Colorado Teams Win Thrilling Lacrosse Titles in Overtime

After falling behind 5-0, ninth-seeded Cheyenne Mountain refused to quit and captured their fifth state lacrosse championship in a triple-overtime thriller that had fans on their feet until the final whistle.

The Red-Tailed Hawks faced second-seeded Evergreen at Peter Barton Stadium in Denver, where the underdog team's early lead seemed insurmountable. But Evergreen fought back fiercely, tying the game 6-6 and forcing overtime in a stunning comeback that had everyone believing they'd claim the crown.

Two scoreless overtime periods only added to the tension. Finally, in the third extra frame, Cheyenne Mountain won a crucial face-off, charged down the field, and found the back of the net for the championship-winning goal.

The victory marks the team's fourth title in six years and their first since 2023. For a ninth seed to battle through such adversity and emerge as champions shows exactly what high school athletes can accomplish when they refuse to give up.

In the 5A championship game, Valor Christian delivered their own inspiring performance by flipping last year's script. The Eagles had lost to Cherry Creek by three goals in the 2025 championship, a defeat that stung throughout the entire season.

This year, the top-seeded Eagles got their rematch with the second-seeded Bruins. Despite cold temperatures and driving rain at the University of Denver, Valor Christian stayed focused and won 8-5, matching the exact three-goal margin from the previous year's heartbreak.

The victory gave Valor Christian their fourth overall championship and first since 2024. The team's dedication to learning from defeat and working all year for redemption paid off in the most satisfying way possible.

Why This Inspires

Both championship games remind us that setbacks don't define us. Cheyenne Mountain showed that being down 5-0 doesn't mean the game is over, while Valor Christian proved that losing one year can fuel the fire needed to win the next.

These young athletes demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and the power of never giving up. They played through rain, overtime periods, and intense pressure, showing maturity beyond their years.

Their victories will inspire teammates, classmates, and future players to keep pushing through difficult moments. Sometimes the sweetest wins come after the toughest battles, and both teams earned every second of their celebrations.

Colorado high school lacrosse just delivered two unforgettable lessons in perseverance that extend far beyond the field.