North.

The unmistakable sounds of clacking helmets and popping pads filled the night air much to the delight of over 300 enthusiastic gridiron fans from across the state at Gilpin County Stadium on Friday, July 9.

Fifty high school seniors were deemed the best by the coaches from a pool of six leagues totaling 44 teams. The game was a culmination of efforts by Gilpin High School’s Craig Ball, who created the nonprofit Elite All-State Foundation as a host sponsor. In 2019 they assumed operations and management of the contest that was then held in Sterling. This is the first year that the 8-Man All State game has been played in Gilpin.

The all-star athletes prepared for their appearance by attending six practices over the course of four days at Colorado Christian University in Lakewood. Most of the players attending played both offense and defense. Besides receiving their redesigned official All-State jerseys, one of the most welcome perks during camp was the all-you-can-eat buffet-style meals to replace calories spent during workouts.

Spectators were treated to up close and personal vantages next to the sidelines and behind the end zones. The atmosphere was cheerily relaxed with several fathers, children, and teenagers tossing the pigskin on the field before the competition. During a half hour weather delay with merely one minute 18 seconds elapsed of the first quarter, charbroiled burgers, beer brats, and cold sodas made the lull more bearable while facilitating further socializing between new and old acquaintances.

In a not-so-civil war between North and South, it was the North that struck first, corralling the opponent in the end zone for a safety. Followed up by a long pass play 15 seconds later for a touchdown and two-point conversion, the North led 10 – 0. The South rallied the troops with a pass completion to the corner of the end zone to pull within four points. Exciting to watch the top talent on the field at the same time, the action was crisp and hard-hitting the rule.

Coach Craig Ball said that “It was one of the most physical games that I have ever been part of.” Representing the Gilpin Eagles, Blake Boulter, Stephen King, and Nolan Lindberg dished out quite a few of those hits. Final score: North 34, South 20.

From the man responsible for bringing the event to Gilpin County, Craig Ball added, “It was a great experience for the boys and I think 8-man football fans are the best people in the world to hang out with. I loved every minute of it. Thank you for all the support.”

The Elite All-State Foundation’s mission is to provide scholarships to participants and promote the safety and benefits of tackle football through supplying the most advanced helmet technology for 8-man football programs.

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