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Who We Are
Planet Cheer aims to develop children and young adults through competitive coaching in a family-like atmosphere. All of our coaches are USASF certified and credentialed in both stunting and tumbling. We train both competitive cheer athletes as well as athletes who participate in recreational classes and individual lessons. Come to our world and experience the Alien Invasion.
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ENTER. TRAIN. BECOME. NOW IN PARKER! What We Offer ^ Competitive All Star Programs ^ Open Gyms ^ Recreational Classes ^ Cheer Camps ^ Birthday Parties ^ Parents Night Out ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ 303.218.8092 planetcheerco.com • planetcheercolorado@gmail.com 19555 E Parker Square Dr., Unit 106 ^
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WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS
Some of the best teams in the state have called Douglas County home.
BY AMBER TUELLER
HISTORY HASHTAGCOMMUNITY CENTER
The historic community center became a reality thanks to high school basketball.
BY AMBER TUELLER
The most comprehensive reference of our favorite places to dine in Douglas County
BY SEARCH SOUTH AURORA STAFF
HS FOOTBALL PREVIEW -
BY SEARCH SOUTH AURORA STAFF
Search South Aurora is published by Tueller Publishing, LLC AURORA SEARCH SOUTH 8 6
Get a more in-depth look at the local high school football seasons.
IDEAS & SUBMISSIONS contribute@tuellers.com Search South Aurora ©2023 is published by Tueller Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form without prior written permission is strictly prohibited. Search South Aurora is mailed monthly to households and businesses in the greater South Aurora area free of charge.
THE GUIDE
10 13 colorado parker T publishing tueller
PHOTO: AMY DENICOLO
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We Are The Champions
BY SEARCH PARKER STAFF
In one of the most athletically competitive states in the nation, our local schools have shown they can hang with the best of them. Winning recent state championships in multiple sports has been something for the community to celebrate! Here are the most recent.
Douglas County High School Cheer team was the All Girl 5A Cheer Champion for 2023.
Lutheran won the state title for 4A Boys Track and Field in May of 2023 and their girls won the 4A Softball title in a 3-0 win over Holy Family in fall of the same school year.
Ponderosa High School baseball team won back to back 4A state championships, in June 2022, winning 11-1 against Cheyenne Mountain and defeating Holy Family the year prior.
Castle View’s coed cheer team won the 5A Co-Ed Cheer State Championship in 2021.
Legend’s girls’ softball team won the 5A State Championship in 2021, winning 8-0 against Columbine.
In 2019, Chaparral girls took home the 5A Volleyball State Title, winning 25-4 over Valor.
6 SEARCHSOUTHAURORA
LOCAL SCHOOLS STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
1 Boys Basketball
3 Girls Volleyball
3 Girls Spirit
1 Boys Cross Country, 1 Boys Golf, 2 Softball, 3 Girls Volleyball, 3 Boys Basketball, 5 Girls Basketball, 1 Girls Track, 8 Boys Track
1 Football, 1 Softball, 1 Girls Volleyball, 1 Boys Basketball, 1 Girls Basketball, 10 Wrestling, 2 Baseball, 1 Boys Lacross, 12 Spirit
AUGUST 2023 7
Douglas County Castle View Legend Chaparral Lutheran Ponderosa School Total 13 7 3 7 25 30 Recent 2022 2021 2021 2019 2023 2022 Boys 4 0 0 1 13 15 Girls 8 7 3 6 11 15
Photos: CHSAA
Sports
1 Football, 2 Boys Golf
1 Softball, 1 Boys Track 7 Spirit
1 Girls Volleyball 6 Spirit
3 Softball
HS FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Head Coach: Matt Littleton (1st Year)
2022 Record: 1-9 overall 1-4 in league (5th place)
Last 5 Years: 10-37
2022 Total Offense: 340.9 yards per game
2022 Total Defense: 479.3 opp yards per game
2022 Points Per Game: 13.1
2022 Opp Points Per Game: 39.1
Players to watch:
Tevin Stokes - QB Seth Olsen - T, DE Frankie Alvarado - WR Brett Haile - DE, T
First year coach, Matt Littleton, takes over a program eager to prove itself following a disappointing 2022 season that saw only one victory. And already the upward swing is evident this summer with an influx of new athletes joining the program.
Coach Littleton will implement his new offense with Tevin Stokes returning at quarterback. The sophomore had some growing pains last year but looks to rely on Seth Olsen and the line to give him time to operate. He'll have a big target to throw to in Frankie Alvarado, who stands at 6'4.
One key Littleton points to this season will be the in-game adjustments they will make. The coaching staff believe they have the athletes and field savvy to outthink and outmaneuver their opponents.
The Wolverines bring a very young team into this season, but coach Littleton expects to surprise some people this year.
8 SEARCHSOUTHAURORA
Head Coach: Monte Thelan (8th Year)
2022 Record: 7-5 overall 3-2 in league (3rd place)
Last 5 Years: 39-17
2022 Total Offense: 411.1 yards per game
2022 Total Defense: 408.1 opp yards per game
2022 Points Per Game: 28.8
2022 Opp Points Per Game: 24.1
Players to watch: Logan White - T,G
Alex Martinez - RB
Nick Farley - QB
Jaden Lawrence - RB, WR
Brian Doyle - WR
Nate Sandy - LB, TE
Brody Shuss - FS
Head Coach: Jaron Cohen (10th Year)
2022 Record: 9-3 overall 3-1 in league (2nd place)
Last 5 Years: 40-16
2022 Total Offense: 412 yards per game
2022 Total Defense: 348.8 opp yards per game
2022 Points Per Game: 34.6
2022 Opp Points Per Game: 19.8
Players to watch:
Max Mervin - WR
Sean Davis - RB
Carson Keach - WR, S
Dylan Karsteter - WR
Blake Branham - LB
Westen Hoffschneider - DE
CJ Bille - DB
After a 3-0 start to begin the 2022 year, the Titans went 4-5 the rest of the way to finish with their worst record since the 2018 season. The Titans come into 2023 looking to return as a mainstay in the contender discussion.
Coach Thelen will need to replace graduated quarterback Brookhart who threw for over 1300 yards and 19 touchdowns last year. Look for Junior Nick Farley to take the reins of the offense. Farley will have the luxury of being protected by Logan White on the offensive line who returns after a standout junior season.
The Titans have plenty of firepower coming back as well. Alex Martinez anchors a stable of young and promising running backs, as well as joins a talented wide reciever group that will look to Brian Doyle and Jaden Lawrence to post big numbers.
Defensively, the young Titans will look to build on last year's success with most of the statistical leaders returning.
Coach Cohen looks to once again reload, rather than rebuild, entering the 2023 season. Following a successful 2022 campaign, which included wins over both crosstown rivals, the Mustangs have talent returning all over the field.
Speed will be on display this year, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Cohen expects the team speed and experience to help the Mustangs improve on an impressive mark of holding opponents to under 20 points per game.
On offense the wide receiver group will produce some headline plays this year. Led by do-everything junior Max Mervin, the wide outs will be a headache for defensive coordinators all year long.
The offensive line will replace virtually everyone for a very young squad. The season could be made or broken by their play, as well as finding a new quarterback. If the Mustangs have to go to Mervin as their signal caller, they will look for ways to keep the ball in his hands.
AUGUST 2023 9
Parker's original community center owes its beginnings to basketball.
The Schoolhouse Building on Mainstreet was built in 1915 and originally housed grades one to 12. High schoolers attended the Mainstreet location from 1915 until 1958 when the school was closed. Parker area students began attending Douglas County High School with students from Castle Rock until Ponderosa High School was dedicated in 1983. In the 1940s, Parker High School had a great basketball team and were hopeful of the state championship. The gym in the old schoolhouse was small and some of Parker’s opponents thought it was unsafe. They threatened to kick Parker out of the league. The gym was decertified, and Parker High School did not have a venue to play basketball. The community pulled together to build a new location for school sports and events. The Quonset hut style building was built in 1950 by the community. People in the community contributed money, time, and materials to make the idea a reality. Thankful for a community center to serve the school and town events, the town celebrated on Thanksgiving, 1951, with women from the community providing 15 turkeys along with all the traditional accompaniments. It was a Thanksgiving to remember.
Old timers who attended the historic schoolhouse remember walking to the Quonset hut each day for lunch while the school lunchroom was being remodeled. On the Parker Area Historical Society Facebook page, townspeople shared memories of square dancing, craft shows, haunted houses, community classes, wedding receptions, 4H clubs, and even the beginnings of the Parker Task force tied to this building. Box social memories were shared where women provided a box lunch, and their lunch was auctioned off for a donation. It served as a roller-skating rink for many years and one man recalled riding his horse to the building to roller skate. For a time, there were monthly dances held every second Saturday in the community center. In the mid 90s, youth sports teams played at the Quonset hut and teen nights were held there. The Parker Police Department was also housed in the building at one point.
Eventually, the center was seldom used and fell into disrepair. There were plans to turn it into an ice rink, but it would not be big enough for the official NHL rink size. In 2003, the Town Council made the decision to tear down the building. It was one of Colorado’s largest wood structures at the time, according to a Parker Chronicle article on May 1, 2003. The gazebo and surrounding landscape now stand in the location of the old community center in O’Brien Park.
HISTORY HASTAG COMMUNITY CENTER
10 SEARCHSOUTHAURORA
Photos: Parker Area Historical society
1965: Arrow on the left shows the community center across the street from Parker Garage (arrow on the right).
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In the interest of providing the 50 best dining options in Douglas County, we must be able to personally recommend each listing. The guide is subject to change. If you have a suggestion for inclusion on the list, email us at contribute@tuellers.com.
KEY
Based on a typical dinner for one person, excluding drinks, tax or tip.
$ ............................. Under $15
$$ ............................... $15-$25
$$$ ......................... Over $25
(EC) Editors Choice
(N) New
Asian fusion
CHERRY VILLAGE
ASIAN GRILL
Offering a Chinese and Vietnamese-centric menu in a relaxed atmosphere.
17001 Lincoln Ave, #A, Parker 303-840-7338 $$
DANCING NOODLE
A small, family owned, dinein and take-out restaurant that serves authentic homestyle Thai food.
10841 S. Crossroads Dr., Suite 10, Parker 303-805-3880 $$
INDOCHINE
A local go-to for quality home-style cuisine. This Parker fixture is known for a fresh, creative menu.
19751 E Mainstreet, Parker 720-851-8559 $$
JOHN HOLLY’S
Chinese and Thai dishes that are nothing less than the culinary equivalent of an exotic adventure.
9232 Park Meadows Dr, Lone Tree 303-768-9088 $$
THE GUIDE
THE BEST PLACES TO DINE IN DOUGLAS COUNTY
JUNZ
More than just great sushi! Junz has been a local staple for years and remains one of the premier destinations for a casual night out or fine dining experience. If you are seeking a great restaurant to get acquainted with Japanese cuisine, look no further than Junz.
JUNZ
A favorite sushi place in town with a unique blend of Japanese and French at its very best.
11211 S. Dransfeldt Rd., Parker 720-851-1005 $$
BAKERY/DESSERTs
LA PETITE CREPERIE
The locals favorite spot to grab made-to-order crepes. Sweet or savory, you can’t go wrong. Proudly serving farm to table fresh.
19751 Mainstreet, Parker 720-638-9722 $ (EC)
PARIS BAGUETTE
Popular Korean chain that brings expertly crafted baked goods through a warm and welcoming bakery cafe' experience that delivers joy to everyone.
18374 Cottonwood Dr., Parker 720-500-5555 $ (N)
POULETTE BAKESHOP
New artisan bakers taking Parker by storm. Order early, they sell out every day!
19585 Hess Road, Parker 303-955-5647 $ (N)
BARBEQUE
BIG JIMS
Don’t be fooled by this being a food truck; if you like southern BBQ, this is your place. Corner of Parker Rd and Longs Way, Parker $$$
GQUE BBQ
Award-winning food. Try the wood-smoked ribs, brisket, pork, or garlic potatoes. 8433 Park Meadows Center Dr., Suite 143B, Lone Tree 303-729-2506 $$
HICKORY HOUSE
The Parker tradition. Known for their baby back ribs, but don’t miss the pulled pork and barbeque chicken.
10335 S Parker Rd, Parker 303-805-9742 $$
OLD WEST BBQ
A hidden gem with familyfriendly pricing. Don’t miss out on their breakfast burritos. 107 Wolfensberger Rd., Castle Rock 303-660-6340 $
BREW PUB
20 MILE TAP HOUSE
Best known for their burgers and wings. Make sure to catch Trivia Tuesdays. 12543 N Hwy 83, Parker 303-841-6782 $$
GREAT DIVIDE BREWERY & ROADHOUSE
Destination locale with an informal ambiance offering hearty comfort classics 215 Wilcox St Suite G, Castle Rock 303-955-5788 $$ - $$$ (N)
ROCKYARD BREWING CO.
Douglas County’s longest running brew pub. Steaks, burgers, pizza and soup!
880 Castleton Rd, Castle Rock 303-814-9273 $$
AUGUST 2023 13
TAILGATE TAVERN & GRILL
Your neighborhood tavern for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Sports bar with live music not to miss on the weekends.
19552 E. Mainstreet, Parker 303-841-7179 $$
THE LIBRARY CO. BAR & KITCHEN
Offering great food & amazing drinks in a relaxed and warm atmosphere. Clear and simple menu options.
3911 Ambrosia St., Suite 101, Castle Rock 720-389-5986 $$
ITalian
CRANELLI’S
Comfort Italian food in a rustic, cozy, casual familyoriented format.
10047 Park Meadows Dr., Lone Tree 303-799-3661 $$
DANIELLE’S SCRATCH KITCHEN
Stylish, energetic eatery offering elevated Italian fare with an emphasis on great customer service.
872 Happy Canyon Rd. Suite 100, Castle Rock 303-524-9788 $$$
PORTOFINO
Authentic Italian eatery featuring pizza, pasta, calzones and heros. The local “go-to” for fresh Italian. 10920 S Parker Rd, Parker 303-841-9900 $$
SCILEPPI’S
A modern Italian restaurant focused on family recipes and premium ingredients. 210 Third St., Castle Rock 303-688-9000 $$
VIA BACI
Neapolitan pizzas join modern Italian fare at this casual eatery featuring a full bar & patio. 10005 Commons St, Lone Tree 303-790-0828 $$
MEXICAN ADRIANNA’S
Intimate Mexican eatery for authentic cuisine in a relaxed ambiance. Great for parties. 7272 E Hwy 86, Franktown 303-663-7800 $$
CASA MARIACHI
Unassuming local joint serving up straight-forward Mexican plates.
9771 S Parker Rd, Parker 720-842-5105 $$
LA CASITA
Vibrant, cantina-style eatery offering Mexican cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere.
18951 E Mainstreet, Parker 720-842-5181 $$
LAS DELICIAS
Bare-bones, family-owned local Tex-Mex eats for breakfast, lunch & dinner.
19553 E Mainstreet, Parker 303-840-0325 $$
LOS DOS POTRILLOS
Elegant family-owned eatery. There’s a combo dish to please everyone.
19340 Cottonwood Dr., Parker 303-840-6574 $$
LOS VOLCANES
Don’t miss the Carnitas! And bring your appetite for the large portions.
10471 S. Parker Rd., Parker 303-841-0160 $$
new american
CASTLE CAFE
Set in a former 1890s hotel. Plating hearty American fare like pan-fried chicken & burgers.
403 Wilcox St, Castle Rock 303-814-2233 $$
VALERIE'S BREWHOUSE
Uniquely fun sports bar with a creative menu of brats and dogs.
971 Park St., Castle Rock 303-660-2399 $
CRAVE
A favorite gourmet burger joint. Imaginative menu with amazing handcrafted shakes.
3982 Limelight Ave, Castle Rock 303-814-2829 $$
DOUG'S DAY DINER
American breakfast cafe where everything is made from scratch.
18595 Mainstreet, Parker 720-476-7162 $$
MANNA
A casual sit-down destination with a menu that reflects Colorado’s growing season.
2350 Meadows Blvd., Castle Rock 720-455-3664 $
PARKER GARAGE
The Parker landmark located right downtown offers a locally-sourced menu. Great service and large portions.
19420 Mainstreet, Parker 720-389-8105 $$ (EC)
PEGASUS
A local favorite for breakfast or lunch. American, Greek or Mexican dishes.
313 Jerry St., Castle Rock 303-688-6746 $$
RORY’S
Comfort food and baked goods at their finest. Don’t see it on the menu? Ask for it! Downtown gem.
11020 S Pikes Peak Dr., Parker 720-708-2889 $$
SIERRA
High-end, wood-fired kitchen with a warm ambiance, preparing select American dishes.
10680 Cabela Dr., Lone Tree 303-662-8800 $$
TRIBE AT RIVERWALK
Upscale, yet casual dining experience with a one-of-akind menu. Don't miss the brunch.
115 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock 303-362-0904 $$$ (N)
WEST MAIN TAPROOM
A modern and open venue that boasts thoughtful and honest cuisine. A haven for the gluten-free crowd.
18595 Mainstreet, Parker 720-826-3689 $$
PIZZA
ANTONIO’S
A traditional family-style Italian pizza restaurant with a Brooklyn flair.
12947 S Parker Rd., Parker 720-851-5300 $
ARTISAN
Delicious Neapolitan-style pizza that makes each dish an individual work of art! And don’t forget dessert.
12311 Pine Bluffs Way, Parker 303-840-0518 $
COLORADOUGH
A refreshing take on madefrom-scratch pizza. So fresh they don’t even have a freezer! 17860 Cottonwood Dr., Parker 303-386-3333 $$
LIL’ RICCI’S
New York pizzas & other red sauce staples in a low-key setting. Can’t miss the garlic knots. 16526 Keystone Blvd, Parker 303-220-7422 $$
PARRY’S
NY-style pizza, wings, & casual Italian eats, in kidfriendly quarters.
5650 Allen Way, Castle Rock 303-814-8686 $$
14 SEARCHSOUTHAURORA
STEAKHOUSE
DUKE’S
Rustic restaurant featuring beef & seafood dishes, plus a sports tavern with an Irish vibe.
363 Village Square Lane, Castle Pines
303-814-2487 $$$
FOGO DE CHAO
Upscale Brasilian steakhouse with all-you-can-eat meat carved tableside. Guaraná is a must, and try the Creme de Papaya. 8419 Park Meadows Center Dr., Lone Tree 303-481-4001 $$$ (EC)
PERRY’S
Chops, seafood, wine, & cocktails served in an upscale setting with a lounge & live jazz. 8433 Park Meadows Center Dr., Lone Tree 303-792-2571 $$$
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TEXAS ROADHOUSE
Texas-themed steakhouse with a great menu and wonderful atmosphere.
11205 S. Parker Rd, Parker 303-805-5848 $$
TRAPPER’S CHOP HOUSE
Upscale hideaway local favorite featuring their signature Volcanic Hot Rock sear-it-yourself experience.
19308 Cottonwood Dr., Parker 303-248-2132 $$$
UNIQUE
VISTAVINO MODERN
Quaint Tuscan grill made fresh from local fare. Every dish is a winner!
611 Wilcox St., Castle Rock 303-814-2487 $$
AUGUST 2023 15
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