Holy Family defeats Kent Denver in quarterfinals

CLASS 3A BOYS SOCCER

Holy Family’s Matthew Napierkowski launches a header toward the goal as Blaise Neff looks on during the Tigers’ home playoff match against Kent Denver on Monday. PHOTOS BY ALISSA NOE — BOCOPREPS.COM

Holy Family’s Oliver Hansen charges toward Kent Denver keeper Max Baker, who tripped him and triggered a penalty kick for the Tigers during their home playoff match against Kent Denver on Monday.

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By Alissa Noe

anoe@prairiemountainmedia.com

BROOMFIELD >> There’s something special about soccer teams coached by a Ted. Fictional or not, they know how to turn around an unfavorable situation.

Such was the case for Holy Family boys soccer which, after going 3-10-2 last year, secured its spot in the Class 3A state semifinals with a 3-0 win over No. 8 Kent Denver on its home pitch on Monday night. The top-seeded Tigers just needed a culture shift — much like Ted Lasso’s AFC Richmond — under the direction of first-year head coach Ted Hansen.

Now, one year later, they have a great shot at vying for the first state championship in school history. The last time the Tigers even thought about a state crown was way back in 2003, when they lost to Faith Christian (now Forge Christian) by a 4-3 final.

“There are a lot of good players, but I think, really, it was up to them to kind of come together and form a team,” Hansen said. “That’s the difference, is getting them to all work together and play for each other and be part of a team.

“One of the things we talk about is being comfortable with the ball and being comfortable without the ball. If we can play for each other and be organized defensively and be comfortable without the ball, that’s how you win games.”

The Tigers came out firing hot against the Sun Devils after their second-round opponent, No. 17 Stargate School, nearly iced them out — literally. Senior defender Matthew Napierkowski netted the overtime dagger in the snowy affair to ensure they would live to see another day.

They wanted to make sure their quarterfinal contest wouldn’t need more than the usual 80 minutes. In truth, they only needed 40.

“It’s our last home game no matter what happens, so we want it to be a good one,” senior defender Munachi Tetenta said. “We wanted that same energy. We wanted to come out, get one, two goals early. We know that they wouldn’t be able to come back if we just kept playing our game.”

The Sun Devils were their own worst enemy in the 10th minute of action, when their keeper, Max Baker, made the split decision to reach out and trip Holy Family’s Oliver Hansen following the save on his goal attempt.

That allowed senior Jesus Molina to step up for a penalty kick, which he executed to complete perfection.

Jesus wasn’t Holy Family’s only saving grace.

Tetenta and Oliver Hansen got in on the scoring action before the buzzer sounded for halftime, first on a header in the box from Tenenta and then on a running shot from Hansen in the final minute.

“I remember watching them (on film), seeing that they have two guys on each post so if any shots go out there, they’re just going to bounce right back out,” Tetenta explained. “So I went up, I just kind of took my chance, it bounced right to me, and then I just headed it in.”

Holy Family’s defense took care of the rest.

The Tigers, now 14-2-2, will head to the North Area Athletic Complex for a 5 p.m. semifinal showdown with No. 5 Roaring Fork on Wednesday. Tetenta said the team’s confidence remains high as they inch closer and closer to the state title game.