Photo by Jennifer Castillo/ For CPS
Rio Rancho, New Mexico- Last night, Cleveland took on Centennial at Lightning Bolt Stadium in the season opener where they picked up a tremendous 34-7 victory Aug. 21. While the victory was impressive, it does not tell the full story of the night.
FINAL: Cleveland 34, Centennial 7.
On opening night for Cleveland, their roster has some new faces joining the ranks. From call-ups like quarterback Michael Denison making his starting debut, as well as transfer athletes D’Angelo Mitchell (Running Back) and Jacari Smith (Edge Rusher).
Denison had quite the debut and threw five touchdown passes! Connect with receiver Evan Nanez on two scores, he also threw two redzone lobs to receiver Kaeleb Escudero, and the other touchdown was to receiver Ajay Vigil; Vigil had taken a quick pass 60-yards to the house.
D’Angelo Mitchell spoke about his new home and how the transition has been, “I mean, it’s amazing. [Cleveland’s football culture] They’re just all my teammates, they’re great. They’re making me better day by day.” With the teams new additions being as great as they are, you would never think they are new as they are able to fit into this team great.
Things started off strong with Cleveland’s defense who was constantly forcing Centennial into 3-in-outs, not allowing a score for the first half. Offensively, they were just as great as; they were able to put up 27 points in the first half alone.
The name “storm” is not just a name for the high school as it quite literally as a lightning warning put this game on hold for some time.
This delay slowed down the game a ton but still was not stopping both teams from putting up a fight as both teams force multiple turnovers on defense in hope for a momentum shift.
Throughout the game, Centennial, despite playing from behind, was not going to allow this game to be easy for Cleveland. Both their quarterback Ruiz Laborin and running back Dailen Ramirez found success with their legs throughout the game.
In the fourth, that is when Centennial picked up their first score of the game making it now 27-7. As much of a fight Centennial was putting up, it still was not enough to stop Cleveland from scoring again making it 34-7 in which from then the game dragged out until Cleveland stood victorious.
Overall an amazing game to kickoff football being back in New Mexico and some exciting things to come from both teams.
Next, Cleveland will face off against Chatfield Aug. 28 at Lightening Bolt Stadium with kickoff set for 7 p.m. Chatfield is a high school in Littleton, Colorado.
CPS Player of the Game – Kaeleb Escudero [2 Touchdown Performance]
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