Lackluster Niwot thumped by Eagle Valley

Niwot's Sept. 11 matchup against Eagle Valley (2-0) got off to a thrilling start for the home fans, with a foiled onside kick attempt, a long run by quarterback Ben Classen, and finally, a 1-yard touchdown run by Thomas Carnagie, all within the first minute of play. But neither the thrill nor the lead would last, as Eagle Valley scored just three plays into their first possession to tie the game.

The Demons then scored a touchdown on the possession after that, and the one after that, and then twice more, while Niwot's offense struggled with untimely penalties and Eagle Valley's pass rush. At the half, the Cougars trailed 32-6.

The Niwot defense managed to staunch the bleeding in the scoreless third quarter, but Eagle Valley scored twice more in the half. The Cougars finally put together a long drive in the fourth quarter, capped by another short TD run from Carnagie. He ended the day with 83 yards on 19 carries, bringing his season total to 284.

Afterwards, second year head coach Nikolas Blume was blunt.

"We have no excuses," he said. "We got beat up front, on both sides of the ball."

The Cougars did have some success moving the ball on the ground. Classen was good for 95 yards against the Demons, but more than half of that (55 yds.) was on the first play of the game. Senior Easten Leatherwood tallied another 70 yards for Niwot, and gained crucial yards on the Cougars' second scoring drive.

Niwot (1-2) is back in action on Sept. 17 for homecoming against Riverdale Ridge (1-1). Kick-off is at 7 p.m. at Everly Montgomery Field. The 2021 homecoming court will be announced at halftime, and there will be a special appearance by Niwot graduate and 2020 Olympic runner, Elise Cranny.