TJ hopes to continue its great football success in 2010
Artwork by Hayden Johnson
On the TJ football turf, an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement buzzes about the players and coaches as the 2010-squad returns to the field for the start of its 51st season.
Coming off of a difficult second round playoff loss last season to the Bear Creek Bears with a score of 49-6, the Spartan football team has much to prove to claim its rightful place in the elites of class 5A. Despite the fact that the team lost many integral members of last year’s starting lineup, this year’s team seems to have significant amounts of promise and ability that last year’s might have lacked. Assistant Coach Matt Nicolo states, “This could be the most talented defensive team I have ever been around.” With many returning defensive starters, such as Seniors Robert McMacken, Ian Melnicoe, Brandon Tara, and Ryan Colean, the defense will be stacked with talent.
Also, some new faces on offense will be making waves this year and hope to start the season with the same offensive prowess that they possessed last year. New quarterbacks Bennett Rodriquez and Brandon Gonzales look to fill the gap left at quarterback by former Senior standout Zach Jackson.
The Spartans kick off their season away from home on Friday, September 3rd at 7:00 p.m. against the always powerful and foreboding rivals from the west, the Columbine Rebels. Remembering the devastating loss from last season has made the team eager for revenge and a win to start the season off right. Coach Nicolo is very optimistic about the Spartans’ chances. “Columbine will be a tough game, as always, but we need our guys to focus and believe that we are as good as we actually are. If we do that, we will have a good chance at winning,” he said.
The game is on Friday, September 3rd and kickoff will be at 7:00 p.m. so make sure to catch the team in action.
TJ Varsity Football Schedule:
9/03/10
7:00 PM @ Columbine (Littleton, CO)
9/11/10
4:00 PM vs. Chaparral (Parker, CO)
9/16/10
7:00 PM @ Heritage (Littleton, CO)
Location: Littleton Public Stadium
9/24/10
7:00 PM vs. Denver South (Denver, CO)
10/01/10
6:00 PM vs. Lakewood (Lakewood, CO)
10/09/10
4:00 PM @ Lincoln (Denver, CO)
10/16/10
1:00 PM @ George Washington (Denver, CO)
10/22/10
7:00 PM vs. Denver East (Denver, CO)
10/30/10
4:00 PM @ Montbello (Denver, CO)
Location: All City Stadium
