No. 9 Grandview football dominant in win over No. 10 Cherokee Trail
AURORA — If there was any doubt that the Grandview Wolves were still a top-10 team, they erased it all with a dominating performance over Cherokee Trail in a battle of two teams ranked in the top 10 of the Class 5A CHSAANow.com football poll.
The Wolves’ (5-1 overall, 2-0 5A Centennial League) staggering defense was able to hold the Cougars scoreless in the second half resulting in a 42-7 win.
The first play of the night should have been a sign that Grandview junior running back Hayden Blubaugh was going to have a big night: A 22-yard run. Blubaugh led the way on offense with three rushing touchdowns and a very progressive run game.
“The offense played amazing,” Blubaugh said. “The offensive line played their hearts out for me. I couldn’t have done it without them. Alex Reyna, my fullback, blocked his heart out for me. They were setting the holes for me.”
Cherokee Trail (3-3, 0-2) was able to hold Grandview from scoring on the first drive. The Cougars struggled with turnovers from the start of the game and it showed on their first drive Michael Morris fumbled ball landing into the hands of junior defensive back Max McCoy with the ball on their own 22-yard line. Grandview took advantage of turnover and punched it with Blubaugh for the touchdown.
Cherokee Trail returned the favor by capitalizing on a turnover after a muffed punt recovered by the Cougars. Cherokee Trail junior quarterback Michael Morris threw screen pass to senior receiver Ronnie Barfield for touchdown tying the score at 7-7.
It started to look like the team who was going to win the game had to capitalize on turnovers.
An interception by Grandview senior linebacker DeAndre Shorts set his team up for another short run for a touchdown. On the Wolves’ next possession, Blubaugh rushed for a 57-yard touchdown.
Cherokee Trail tried to get something going on offense before half but was forced to punt. The Wolves were able to come through on special teams and the attempted Cougars punt was blocked, setting up Grandview for an easy wide-open 28-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Gunnar Lamphere to receiver sophomore receiver Gunner Gentry bringing their lead to 28-7 at halftime.
“The seniors played very well and our juniors and sophomores came together tonight,” said Grandview coach John Schultz. “It’s the best we’ve played.”
The second half was much of the same for both teams. Grandview’s defense stood strong and prevented Cherokee Trail from getting any type of momentum on offense. The Wolves created turnovers and controlled the game.
Blubaugh wasn’t done in the fourth quarter, adding a 67-yard touchdown run putting the game more out of reach at 42-7 against their district rivals.
“This game was really big. I’m new to this school and everybody talks about how CT week is like a back yard brawl,” Blubaugh said. “We got to move on and get ready for Creek next week.”
Coach Shultz explained how huge these rival games are for his team.
“Our kids were nervous, excited, and emotional,” he said. “These guys have played against each other since like second and third grade, some with each other. A lot of friendships on the field.”
Cherokee Trail will look to next Friday to face a tough Valor Christian team while Grandview awaits defending state champion Cherry Creek.
