Legend High School is entering a new era with a returning Colorado star quarterback and a nationally recognized quarterback coach now leading the program. On Wednesday at All City Stadium, that new chapter took a strong first step.
Behind DJ Bordeaux, a senior quarterback returning to Colorado after two seasons in Georgia, and Jake Heaps, Russell Wilson’s personal QB coach turned high school head coach, the Titans finished 2-1 in pool play at the Denver Broncos 7-on-7 Tournament. Legend secured a tiebreaker victory over Bear Creek and Coal Ridge based on total points scored, advancing to Championship Saturday.
A Homecoming with Purpose
For Bordeaux, the day was more than a few summer games. It was a homecoming years in the making.
“It was amazing. I miss home. Most definitely miss my people. Glad to be back with the boys,” said Bordeaux after the final game of pool play. A former ThunderRidge quarterback, he spent the last two seasons playing at Alpharetta and Douglas County High Schools in Georgia, collecting over two dozen Division I offers before committing to Boston College.
The difference in his confidence was obvious.
“Definitely my confidence,” Bordeaux said, when asked what changed while playing out of state. “I’ve gained a crazy amount of confidence in myself and in what I can do for a team.”
Bordeaux credited his growth to the competitive level he experienced down south, as well as the offensive structure and coaching he was exposed to.
“There’s certain stuff offensively that I’m learning schematically that’s just different,” he said. “I definitely want to bring that to this team.”
He did exactly that on Thursday—distributing the ball to multiple receivers, extending plays, and showing command in red zone opportunities. He connected several times with Ryken Banks, his clear go-to target, and praised his chemistry with the entire group.
“All my guys—I’ve been playing with them since I was in fifth grade.” he said. “That was the main thing for returning to Legend. Getting back with my boys. Back with the family.”
A National QB Guru Steps In
Bordeaux’s return aligned perfectly with a major coaching change at Legend. Earlier this year, the school hired Jake Heaps as its next head coach, replacing long-time leader Monte Thelen. Heaps is best known in football circles as Russell Wilson’s private quarterback coach, a former NFL player, and the lead coach of the prestigious Elite 11quarterback competition.
For Heaps, this is his first high school head coaching opportunity—but his background in developing elite quarterbacks is already evident.
“My mentality is that I want to be the best, and I want to have an opportunity to do that,” Heaps said earlier this week. “Through administration, the staff, the players—there’s special people here.”
Heaps, who lives in Parker and has been around the community for several years, said the opportunity to guide a high-potential program like Legend was too good to pass up.
“I got to experience how special the community is, how passionate they are, and also the talent that’s there and is going to be there,” he said.
Bordeaux credited Heaps as one of the biggest reasons for his decision to return.
“It’s a blessing. He’s one of the main reasons I came back,” Bourdeaux said. “It’s been great being a part of this amazing program. The community welcomed me back, and they’ve welcomed him too. It’s been awesome.”
Execution, Growth, and a Key Mistake
Legend opened the day with strong wins over Adams City and Coal Ridge. In their final game against Bear Creek, the Titans faced their first real challenge. With the score tied 14-14 in the closing seconds, Bourdeaux took a deep shot downfield that was intercepted—his lone turnover of the day.
While the play could have been costly, Legend’s earlier offensive output secured the tiebreaker advantage. More importantly, the team responded with composure, closing out the game without allowing any points.
Though Bordeaux didn’t speak directly about the play afterward, his overall demeanor throughout the day reflected a confident leader focused on growth and team chemistry. His connection with Ryken Banks and Ryan Iglesias remained a focal point, and the Titans looked unfazed heading into Championship Saturday.
“Challenging these guys… they have goals and aspirations, and they have to understand the commitment it takes to get there,” Heaps said. “It’s really about preparing to be champions every single day. I know that sounds cliché, but it’s true.”
That mindset showed in the way Legend finished—poised and composed, with players encouraging each other and staying locked in.
Championship Saturday and Beyond
Legend will now return for Championship Saturday, where they’ll face other pool winners from across the state. Few teams in Colorado can match the combination of an experienced quarterback, a nationally respected QB coach, and a veteran core with deep chemistry.
“Helping him understand what it takes to succeed is my job,” Heaps said of his relationship with Bordeaux. “We’re focused on that. I’m challenging him every single day.”
As summer competition heats up, Legend is already ahead of schedule. With Bordeaux back at the helm and Heaps laying the foundation, the Titans look like more than just a contender—they look like a program with a plan.
Broncos 7on7 and Linemen Challenge continues on next week, stay tuned…
Denver Sports Media 
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