At a time when fellow recent high school graduates might be seen at the local swimming hole relaxing with friends, the best senior gridiron athletes in the state still had business to attend to. Meeting at Gilpin County Stadium on Saturday, June 1, for the Colorado 8-Man All-State Football Game, it was one last chance to strap on the pads. A tradition that honors the student-athletes and pits the North against the South, the members of the squads are selected from nine different leagues.

With an abundance of talent on the field, the game is always hard-hitting, closely contested, and the action top-notch. The North won last year’s matchup by a score of 18-10 and holds a 2-1 advantage since the contest moved to Gilpin County.

From the opening kickoff until time expired in the fourth quarter, the game more than lived up to its billing and thrilled football fans. The difference in the outcome came down to a long kickoff return in the second half by the South’s Levi Martin. Playing for State Champion Mancos during the regular season, he was named MVP for the South team. Gilpin Eagles football coach and event organizer Craig Ball noted of Martin, “He possesses speed, aggressiveness at the point of attack, and football intelligence.”

Offensive linemen rarely get the recognition that they deserve. Battling it out in the trenches protecting their quarterback and opening holes for running backs, players at the “skill” positions get all the ink. On this day the most skillful player for the North was deemed to be offensive lineman Liam Buettenback of Sedgwick County. So dominant was he that it was the only time in the 60-year history of the game that a player at his position has been named MVP.

Final score: South 33, North 26, in a nailbiter that kept the fans on the edge of their seats.

Craig Ball is the person responsible for bringing the venerable contest to Gilpin County. Following this year’s game he related, “The All- State Foundation is tasked with building the leaders of tomorrow through the game of football. Last Saturday, we witnessed a day of sportsmanship and community spirit with beautiful weather at elevation. With a dedicated four-day camp prior to the game, 50 players from across Colorado prepared for the annual game in front of their biggest fans. I want to thank the coaching staffs from Dayspring Christian and Simla for working so hard to get our boys ready. Their commitment was pivotal in making the game an unforgettable experience. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended and supported this event. Your dedication and enthusiasm are truly remarkable, and I look forward to continuing our celebration of athletic excellence, leadership and community spirit at future events. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey.”

To learn more about the All-State Foundation or make a donation, go to www.eliteallstate.com.