Earn the Right
Bobcat Football
Photo via Custer County Schools, Leah Grundy
by Leah Grundy
It is the start of a new era for the Custer County High School Football program. Coach Clayton Stallones is the 3rd head coach for this team in the last four years and he has accepted the challenge of “starting over” yet again. He comes to Custer County from Pueblo with his wife, Jade, and their five young children.
EARN THE RIGHT – That is the motto for this season as the program has been redefined around leadership, commitment, work ethic, and community involvement. The past is the past and the focus is on the future creating a program that the school, athletes, and community can be proud of and support. It will take time and Coach Stallones is determined to reach that goal sooner rather than later.
The first “8-man football” game of the season was played on a neutral field in Limon, CO, where our Custer County Bobcats (team of 16 players and one coach) faced Sedgwick County, ranked #7th in the state (who arrived in a custom motor coach with 6 coaches and a 45-man roster. It was awesome and I will admit, intimidating and honestly, I was a little jealous!!).
Thank you to the die-hard parents, and new AD, Aundrea McCormick, that drove 3 hours one way to support these kids as the sun set behind the “Crow’s Nest” and the mosquitos came out in force!
The first half was all about these kids learning to trust their coach by putting into action the new plays and positions that they have been practicing all summer. Yes, there were nerves, “mistakes” that led to learning opportunities, and the lopsided score would have discouraged anyone but, with a new era, came new perseverance!
The second half was led by heart, and determination as Agi Thomas, #15 had a 70+ yard kick return for a touchdown that put the Bobcats on the scoreboard! Sophomore, Masson Simmons – QB completed a pass to Agi for a second touchdown and the defense, led by Sophomore Taylor Bradford #55 scored a safety! Wyatt Grundy #10 had a fumble recovery in the second half.
The Starters (Seniors Austin Scholl #50, Wyatt Grundy #10, Juniors Ty Stoltzfus #65, Taylor Bradford #55, Drake Knopick #49, Sophomores Agi Thomas #15, Masson Simmons #12 and Freshman Eli Flynn #2) definitely “Earned The Right” and played offense, defense and special teams all night.
When needed, they were supported by teammates Seniors Tryston
Evans #64, Jordan Craig #88, Sophomores Wade Pierce #22, and Freshman Bode Bridges #25, Ethan Fore #17, Brayden Baker #11, Jacob Tomassoni #6, and Lucas Bradford #3. Everyone was called to step up and play their position and they did!
There were many great tackles, running plays, and the passing game shows great promise for Simmons and his
receivers.
Come watch their first home game, this Friday, September 6th at 7 p.m. in the shadows of the great Sangre De Cristo Mountains and see if you can feel a change not only in the season but in the football
program as well.
This week’s Players of the Week
Offensive Player of the Week: Agi Thomas #15
Defensive Player of the Week: Taylor Bradford #55
Special Teams Player of the Week: Agi Thomas #15
Congratulations Agi Thomas #15,
Tony’s Mountain Pizza Player of the Game!!
