Niwot football loses to Frederick 42-14

The Niwot High School football team is currently split on the year with a 3-3 record after a 42-14 loss against the Frederick Golden Eagles. Niwot was competitive in the first half of the game, and only down by seven points at the half with a score of 21-14 in favor of Frederick.

The Cougars struggled in the second half, however, as their defense stopped making big plays, and their offense began to lose momentum.

Niwot started the game on defense where they were quick to make a stop. On the fourth play of the drive, senior Gavin Burrage made a diving play on the ball to get an interception at midfield. Niwot wasn't able to do much with the ball, as the offense fizzled out going three and out, then punting.

The Golden Eagles' next drive didn't last long as junior Haden Shaw read Frederick's pass perfectly, intercepting the ball and walking it back for a Niwot touchdown. Paris Lee then knocked down the extra point with ease giving Niwot a 7-0 lead. Frederick was able to respond fairly quickly, as they connected in the air for a 40-yard touchdown that tied the game after the PAT.

Niwot fizzled on offense again, going three and out and punting the ball away. The Golden Eagles' next drive only lasted two plays as they broke off a 40-yard run, but then threw an interception to Niwot's Mats Lehan, giving the Cougars another opportunity on offense.

Niwot finally got the ball moving late in the first quarter, highlighted by quick passes to Lehan, Eric Dillon, and Orlando Banegas. Jesus Rosas was able to break a third and one rush almost thirty yards to keep Niwot's drive going, but Niwot's drive eventually stalled out around the 30-yard line as Niwot failed to convert on third down, forcing a punt on fourth down to end the quarter.

Niwot was quick to force a three and out against Fredrick's offense, forcing a punt from inside their ten-yard line on the first possession of the second quarter. Lehan broke through the line, blocking the punt, and then scooped the ball up for a Niwot touchdown. Lee knocked down the PAT that gave Niwot a 14-7 lead early in the second period. The Golden Eagles were able to respond with a long drive that ended with a short run for six. Frederick was successful in their PAT attempt, tying Niwot 14-14.

The Cougars' next drive was stopped quickly after a dropped pass on third down forced Niwot to punt after only four plays. With little time left in the half, Frederick mounted a drive that was only delayed slightly by a sack from Ashton Karch. Following the sack The Golden Eagles' running back broke free for a 40-yard touchdown run that put Fredrick up 21-14 after the PAT. Niwot attempted to start a drive before the half ended, but that drive failed, ending the half with Niwot down by seven.

Niwot started the second half on offense and got a drive together off of a 20-yard pass to Dillon, and a ten-yard run from Shaw. The offense was eventually held to a fourth down stop in Fredrick territory, giving the Golden Eagles the ball. Frederick was able to run the ball down Niwot's throat, running four times for 60 yards and a touchdown, putting Fredrick up 28-14 after the PAT.

Niwot's offense was swiftly stopped again, as after two stuffed runs and an incomplete pass, the Cougars were forced to punt the ball away giving the Golden Eagles another opportunity. Niwot was once again split apart on defense as two runs combined for 30 yards setting up a long pass to the endzone to put Fredrick up 35-14.

Niwot's offense was once again smothered by Fredericks defense, as apart from a long run from quarterback Chad Volf, the Cougars struggled to move the ball. Niwot's defense seemed to wake up, getting a swarm sack on Fredericks quarterback. After a couple more first downs, Niwot eventually stuffed the Golden Eagles, forcing a turnover on downs as the game crossed into the fourth quarter.

Niwot was able to get a bit of a drive going including a deep pass to Dillon but a miscommunication on a run play resulted in a fumble giving Fredrick the ball. The Golden Eagles started to run the clock out but broke free for a deep 50-yard touchdown that put them on top by 28.

Niwot was able to drive the field, gaining about 30 yards off of a combination of runs and passes before they were eventually stopped on fourth down, turning the ball back to Frederick. The Golden Eagles were able to run the clock out, giving Niwot its third loss of the year with a final score of 42-14.

Niwot's next game will be against the 3-3 George Washington Patriots this next Thursday, Oct. 12 at 7:00. The game will take place at All City Field in Denver and will be Niwot's seventh game this year.