BROOMFIELD, Colo. — The Holy Family Tigers are headed to state for the first time in 18 years.
"This is the goal," head coach Mike D. Gabriel said. "This has always been the goal and now we're in the game.”
Coach Gabriel looks to win the Tigers' first state title since his father, the legendary Mike G. Gabriel did it, back in 2005.
“Holy Family's been in our blood for four generations and hopefully it will continue,” Mike Sr. said.
Mike G. is now the offensive line coach, under the leadership of his son. Then there's Mike D's son, star running back Dominic Gabriel who will be suiting up for the final and biggest high school game of his career.
“It’s pretty special because not a lot of kids get to do it," Dominic said. "And let alone with their dad and their grandpa. So it makes it just that much more special.”
This Saturday, the three generations hope to continue a legacy that’s been earned, not given.
“I've always felt like I've been in my father's shadow as a head coach, and that's not an easy place to be with his success." Mike D. said. " So being able to find my way and have great staff and great kids around me to be able to do what I've done over the years has been amazing."
The pressure is justified. Mike Sr. won 2 state titles as head coach and the stadium was named in his honor.
“It was a huge surprise," Mike G said. "And it's fun to walk out there and look up and see your name on the stadium.”
But as each Tiger heads to campus every morning, they turn on Patty Gabriel way. It's the street honoring Mike Sr's late wife who lost her battle with cancer.
“The family itself, the unit itself has gone through some hard times," Mike G said. "But to watch Dominic's success, it's just a lot of fun. It just makes us so proud.”
Holy Family will play league rival Lutheran for the state title, competing for their third football state title in program history.
RELATED: 4A, 5A football finalists get first look at Canvas Stadium ahead of Saturday's championships
RELATED: Prep Rally Honor Roll (11/28/23)
Complete details of Saturday's event can be found HERE.
>>Tune into the Prep Rally this weekend for complete coverage of the Colorado high school football state championship games!
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Sports
9NEWS+
Watch more from 9NEWS on the free 9NEWS+ app for Roku and Fire TV.
9NEWS+ has multiple live daily shows including 9NEWS Mornings, Next with Kyle Clark and 9NEWS+ Daily, an original streaming program. 9NEWS+ is where you can watch live breaking news, weather updates, and press conferences. You can also replay recent newscasts and find videos on demand of our top stories, local politics, investigations and Colorado specific features.
To download 9NEWS+ on Roku search for KUSA.
To download 9NEWS+ on Fire TV search for 9NEWS.
RELATED: Watch 9NEWS for free on ROKU, Apple TV, Fire TV
MORE WAYS TO GET 9NEWS
Subscribe to our daily 9NEWSLETTER
Download the 9NEWS APP
iTunes: http://on9news.tv/itunes
Google Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n
> Top stories curated daily just for you! Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTER to get can’t-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered right to your inbox.