It was time in Colorado football for the #2 seeds to finally get their due. Erie defeated #1 seed Palmer Ridge 20-6 to take the 4A title while Columbine ran all over Cherry Creek 28-14 to claim the 5A title. Columbine ended Creek’s bid to claim its fifth consecutive state title. Perhaps the most enduring scene of the day was Erie quarterback Blake Barnett holding the championship trophy aloft after barely being able to walk the last part of the game due to a badly sprained ankle.
A Palmer Ridge cheerleader tries to fire up the crowd in the 4A football final.
An Erie running back hurdles a Palmer Ridge defender in the 4A final.
Erie quarterback Blake Barnett throws a touchdown pass against Palmer Ridge to help Erie win 20-6 in the 4A final.
An Erie wide receiver celebrates his touchdown catch against Palmer Ridge in the 4A final.
Erie fans celebrate their state football championship over #1 seed Palmer Ridge.
Young Erie fans cheer on their team against Palmer Ridge in the 4A title football game.
The Palmer Ridge running back tries to stretch for a first down in the 4A final against Erie. Unfortunately for him, he was turned backwards and did not make the line to gain.
An Erie defender can't quite catch Palmer Ridge quarterback in the 4A title game.
Erie QB Blake Barnett avoids a tackler in the 4A title game.
Erie running back Braylon Toliver breaks a long run for a touchdown in the 4th quarter to seal the victory over Palmer Ridge, 20-6.
Erie helmets dot the field at Canvas Stadium after the Tigers captured the 4A crown, defeating Palmer Ridge 20-6.
An Erie offensive lineman celebrates his team's victory in the 4A final.
Erie quarterback Blake Barnett celebrates the Tigers' 4A title as he holds up the championship trophy.
The Erie Tigers football team celebrate their upset win over Palmer Ridge.
Erie football team celebrates its win over Palmer Ridge with its fans.
Erie football team celebrates its win over Palmer Ridge in the 4A title game.
The referee does the opening coin toss in the 5A title game between Cherry Creek and Palmer Ridge.
Columbine cheerleaders have fun before the 5A final against Cherry Creek.
Cherry Creek fans have fun during the 5A title football game.
Cherry Creek fans have fun dancing during the 5A title game against Columbine.
Columbine running back Josh Snyder hurdles a Cherry Creek defender en route to the end zone in the 5A title game.
Snyder heads to the end zone in the 5A title game against Cherry Creek.
The Columbine quarterback and running back Josh Snyder celebrate a touchdown against Cherry Creek in the 5A final.
A Cherry Creek running back stiff arms a Columbine defender in the 5A title game. .
Cherry Creek QB rolls out in the 5A title game against Columbine.
The Cherry Creek QB looks to make a play against Columbine in the 5A title game.
Columbine fans cheer on their team against Cherry Creek in the 5A title football game.
A Cherry Creek defender knocks away a pass from the Columbine wide receiver in the 3rd quarter of the 5A final.
A Columbine defensive back almost snags an interception in the fourth quarter of the 5A final against Cherry Creek.
A Columbine defensive end battle a Cherry Creek lineman in the 5A final.
The Columbine head coach, Andy Lowry, celebrates his team's victory over Cherry Creek in the 5A football final.
Columbine celebrates its victory over Cherry Creek in the 5A football final.
Columbine celebrates its victory over Cherry Creek in the 5A football final.
Columbine celebrates its victory over Cherry Creek in the 5A football final.