AURORA – Dakota Ridge High School has stormed out of the gates this season, blending speed, toughness, and precision to create one of the most dynamic football programs in the state. With a stout defense, a balanced offense, and a team culture built on leadership and resilience, the Eagles have flown to an undefeated start and positioned themselves as serious contenders for a postseason run.
For his leadership and the Eagles’ impressive success, head coach Jeremiah Behrendsen has been named CHSAA’s Denver Broncos Tackle Football Coach of the Week.
Throughout the season, a Broncos Coach of the Week will be selected for both tackle football and flag football. Then, at every Broncos home game, during a pregame on-field recognition ceremony, the Denver Broncos will celebrate a group of these Coach of the Week honorees.
Q&A with Dakota Ridge Head Coach Jeremiah Behrendsen
Q: Dakota Ridge is known for its tight-knit community, where football holds special meaning. What aspects of coaching there do you find most rewarding, and how does the community’s support influence your program?
A: Our kids are completely bought into what it means to be student-athletes. They understand we’re chasing excellence in every area, in the classroom, in the community, and on the field, and they rise to that standard every day. It’s also a special place because of how connected everyone is.
We’ve had a Dakota Ridge Youth Sports Association for more than 15 years, and now we have alumni whose kids play in it. On youth night this season against Highlands Ranch, we had around 130 youth players in attendance. It really does feel like a small town inside a big city. That sense of community makes this place feel like home.
Q: Can you describe your coaching philosophy both on and off the field? Are there particular mentors, lessons, or experiences that have shaped your approach to leading this program?
A: I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors. I worked under Coach Ron Woitalewicz here at Dakota Ridge for 20 years, he taught me so much about being not only a coach, but also a husband, father, and mentor. Growing up in Akron, Colorado, I was also coached by Hall of Famer Brian Christensen in football, Tracy Samber in basketball, and John Glosson in baseball. Each had a different style, but they all cared deeply about their players. Seeing how much time and belief they invested in me gave me a model for how I want to impact my players.
Q: Dakota Ridge doesn’t always get the spotlight compared to some larger metro-area schools. Can you share a moment when your team really used that underdog status to your advantage on the field?
A: Absolutely. Being from South Jeffco, where you’ve got Columbine, Chatfield, and Dakota Ridge, there’s always been a feeling that we’re the “younger brother” at the table. That chip on our shoulder has fueled us for years. Some of our biggest wins have come against those programs, and they’re always meaningful because of the respect we have for them. It’s great football down here, the competition is fierce, but that underdog mentality drives our guys to work harder and prove they belong in that same conversation.
Q: Following a strong 2024 season, the team has carried that momentum into the current year with an 8-0 record. What factors have contributed to this consistency, and how do you keep the team focused as the playoffs approach?
A: It comes down to leadership and buy-in. We lost some outstanding seniors last year, but the juniors and seniors who returned took ownership of the program. They’ve held themselves and each other accountable to the same high standard we’ve always had. Our practices are incredibly competitive. Our scout team prepares us so well that game days often feel easier than Tuesdays and Wednesdays. That kind of effort, combined with our “one week at a time” mentality, keeps us grounded. We focus on doing the little things right and winning one play, one quarter, and one game at a time.
Q: The current roster features a mix of veteran leaders and emerging talents. Which players have emerged as the heartbeat of the team, and which have surprised you with their growth or playmaking this season?
A: We’ve been blessed with great leadership. Guys like Landon Kalsbeck, our Washington State commit, have been tremendous on both sides of the ball. My son, Kellen Behrendsen, our quarterback, has taken another big step as a leader this year. And Jack Offerdahl, who’s basically the quarterback of our defense, continues to do it all for us. We’ve also had guys like Jace Winchester, an offensive lineman committed to CSU, and Blake Bishop in our secondary, step up in big ways. They’ve elevated their leadership and play, helping set the tone for our team’s consistency.
Q: The team’s defense has been exceptional, allowing just 11.8 points per game, while the offense averages 38.5 points. How do you instill that kind of discipline and balance, ensuring both sides perform at a high level week after week?
A: We always make sure our best goes against our best during practice. For about eight plays each Tuesday and Wednesday, we’ll have our top offense face our top defense, and that competition sharpens everyone. We also preach consistency in everything, how you do the little things is how you do everything. Staying focused on the task at hand, not getting complacent, and not overthinking success are all part of it. We don’t talk about being 8-0, we talk about being 1-0 every week. That mindset has been huge for us.
Q: With two games left in the regular season, what aspects of the team’s performance or leadership do you want to see sharpened as you head into the postseason?
A: This time of year, it always comes back to running the football and stopping the run, especially in Colorado when the weather turns. We emphasize physicality and consistency in those areas. We also pride ourselves on special teams. We spend at least 25 minutes a day on it because we believe it’s a difference-maker. Beyond that, it’s about continuing to do what’s worked and not losing sight of what’s made us successful.
Q: How do you balance teaching life lessons and football skills to your players, and what do you hope they take away from being part of this program beyond wins and losses?
A: Ten years from now, if I bump into a former player, I hope I hear about what a great husband, father, or professional he’s become. We’re trying to help them become the next generation of great leaders, young men and women who treat people well, work hard, and make an impact in their communities.
Q: Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals for Dakota Ridge football, and how do you plan to continue building on the program’s foundation for years to come?
A: We talk all the time about how being a Dakota Ridge Eagle isn’t a four-year experience, it’s a lifelong one. Our goal is to keep strengthening that community connection from youth football all the way to alumni who return as coaches or parents. When you create a culture where people care about each other, the wins come naturally. Football is just the tool that brings us together. The real goal is to build people from the inside out.