TJ suffers a 30-14 loss to start the season against Columbine High School.
The TJ Spartans go head to head with the Columbine Rebels. Photo by Mia Nogueira
The Spartan Football players took the field once again on Friday night as they faced off against the hard-hitting Columbine Rebels.
The team had prepared for this game all week, and was anticipating a defensive struggle against a massive Columbine offensive line, and a deceptive three running back formation. Despite their preparation, the Spartan’s defense came had a slow start, giving up a play-action passing play touchdown on Columbine’s opening drive. The Spartans also came to a slow start on offense in the first quarter, turning over the ball twice, which led to another Columbine score.
As the second quarter started, the team seemed to settle into their game plan both offensively and defensively. On defense, the Spartans’ defensive line, consisting of Defensive Ends Brandon Tara and Ian Melnicoe and Defensive Tackle Dale Nelson, were able to control the line of scrimmage, and backed up the Rebels into negative yardage on several occasions. The offense also settled into their game plan and ran the football with speed as Running Back Lonnie Hampton carried the ball into Rebel territory. The Spartans were also able to create their first real positive drive of the game with a beautiful pass play from Quarterback Brandon Gonzales to Receiver Ian Melnicoe for nearly 30 yards. Melnicoe gained most of the yards on his feet by breaking two Columbine tackles and finally being dragged down by three opponents.
In the second half, the Spartans were able to pick up their intensity even more. In the third quarter, Running Back Lonnie Hampton put the Spartans on the scoreboard with some fantastic hard-nosed runs down field and into the end zone. Then in the fourth quarter, wide-out Antonio Clark doubled the Spartans’ points with a sideline catch and run for a touchdown.
Despite the Spartans’ valiant efforts in the second half, they still were not able to take the lead secured by the Columbine Rebels with a final score of 30-14. Senior Captain Brandon Tara states, “Once we got our heads into the second half, we really outplayed them [Columbine]. But it just wasn’t enough to make up for the mistakes made earlier in the game.”
The Spartans look for some redemption next weekend as they play Chaparrel High School at home on Saturday, September 11th at 4:00 p.m. Senior Captain Ian Melnicoe is optimistic about the outcome of the upcoming game, and said, “We know we are a good team by how we played against Columbine in the second half. We just need to focus on the game ahead and not make early mistakes.” Make sure to catch the game, Spartans!
TJ Varsity Football Schedule:
9/03/10
7:00 PM @ Columbine (Littleton, CO) ( L 14-30)
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
