On a cool August night, the Windsor High School football team boys laced their shoes and strapped their helmets on in preparation for their first game of the 2024 season. With returning players and new additions, the team set the stage for an exciting season.
The stands were packed with enthusiastic fans, students and families on Aug. 29 ready to see the team in action. With the glowing colors of neon drowning the student section, the excitement was as bright as the colors.
The game began with a strong start from Windsor’s offense quickly establishing dominance on the field. Quarterback Kyle Phelps (12) led the team with precision passes and strategic moves that resulted in good plays and great tackles.
“We watch a lot of films to get prepared. We also study a lot as well as practice,” Phelps explained.
Though Windsor didn’t receive the night’s first touchdown, hopes were still high as the team continued to play and eventually got their first touchdown. Running back Sam Cooper (12) pushed through the defenders so his teammates could run the ball to the endzone.
Teammates were instrumental in helping the game pick up. “They keep me up and they keep me motivated. They won’t let me get into my head,” Phelps stated.
Safety Drew Miller (11) intercepted the ball from the Green Mountain Rams, but that resulted in Windsor getting flagged as well as a 10-yard penalty. Miller wasn’t the only one to intercept the ball; wide receiver Tripp Thomas (12) did as well. Thomas also caught a punt made by Green Mountain, which resulted in a 44-yard touchdown.
Many coaches, such as Derek Franz (staff), had both high hopes and high expectations as the practices continued to get closer to the big first game. But the continuous practice and pep talks can only lead the team so far — practice and motivation, combined with the team’s drive, were what it would take to win the game.
“I think to continue to emphasize the importance of practice and details. Not only that but making sure that we take care of everything we need to lead up to the game so that we’re not caught off guard with chaotic things that could happen in the game that we have to overcome or persevere through,” Franz stated.
As the game drifted into the second quarter, the Wizards and fans alike seemed to be filled with a drive, as they weren’t too far behind after the Rams made the first touchdown. In said quarter, no touchdowns were made by either team, which resulted in the game going into halftime tied at 7-7.
Halftime featured a vibrant performance from the poms team and marching band, both of which added to the electrifying atmosphere. As the game progressed into the second half, Windsor maintained its momentum, with standout performances from wide receiver Kale Frederick (12) with a great catch off a punt from the Rams.
Tristyn Bruning (12), the varsity football team’s new kicker, had a successful kickback that resulted in a point added onto the scoreboard after Windsor received their second and last touchdown.
“Kyle scored a touchdown, and we went for the point after attempt, which was blocked because the line broke down and three of the Green Mountain players were able to get through. Then we went to the kickoff and we couldn’t find my tee, so they gave me the normal tee and I had to adjust last minute while the adrenaline was already pumping. I just did my steps, I lined up, and it ended up in the back of the endzone,” Bruning explained.
Shortly after, the Rams received their second touchdown of the night, but their kick to receive the seventh point was unsuccessful, leaving the third quarter tied once again at 13-13.
As the lights on the scoreboard transformed the quarter number from third to fourth, Windsor wasn’t that far off from a win. Good intentions still lingered in the air, but it was anyone’s game.
“I think we maintained motivation until the last few minutes. After then I feel like we knew we were losing and just gave up hope,” Phelps said.
The Wizards made several smart plays, as well as some that ultimately didn’t benefit the score. Due to the not-so-good plays, Cooper was taken down by a group of Rams, resulting in an ankle injury and no more playtime.
“Losing somebody that not only has value on the field but also off, as a senior, definitely has an impact, but we also feel the team, as coaches, we have other guys that can step up and fill Sam’s place,” Franz explained.
The Rams gained six more points due to a touchdown. That final touchdown concluded the game, which brought about the loss for Windsor at 13-19. With more games in store for the season, not all hopes are lost. With the loss of their first game firing them up, the team has found a stronger sense of drive.
“As far as the game with Longmont, the nice thing is that we have another week to prepare. We have more opportunities to teach our guys on the field and with film or video that we will be more prepared as we continue through the weeks of the season,” Franz stated.
