In a close loss to the Centaurus Warriors, the league title now seems out of reach for Spartans.
QB Nick Lednev tries to close the gap. Photo by Effie Andrianakos
In a close, smash-mouth football game the Spartans lost 12-7 against the strong running attack of Centaurus.
The Spartans opened the game strong, by playing great defense and getting into the heads of their opponent. The defense stopped Centaurus on two drives that both seemed promising, before the offense scored. In the only touchdown of the game for the Spartans, Senior Quarterback Nick Lednev hit Senior Abraham Woldu on a crossing pattern that went for a 50-yard score. TJ seemed to be on the same path as they were against North, but the offense was effectively shut down for the rest of the game.
Centaurus terrorized Spartan players and fans alike, as they ran the double wing offense efficiently throughout the game. Centaurus gained an average of six yards per run, and was able to get out of most down-and-distance situations they were put in. Both of Centaurus’ touchdowns came on the ground, the first a nine-yard run and the second a one-yard run. After the second touchdown and missed extra point, TJ had an apparent kick return touchdown, only to be called back for an illegal block in the back. Most Spartan fans impugned the decisions of the referees all night long, seeing that only one flag was thrown all night against Centaurus. After more missed opportunities by the Spartans, the final score read 12-7 in the Warriors’ favor. TJ’s record now sits at 4-4; 1-2 in league.
TJ’s next game is against one of the top teams in 3A, Erie. The game is on Friday October 26, at 7 p.m. at Erie High School.
Thursday 8/30 Littleton HS @ All City Field 6pm: W 35 – 14
Saturday 9/8 John F. Kennedy HS @ All City Field 1pm W 19 – 7
Saturday 9/15 Montbello HS @ Evie Dennis 11am L 47 – 0
Friday 9/21 Abraham Lincoln HS @ All City Field 7pm W 39-14
Friday 9/28 Mitchell HS @ Mitchell High School 7pm L 20-14
Saturday 10/6 Holy Family HS @ All City Field 1pm L 17-14
Friday 10/12 Denver North HS @ All City Field 4pm W 34-14
Friday 10/19 Centaurus HS @ All City Field 7pm L 12-7
Friday 10/26 Erie HS @ Erie HS 7 p.m.
Saturday 11/3 Frederick HS @ All City Stadium 4pm
