The Spartans beat the Montbello Warriors on Saturday with a score of 34-13.
Photo by Mia Nogueira
The Spartan Football team played the league rival Montbello Warriors on Saturday, October 30th and ended the game and season with a victorious final score of 34-13.
The Spartans played this game as they had hoped to play the entire season. They ran the ball effectively, they were able to force the Warriors into passing situations and flush the quarterback out of the pocket, and they made big plays on special teams that gave them great field position. The Spartans offense brought the game plan of having a tough, headstrong running game right down the throats of the Montbello defensive core. In the game, both Senior Tailbacks Lonnie Hampton and Robert McMacken rushed for over 100 yards and had three touchdowns combined in the first half. Senior Denzeal Truesdale was also a great offensive weapon throughout the game with a goal line touchdown to start the scoring for the Spartans and the longest play of the game for TJ with a reception from Brandon Gonzales for over 60 yards.
TJ’s defense for the day can be summed up in one word: power. The Spartan’s defensive line consisting of Seniors Brandon Tara, Dale Nelson, Miles Webb, and John Jones were dominant and rushed the passer very successfully forcing the quarterback to take chances and make inaccurate throws. Also, the linebackers (Ian Melnicoe and Ryan Colean) were very effective in containing the Montbello running backs, allowing them less than 60 yards on the day and recording seven tackles respectively.
Big plays were also made by the Spartans on special teams. Brandon Tara blocked a punt in the first quarter to give TJ great field position and set up the first touchdown. Also, Junior Return-man Antonio Clark returned a Kickoff 88 yards to the house for a touchdown.
Despite this win to close out the regular season, the team’s previous loses and misfortunes would be their imminent demise as they did not qualify for a playoff berth. “It is great that we were able to finally put it together and get things going for this last game of the regular season. It is just disappointing for me as a senior that it took so long for us to finally get into our game,” said Senior Ian Melnicoe. Even though the regular season is over, the Spartans still have one more game before the season is complete. The Spartans have a consolation game against Fossil Ridge High School, but the date and time are yet to be announced. Make sure to catch the game as this is the last time you will see the seniors in action in their TJ jerseys.
TJ Varsity Football Schedule:
9/03/10
7:00 PM @ Columbine (Littleton, CO) ( L 30-14)
9/11/10
4:00 PM vs. Chaparral (Parker, CO) ( L 45-19)
9/16/10
7:00 PM @ Heritage (Littleton, CO) ( L 46-6)
Location: Littleton Public Stadium
9/24/10
7:00 PM vs. Denver South (Denver, CO) (L 27-18)
10/01/10
6:00 PM vs. Lakewood (Lakewood, CO) (L 28-14)
10/09/10
4:00 PM @ Lincoln (Denver, CO) (W 40-0)
10/16/10
1:00 PM @ George Washington (Denver, CO) (W 21-14)
10/22/10
7:00 PM vs. Denver East (Denver, CO) (L 0-26)
10/30/10
4:00 PM @ Montbello (Denver, CO) (W 34-13)
Location: All City Stadium
