Denver East goalkeeper Grant Simon admittedly hasn't been called upon to do a whole lot this season. But when the Angels turned to him with the state title on the line Wednesday night, Simon came through in the clutch.

Simon's work in goal allowed Denver East to get the game into overtime, and then Jack Henderson's goal in the 105th minute lifted the Angels to a 1-0 victory over Regis in the 5A state championship game at Pirate Stadium.

The title is East's first since 1994 and second overall.

"This was the first game I've really had to make saves all season," said Simon, the Rocky's championship game MVP. "All season my (team's) defense has been amazing. So if I have to make two or three saves, it's all good."

Simon actually had to make seven saves, including a couple when the Raiders (15-5-0) had made their way behind the Angels (18-2-0) defense for breakaway chances.

"Grant had just a phenomenal game, and he had to," East coach Beth Hinz said. "He kept us in it. After a couple of saves I knew we had a chance."

The Angels capitalized on their best chance in extra time, turning a scramble in front of the net into the state-title-winning goal. The ball was played from the midfield forward to the front of the goal, where Regis keeper Alex Goetz went up high trying to play it.

Goetz couldn't control the ball and it rolled down to the ground. East's Zach Bolden and Goetz collided going for the ball, and it popped out to Henderson, who was all alone with a wide open net in front of him.

"It bounced up and the goalie dropped it," Henderson said. "I was just there and put it in. It was an ugly goal, but that's what you need to win sometimes."

While Henderson was able to finish, the Raiders were left to lament the chances they left on the pitch. After watching the Angels control the final 20 minutes of the first half, Regis came out and started to take over.

The Raiders put five shots on goal in the second half, with Dirk Macdonald and Matt Nier wreaking havoc on East's defense. Nier, in particular, had two great scoring chances late in regulation, taking passes from Macdonald to earn breakaways on Simon.

"We had a couple of chances and just could not put them away," Nier said. "(Simon) made great saves. I don't know if there was anything else we could have done."

Simon admitted the sight of Nier bearing down on him left him with a few anxious moments, but he just let his instincts take over.

"I was patient and let them shoot it right at me," Simon said. "Matt Nier and Dirk are really good, and I know how skilled they are. I knew I was going to have to make saves tonight."

Regis 0 0 0 0 - 0

Denver East 0 0 0 1 - 1

Goals - Denver East, Jack Henderson, 105th minute.

Shots on goal - R, 0-5-1-1 7; DE, 4-1-2-2 9. Saves - R, (Alex Goetz) 4-1-2-1 8; DE, (Grant Simon), 0-5-1-1 7. Corner kicks - R, 2-2-1-0 5; DE, 3-4-0-1 8. Cards - none.