GILPIN COUNTY – Fewer hours of daylight, cooler temperatures, the changing of the aspens, and the first measurable snow are all indicators that autumn has arrived in the mountains. Another sure sign is the Homecoming festivities at our local high schools.

On Thursday, October 9, Gilpin kicked off this year’s Homecoming with a volleyball match against Dayspring Christian Academy. On a tear lately with three consecutive victories, the Lady Eagles had jelled as a unit, playing their best volleyball of the year.

Their September 30 match on the road against Front Range Christian was particularly impressive. Losing the first game by a score of 27-25, the Eagles returned the favor by beating the Falcons with an identical score in the second game.

From there Gilpin cruised to 25-19 and 25-17 wins in the third and fourth games to seal a 3-1 match victory.

Gilpin alumni from the last quarter century turned out to cheer on their favorite school during their Homecoming match. Coach Rouse noted that “Dayspring Christian always seems to have a good team.” Considered the underdogs, the Eagles would have to play their best volleyball yet to have a chance in this one.

Everything clicked for Gilpin in the first game as the Eagles dispatched of their opponent by a score of 25-20. The Eagles ultimately would lose the match, but not for lack of effort or support of their fans.

The next day, the students were busy making last minute preparations to their floats for the Homecoming parade in Central City.

A scrambled egg, pancake, sausage, and orange juice breakfast was provided by the Gilpin County Eagles Booster Club for anyone who was hungry.

This year’s theme was the Disney movie “Cars.” Lightning McQueen, Mack, and Ramone were among those represented. Other vehicles in the lineup included firetrucks, ambulances, and police cars.

Sisters Katie and Molly Brennan rode the parade route on horseback.

The royal court sat in the back of their transports waving to the crowd that had gathered along Gregory Street. One of the banners read “Life is a highway, enjoy the ride.”

Judging by the amount of candy thrown to onlookers, more money will need to be raised to restock the Booster Club’s larder.

Along with the dance, which would take place on Saturday evening, the event most people associate with Homecoming is the football game. This year’s opponent was Front Range Christian, whom the Eagles beat last year in Littleton at their Homecoming. The Falcons would be intent on exacting revenge.

At loggerheads to begin the contest, the first quarter ended with neither team scoring any points. Front Range struck first with a touchdown pass at 10:46 of the second quarter to go up 6-0. Less than a minute later, a long pass from Vinny Schoell to Landon Church tied the tally.

The teams exchanged touchdowns to take the score to Front Range 14, Gilpin 12. With merely one second left on the clock in the first half, the Falcons kicked a field goal. Score at halftime: Front Range 17, Gilpin 12.

Coach Craig Ball noted that “it took us some time to figure them out on defense and on offense. We made some adjustments during the halftime break and our boys really responded.”

The Eagles outscored the Falcons four touchdowns to none in the second half. “I couldn’t be prouder of how our team finished the game,” said Ball. Final score: Gilpin 38, Front Range 17.

Vinny Schoell threw for two touchdowns and went over 1,000 yards passing on the season. Landon Church came up huge with 180 yards rushing, 131 yards receiving, and five touchdowns. He also registered four interceptions.

Jack Fisher took over the game down the stretch as a possession runner, scoring a touchdown and averaging 6.6 yards per carry. On defense, he led the Eagles with 12 tackles.

Coach Ball said that “the community support from our hometown fans at Homecoming was great this year, and I got to visit with a bunch of my old players at the game. What a treat! That connection means a lot to our team and to me as a coach.”