GILPIN COUNTY – There was merely one game remaining on the Eagles’ regular season football schedule this year. They would be facing the Justice Phoenix at home on Saturday, November 2, and were determined to add another victory to their winning record.

At 3:41 of the opening period they took the first step toward that end with a 60-yard touchdown pass from Vinny Schoell to Ryan Marr to go up by six points. Less than a minute later, Gilpin recovered a forced fumble at Justice’s 15-yard line. A run by Marr in the power jet formation into the endzone made the score 14-0 after the 2-point conversion. A fourth down interception at Justice’s 32-yard line set up a 7-yard touchdown run by Marr. Score at the end of the first quarter of play: Gilpin 22, Justice 0.

A Drew Starkey rushing touchdown added to Gilpin’s lead in the second quarter. Trying to keep pace, Justice answered with a touchdown of their own. A broken play resulted in a 49-yard touchdown scamper by Starkey and two-point conversion by Justin Johnson putting eight more points on the board for the Eagles. Score at halftime: Gilpin 36, Justice 6.

Seniors that were participating in their last football game were honored at the break. With their family members at their side, each of the student-athletes received a bouquet of flowers accompanied by a firm handshake and hug from Coach Craig Ball. The seven players recognized were: Jonas Alexander, Kayden Bartholomew, Ryan Hanssen, Connor Holloway, Brennan Lauthrup, Drew Starkey, and Max Tanner. Providing support from the sidelines this year were senior cheerleaders Jasmyn Hickman and Remi Rich, who were also honored.

In what became a scoring bonanza and the most points registered by the Eagles in at least two years, Drew Starkey found paydirt at 9:06 of the third quarter. Justice scored their second touchdown of the day to make the tally 42-14 in favor of the Eagles. Freshman Jack Fisher scored the first touchdown of his high school career on a 32-yard inside reverse and the Phoenix matched it. With just over a minute remaining in the quarter, Mason Sechler powered the football over the goal line on a 42-yard smash play. Score at the end of three quarters: Gilpin 58, Justice 22.

League interception leader Landon Church picked off a Justice pass attempt and returned it 50 yards for Gilpin’s final touchdown of the contest. A fumble recovery by the Eagles toward the end of the game stymied Justice’s last drive. Final score: Gilpin 64, Justice 22.

Boasting a 6-3 record this year, Gilpin sent a message in no uncertain terms to the rest of their league that the Eagles are officially back and a team to be reckoned with next season.