The Spartans fall to the Monarch Coyotes by a score of 34-7.
Spartans fall in opener. photo by Rebecca Holt
The boys came out of the gates flying on Thursday night, matching the Coyotes in defensive stops through the entire first quarter. But with the arrival of the second quarter, came the onslaught of scoring. Monarch Running Back Chad Elder pounded the ball in for a touchdown just 15 seconds into the second quarter.
The TJ defense struggled with stopping the Coyotes as they continued to drive down the field without much resistance. By halftime, the score of the game was 14-0 in favor of Monarch. TJ came out energized and looking to make a comeback in the second half, but it just did not go the Spartans’ way, as Monarch drove the ball 80 yards for a touchdown. The Coyotes added one more score before the Spartans were finally able to cross the pylon on a 22 yard scamper by Senior Billy Sprague, who is accustomed to playing wide receiver, but ended the game with 40 yards on four carries. However, that would be all the scoring that the Spartans would be able to muster, as the Coyotes would score one more touchdown, en route to a 34-7 victory. “We really did not play well. I don’t think that this will ever happen again. This loss will be a tough pill to swallow,” said Senior Guard Valentino Lamorie.
The Spartan schedule does not get an easier though, as they next welcome the number two team in the state of Colorado: the Columbine Rebels. That game, however, is to TJ’s advantage as it is their first “Friday night lights game,” so get out to All City Stadium to root on your mighty Spartans. The game will begin at 7:00 pm.
The boys’ football team will look for their senior leaders to make them great this season. The Spartans look to pick up where they left off last season, and defend their first ever Central Metro Championship. The team will be welcoming back a majority of their offensive and defensive position players, however the Spartans will have a relatively new line on both sides of the ball.
Replacing All-league tackle Christian Carpio on the line will be a tough feat, but Senior Andrew Brown is up for the challenge. “It is going to be hard to replace Carp, but I think that I will be able to fill his shoes,” said Brown. Heck, he even has the same jersey number, number 55.
The Spartans will also be inexperienced on the defensive line. Juniors Ian Melnicoe and Brandon Tara will return for their second straight year of varsity service on each end position. However, the two interior defensive lineman will be each seeing their first year of consistent varsity action. Andrew Brown will be plugged with Senior Dale Nelson to help replace the defensive cog that was Issac Moore. Seniors Thomas Currington and Andrew Scherer also figure to get some playing time at that position.
Outside of the defensive line, the rest of the Spartans defense will basically be the same as last year. Senior Shane Oliver will replace Efrem Woldu as the starting Cornerback opposite returning starter Nasheed Robison. And Seniors Kyle Carruthers and Jamie Reed will round out the secondary.
The Spartans offensive attack will have the same commander in chief, as Senior Quarterback Zach Jackson will hope to carry the Spartans to a championship. He will have the returning weapons of Senior Running Back Matt Averyhart and two-time DPL leading receiver and All State Linebacker Billy Sprague. Carruthers and Senior Chase Bostic will also get snaps at the wide receiver position.
The last change to the Spartan team this year is an internal one. Assistant Head Coach Matt Nicolo will now be calling the defensive plays as the Defensive Coordinator. Replacing Nicolo as the offensive line coach will be Head Coach Tim Owens. “ I am now responsible for a whole defense, not just the offensive line. I have to make sure that all the different positions are doing their part for the defense to be successful,” said Nicolo.
The Spartans have a tough out-of-league schedule including 4A powerhouse Monarch, and 5A powerhouse Columbine. However don’t take this Senior-heavy Spartan team lightly, they have one common goal, and that is to go all the way. “It is a new year and a new task. We are only here for one thing, and that is to win state,” exclaimed Senior Valentino Lamorie.
Thu 9/03
6:00 pm Monarch 34 Thomas Jefferson 7
(at All City Stadium)
Fri 9/11
7:00 pm Columbine Thomas Jefferson
(at All City Stadium)
Thu 9/17
7:00 pm Thomas Jefferson Montbello
(at All City Stadium)
Fri 9/25
7:00 pm Rangeview Thomas Jefferson
(at All City Stadium)
Fri 10/02
6:00 pm Thomas Jefferson Aurora Central
(at Aurora Public Schools Stadium)
Sat 10/10
1:00 pm Hinkley Thomas Jefferson
(at All City Stadium)
Sat 10/17 1:00 pm George Washington Thomas Jefferson (at All City Stadium)
Sat 10/24
12:00 pm Thomas Jefferson Gateway (at Aurora Public Schools Stadium)
Fri 10/30
7:00 pm Thomas Jefferson Denver East (at All City Stadium)
