The Lions squared off in league action against Highlands Ranch on Wednesday night and lost 40 -10 to an experienced and physical side. The result put the Lions at 3-2 in league play and 5 - 3 overall with one match left before the state playoffs.

The Lions got behind early as they knocked on the opening the opening kick off giving the ball to Highlands Ranch in Boulder's end. First phase defense was solid off of the scrum. Boulder conceded a penalty deep in their end for diving over a ruck. Highlands Ranch moved the ball through a few phases off of the penalty before hitting their fullback on the burst through the centers for an early score. The kick was converted and Ranch was up 7 - 0. On the kick off after the score, Boulder put good pressure on the opposition and did a nice job of turning the ball over in a ruck. The Lions aggressively drove the ball forward and were awarded a penalty kick from 30 meters. They were not able to convert the kick so they remained down by seven. Highlands Ranch moved down the field with their inside center crashing across the gain line. The Ranch fullback again took a ball off of the ruck and went across for a score. The kick was again converted and the Lions were now down 14 - 0.

Boulder kicked off after the score and began to stiffen their defense. Ranch was unable to progress with the ball in hand and resorted to a kick deep in Boulder's half. Under pressure, the Lions touched the ball down in goal and Ranch was awarded a 5 meter scrum. Ranch took the ball off of the back of the scrum and their #8 went across for another score. This kick was not converted and Ranch was up 19 - 0.

Boulder refused to give up and took the kick off to began a series of pick and drives that put Ranch on their back foot. Ranch began to concede penalties and get chippy during the action. The Lions took advantage with Steve Tavares taking a quick tap and driving over for a score 21 minutes into the match. The kick wasn't converted but Boulder had pulled within range at 19 - 5. Unfortunately, Ranch scored a try late in the half when Boulder's defense from the scrum broke down allowing Ranch to penetrate the gain line and set up a maul which they drove across the goal line. The kick was converted to make it 26 - 7 at half.

At the half, it was obvious that the Lions were up against their stiffest competition so far this year. The Highlands Ranch side was much bigger and much more experienced than the Lions, but it was clear that Ranch was not used to playing against team as physical as the Lions. The Lions started the second half determined to get back in the game.

Boulder kicked off to open the second half and Zach Gulley did a great job of pressuring the Ranch fullback who fielded the kick on the sideline. Zach and winger Shane Foutz drove him into touch and the Lions were given the lineout. The Lions were playing good rugby and were staying in the Ranch half. Good tackling and good rucking kept Boulder on the attack. The frustration of the Ranch side was evident as their fullback was sent to the sin bin for an unwarranted dangerous tackle. Boulder made a series of moves until they had a ruck 15 meters from the Ranch goal line. Shane Foutz picked the ball up from the back and out raced the Ranch defense to the corner to score Boulder's second try. The try put he score at 26 - 10.

For the next 15 minutes play went back and forth from one end to the other. Boulder eventually conceded another try to the Ranch Fullback who took the ball at full speed from a ruck. The kick was converted to make the score 33 - 10. Boulder continued to play hard and to frustrate Ranch until the RanchNo. 8 was yellow carded for foul play in a ruck. At this point in the match, fatigue began to take it's toll on the Lions and they conceded a try to the Fullback in the closing minutes. This put the final score at 40 - 10.

Despite the final outcome, the Boulder Lions put in their best effort of the season. Nick Johs, Shane Foutz, Tucker Brock, Charlie Barkmeier, Kyle Henson, Andy Olsen and Kirk Knaus all put in outstanding efforts and Johnston Carroll came in late in the second half to provide some much needed energy and fresh legs to the Lions.