FORT COLLINS – Everything went wrong for Cherry Creek until it didn’t.

Although the Bruins beat Legend 13-10 in the 5A CHSAA State Championship game, things didn’t look too promising at first.

The Titans jumped out to a quick 10-0 lead in the first half after a field goal early in the first quarter and a 33-yard throw from Nick Farley to Ryken Banks for six.

Things got even worse for the Bruins when running back Jayden Fox was sidelined with an ankle injury late in the second quarter.

The momentum on the Bruins sideline faded.

But on the other hand, it’s not always how you start, but how you finish.

“Credit Legend,” coach Dave Logan said. “I knew it would be a difficult game, they are a really good football team. In the first half some things didn’t go our way and I told the boys, ‘We committed to playing 48 minutes and we only played 24.'”

In the 25th minute of the game, Fox showed heart and got the Bruins’ offense going with a 33-yard carry. While Fox finished the night with 99 yards on 11 carries, he worked sparingly in the third quarter and was sidelined in the fourth because of his injury.

Although he went to the locker room at half-time in pain, sitting out that third was the only thing on his mind.

“I can’t let my team down,” Fox said. “We came so far and I just couldn’t stop until the game was over.”

Fox’s courage and determination inspired his team. Including freshman Elijah Cromwell, who finished the game with 102 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries. Cromwell’s efforts earned him the title of National Football Foundation Player of the Game.

While certainly no one believed before kickoff that a rookie would be the game’s most valuable player, Cromwell had worked hard. And this work was worth it.

“My dad and I would wake up at four in the morning and work on things that I need to work on,” Cromwell said. “Going to the gym, getting stronger so I can prepare for moments like this when my name is called.”

Logan has now been at the helm 12 times and has led Cherry Creek to five state championships in the last seven years.

Although the feeling of victory never gets old, each team he coached had its own nuances.

“I think the thing about this team is that it was a really tight team,” Logan said. “Maybe closer than some other teams. … I think and this team has been resilient. We’ve had close games before. We were tied against Pine Creek in the fourth quarter.

“We were down against Skyridge. We had a five point lead and had to put together a drive late in the game against Highland Park to win the game. We’ve been in situations like this before and I was just proud that the resilience of these kids came through.”

Part of the family feel of this team was evident in the backfield Saturday night.

“Jayden is a big brother to me,” Cromwell said. “I learned a lot from him. When I see him on the field, I try to incorporate his performance into my game because he runs well.”

The ground attack became the anchor for a Cherry Creek ship in desperate need of resolution, especially in a crazy third quarter.

After Cherry Creek’s first touchdown of the game in the third quarter, the extra point was blocked. After forcing Legend on fourth down, Cherry Creek parried a punt and gave the ball back to Legend deep in its own territory.

Moments later, Banks fumbled and gave the ball right back to the Bruins. On the ensuing drive, Brody Shuss sacked Legend Brady Vodicka, forcing the Bruins to punt again. This time it was Cherry Creek that was able to turn the ball over.

The game was hanging in the balance. Vodicka threw a 50/50 ball to Jeremiah Hoffman, who came down with a spectacular toe-tap. Nine yards later, Fox hit the ball into the end zone for the final point of the game.

“Both teams had big turnovers,” Logan said, “and I think that probably caused Legend coach Monte Thelen and I to age.” It happens when you’re 15, 16, 17 or 18. year old men trained, things like that happen. But two really good teams, a hard-fought game and I’m really glad we were able to hang in there and find a way to win this game.”