Renck: For Cherry Creek seniors Ned Zilinskas, Keegan Perea, football is family. And family is football

Football is family. And family is football.

Two senior captains at Cherry Creek High School — Ned Zilinskas and Keegan Perea — began their path to the state championship game Saturday in backyards with guidance from their fathers and brothers.

When the Bruins face Legend seeking their fifth title in six years, the man in the middle will be familiar with his role. Zilinskas, a two-year starter, grew up surrounded by offensive linemen.

His father John (UCLA) and siblings Gus (Rutgers) and Hank (CU) all played center. While they learned the position later, even in college, Ned gravitated toward the spot early in his career.

“I just kind of decided that it was what I wanted to be,” Zilinskas said earlier this week as the teams toured Canvas Stadium, the site of the 3A, 4A and 5A title games. “I like to touch the ball every play. I feel like that’s special. The aspect of leading the line, making calls for everybody, knowing who’s doing what is a big responsibility.”

The idea of Zilinskas as a leader, even at a sturdy 6-foot-2, 280 pounds, was hard to figure. He grew up in the position, boasted three mentors a text away, but had typecast himself as the strong, silent type.

“Going into his senior year, I said, ‘Ned, you have only said like six words so you have accumulated the right to talk.’ He said, ‘OK, coach,’” coach Dave Logan said with a smile. “He’s been great with his teammates. A great weight room kid.”

And a good communicator. Yes, the Princeton commit understands the importance of his status beyond calling out assignments at the line of scrimmage.

“He definitely does talk more this year,” insisted Perea about his good friend.

Perea is an easy listen, his voice sounding like he is spinning Barry White tunes as an FM deejay. The outside linebacker came by football from his father. A standout at CSU Pueblo, Rick Perea found his passion as a sports performance psychologist helping multiple NFL teams, including the Broncos. Keegan’s dad’s journey inspired him but also served as a reminder that there is no elevator to the top floor. Those who take the stairs reap the rewards.

“We come from a family a generation before of leaving school early to put hands on a farm in Southern Colorado, in Alamosa. My dad applied that work ethic to get his PhD. It is about having the mindset that you have to work hard for everything and everything you start, you finish,” said the 6-foot-3, 245-pound Keegan. “I saw the platform football could provide if I put in the time.”

Rick authored a book — “Decision Point: The Moment Leaders are Born” — about life-changing intersections. Keegan reached his intersection during his sophomore year. Playing for Cherry Creek requires talent, patience and discipline. He was ready to buy in.

“That’s when I realized I could do this. Before that, it was only a dream, but being around guys like Hank Zilinksas and Chase Brackney (who plays at Iowa), it was a huge privilege. I got to work out with them,” Perea said. “They were huge mentors. They showed me that if I did the little things right consistently that playing could become a reality. It was a huge turning point in my life.”

Logan knew the Pereas. He coached Keegan’s older brother Kaleb. When pointing out good stories on his team, Keegan quickly came to mind because of how he embraced the process and made no excuses. It led to him signing with Nevada earlier this week.

“He is just self-made from time in the weight room,” Logan said. “He is so strong. He is one of those kids who doesn’t have to say much. He just goes out there, plays hard and does his job.”

Logan’s big-school success is unmatched in Colorado. He has turned state championships into paperweights. But, he views each season in a vacuum, stressing the experience over results even as Creek has won 12 straight games and outscored opponents 504-163 this season.

His players understand the approach, but this Saturday feels different for Perea and Zilinskas. The Bruins’ four-year run of state crowns ended a year ago when Columbine dethroned them. As seniors, as leaders, finishing the right way matters.

“I don’t feel too much pressure. The nerves have turned more into excitement,” Zilinskas said. “I can’t wait to run out onto this field. It should be really fun and a good game.”

It is their last one together. Life as teammates has made them family, a common bond in their journey.

“Coach Logan doesn’t like to talk about it as the be-all, end-all. But there is an expectation in the program to make it this far and now we want to seal the deal,” Perea said. “We came up short last year, and I think I can speak for the entire team when I say we have a bad taste in our mouths for how it ended. So starting with those workouts during the first week of June until now, we have had that in the back of our minds and we want to do everything in our power to make sure this year ends differently.”

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