GILPIN COUNTY – Since losing their home opener on August 30 against a very good St. Mary’s football team, the Eagles have reeled off two straight victories on the road. They scored 44 points in each of those contests while surrendering merely eight and zero points per game respectively. They were keen on continuing that trend at home on September 26 against the Justice Phoenix.

The week leading up to the matchup, outdoor practices had been canceled due to lightning in the area. Stuck indoors, they ran through their plays and devoted the time to studying game film. Denied their usual routine, Gilpin still felt that they were more than ready to accept the challenge.

It didn’t take long for the Eagles to confirm that notion. Gilpin struck first with a 93-yard smash play run for a touchdown by Landon Church. Vinny Schoell ran in the 2-point conversion.

Church scored another rushing touchdown and Ryan Marr caught a pass for the conversion. A smash play by Church and 2-point conversion run by Jack Fisher put the Eagles up by a score of 24-0 to end the first quarter.

The offensive onslaught continued in the second quarter. A 20-yard pass reception by Ryan Marr was good for another touchdown. Jack Fisher capped it off with two more points on the conversion.

Landon Church caught a 21-yard touchdown pass on a fade pattern in the endzone and also ran the ball in for the 2-point conversion. Utilizing two pulling guards, the smash play had worked well all evening so they went to it again on a Jack Fisher 12-yard touchdown. He also ran in the conversion. Score at halftime: Gilpin 48, Justice 6.

Confident that the game was well in hand, the Eagles substituted their players freely in the second half and the entire defense rose to the occasion to keep the Phoenix in check. Final score: Gilpin 48, Justice 12.

Vinny Schoell had 6 completions in 10 attempts for 123 yards passing and 2 touchdowns. Landon Church sped past defenders 7 times for 140 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns. Jack Fisher had 7 carries for 103 yards and 1 touchdown.

Landon Church registered 3 receptions for 62 yards and 1 touchdown. Ryan Marr hauled down 2 receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown.

On defense, Landon Church recorded 6 solo tackles. Justin Johnson had 5 solo tackles and 2 assisted tackles. Jack Fisher got 4 solos and 1 assist while freshman Michael Reisner made 4 tackles. Ben Bushey added 3 solo tackles and 3 quarterback hurries. Ballhawk corner Vinny Schoell contributed 2 interceptions and Justin Johnson recovered 1 fumble.

The Eagles’ record now stands at 3-1. They play an important away contest against Clear Creek on October 2 that could have playoff implications. The team returns home on October 10 for their Homecoming game facing Front Range Christian.