H.S. Football: One big party for Pine Creek

Pine Creek's homecoming celebration started just 15 seconds into Friday's game, thanks to Kenny Klein.

The Eagles' junior linebacker stripped Rock Canyon running back Martin Castro on the game's first play from scrimmage and raced 17 yards to paydirt.

The home team at District 20 Stadium didn't totally dominate thereafter but had little trouble dispatching Rock Canyon 28-0 as junior quarterback Josh Chance rushed for 153 yards and three touchdowns.

"I started off shaky so I had to redeem myself," said Chance, who injured his left shoulder and left hand last week. "Our offensive line really stepped up."

Junior fullback Connor Stevens added 93 yards on 17 carries. Chance scored from one yard to make it 14-0 at halftime and dashed 54 and 24 yards on option keepers for second-half touchdowns.

"Their quarterback is incredible," said Rock Canyon coach Tom Lynch. "And 33 (Stevens), what a horse. That's a quality, quality team.

"I told our kids that's what we need to strive to be. They play with tenacity and with class."

Pine Creek (3-0, 1-0 4A Pikes Peak), the No. 5 team in the Pikes Peak rankings, outscored traditional rivals Air Academy and Liberty 80-7 in its first two games.

The Eagles play next at No. 2 Fountain-Fort Carson. Rock Canyon (1-2, 0-2), which moved up from 3A, lost 22-14 last week to Fountain-Fort Carson.

The Jaguars struggled against Pine Creek's quick, aggressive defense and totaled just 42 yards in the first half.

Klein's return was the Eagles' fourth defensive touchdown - to go with a safety - in just three games. They have 10 interceptions, including four against Rock Canyon, two by Taylor Lopez.

Jaguars junior quarterback Drew Sandlin completed just 8-of-35 passes for 105 yards in the spread formation.

"We hang our hat on tackling," said Eagles coach Todd Miller. "We run to the ball with 11 and hustle. We run very well as a group. I like sitting back and watching them."