Going into the Heritage versus Wheat Ridge game the Farmers had won 22 straight games and won a 4A state title. A talented and determined Heritage squad, led by four year starter Mitch Griebel, was determined to bring home the win which could lead to the West Metro Crown and a strong seed in playoffs.
Early in the first quarter, Griebel scored the first of four touchdowns he had his hand in on the day, banging in from one yard out. In response, Wheat Ridge would move deep into Heritage territory, but from the six yard line, on a sloppy play that would lead to a sack and fumble, Wheat Ridge quarterback Charlie Land surrendered the ball to the Eagles. This play, the most important of the game, signaled the high tide mark for the Farmers as the Eagles would dominate the remainder of the contest.
Owning both sides of the line of scrimmage, Heritage used the second quarter to pull away from the champs. Griebel showed off his arm and mechanics passing the ball crisply down the field. A nice out to the Wheat Ridge 19 yard line to favorite receiver Shane Opitz set up a second strike as Griebel hit Jimmy Ellis for a fifteen yard score with 3:08 left in the half. Griebel would hit once again, this time on an eight yard pass to Will Sanders making the score at the intermission 21-0.
In the third both Heritage and Wheat Ridge would score. For Wheat Ridge, QB Charlie Land hooked up with back Kyle Mews for a 34 yard score. Sitting with a 28-7 lead, Heritage would limit the Farmers on O the remainder of the game, while offensively they were able to drive and score again as Griebel found Opitz, Heritage’s career leader in touchdown receptions, once again. This would cap the scoring on the day and cement the 35-7 Heritage win, putting the Eagles in the driver’s seat for a league crown.
Bottomline: The Eagles controlled both sides of the line of scrimmage. On offense, Griebel and crew had time and room to make plays. On defense, the versatile Wheat Ridge playmakers were held in check while Land was hurried and harassed all day. Heritage, now 8-1, has to pay attention next week as they take on a dangerous Dakota Ridge team in their league finale. Wheat Ridge 8-1, will also have a potential trap game as they take on a Denver South squad filled with athletes. Both Heritage and Wheat Ridge, talented and experienced, should be looked upon as contenders as playoffs start in two weeks.