Talk of the demise of the football programs at Wheat Ridge and Lakewood high schools has been greatly exaggerated.
Whispers swirled that two of the most historic programs in Colorado were headed down a dark path. The Farmers’ coaching turnover and the Tigers moving up to Class 5A this season were signs that the apocalypse was quickly approaching.
That simply isn’t the case.
Wheat Ridge is the lone undefeated Jeffco football team. Lakewood has more than held its own in the 5A South Metro League with a 4-2 mark and its first postseason berth since 2000 locked up.
While hard times have plagued both programs during the past five years, there was always hope with the current senior classes making their way through the rough times.
The Farmers have a loaded senior class with the likes of Dylan Orms, Justin Long, Cameron Brown, Beau Stevens, Matt Wright, Connor Wright, Jake Richmeier and Zak Oletski. First-year coach Reid Kahl has brought a new attitude evident after the Farmers’ latest victory.
While on paper the 25-0 victory Saturday, Oct. 7, against Arvada seemed easy, the Farmers were clearly “miffed” about their play and left the stadium in a rush to get back to the school. Wheat Ridge knows a repeat performance could spoil its undefeated run.
Lakewood has proved its victory over Columbine wasn’t a fluke. Teams still can’t figure out a way to shut down seniors Donnie Reed, Jarrad McKay and junior Lawrence Montoya. A lot of young coaches don’t stay at one program very long, and it’s good to see that Mark Robinson has hung with his alma mater.
One disappointing fact for the two revitalized squads is they won’t face each other for the first time, perhaps ever. Lakewood versus Wheat Ridge would pack Jeffco Stadium and bring back some memories of the great rivalry.