See Moments From Creek’s First Home Football Game
The football team breaks through the paper banner held by the cheer team right before the game. The banners are made by Student Senate the day before. The football team won their home opener game versus Chatfield 28-5.
September 14, 2022
Creek’s varsity football team won their first home game 28-5 against the Chatfield Chargers on Friday, Sept. 9.
The varsity football program continues to prove they are three-peat state champions, and it is evident they have no plans to end their streak here. The players arrived at Stutler hungry for another win.
“We always prepare for every team like we would if it’s a state championship game,” sophomore defensive lineman Jack Francis said.
However, the real preparation began way before Friday night. The team has spent countless hours over the summer to return as the same champions we saw last season.
“I think we worked really hard throughout summer camp, watching film and getting our mindset right for the season,” sophomore wide receiver Liam Atkinson said.
With preparation under their belts, a consistent competitive mindset, and “Dream and Nightmares” by Meek Mill played in the locker room, the varsity team was ready to make their way onto the field.
They broke through the banner reading “Welcome to the Big Leagues” for the first time, entering Stutler as a newly united team. With a new group of players each season, finding a dynamic without having the option to fall back on the dependable players from last season can be difficult. However, like true Bruins, the team dynamic was strong, with teammates encouraging each other to play even better. Persistent energy throughout the game seemed to be the ticket to the win.
“I think our energy is great and that we have worked really well together,” Francis said. “Filling the holes of the guys that left.”
The players credit their energy to being fuelled by the massive crowd supporting them. From the moment the players came out, the student section was rowdy, matching their energy.
“The student section definitely helped us keep that energy up; it was really exciting,” Francis said.
The energy from the students and players of the varsity football team has won Creek three state championships in a row. Keen to continue their streak, some players feel an expectation to succeed.
“There’s definitely a pressure,” Francis said. “It’s there after the first one, the second one, especially the third one.”
See moments from the game below.
Offensive lineman AJ Burton celebrates during the Bruins’ win against Chatfield on Friday, Sept. 9.
The Bruins scored early into the game, on a first down rushing touchdown with seven minutes left in the first quarter.
Trumpeters in the marching band play “Seven Nation Army” from the stands during the game. In addition to a halftime show, the band plays periodically throughout the game.
Cherry Creek Varsity poms team call a chant at the first home varsity game of the 2022-2023 season.
Running back James Walker II (right), and tight end Dawson Johnson (left) perform a celebratory handshake.
Senior Owen Niehoff screams onto the field at the varsity football game Friday, Sept. 9.
Chatfield chargers make a tackle and Creeks Luke Shinofield goes in to assist his teammate.
Two Creek players including senior wide receiver Cooper Pollard fcae the Chatfield chargers head on.
The marching band’s drumline performs “The Cadence” during halftime.
Members of Junior Poms, a team for younger kids, perform on field during halftime with members of the poms team.
The teams line up for a Creek offensive drive. The team scored two touchdowns in the first quarter and two in the third quarter, topping Chatfield’s safety in the first quarter and field goal in the second quarter.
Students in the stands talk to two of Cherry Creek Sports Network’s camera operators before the game. CCSN covers games from both the sidelines and the media booth above the field.
Cheerleaders talk before the game. The cheer team performs on the sidelines throughout the game to hype the crowd up.
Cheer parents hold signs as a birthday celebration for senior cheerleader Sophie Fowler before the game.
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