The highly anticipated Class 5A football championship will see Dave Logan’s Cherry Creek Bruins face off against Jared Yannacito’s Ralston Valley Mustangs on November 25, 2023, at Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins, Colorado. This match not only represents a significant milestone in high school football but also carries personal ties that intertwine the coaches’ families and histories.
Logan and Yannacito’s connection dates back to a memorable Thanksgiving in 1999. At that time, Logan was coaching at Arvada West and needed to deliver a turkey to Yannacito’s grandparents after a cooking mishap. As Logan recounts, “Our oven went on the fritz, and my mom said, ‘Take this over to Vi and Rocco’s house, and they’re going to cook it.’” This marked the first meeting between Logan and a seventh-grade Yannacito, who would later develop a successful coaching career.
The upcoming championship game is not just about strategy and skill; it is steeped in familial bonds. “My grandma would always let me know, like, ‘Well, Dave Logan’s got another team in the state championship,’” Yannacito noted, reflecting on how their grandmothers’ friendship has shaped their lives and careers. With both families now watching the championship unfold, the stakes feel even more significant.
Logan, who has a chance to secure his 13th state title, sees parallels between Ralston Valley’s rise and Cherry Creek’s storied legacy. The Bruins are aiming for their sixth championship in eight years, but Yannacito’s Mustangs are no ordinary challengers. They are undefeated this season with a record of 13-0 and have demonstrated resilience, notably overcoming a deficit to win their semifinal match against Mountain Vista.
Yannacito brings a wealth of experience to the field. He previously served as the offensive coordinator for Pomona during their championship runs in 2015 and 2016. In his tenure at Ralston Valley, he has successfully built a competitive program, making their first appearance in a state title game after several near misses in previous seasons. “They were arguably the worst team in 4A when I took over, and my first year we were able to make the playoffs for the first time in 16 years,” Yannacito explained. His commitment to developing his players and instilling a winning mentality has transformed the Mustangs into formidable opponents.
The upcoming game is set for a 17:00 kickoff, and both coaches are focused on the task at hand. “There’s a discipline to his teams. There’s a toughness to his teams,” Logan commented on Yannacito’s coaching style. This acknowledgment highlights the respect that exists between the two coaches as they prepare for what promises to be an exciting confrontation.
Regardless of the outcome, Logan believes that Yannacito’s approach will keep Ralston Valley competitive in the years to come. “Jared is one of those really bright, young coaches where if he decides to continue coaching at this level, he’s going to be around for a long time,” Logan stated, recognizing the potential for sustained success in Yannacito’s future.
As the championship approaches, both teams are gearing up for a clash that not only represents athletic excellence but also serves as a tribute to the lasting connections that sports can forge across generations. The legacy of both families and their shared history adds a unique layer to this championship showdown, making it a must-watch event for fans and families alike.
