Niwot football aims for growth and grit in new league

Coming off a 3-7 season, Niwot High School's football team is aiming for an upward trajectory in a challenging new environment. The Cougars have moved to a new league in 3A, the North 2 League, which includes tough opponents like the Windsor Wizards and the Mead Mavericks.

The reclassification sets the stage for fierce competition, but Head Coach Nik Blume remains focused on the bigger picture in his fourth season as the coach.

Despite the challenges ahead, Blume's primary focus is on continued growth– both on and off the field. "We are still chasing a .500 season or better, but the focus this offseason has been on trusting the process that has helped us grow," Blume said.

To further nurture that growth, the team implemented a leadership book study in their program this season, aimed at developing athletes who contribute positively on and off the field. With increasing numbers in the program, the Cougars are determined to translate their hard work into success on the gridiron.

This year's squad features four returning seniors: Moises Gonzalez Avina, Juan Mares Mejia, Haden Shaw, and Max Burke Bedell. These players, along with a strong group of juniors, will be pivotal in shaping Niwot's season.

Junior quarterback Wyatt Volf is back to lead the offense, supported by wide receivers Caleb Roby and Eli Quesada and running backs Wesley Manzanares and Shaw. On the offensive line, center Vaughn Coven and guards Juan Soto and Ethan Taing will be key to the team's success. Bedell, who stepped up at tackle in the Foundation Game against Weld Central High School on Thursday, Aug. 22, rounds out the line.

Several sophomores are also expected to make an impact, including James Mendoza (FS/WR), Kelly Snyder (OLB/RB), Max Koldenhoven (ILB/RB), and Austin Mucha (WR/OLB).

Blume plans to stick with a run-heavy offense this season, with quarterback Volf and running back Shaw leading the charge. "We focus on keeping the ball in our hands as much as possible and wearing out the clock," Blume said. Sophomore quarterback Jaydan Martinez will also see significant playing time, allowing Volf to get the rest he needs to double up on defense.

On the defensive side, speed is the name of the game for the Cougars, even if they will be undersized against many opponents. Shaw will anchor the defense at inside linebacker, with fellow seniors Avina and Meija holding down the defensive end spots. After a standout sophomore season, Volf returns to lead the secondary at cornerback.

Roby takes over kickoff and field goal duties this year, after the graduation of Paris Lee, who is attending the Air Force Academy to play football this fall, while Meija will handle punting. Taing is prepared to step in as needed for any of the special teams roles. For returns, junior Emmett Verhoogen and sophomores Mendoza, Snyder, and Jonah Kaplan are expected to contribute.

The coaching staff remains mostly unchanged, with the key addition of offensive line coach Michael DeCamillis, a former standout player at Chadron State College. DeCamillis also joined the Niwot teaching staff this year in the Science and P.E. departments. He is joined by defensive backs coach Matthew Bitterman, who graduated from Niwot High in 2020, and quarterbacks coach Ayden Barkto, who graduated from Niwot High in 2021.

Blume is particularly excited for the Homecoming game on Sept. 13 when they will host Skyview High School on Niwot's turf field. "Playing in front of a crowd at our place has become a big deal for us," Blume said. The Homecoming game has drawn large crowds in recent years, creating an electric atmosphere that motivates the team.

As the season progresses, the Cougars are keeping their eyes on a few key matchups. The Halloween Senior Night showdown against Northridge, potentially played under brisk October skies, could be crucial in determining the team's postseason fate. "Our kids always get up to play on Senior Night and we hope it is a great match-up," Blume said.

With a challenging start to the season, the Cougars kick off at home this Saturday, Aug. 31 at 1:00 p.m. against Thomas Jefferson High School. The outcome could set the tone for Niwot's push toward a winning record and continued growth in a competitive new league.