown in the game’s final minute on another pass hauled in by Zinicola. After another two-point conversion, the Eagles made a game of it late, drawing within a touchdown, but failed to recover an onside kick with 11 seconds remaining.
Valor finished its season with 10 regular-season wins under McCaffrey, but failed to repeat as state champions.
With the win, Columbine punches a ticket to face rival No. 2 Ralston Valley in next weekend’s semifinals. Ralston Valley won the teams’ previous meeting in a 24-23 thriller back in October.
“Itap going to be another great game,” said Hollens. “I think we can get them this time.”
