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Thursday, October 17, 2024
It has been dark days for the GHS football team. Still, the Cowboys are pushing ahead despite injuries and setbacks. The boys lost to Alamosa 44-15 on Oct. 11, moving the team’s overall record to 0-6, and 0-2 in the 2A Intermountain League.
“All week we preached the philosophy of ‘We have nothing to lose and everything to gain,’” said Head Coach Paul Vickers. “We took that approach because I think it takes a lot of pressure off the kids.”
Against the Alamosa Mean Moose on Saturday, the Cowboys relied on more underclassmen, who suited up to replace injured starters Kleber Flores, Nolan Frymoyer, Fraser Birnie and Holden Vickers. The Mean Moose took advantage of the Cowboys limited depth in the first half, taking a substantial, 16-0 lead.
At the half, Coach Vickers made a number of key changes to revamp his offense. Sophomore quarterback Jorge Perez shifted to wide receiver, and senior Talon Kibler took the reins under center. As a starting pitcher for the GHS baseball team, Kibler revived the passing game, and also utilized Perez on jet sweep and reverse plays.
The change brought a new rhythm to the Cowboys’ offense, and Kibler immediately showed off his cannon with a 40-yard completion to senior receiver Oliver Parker. Grady Buckhanan led the GHS offense, picking up 155 yards and two touchdowns from the backfield. But the Mean Moose attack was unrelenting, and the game ended 44-15 for Alamosa.
With an unprecedented amount of injuries taking its toll, the Cowboys will grit their teeth in the final three matchups of the season. The boys will aim for their first win against Pagosa Springs on Oct. 18, take a roadtrip to face Bayfield on Oct. 26 and finish at home to Salida on Nov. 1.
“My hope is these guys continue to play as a team, because we all have to endure this together,” Coach Vickers said. “There is a lot of resilience on this team that will push us forward.”
(Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or alex@gunnisontimes.com.)
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