Doherty readies for showdown

It is a battle between last year’s 5A state football champion and one of this year’s hopefuls, so there is more than just a win on the line when Columbine plays at Pikes Peak No. 1 Doherty at 7 p.m. this Friday.

The game will be televised on Altitude.

Columbine is on a 15-game winning streak and has a lot of key players back. But those are just numbers to Doherty coach Matt Wibbels.

“There’s a lot of stats you could throw out, but they’re a good physical team and that’s what I like about them,” Wibbels said. “They come to play and that’s what we ask our kids to do, so it’s going to be a good challenge for us.”

After a 35-6 loss to the Rebels (2-0) last season in Littleton, the Spartans hope to be up to the challenge this year.

“Last year we got killed by them. It’s like revenge, so we’re trying to get back at them,” said defensive end V.J. Holmes. “I’m ready.”

The Spartans (1-1) have a go-to player in tailback Darius Turner, who is fresh off a 242-yard romp against Lewis-Palmer last week.

There is pressure on the senior. Wibbels said Turner must excel for Doherty to be successful.

The Spartans’ defense also will be key. Based on last week’s 34-0 shutout of Lewis-Palmer, Wibbels likes what he sees entering Friday’s game.

“You can’t be successful unless you stop people, and I’m very proud of the way they’re playing right now,” he said.

Columbine has potent weapons on offense. Senior running backs Jeff Cicchinelli and Orenzo Davis have racked up a combined 381 yards and four touchdowns. The Rebels have scored 72 points in two games.

The Rebels defense, which has allowed 20 points this season (13 to Palmer last week), is led by linebackers Jacob Wright and Jett Fuller.

Both of Columbine’s wins were at home, making this its first road trip of the season.

“It’s always tough in this conference to travel on the road,” Wibbels said.

“You go up there and you have a hard time winning. They have a hard time coming down here and being successful, so it gives us a slight advantage.”

Having the game on TV only adds to the excitement.

“They kicked our butts last year, and it’s on TV. So we gotta show them what we’re all about,” said offensive lineman Zach Ilse.

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