Raptors March Into the Finals
December 14, 2017
A clash of titans. That was the scene at the Class 5A Football State Championship Game at Mile High Stadium on Saturday, December 2nd as our Raptors took on the Pomona Panthers.
In the highest scoring 5A state football title game in history, it was definitely a sight to see.
The Raptors left it all on the field and started off the game with a huge play from Jalen Mergerson leading Theryne Jimenez down to the 34 yard line in the first quarter.
While starting with a rough first quarter and being down 0-14 to the Panthers, the Raptors were quick to recuperate in second quarter.
Starting off the second quarter, Mergerson threw a beautiful pass to Dawson Macomber, landing EHS a touchdown making the score 7-14.
Pomona answered right back with Max Borghi scoring a long touchdown run. The Raptors were not going to let that go unnoticed.
With 9:10 left in the second quarter, Kenny Wantings ran a phenomenal 72 yard touchdown run, keeping the Raptors in the game.
The action didn’t end there. With Pomona fumbling into the end zone, Eaglecrest’s Victor Garnes picked up the ball and returned it to the 46 yard line.
Tying up the score 21-21 for the Raptors, Wantings scored his second touchdown of the night with a short run into the endzone.
Another fumble from Pomona on the kickoff gave Sam Onilenla the opportunity for a touchdown that gave the Raptors a 28-21 lead.
After an astonishing 58 yard pass from Mergerson to Corey Corbin, the Raptors ended the second quarter with a 35-28 lead.
During halftime, Eaglecrest was presented with the banner for the Fall 2017 CHSAA (Colorado High School Activities Association) #BackMyTeam challenge victory.
Raptor Cheer and Eaglecrest Poms also performed their respective routines during halftime, to the excitement of the fans.
The Panther’s Borghi ran a strong 3-yard touchdown run for Pomona to open the second half.
The Raptors quickly responded with a 10 yard touchdown run from Wantings, tying up the score once again, 42-42, with 5:28 minutes left in the 3rd quarter.
Pomona struggled against the robust defense but managed to retake the lead 49-42 over the Raptors at the end of the third quarter.
Pomona continued their fight going into the fourth quarter with a 28 yard score. Pomona was dominating Eaglecrest in the fourth with a score of 56-42.
With less than 6 minutes left, officials awarded an interception to the Panthers.
The Raptors continued on their quest, with Mergerson running in a touchdown from 14 yards out with about a minute left in the game.
Ultimately, the Raptors fell short just one posession, giving the Panthers a 56-49 victory.
“The game meant a lot. It means that I left a great legacy behind me and for other football players that come through Eaglecrest,” Garnes says when reflecting on his experiences this season.
There was a great sense of comradery amongst the players as they walked off the field.
“It’s crazy to perform at that level, at an NFL stadium, especially in the championship game,” added Wantings.
Although the Raptors fell short of the victory, their battle did not go unnoticed or unappreciated.
The Raptors made history in this playoff match, setting the record for most combined points in a title game at 105 points.
The Raptors also reigned in the first trip to the championships since 1993.
It was a great game for students, staff, and fans alike and the impact it has made on EHS football is a lasting one.
Coaches and players are looking forward to a future filled with incredible football. Thanks for an amazing season Raptors and here’s to many more.
