Pueblo East’s Luke Padula. More photos. (Dan Mohrmann/CHSAANow.com)
PUEBLO — As a constant threat to make a run at a Class 4A state title on an annual basis, it was almost a foregone conclusion that the Longmont Trojans would be a force by dropping down to 3A.
But the back-to-back defending 3A state champions shouldn’t be forgotten.
And they weren’t on Saturday as the CHSAANow.com No. 1-ranked Pueblo East Eagles rolled to a 27-2 win over the No. 4 Trojans at Dutch Clark Stadium. The win avenges Pueblo East’s only loss from last season when they traveled to Longmont and lost 48-27.
The Eagles (1-0 overall) overcame untimely penalties and stalled drives to show that despite the loss of several seniors and head coach Lee Meisner, they are the still the team to beat.
“One of our main mottos is defend,” sophomore quarterback Luc Andrada said. “Tonight a bunch of new leaders stepped up. I think we’re ready.”
With Andrada making his first varsity start, he found a favorite target early in senior receiver Luke Padula. A long distance connection between the two set the Eagles up for the their first points of the game.
Sebastian Benavidez hit a 37-yard field goal, which got the ball rolling for Pueblo East.
“We knew their corners were new,” Padula said. “Luc and I knew that we could beat them up all game.”
What also helped the momentum for the Eagles was a healthy dose of running back Bryson Torres.
The senior found his way into the endzone on a two-yard run, giving the defending champs a 10-0 lead.
Benavidez added another field goal toward the end of the second quarter sending the teams into the break with Pueblo East leading 13-0.
“I saw what I saw all summer long and that’s hard work and dedication,” Pueblo East coach Andy Watts said. “Our defense was flying to the ball and our offense was executing.”
Things would not get better for the Trojans (0-1) to start the second half as a couple of sideline infractions stalled a promising drive. Avery Peterson was able to connect on a 42-yard field goal, however, to give Longmont its first and only points of the game.
Anthony Rodriguez then gave Longmont signs of new life as he picked off Andrada. Cruz Garcia followed that up with a 45-yard run, setting the Trojans up in the Eagles’ red zone.
But Pueblo East clamped down defensively and a 24-yard field goal attempt from Peterson sailed wide left.
At the start of the fourth quarter, Andrada continued to show signs of his youth with a poor throw across the body that was picked off by Carson Willis.
But once again, the East defense came through, forcing a 43-yard field goal attempt, which was blocked.
As many chances as the Trojans had, they simply couldn’t capitalize on them. And it was the Eagles’ defense that was the primary reason behind it.
“Our defense won us this game,” Watts said. “We had our backs against the wall at times and we gave up three points. Bend but don’t break.”
It was late in the fourth quarter that Andrada gave a true flash of what he’s capable of. He threw two beautiful touchdowns in the closing minutes, giving the East fans a show that they’ll be able to enjoy for three years.
“It’s great to have him,” Padula said. “It’s cool because he’s a leader now and all the guys around now now kind of look up to him.”