Dakota Ridge’s defense locks up first boys lacrosse state championship for Eagles

DENVER — The old saying, ‘Defense wins champions’ was proven true Monday night at Peter Barton Stadium on the University of Denver campus.

Dakota Ridge captured its first boys lacrosse state championship holding No. 4-seeded Air Academy to a season-low seven goals in the Class 4A state championship game. The No. 2 Eagles defeated the Kadets 12-7 thanks in large part to its senior-laded defense.

“We just play with a lot of heart. We knew what was on the line,” Dakota Ridge senior defenseman Sam Callas said. “Our coach (Dak Riecke) is one of the most incredible guys I’ve ever met. He is a phenomenal mentor. Today is really for him.”

Dakota Ridge joins Wheat Ridge (2013) and Golden (2019) as Jeffco Public Schools that have won 4A boys lacrosse state titles. It was also the first trip to the championship game for the Eagles (17-2 record).

While Air Academy (16-2) drew first blood with a goal with just over 4 minutes to play in the first quarter, Dakota Ridge’s offense got locked in scoring seven unanswered goals to take a commanding 7-1 lead.

With junior Landon Kalsbeck dominating on face-offs, Dakota Ridge’s defensive core of senior Sam Callas, Evan Smith and Asa Davison were fresh anytime the Kadets threaten to score on Dakota Ridge senior goalie Zach Hearn.

“We were just flying around the whole night,” Smith said of the Eagles’ defense. “I don’t think they were expecting a defense that were gave to them. I think we caught them off-guard.”

Riecke had his offense practice Air Academy’s offense through the season, despite Dakota Ridge not playing the Kadets during the regular season.

“I’ll be honest, I’ve been watching film of Air Academy since the beginning of the season,” Riecke said. “I kind of had a hunch that this was going to be the game.”

The familiarity of studying Air Academy defintely helped out the Eagles’ defense in the championship game.

“Our defense knew exactly what that (offense) was going to do,” Riecke said after the Eagles held the Kadets to a season-low in goals. “We were three steps ahead of them I felt today.”

Dakota Ridge’s defense had a good test against Evergreen in the semifinal with the Cougars actually outscoring the Eagles in the final three quarters of Dakota Ridge’s 13-9 victory Saturday.

Air Academy trailed 11-3 going into the final quarter in the title game which was way too much for the Kadets to rally.

“Like I have said all year, Zach Hearn is the best goalie in the state,” Riecke said. “He is anchored with Asa, Sam and Evan. Those three are dynamic. Those three are the epitome of a unit.”

Dakota Ridge finished the season with an 11-game winning streak.

“The chemistry is there. We have been working together for so many years,” Callas said of the defensive unit in front of Hearn. “We know how to play aggressive, trust each other and know everyone has each other’s back. At the end of the day, that is what gets it done.”

Dakota Ridge will lose 16 seniors for the state championship team.

“It’s unbelievable,” Callas said of seniors wrapping up their high school careers with a state title. “I’m going to miss the hell out of these boys. It’s bittersweet for sure. Last game we are ever going to play together, but sure is sweet to get the W.”