Mascot Spirit the Eagle was on hand at home Friday, September 17, for the first time this year to provide extra support for our Gilpin County Eagles football team during their homecoming game against Plateau Valley. Many alumni were in attendance for what they hoped would be an Eagles’ victory.

A chili cook-off sponsored by the Gilpin County Booster Club offered samples of all the homemade chilis for a dollar and a cup of the one you liked best for two dollars beginning at halftime. Bearing the American flag, the entire cheerleading squad delivered a beautiful unamplified rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner from midfield that flowed through the loyal crowd.

Finding themselves in a rebuilding year after losing several star players to graduation, the team is young but determined, showing steady progress at every outing.

Coach Craig Ball’s summary: “We were happy to see our ball carriers running to space against Plateau Valley. Cole Tuttle and Ezra Williams each had kick-off returns for touchdowns in the second half. The offense had trouble sustaining drives, but we gained chunks of yardage with three different backs having run for 20-plus yards at a time. The defense had six tackles behind the line of scrimmage and was aggressive all night. Our defense had trouble containing outside, but our pass defense has greatly improved over the last few weeks. We will work to get better this week to maintain the edges and improve ball control. We are traveling to Hayden’s new field Friday night. These boys are working hard each week and we are looking forward to a great performance against Hayden.”

Final score: Plateau Valley Cowboys 52, Gilpin County Eagles 16.

Lights, camera, action! Top, left; Cheering for the home team. Top, right; Quarterback Bradley Robinson scrambles for a long gain. Middle, left; Manager Sara Holloway tends to the equipment. Middle, center; Omayra Acevedo was one of two Mountain-Ear photographers at the game. Middle, right; The cheerleaders’ enthusiasm lifts fans and players. Bottom, left; Defensive End Ryan Hannsen wraps up the opponent.[/caption]