FORT COLLINS – With Thompson Valley’s defense performing outstandingly throughout the game, it was fitting that the school’s first-ever state championship hinged on that unit’s presence on the field. A pass from Christian Hiner slipped through Ryan St. Aubin’s grasp, but it might not have changed the outcome. CJ James was right there to make […]
FORT COLLINS – With Thompson Valley’s defense performing outstandingly throughout the game, it was fitting that the school’s first-ever state championship hinged on that unit’s presence on the field.
A pass from Christian Hiner slipped through Ryan St. Aubin’s grasp, but it might not have changed the outcome. CJ James was right there to make the crucial tackle. Another pivotal defensive play helped secure a historic victory for Thompson Valley as the Eagles triumphed over Mead 16-14 to take home the Class 3A football state championship.
“I’ve emphasized to this team all season that defense secures championships,” coach Jamie Steele remarked. “Offense may draw the crowd. We attracted some fans, but the defense clinched the championship. They’ve consistently delivered all year. They’re exceptional.”
In fact, it was the defense that sealed the final points of the match for the Eagles (14-0 overall) in the waning moments of the first half.
A deflected pass landed in the hands of defensive end Dane Gray, who sprinted unopposed into the end zone, putting Thompson Valley up 16-7 at halftime. This touchdown ultimately kept the Mavericks (11-2) at bay, despite their revised offensive strategy after halftime that allowed them to advance the ball.
“We had to stay sharp,” Gray stated. “We faltered slightly. We acknowledged that adversity would arise, so those big plays can’t disturb our focus. We must continue to be a dominant defense.”
(Doug Ottewill/ColoradoPreps.com)
The Eagles commenced their scoring on the first possession with a 41-yard touchdown run by freshman quarterback Finley Lucas, a culmination of a mismanaged punt that Eli Metzger transformed into a vital first down. This facilitated a significant run from Lucas, who benefitted from a strong, seasoned offensive line, allowing him to mature on the Colorado State University campus.
“That defense secured our victory,” Lucas expressed. “I’m incredibly grateful to them. As a freshman entering this, I’m at a loss for words. I feel a lot stronger [after this experience].”
The Mavericks often found themselves in repeated 3rd and short situations, yet the Eagles appeared to have constructed an impenetrable barrier at the necessary line.
Mead managed to break through once late in the first half, as a run by Griffin Kratochvil set up a 26-yard touchdown throw from Hiner to St. Aubin.
They narrowed the deficit to two points early in the fourth quarter with Hiner connecting with Noah Vroman for his second touchdown pass of the contest. From then onward, both teams created turnovers and stood firm defensively, yet neither could add to their score. A particularly poignant moment for the team was shared by several players whose fathers had played on the 1989 Thompson Valley squad that fell to Longmont 20-14 in the state championship game.
This was previously the only occasion the Eagles reached a football final.
“I’ve had [those fathers] as guest speakers throughout the year,” Steele noted. “As we progressed, winning each game, they spoke to the team. They shared how it still hurts them in their hearts that they got close but didn’t win, yet they take pride in their journey. They motivated these players to push further.”
Or in the case of a championship-caliber defense, to push the opposing team back.
(Doug Ottewill/ColoradoPreps.com)
