Cherry Creek and Mullen set for big 5A football quarterfinal battle
Friday night, two of the most prominent football programs in the state of Colorado square off in a do-or die-contest to keep their season alive.
One of the most historical rivalries in Colorado football adds another chapter to its book as Cherry Creek coach Dave Logan will make his first trip back to Mullen since joining the Bruins. The Mustangs will look to make it a sour comeback for Logan and his Bruins.
The Mustangs come in as one of the big time title contenders in the 5A field. Mullen comes into the game averaging 37 points per game while the Cherry Creek defense has allowed an average of 13 points.
Offensively, the Mustangs are lead by Jovan Tafoya and Marcus McElroy Jr., and are averaging 407.5 yards of total offense per game, but the Bruins offense looks to slow down the Mustangs.
Plagued by injuries the Bruins have played thin all year but the loss to University of Colorado commit Jonathan Van Diest is another name in the long list of Creek injuries.
“Injuries are a part of the game,” junior defensive lineman Gunnar Garcia said. “It’s so important to us as a team when it’s time for practice, you always (have to be) locked in and ready to go if you’re called upon to go into the game because of an injury.”
But that all goes out the window come game time. The matchup between Cherry Creek and Mullen is just one of several marquee matchups in the Class 5A quarterfinals.
“There’s no doubt this will be one of the toughest and grittiest football games we’ve played yet,” Garcia said. “But we are playing our best football at the right time and the team and I couldn’t have higher hopes.”
Another chapter in the history book will be written Friday night at 7 p.m. The game can be seen on the NFHS Network.
