OBITUARIES

from Brighton Blade 120122

VOICES

community loves supporting football, but they support all the other sports, too.

“Volleyball has been really good recently with three consecutive trips to the state tournament. Baseball had a great stretch back in 2010-2012, winning three straight championships,” he added. “Girls and boys both have golf teams now.” He is the boys’ coach.

Go time

The rules for six-man football are a little different. The fi eld is smaller – 80 yards wide and 40 yards long. Teams have to gain 15 yards for a fi rst down, not 10. There are no “direct” runs. The quarterback can rush if there is a “clean exchange” from another player.

Everyone on the offense can catch a forward pass – yes, even those on the offensive line. Field goals are worth four points instead of three. A kicked point-after touchdown is worth two points; a successful run or pass play on a PAT is worth one point.

Stratton averaged almost 58 points a game through the fi rst 12 on the schedule. The Eagles’ opponent in the semifi nals, Otis High School, is no stranger. The two teams played earlier in the season, and Stratton won by more than 40 points.

Rushing the ball is key. In those fi rst 12 games, the Eagles averaged 11.5 yards per carry and scored 73 touchdowns. Alex Cruz, he of 1,514 rushing yards this season, averages almost 15 yards per carry.

He’s also scored 41 touchdowns, including four in a lopsided, 46-13 semifi nal round win over Otis High School on Nov. 19.

“The boys have been here quite a bit. They didn’t overlook anybody and were ready to play,” coach Jesse McConnell said. “That was good. We have a good pass rush. Still, they want to run the ball, too, so we were ready for that.”

In conclusion

The win pushed the Eagles into the state six-man fi nals.

“These boys set out on a mission,” McConnell said. “They have had this championship on their minds from almost exactly a year ago. They are free-playing, that’s for sure.”

“I kept thinking, ‘These are the good old days,” Gottmann said of his time as Eagles’ head football coach. “I was blessed with good kids. A lot of people complained about our sports programs. But I think it’s harder academically at Stratton. A teacher who transferred to Stratton told me he couldn’t believe how competitive the kids were in class.”

Three alums on the coaching staff – all within two years of each other – are special to McConnell.

“When we wore the green and white and played on this very fi eld, to come back and be able to coach for this town and for these kids means a lot,” McConnell said. “This is my seventh year overall and my second as the head coach. I went to Western State (in Gunnison) and played football for fi ve years. I didn’t want to grad school, so I came back, and got a good job.”

“Even when our teams, whether it be football, basketball, baseball, whatever sport it may be aren’t contending for a state title, the fans and community still show up for the games and are there to support the kids. Our entire community takes pride in our school and its sports teams, FFA program, and all other extracurricular activities we offer,” Rod Thompson said. “While the kids are in school -- and especially once they graduate -- they all want our town and the school to be known as the best small school in the state.”

“In a small town, it’s a social gathering,” Gottman said. “Everyone in the town is involved, whether they are involved with the school or not. They have something in common. A lot of them went to school there. So at the game, they are talking on the sidelines. They are talking in the stands.

“It’s something for people to feel good.”

“It is just different because kids can do every sport basically or be part of any activity they choose.” Rod Thompson added. “I feel very fortunate that I gave my kids the chance to grow up here, and I hope the tradition continues.”

“I wasn’t ready to give up football yet,” McConnell said. “I got into it. Now, I’m stuck, I guess. I’m really enjoying it. I enjoy being around the kids. I love it.”

A reminder of Stratton’s athletic success in full view of motorists as they

enter the town. PHOTO BY STEVE SMITH

Our Family Helping Your Family

24-Hour Phone Lines 303-654-0112 • 303-857-2290

Brighton: 75 S. 13th Avenue Obituaries, Arrangements and Resources Online at taborfuneralhome.com

allieventcenter.com

In Loving Memory of Evelyn Fisher

Wife, Mother, Grandmother & Great Grandmother It has been 24 years on Dec 1st that you entered eternal peace. You le us beautiful memories, your love is still our guide and though we cannot see you, you’re always by our In Loving Memory side. We miss you so very much. Love Forever Jerry & all the family