5A Soccer

FORT COLLINS – Cherry Creek faced a myriad of challenges, but ultimately overcame them.

Despite a hard-fought victory over Legend with a score of 13-10 in the 5A CHSAA State Championship, things began on a rocky note.

The Titans surged ahead with a rapid 10-0 lead in the first half, powered by an early first quarter field goal and a 33-yard touchdown pass from Nick Farley to Ryken Banks.

The situation worsened for the Bruins when running back Jayden Fox suffered an ankle injury late in the second quarter.

The Bruins’ sideline felt a sudden dip in momentum.

However, it’s often said that how you finish is what truly matters.

“Kudos to Legend,” remarked coach Dave Logan. “I anticipated this would be a tough contest; they are an excellent team. We encountered some setbacks in the first half, and I reminded the guys, ‘We committed to playing 48 minutes, and we’ve only completed 24.’”

In the 25th minute, Fox demonstrated his resolve by igniting the Bruins’ offense with a 33-yard run. Despite finishing the game with 99 yards on 11 carries, he had limited opportunities in the third quarter and was sidelined in the fourth due to his injury.

Even as he endured pain at halftime, sitting out the third quarter was the farthest thing from his thoughts.

“I can’t let my team down,” Fox asserted. “We’ve come this far, and I simply couldn’t stop until the final whistle blew.”

Fox’s tenacity inspired his teammates, including freshman Elijah Cromwell, who ended the game with 102 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries, earning him the title of National Football Foundation Player of the Game.

Although few believed a freshman would emerge as the game’s MVP before kick-off, Cromwell had been putting in the effort, and it paid dividends.

“My dad and I have been waking up at four in the morning to work on my skills,” Cromwell shared. “Hitting the gym to build strength so that I could be ready for moments like this when my name gets called.”

Logan has now led his teams to the championship 12 times, securing five State Championships in the last seven years.

While the thrill of victory never diminishes, each team he has guided carries its own distinct traits.

“What stands out about this group is how close-knit they are,” Logan noted. “Perhaps closer than previous teams. … This team was also resilient. We faced tight games before, like being tied in the fourth quarter against Pine Creek.

“We trailed on the road against Skyridge. We held a five-point lead and had to drive late in the game against Highland Park to secure the win. We’ve encountered these situations before, and I couldn’t be prouder of how resilient these kids were.”

This sense of family was evident in the backfield on Saturday night.

“Jayden is like a big brother to me,” Cromwell said. “I’ve learned a great deal from him. When I see him play, I try to incorporate what he does into my own game because he runs effectively.”

The running game became a cornerstone for a Cherry Creek team that needed stability, particularly during a chaotic third quarter.

Following Cherry Creek’s initial touchdown in the third quarter, the extra point was blocked. After forcing Legend into a fourth down, Cherry Creek muffed a punt, handing Legend the ball back deep in their own end.

Soon after, Banks fumbled, returning possession to the Bruins. On the next drive, Legend’s Brody Shuss sacked Brady Vodicka, prompting another Cherry Creek punt. This time, it was the Bruins who turned the ball over.

At that juncture, the game was precariously balanced. Vodicka launched a 50/50 pass to Jeremiah Hoffman, who made a remarkable toe-tap catch. Nine yards later, Fox carried it into the end zone, marking the final points of the game.

“Both teams faced significant turnovers,” Logan stated, “and I think it might have aged Legend coach Monte Thelen and myself. It’s part of coaching young men aged 15 to 18; these things happen. But two exceptional teams competed in a hard-fought battle, and I’m very pleased we managed to stay composed and find a way to win this game.”