Recap

Broomfield capped off an undefeated season with a hard-fought, 24-14 win over Loveland in the State Championship.

The Eagles were able to outplay a tough Loveland team in every facet of the game, and it all started on the defensive side.

After receiving the opening kick, Broomfield fumbled on the first snap of the game, giving Loveland an early boost.

The defense was put in a tough situation early, but made a huge stop. Mikhail Benner (‘25) picked off the Loveland quarterback, setting the offense up with good field position.

This time, Cole LaCrue’s (‘23) offense took advantage.

The drive started with a huge play on pitch to Brent Harris (‘24), setting the Eagles up in the red zone.

The Eagles were able to get down to the one yard line, where Cole LaCrue (‘23) scored on the designed keeper.

Taking a 7-0 lead early was huge for Broomfield, as Loveland’s offense isn’t built to play catch-up.

The Red Wolves looked to respond, but the Broomfield defense continued making stops.

Midway through the second quarter, Canon Juarez (‘23) scored a rushing touchdown to give the defense an even bigger lead. The score was set up by a huge 19-yard completion to Kaelan Frey (‘23) on a third down.

Late in the second quarter was the first time Loveland’s offense moved the ball. With three minutes to go before half, the Red Wolves punched it into the endzone, and got right back into the game.

Loveland needed to make a stop and keep it a seven point deficit going into half, but LaCrue had other plans. It took just two minutes for the Eagles to find the endzone again on another keeper by LaCrue.

Going into half, Broomfield led 21-7.

The second half was sloppy for both teams.

Broomfield was able to put a drive together early that ended in a field goal, but from there on out, the offense was shut down.

With Loveland’s defense stepping up, Broomfield’s had to do the same, and it did.

The Red Wolves only scored seven points in the second half, and after stopping Loveland’s late attempt to get back into the game, the clock hit zero with Broomfield leading 24-14.

For the first time in almost 40 years, Broomfield’s football team won state.

The celebration commended immediately, and an emotional Cole LaCrue and Blair Hubbard embraced after completing what they have been working to do for three years.

This win was not only huge for the team, but also the community. The Broomfield community supported this team week after week, and it felt like the entire town won Saturday. It was a moment that will be remembered forever by everyone in that stadium.

Analysis

Against a Loveland team that is known for its physicality, Broomfield came out and played harder.
The defensive line was outstanding, as it needed to be, in this game. Loveland’s offensive line found little success opening up holes for their runners.
The Eagle defense also tackled really well in this game also, starting with the inside linebackers Noah Billar (‘24) and Ryland Boehmer (‘23).

The Eagles’ offense wasn’t great in this game, but it made enough big plays to win. Cole LaCrue and Kaelan Frey connected multiple times for big gains, and Canon Juarez stole the show.
Juarez caught multiple big passes, including an amazing one handed catch, and was effective on the ground.
Not only did he tear up Loveland’s defense, but he also was a force on the other side, intercepting a pass and making multiple huge tackles.
The senior was well-deserving of the MVP of this game.
Brent Harris also caught Loveland off guard multiple times in both the passing and running game.

Overall, Broomfield was the better team on Saturday, and could have won this game by more. The Eagles had the better athletes, played harder, and clearly wanted it more.
Finishing as the only undefeated team in Colorado, Broomfield proved it was the most dominant team, at any level, in Colorado this year.
Broomfield came into the season with huge pressure, and delivered with a 14-0 season, one that will be remembered for a long, long time.