You can talk all day about determination and moral victories, but for the players and coaching staff nothing is quite as sweet as registering a game in the win column. It validates the hard work and dedication and satisfies in a way that effort alone cannot. For the Gilpin Eagles varsity football team, that euphoric feeling came on October 30 against their archrival, the Justice Phoenix.

It was to be the fourth meeting between the two programs in the last two years. The last time the Eagles beat the Phoenix was on September 15, 2022, at Gilpin County Stadium in an exciting 20-8 victory. The home team won the last three matchups. Pouring everything they had into this game, Gilpin hoped that trend would continue.

Originally scheduled for Saturday, October 28, that game was postponed until the following Monday because of a snowstorm that dropped ten inches on our area. In preparation for the contest, the field had been shoveled by Gilpin and Justice players, but a thick layer of crusty snow and ice still remained on the playing surface. With a gusty wind at its start and temperatures dipping into the twenties, the conditions would make for interesting football.

Before the last game of the year in all of Gilpin’s sports is when they honor their senior athletes. Caleb Hopkins was the only senior on this year’s football team. A transfer from Lake Charles, Louisiana, at 6’3” and 300 pounds he was hard to miss. Playing at defensive end and noseguard, he did an admirable job clogging up the middle during the course of the season. He was also a force at offensive tackle, opening up holes for Eagles’ running backs. A leader on and off the field, Caleb was voted student council president by his peers.

In the first quarter the Eagles put together one their longest sustained drives of the entire year. Justice Johnson and Ben Bushey racked up most of the yardage through fullback dives with pulling guards Mason Sechler and Drew Starkey leading the way. Ryan Marr scored a touchdown on a 12-yard wave sweep to make the score 6-0 in favor of the Eagles.

A defensive struggle through the second and third quarters, Dacio Pina and Landon Church stood out on that side of the ball. In merely his second start at the center position, Cameron Thomason’s shotgun snaps were virtually flawless. Score at the end of three quarters: Gilpin 6, Justice 0.

Rising from the ashes, the Justice Phoenix put their first points on the board with a long pass play and ensuing touchdown. The 2-point conversion put them ahead by a score of 8-6 at the beginning of the fourth quarter. With three and a half minutes left in regulation and the game seemingly slipping away, the Eagles caused a fumble that was scooped up by Landon Church and run back to their opponent’s 1-yard line. A Connor Holloway wham play touchdown made the tally Gilpin 12, Justice 6. Another fumble recovery at midfield and subsequent drive and Holloway rushing touchdown was the frosting on the cake. Final score: Gilpin 18, Justice 8.

Winning Coach Craig Ball shared after his team’s fulfilling victory, “Our Monday night game was a thrilling conclusion to our football season. We emerged victorious in the final game and made plays down the stretch. The game showcased the dedication and teamwork that defined this year’s football season. Looking ahead to the 2024 season, our commitment remains strong. We’ll be kickstarting our preparation with a football camp in Nebraska early in June and a summer weightlifting program as we prepare for our first day of football practice on August 12. As a team and community, we are resolved to hit the weight room, participate in other sports like track and wrestling, and push ourselves to become faster and stronger for football. Together, we’re determined to elevate our game and compete at the highest level next year.”