Barbara Lawlor, Peak to Peak.   After a month of hype, after weeks of being afraid to even think about Super Bowl two years ago, Bronco fans raised the Crush bar this past weekend. Orange filled Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, California Sunday afternoon and the sound of the fans reached San Francisco and all the way to Denver, even to Gilpin and Nederland.

The Denver Broncos, with Peyton Manning leading the way, and Von Miller creating turnovers, beat the Caroline Panthers, 24-10, in the 50th playing of the Super Bowl. It was a triumphant ending to a season fraught with drama and emotion, and fans watching the clock tick down to the last two minutes released their held breath and began to scream with joy.

It was the third time the Broncos have won the Super Bowl, including back to back wins in 1997 and 1998. In recent years they have had many oh so close seasons and this year, it finally ended well. It will be a game that will long be remembered, especially, of course, in Denver.

Peyton Manning can go out on top with two Super Bowl Champion rings, if he chooses to. Pat Bowlen gets his Vince Lombardi trophy and the Denver D lives up to its title of best defense in the NFL.

Time to celebrate.

Roy’s Last Shot in Gilpin County was packed with an orange and blue crowd watching the win. Backcountry Pizza in Nederland had three televisions going so it didn’t matter where you sat, the game was everywhere. Those at the bar had a regular cheer session going, coming up with the wave whenever the Broncos put it to the Panthers.

Carolina quarterback Cam Newton began to look bewildered, wondering how is this happening? Defensive goals for Denver. Amazing sacks and nowhere for Cam’s offense to go.

At the Very Nice Brewing Co. a group of happy fans enjoyed a potluck supper with their beer and enjoyed the game. Gary Morgan, a Bronco fan from Kansas City, said he came all the way to Very Nice to watch the game because he wasn’t allowed to at home. He actually has a cabin on Caribou Road and has been a part-time resident since 1962.

Mike Minson of Ward, Leaf Running -rabbit and Joshua Paquette, all from Ward said they don’t have television and chose Very Nice so they could have great beer while they watched a great game.

Sunday night’s orange victory will go down in history.

Maybe some of us will be around for the centennial anniversary of the Super Bowl.