Columbine’s offense hits TJ hard, in a big blowout
Artwork by Kiera Classen
The TJ football Spartans didn’t get off to the start they wanted, by losing to the Columbine Rebels 48-14.
“We can’t afford the slow start that we had last year, mostly because our good players then try too hard to make great plays, and we make even more mistakes,” Head Coach Tim Owens noted after the tough loss. Like Owens stated, the contest didn’t get off to a good first step when Senior Quarterback Brandon Gonzales threw a nice pass, only to be tipped and intercepted by a Columbine safety. It was run back to the end zone for a Rebels touchdown. Offensive captain Senior Luke Fabian said “I had to keep (my teammates) in the game. They were disheartened, but I told them that we can rebound.”
The Spartan offense had to go back on the field to try its hand again at getting past the Columbine defense. But their efforts were stopped short. Owens even tried to switch things up by putting back-up quarterback Bennett Rodriguez into the game.
Things were not looking good at halftime with TJ down 26-0. Spectator and fan Junior Quinn Riesenman said, “By halftime I accepted the loss and realized this was only the first game and against a much better team, so there was no loss of hope.”
The Spartans came out in the second half, once again flat. They gutted it out to the end though, by putting two touchdowns on the scoreboard. Riesenman said, “The team gave it their all while we still lost…I am excited to see how the team develops this season.”
TJ will try to rebound to get the season rolling against Chaparall on Thursday, September 8th at Sports Authority Stadium.
Prior to the Columbine game, TJ got its season started two weeks ago,with four varsity teams at the Eaglecrest scrimmage: Castle View, Eaglecrest, Aurora Central, and Thomas Jefferson. The Spartan offense looked extremely strong against these stout defenses.
“We moved the ball well,” proud Quarterback Brandon Gonzales said “…and scored every time we touched the ball.” Since this was an exhibition and no score was kept, performance and success was judged in the eye of the beholder. “We coaches use the scrimmage to see how players do in pressure situations, against real team number ones,” Coach Owens stated, after seeing what the team was going to look like come regular season.
The Spartans offense did look good, though. Even Coach Owens thought so when he noted, “Offensively, we moved the ball well…” Each string on the offense knew the game plan, and scored on each drive. Yet, the same cannot be said for the defense of Thomas Jefferson. ”On defense we need work on the option and the run game,” Coach Owens said about the Brown and Gold crush. But, there isn’t too much to worry about because it is early in the season.
Fans were also excited after the performance at the scrimmage. Long time teacher and fan Rose Young said “I am very happy…I want and think our record will look a lot better this year.”
Football Schedule:
9/2/11 Vs. Columbine Loss- TJ-14 Columbine-48
9/8/11 @ Chaparral @Sports Authority Stadium 7:30 p.m.
9/16/11 Vs. Heritage @All City Field 7:00 p.m.
9/23/11 Vs. South @All City Field 4:00 p.m.
9/30/11 @ Lakewood @Jeffco Field 4:00 p.m.
10/6/11 Vs. Lincoln @All City Field 4:00 p.m.
10/15/11 Vs. George Washington @All City Field 1:00 p.m.
10/21/11 Vs. East @All City Field 7:00 p.m.
