Dave Gibson, Gilpin County. The Gilpin Eagles entered the October 31 varsity home football game hoping to extend their 2-game winning streak. Having dispatched their previous opponents by 20 points in each of those contests, Saturday’s game would prove to be considerably more challenging against perennial powerhouse West Grand from Kremmling. Fielding more athletes than Gilpin, the Mustangs are coached by legendary Chris Brown who has registered the most wins in Colorado football history with well over 300. All of the Eagles’ three home games this year were or are against teams ranked in the top 10 at the start of the season.

Halloween gusts of wind over 50 mph screamed across the gridiron on an afternoon that would lend itself to the running game. The Mustangs were as good as advertised, hanging 26 points on the Eagles in the opening half to Gilpin’s zero. As any football fan knows, turnovers often dictate momentum and determine the outcome of games; Gilpin’s three in the first half didn’t help the cause. Undaunted without an ounce of quit in any of them, the Eagles’ first score finally came midway through the 3rd quarter on a Stephen King run when he and his teammates’ superior conditioning began to wear down the bigger and heavier West Grand players. With their rushing attack clicking, the Eagles basically stayed even with the Mustangs from that point onward, but were unable to reduce the deficit. Offensive Player of the Game King added another TD on a wave sweep and would finish the day with 14 carries for 182 yards and an impressive 13.0 yards per carry average. Kamron Brewer crossed the goal line on a short running play to conclude the competition on a high note. Final score: West Grand 54, Gilpin Eagles 22.

The Eagles play at Hayden November 6, 2020, and wrap up their season at home Saturday, November 14, 6 p.m., against Rangely.