Classen leads Niwot to road win over Skyview

Junior quarterback Ben Classen was definitely the star of Niwot's 42-13 win over Skyview, but it was senior Bryce Nemec who had the most memorable moment of the game. With Niwot leading 35-6 in the 4th quarter, the hard hitting lineman heard a play call he was not expecting.

"We practice once or twice a week that if we get close [to the goal line], then I would run it in," he said of his 2-yard rush for a touchdown, the first of his career. "I almost bobbled it, actually. I got a little nervous, but it was pretty easy, I kind of walked in."

Nemec's score extended Niwot's lead to 42-6, and capped off an impressive night from the offense. Behind another multi-pronged attack by Classen, the Cougars scored seven touchdowns, and netted 356 total yards, with a season high 137 in receiving.

The junior started Niwot's scoring off early, with a 58-yard run for a touchdown on just the second play from scrimmage, making it 7-0 Cougars with less than a minute off the clock. Two possessions later, a fumble recovery by Cougar Thomas Carnagie turned into Classen's second passing touchdown of the year, a 67-yard catch and run to senior Craig Wright, making it 14-0 with 4:55 to go in the first quarter.

The Wolverines answered back with a touchdown to make it 14-6 at the end of the first quarter, but Classen started the second period in much the way he did the game, by scoring on a long keeper, putting Niwot back up by 14 points. A bad snap on a Skyview punt gave the Cougars short yardage on their next drive, which ended with a short run by senior Osman Ochoa for Niwot's third touchdown of the half.

Skyview gave up two more turnovers in the half, including an interception by Classen that he turned into his third touchdown a few plays later, making it 35-6 Cougars. He would go on to have 268 yards on the night, including 131 in rushing, and 137 in passing, virtually all to Wright.

"It's just Ben Classen doing Ben Classen things, that always helps," Cougar head coach Nik Blume said afterwards of the junior's electrifying performance. "He just gets better every week."

(See more photos from Niwot's win over Skyview here.)

Niwot's offense stepped on the brakes during the third quarter, as the coaches tried some new schemes and personnel, according to Blume. Nemec got them back on the board, but otherwise it was a relatively quiet half, scoring wise.

"We want to get used to trying to use a long count and setups in motion," the second-year coach said. "And there's always some growing pains when you try and expand your offense. As a head coach, I'm just excited to finally have a chance to let them get an opportunity on a big stage. And they came through and bowed up at some good times."

Both Blume and Nemec said that a big share of credit for the win is owed to both the offensive and defensive lines, which came in fully intact and well rested after last week's bye.

"They had a solid two weeks worth of practice behind them, and so we were ready to roll tonight up front on both sides," Blume said.

With the win, Blume and the Cougars moved to 3-2 on the year, but the coach said the schedule for here on out will definitely test the improving program. That starts on Oct. 7, when Niwot will host league rival Fort Morgan, currently ranked #4 in Class 3A.

"We're going to be up against it and have our hands full every week. But this group really wants to be the group that gets over the hump, and tonight was a big step in that direction, because it puts us one step closer to our goals."