Eagles win sans Sawchuk

HIGHLANDS RANCH » No Gavin Sawchuk, no problem. Without the best football player in the state, Valor Christian blew past Cherokee Trail to a 49- 14 win in the first round of the CHSAA 5A playoffs.

The Eagles were powered by Sawchuk’s backup, junior Zachary Wiley who scored four first- half touchdowns. Wiley along with a few long bombs from senior Sean McNair to junior Grant Simmons gave the Eagles enough offense.

“Coach gave me an opportunity to go out and show what I have,” Wiley said. “I definitely have to give the credit to the big men upfront.”

Wiley found out he was going to start on Tuesday. He entered the game with less than 40 carries this season. In the first half alone he had 18 carries for 82 yards.

“This is what I’ve been preparing for,” Wiley said. “It’s energizing to score four touchdowns. I love the game.”

Wiley finished the game with 106 yards, ending his night early when Valor Christian’s second unit came on. Though they were forced to punt once, they kept the rout on. Sawchuk’s little brother, freshman Gabe Sawchuk, got his first high school touch and made the most of it. Eventually scoring a touchdown in his debut pounding in a 15- yard run, as part of his 86- yards on 11 rushes performance.

“It’s not one individual with this team,” head coach Donnie Yantis said. “We played physical and Wiley has worked his tail off since we started in June. I had no doubt he would do well.”

Valor Christian Junior Andrew Hale had an interception and a few big pass break- ups to stall the Cougars’ offense.

“It’s just a faceless opponent,” Yantis said. “It doesn’t matter who we play I’ll be honest with you, it’s one of those things where I tell our guys, we’re gonna watch out we’re gonna watch film and prepare and it doesn’t matter who we play we’re not focused on any individual on the opponent we’re just we’re focused on us.”

As for Gavin Sawchuk no reason was given for his absence and no indication was given on if he’ll play in the next round.