Recap
That does it for the regular season. The Broomfield Eagles finished 10-0, doubling their win total from a year ago, and had multiple dominant wins.
The tenth win came Friday at Heritage in a low-scoring, defensive battle.

Heritage came into this game with a lot of energy, looking to pull off the upset. But, Cole LaCrue (‘23) and the Broomfield offense took control in the first quarter.
LaCrue had a solid drive going, but the offense faced a third-and-seven in Heritage territory. Everyone in the stadium thought the ball would be in LaCrue’s hands to convert, but it was Luke Francis (‘23) taking a pitch to the outside for a 20 yard gain, getting the Eagles inside the five-yard-line.
After a near touchdown to Kaealn Frey (‘23) in the back corner of the endzone, Brent Harris (‘24) was able to punch in the first score of the game.

Up 7-0 early in the second quarter, Broomfield’s big play offense was on display early.
To put Broomfield up two scores, LaCrue hit Anthony Cobb (‘24) downfield for a 46-yard score. Cobb made a great adjustment to come back to the football and find the endzone.

Up 14-0 with all the momentum, it felt like Broomfield was going to run away with this game. Heritage’s offense had done nothing up to that point, but just when they needed a big play, they made one.
The Heritage coach called a perfectly timed double-pass that worked perfectly. The running back caught the backwards pass, causing the defense to bite, and hit the receiver downfield for a big gain.
This play set up a one yard touchdown run, and just like that, the home team had the momentum.
Heritage’s defense made a big stop on the following possession, and quickly got back into the endzone.
Heritage’s quarterback struggled all game long, but made a nice throw towards the sideline to set his receiver up for a long touchdown. The Broomfield corner tried to jump the route, but just missed a pass-breakup, allowing the receiver to take it for a score. After a missed extra point, Broomfield led 14-13.

Aside from a few plays Broomfield’s offense wasn’t itself in the first half. And, in the second half, it was even worse. Heritage’s defense did a nice job stopping the run, forcing multiple punts.
The only points by either team in the second half were courtesy of a 34-yard field goal by Broomfield’s Dylan Duggan (‘23).
However, the biggest play of the half was a controversial outcome of a blocked punt with just a few minutes remaining in the game.
Broomfield faced a fourth down, and Nick Petrich’s rollout punt was blocked by Heritage. The Heritage player who blocked the punt tried to recover it for a touchdown, but couldn’t gain control, fumbling with the ball until it bounced through the endzone. It looked like Heritage had missed the opportunity for the touchdown, but still would have gotten a safety. But, the referees made a questionable call.
The officials concluded that the Heritage player gained control at the five-yard-line, then fumbled the ball out of the back in the endzone, resulting in a touchback, giving Broomfield the ball back.
The ruling was questionable, but set up Broomfield to run the clock out and win the game. The Eagles ran for a few first downs, and eventually were able to set up in victory formation. The 17-13 win may have been a controversial one, but a win is a win, and Broomfield got it done.

Playoff Preview
Broomfield enters the playoffs as the second overall seed, just below Palmer Ridge and ahead of Ponderosa and Loveland.
The Eagles are set up nicely to make a run this year, and have the pieces to do it. However, they haven’t looked as unbeatable in recent weeks.

Through the first eight games, it seemed like Broomfield’s offense couldn’t be stopped. But, against its two toughest opponents, the Eagles didn’t score over 21 points in either game.
This isn’t much of a worry considering the talent Broomfield has on that side of the ball, but in the playoffs, the offense will have to play differently than they did against teams like Adams City. Ponderosa or Loveland won’t allow Broomfield to run right through them like Holy Family did.
LaCrue is going to have to play great as Broomfield gets deep into the playoffs, along with the offensive line. If LaCrue has time to throw and the run game can be steady, there is no reason this offense can’t score 30 against any defense.

Broomfield’s defense is a different story. Going into the playoffs, there are no concerns on that side of the ball.
The Eagle’s defense features an athletic secondary that will be able to hold up against any passing attack, along with some good run-stoppers.
It is also important that Broomfield faced an offense like Fruita Monument. They proved that they can be successful against that unique style of offense, which will be big if the Eagles meet Loveland.

The bye week will be important for the Eagles, as it will allow them to get healthy and prepared to make a run. Broomfield will potentially host two playoff games, the first one being the winner of Windsor vs. Bear Creek.
This could finally be the year that Broomfield hangs that banner.