Niwot falls to Riverdale Ridge in a 34-3 loss

Niwot High School played its ninth football game of the season on Oct. 29, taking on the 3-5 Riverdale Ridge Ravens on the road. Things were heated between the division rivals as both teams were looking for a win to stay in playoff contention.

The game marked the return of Niwot quarterback Chad Volf, which gave the Cougars hope that they could get back on track, but in the end, Niwot fell to the Ravens, 34-3.

Niwot started the game by kicking off and after eight plays, the Ravens were able to punch in a 2-yard run that put them up 7-0. Niwot's offensive series lasted eight plays, but the Cougars lost a total of five yards on the drive, forcing a punt.

Niwot once again struggled on defense, as Riverdale Ridge was able to drive down for nine plays scoring on another 2-yard run. This time Riverdale Ridge missed the PAT, making the score 13 to 0. Niwot's next drive lasted six plays, but on fourth-and-1, the Cougars were flagged for a false start, forcing them to punt it back to the Ravens.

Riverdale Ridge's drive didn't last very long though, as Niwot junior cornerback Mats Lehan was able to get an interception on the fourth play of the drive, taking the ball down to the 20-yard line. Niwot had trouble moving the ball following the turnover, so on the fourth down, Matt Hansen kicked a field goal, which made the score 13-3.

Riverdale Ridge's next drive again lasted less than four plays, but not to the benefit of Niwot. The Ravens scored on a 79-yard passing touchdown which made the score 20-3. Niwot's offense was able to put together a 13-play drive but ran out of time five yards away from the goal line, and the half ended with Niwot down, 20-3.

Niwot started off the second half with the ball, but on the third play of the drive, an interception gave the Ravens the ball back at the Niwot 40-yard line. Even with the great field position, it took Riverdale Ridge 10 plays to put the ball in the end zone, scoring off a run, and putting the Ravens up 27-3.

Even though Niwot ran 10 plays on offense, the Cougars were unable to move the ball more than 20 yards and failed to convert on fourth down. With 60 yards to go, Riverdale Ridge scored on only two plays, making the score 34-3. From this point on, Niwot and Riverdale Ridge stepped up on defense, and on the following three drives, both teams stalled out and went scoreless.

It was a long game for the Cougars, as they had multiple long drives but were unable to convert. Niwot lost its middle linebacker-center for the last game of the season as he was ejected and suspended for fighting.

Facing key injuries and adversity all season, as well as a limited roster with only three seniors, the Cougars have continued to battle. The Cougars will end the season as they face off against Denver North in the All-City Stadium Friday, Nov. 4, at 7 p.m.