The recent run by the Cherry Creek Bruins has solidified them as one of the top football programs in the state. Over the last three years, the team has gone 35-2 and won all three state titles in Class 5A, moving them to a tie for second-most by a program in high school football in Colorado.
 
Expectations remain high for the Bruins, who will be one of the favorites yet again in a quest for their fourth straight title. And yet, despite the heightened expectations and constant target they wear, the Bruins plan on keeping the same approach that has worked so well in recent years.
 
“In terms of football, we are process-driven,” Bruins head coach Dave Logan said at Broncos/CHSAA Fall Sports High School Media Day on Monday. “We work hard in the weight room after the season, and we start in June going three or four mornings a week in terms of our lifting program, our speed conditioning and our install. That really hasn’t changed.”
 
The Bruins will look to replace a few key positions that have been vacated by talented players, but a strong core returns on both sides of the ball. The defense will see many top prospects back from a team that gave up an average of 9.5 points per game and recorded four shutouts. Highlighting them is a strong front-seven with returning stars Angelo Petrides, Blake Purchase, Chase Brackney and Hank Zilinskas, many of whom are expected to play at the next level. On offense, the Bruins will look to find a replacement at quarterback, but they will have a deep receiver core to throw to in Ismael Cisse and Kyair Johnson, as well as a big, physical offensive line anchored by Zilinskas in the middle.
 
Logan says this year’s team will be more senior-led than last year, and those seniors are committed to leading the way for this year’s program.
 
“My goal this year is to be a better leader on the team,” Purchase said. “This year, my goal is to lead the young guys and help us get another state championship, hopefully.”
 
Cherry Creek will have many tests along the way towards a potential title, including a trip in Week 2 to Ohio to face St. Edward. After the road trip, the team will host the defending Class 4A champions Chatfield, then Arvada West and Regis Jesuit in three consecutive weeks before conference play.
 
For now, the focus remains on following the process, starting with Week 1 and their road game against Ralston Valley. For the Bruins, this game will be the first test to prove if they are on the right track for success they are used to following.
 
“We want to come out and see how hard we worked over the summer and how it is paying off,” Brackney said. “We want to come out and set the tone.”