Recap

Dakota Ridge was a game that was looked at as one of the tougher games on Broomfield’s schedule this year. But, Broomfield made this matchup look completely lopsided.
Broomfield didn’t waste any time early in this game. Running back Ryland Boehmer (‘23) had a 50-plus yard run to set up a Cole LaCrue (‘23) rushing touchdown on the first possession.
After getting the ball back quickly, the Broomfiled offense wasted no time. LaCrue made an elite throw off one foot, rolling to his left, and dropped in right in Kaelan Frey’s (‘23) hands in the endzone.
Just minutes later, Luke Francis (‘23) ran for a 43-yard touchdown, the third score of the first quarter for the Eagles.
At this point, the game had already felt over. Dakota Ridge couldn’t get anything going on offense.
But, to Dakota Ridge’s credit, they won the second quarter, scoring 17 points to Broomfield’s seven. The Broomfield offense didn’t score in the second quarter, but the defense scored on a fumble recovery for a touchdown by Noah Billar (‘24), caused by Garrett Keeler (‘23).
After a scoreless second quarter, LaCrue’s offense got back on track in the third quarter.
On 3rd-and-18, LaCrue hit Anthony Cobb (‘24), who made multiple guys miss on his way into the endzone.
After another stop by the defense, LaCrue put the exclamation point on this game with a 73-yard touchdown run on the QB keeper.
Broomfield led 41-14 going into the fourth quarter.
The offense tacked on two more touchdowns in the final period, as Cole LaCrue ran for another long touchdown, 92 yards, and Luke Francis scored his second of the night.
Dakota Ridge found the endzone once more, and the game ended in a 55-24 win for Broomfield.

Analysis

The difference in this game was big plays. Broomfield had so many big plays in this game, and surrendered very few to Dakota Ridge.
The big plays for Broomfield’s offense in this game included:
57-yard run by Ryland Boehmer
28-yard touchdown catch by Kaelan Frey
43-yard touchdown run by Luke Francis
65-yard touchdown catch by Anthony Cobb
73 and 92 yard touchdown runs by Cole LaCrue
And, it wasn’t only the offense that was making game-changing plays.
The defense collected four turnovers, including three interceptions by Mikhail Benner (‘25) and a forced fumble by Garrett Keeler.
That wasn’t the only play Keeler made Friday. The senior pass-rusher had a huge game, totaling 14 tackles, one sack, four tackles for loss, and four QB hurries on top of the forced fumble.
The Broomfield defense continues to force teams into making mistakes. The pass rush has been a strong suit and the defensive backs have been all over the field through six games.
The offense’s dominance speaks for itself, but the defense is going to be important come playoff time, and they deserve recognition for their performance thus far.
Next week, Broomfield will stay on the road against Aurora Central. The Eagles should have no problem keeping their undefeated campaign going.