GILPIN COUNTY – Since securing the rights in 2020, Gilpin County has hosted the Colorado 8-Man All-State Football Game five times. Pitting the best senior football talent, selected from 42 teams across Colorado, against each other, you can always count on an entertaining, hard-hitting matchup.

Upon completing three days of practice at Colorado Christian University in Lakewood, the players arrived at Gilpin County Football Stadium on Saturday, May 31, to compete in their final high school football game.

Of the 24 student-athletes from the South, five of them hailed from last year’s quarterfinalist Simla and five from semifinalist Beyers. For the North, five of the 22 players came from runner-up Akron and five from last year’s champion Haxtun. Two players from local teams were also named to the North squad.

Gilpin County Eagle Drew Starkey averaged over 6.9 yards per carry for 935 yards in 2024. His longest run went for 53 yards. Starkey also had 250 yards passing and three touchdown passes that included a 60-yarder. His 12 touchdowns and four 2-point conversions contributed 80 points to the Eagles’ efforts.

Clear Creek Golddigger Logan Ginter’s 2024 stats were impressive to say the least. His 1,478 yards rushing, 676 yards receiving, and 42 touchdowns grabbed the attention of opposing teams and were a treat for Golddiggers fans to watch. Ginter’s 38.22 yards per punt return average ranked first in the nation.

It took the North less than two minutes to score with a safety. Following a well-executed drive, a 1-yard plunge into the end zone made the tally 8-0 in favor of the North.

In what may have been one of the most exciting moments of the contest, a long pass play to Caleb Poss was stripped at the 8-yard line then scooped up at the 2-yard line by North teammate Joe Probst for a touchdown.

A spectacular 50-yard punt return by the North’s Jackson Carlson in the second quarter for a touchdown made the score at halftime North 22, South 0.

The South’s defense stiffened in the third quarter although they surrendered their second safety of the game.

In the mostly one-sided affair, the North scored two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Final score: North 36, South 0.

Event organizer Craig Ball noted that this year’s game was the best attended yet. He thanked the two coaching staffs, players, fans, and the entire Gilpin community for making the contest a success.

To learn more about the 8-Man All-State Game or to make a donation, go to www.eliteallstate.ballmail.com.