After the Gilpin Homecoming football game was canceled due to a last-minute forfeiture by Lake County, the Eagles were anxious to take the field on September 21 against the South Park Burros.
With only one game under their belt so far this season, following a long run by Ryan Marr in the first quarter, Drew Starkey found paydirt with a 1-yard plunge into the endzone. A successful 2-point conversion made the score 8-0. South Park answered with a touchdown of their own. With 1:08 remaining in the quarter, Vinnie Schoell connected with a 50-yard touchdown pass to Landon Church to bring the tally to 16-6 in favor of the Eagles.
Less than four minutes left in the second quarter, Gilpin struck again with a Mason Sechler rushing touchdown. The “thunder and lightning” tandem of Drew Starkey (thunder) and Ryan Marr (lightning) continued pounding the Burros; Marr scored on a wave sweep around the left side and Starkey added the conversion. Marr scored yet another touchdown on a 30-yard run with 2:11 remaining in the half. Both Marr and Starkey would finish the game with over 100 yards rushing. Score at halftime: Gilpin 36, South Park 6.
Landon Church and Drew Starkey each intercepted the football in the third quarter, thwarting South Park drives. Ryan Hanssen, Ben Bushey, and the rest of the defense stood tall, blanking the opponent during the period. Neither team scored in the third quarter.
For his second interception of the evening, Landon Church picked off the ball in the endzone for a touchback in the fourth quarter. South Park scored a touchdown to make the score 36-12, Eagles. An 80-yard drive by Gilpin capped by a Mason Sechler touchdown run sealed the victory. Final score: Gilpin 42, South Park 12.
From Head Coach Craig Ball: “Our team’s recent victory is the result of months of dedication and hard work, beginning with a summer camp in Nebraska where our players laid the foundation for success. The determination and discipline they’ve shown, on and off the field, have been exceptional, and it’s paying off.
“This season, we’ve added three key coaches who have helped take our team to the next level. Coach Jones, leading the defensive line, has instilled toughness and grit in our linemen. Coach Knudson, working with wide receivers and defensive backs, has sharpened our speed and agility. Coach Stranaly, as our defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, has brought a strategic edge to our defense, elevating the unit’s play to new heights.
“Our returning coaches, Coach Sechler with the offensive line and Coach Tanner leading special teams, have continued to push their groups, emphasizing fundamentals and the relentless pursuit of improvement. The strong coaching staff has set the tone, but it’s the players who have truly embraced the challenge.
“With increased senior leadership (largest group of seniors since 2017), our captains have a shared understanding that ‘Pressure to perform is a privilege.’ This team is more focused and driven than ever, and understands hard work in practice translates to success on game day.
“The players are committed to leveling up their skills each week: With 27 players on this year’s roster, we have many new players to the game of football. This year’s team has a unique prospect of allowing player development by adding a few JV games during the year.
“Our community should take pride in these young men, not just for the wins, but for the countless hours they’ve put into preparing themselves for success. We are confident that, with their dedication, this season will be one of continued success and accomplishment.”
