In what has been undoubtedly the most confusing year in high school athletics, Northern Colorado is happy and proud to congratulate TWO State Champions. Between the early season turmoil, questions on if the season would even be played, and the COVID-19 protocols, these two teams not only beat the odds on the field this year, but they also beat the odds off the field.
The 2A Champions are the Eaton Fighting Reds. The Reds went into the postseason as a #5 seed! Yep, a 5 seed. They had arguably one of the toughest paths to the state title game as they had to go on the road and beat a very good Pagosa Springs team. Once they did that what did they have waiting for them? None other than the #1 seed Resurrection Christian Cougars. The Cougars had not given up a single point and were undefeated heading into the playoffs. The Reds embraced the underdog role and used their prolific rushing attack and steady defense to knock Resurrection out of the playoffs and secure their place in the State Title game in Pueblo. The Reds held on to beat a pesky Lamar team on the back of a blocked punt and a late pick-6. The Reds captured their first title since 2000 with that 28-21 win over Lamar.
seed. They had arguably one of the toughest paths to the state title game as they had to go on the road and beat a very good Pagosa Springs team. Once they did that what did they have waiting for them? None other than the #1 seed Resurrection Christian Cougars. The Cougars had not given up a single point and were undefeated heading into the playoffs. The Reds embraced the underdog role and used their prolific rushing attack and steady defense to knock Resurrection out of the playoffs and secure their place in the State Title game in Pueblo. The Reds held on to beat a pesky Lamar team on the back of a blocked punt and a late pick-6. The Reds captured their first title since 2000 with that 28-21 win over Lamar.
The Loveland High School Football team took a relatively similar path. After beating Skyline in Over Time to secure a playoff spot, Loveland would pick up the #4 seed. The first round match-up was with rival Broomfield. Loveland dispatched of the Eagles in convincing fashion 28-7. Like the Reds in Eaton, Loveland then had to play the number one team in the 4A Classification; Dakota Ridge. Using their steady run game and opportunistic defense, Loveland held on to win 20-14 and punch their ticket to Pueblo to play Palmer Ridge for the title. Palmer Ridge and it’s high flying offense never stood a chance. Loveland owned the game from start to finish and won their second state title in 3 years with a 42-6 win. In a year that many will remember for what went wrong, these two football teams will be remembered as bright spots and a standing symbol of over coming adversity. CONGRATULATIONS to the Eaton Fighting Reds and The Loveland High School Football Team!
-Preps Director Tanner Schwindt
