As the countdown to the Class 5A semifinals at Stutler Bowl continues, the spotlight is squarely on the offensive lines of both teams. Cherry Creek senior left tackle Oliver Miller, standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 295 pounds, and Valor Christian senior left tackle Kannon Smith, also 6-6 and 295 pounds, embody the fierce trench battles expected in this crucial matchup.
The competition for the best offensive line in the state is heating up, with Valor coach Mike Sanford acknowledging the formidable challenge posed by Cherry Creek”s line. “I love my offensive line, but theirs is really big and good. It”s like that Spider-Man meme where two Spider-Men are pointing at each other,” he remarked.
No. 1 ranked Cherry Creek (12-0) defeated Valor Christian 42-17 in last year”s semifinals and is on a quest for its eighth consecutive appearance in the championship game, having secured five of the last six big-school titles. Meanwhile, No. 5 Valor (10-2) boasts eight state titles but has not tasted victory since 2018.
Despite earlier losses to semifinal contenders No. 2 Ralston Valley and No. 3 Mountain Vista, Valor remains focused on dethroning Cherry Creek. Junior right tackle Reis Russell, son of renowned University of Colorado linebacker Matt Russell, expressed excitement about the matchup. “We couldn”t have asked for a better matchup this week,” he said. “We wanted to be on Creek”s side, and we are so fired up.”
Sanford echoed Russell”s sentiments, having anticipated facing Cherry Creek even before his team narrowly defeated Legend 31-30 in the quarterfinals. “My whole thought process was that we wanted to beat Legend solely for the reason that we wanted to play Cherry,” he stated.
The rivalry runs deep, with Miller acknowledging the heightened stakes. “Every week, I try to find something to hate about the team we”re playing, and that”s definitely not hard this week,” he said. He aims to channel his passion on the field this Saturday.
Both players are heading to the next level, with Miller committed to Kansas State and Smith set for Southern California. Sanford believes the field will showcase around 20 future Division I athletes, highlighting the talent on display.
According to 247 Sports, Cherry Creek features eight Division I players, including running back Jayden Fox (UNLV) and quarterback Brady Vodicka (Louisiana Tech). Their prowess was evident in the recent 49-28 victory over Fairview, where Fox rushed for 258 yards and scored four touchdowns.
Dave Logan, head coach of Cherry Creek, remains cautious about the challenge presented by Valor. “They are a really talented team that is well-coached, and it”s a huge challenge for us,” he said. “In unison, it will be the best offensive line we have faced this year.”
In a tough break for Cherry Creek, junior guard Jackson Rober suffered a serious injury last week, possibly impacting their offensive strategy. Det Betti, the offensive line coach, will need to adapt in response.
On the ground, Fox has proven to be a dynamic threat, racking up 1,414 yards and 20 touchdowns this season. Valor counters with the senior duo of Chase Hanosh (1,370 yards, 13 TDs) and Channing Fox (612 yards, 12 TDs).
Sanford recognizes Jayden Fox“s impact, particularly on the edge, emphasizing the need for a solid game plan to counter his abilities. “If you don”t have an answer for it, it”s going to be a bloodbath,” he warned.
As Miller prepares for the showdown, his confidence in his offensive line remains unwavering. “When everyone knows we are running the ball, we are still going to run the ball,” he stated, recalling last year”s decisive moments against Legend. “That”s exactly what we are planning to do.”
