The varsity’s farm club Above; Running the football was their bread and butter. Top, right; Tauren Paxton applies a stiff arm. Bottom, right; Ryan Mann follows his blocker for the closing touchdown. PHOTO BY DAVE GIBSON[/caption]

As a prelude to the varsity Homecoming game on September 23, the Eagles sixth, seventh, and eighth grade gridironers took on the South Park Burros at Gilpin County Stadium.

Finding themselves down six points early in the contest, the Eagles roared back to score a 3-yard touchdown on a quarterback keeper around the left side by Ryan Mann (16) with 51 seconds remaining in the half. Staying with what worked, the same play yielded them two points on the conversion to make the score Gilpin 8, South Park 6. Another touchdown was scored by the Burros on a rushing play in the closing seconds. The same play yielded them two more points. Score at halftime: Gilpin 8, South Park 14.

In the third quarter, based on the strength of their rushing attack, the Eagles marched down the field to the 9-yard line. Running back Gabe Hockley skirted around the left side for a score to pull ahead 16-14. A momentary lapse of special teams play surrendered a touchdown on the ensuing kickoff to put South Park ahead 20 to 16. Gilpin stuffed the 2-point attempt.

A hard-fought contest on an afternoon where the lead would change hands several times, the Eagles weren’t done scoring just yet. A long drive took Gilpin to South Park’s 9-yard line. Lining up in a Y-formation, the handoff went to running back Tauren Paxton (42) who scampered around the right side on a reverse sweep for a touchdown. Gabe Hockley (15) threw a key block to spring Paxton for the score. Gilpin 24, South Park 20. The Eagles added another rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter by quarterback Ryan Marr to secure the victory. Final Score: Gilpin 30, South Park 20.

Said Coach Paul Hanson after the game, “That was a great game and tough battle by our guys. I’m really proud of them. They showed a lot of grit, toughness, and resiliency throughout the game. We are fortunate to have an awesome group of Gilpin Middle School student-athletes on the team this year. It’s been a fun season! We are really looking forward to hosting the Gilpin County Middle School Football Jamboree on Saturday, October 15, at 10 a.m. Clear Creek, South Park, Front Range Christian, and Gilpin County will be playing a tournament at our field, and our plan is to hoist a trophy at the end of the day.”