Seniors give Cougar football a ton of experience

When Niwot opens its football season on the road at Greeley Central High School on Friday, Aug. 25, the Cougars should have at least 16 seniors suiting up, the most in Coach Nik Blume's four-year stint as head coach. Collectively, they should weigh far more than a ton, with some players checking in at 275 pounds.

For perspective, the Cougars had only three seniors last season, when they finished 3-7. "We averaged 30 kids in the weight room and 30 kids at summer practices this year," Blume said. "When I started four years ago, we were lucky to have eight or nine."

Leading the offense will be senior Chad Volf at quarterback. "He saw action as a sophomore and started as a junior," Blume said. "We're excited about the experience he brings to the table. He did some nice things at Silver Creek during the 7-on-7 scrimmage."

At running back, Niwot has the twin Shaw brothers, Hayden and Charlie, both juniors and multi-sport athletes who have recovered from some nagging injuries. Jesus Rojas, another junior, also returns to the backfield. "Those three are back, and we have sophomore Caleb Roby, who played some varsity as a freshman," Blume said. Roby has recovered from an MCL injury and Blume expects him to see time at wide receiver and running back. "He's a bright spot, extremely consistent."

Senior Sergio Pimental, another multi-sport athlete, is one of the leading wide receivers. "He made a lot of nice plays, both offensively and defensively, during our scrimmage," Blume said.

Senior Eric Dillon, a transfer from Skyline High School who is eligible to play this year for the first time under the transfer rules, had a pick-six during the same scrimmage against Weld Central on Aug. 18.

Mats Lehan is another senior who will finally get a chance to play. Lehan suffered an injury from a snowboard accident in 2022. "He did a lot of work to get healthy again," Blume said. "He's stepped in at tight end."

Ashton Karch is another senior who is expected to help the offense. "He was a transfer, so he couldn't play varsity last year, but he was part of the Erie lacrosse team that went to state," Blume said. "Unfortunately he had his appendix out Aug. 1, but he's healing quickly and should be ready soon."

Anchoring the offensive line will be three-year starter Gavin Burrage at left tackle. "He played some as a freshman too," Blume said. "We have an all-senior line. Garrett Eker suffered a broken collarbone last spring, but he'll be playing on the offensive line. Rhett Davis moved to center. Offensive guard Niko Kemp will miss the first three games, but will be back at offensive guard after that. Ari Weinberger will sub in for us. He didn't play football until last year."

"Connor Daugherty came out as a freshman, then did other things, is back," Blume said. "He's 6'4" and 275 pounds, and should start at right tackle. He's done great things on offense and defense."

Most of the players will go both ways, but defensively, several underclassmen are expected to contribute. "Defensive ends Moises Gonzalez and Juan Mares are going to start this week," Blume said. Both are juniors. Wyatt Volf, a sophomore, will play cornerback. "He's his brother Chad's backup at quarterback," Blume said. "He's done a ton of work in the weight room."

Sophomores Vaughn Coben and Jonathan Lopez are expected to see action on the line. Ethan Taing, another sophomore, played soccer last year. "He's a solid-size kid," Blume said, "and we expect him to play on defense."

Senior Paris Lee, who also plays soccer for Niwot, will handle the kicking and punting duties, and may see action at wide receiver and defensive back. Roby will serve as his backup for the kicking duties.

"We had a handful of freshmen last year who played on special teams," Blume said. Emmett Verhoogen and Eli Quesada, both sophomores, are two who will play. Verhoogen will also be the JV quarterback.

Blume's coaching staff will see Shane Tow at offensive coordinator. He served as JV head coach last year, and has prior experience at Berthoud High School.

Harold Wagner, a veteran coach who was most recently at Northridge High School, will be the defensive coordinator. "He has coached in Texas and New Mexico," Blume said. "He's old-school and hard-nosed, but he loves the kids."

Veteran coach and NHS teacher Scott Thomas is back to coach the offensive line.

A.J. Wyse, a young coach who played at Wheat Ridge and Luther College, is coaching the JV lines, and helping with the varsity. Blume himself will serve as the JV head coach this season, and work with the defensive line.

Tyson Painter, who previously coached at Niwot under Jeremy Lanter, then moved on to Berthoud and Boulder, is back with the Cougars. Marcus Matthiesen, who also coached under Lanter, will coach the wide receivers and defensive backs. "He's got a ton of energy," Blume said.

"The expectations are high," Blume said. The Cougars will once again play their homecoming game at Niwot High School, against Eagle Valley High School this year on Friday, Sept. 22. All other home games will be played at Everly-Montgomery Field in Longmont. Additional improvements are needed at Niwot's field before more games can be hosted there.