In previous seasons, the Montezuma-Cortez High School football team probably would not have defeated Grand Junction Central.
This year’s M-CHS squad is far better than its predecessors however, and on Sept. 12, it proved as much, defeating Central 27-25 in Cortez.
Contributing to the Panthers victory was strong M-CHS rushing attack led by running back Randy Haley, quarterback Jonathan Walck and several members of the offensive line, who together, allowed the Panthers to run effectively throughout the contest.
“Everybody was getting their assignments and moving people off the ball,” said Walck after the game. “The running backs were running hard.”
Even with the Panthers tough running however, Central managed to draw first blood, pulling ahead 6-0 with 7:19 left in the first quarter after a two-yard run by quarterback Wyatt McElwain on an option keeper.
Late in the first quarter, M-CHS responded, scoring its first touchdown after quarterback Walck swept around the left side and raced 34-yards for a score. After a successful point after attempt by Ryan Gurney, M-CHS led 7-6 with 3:30 left in the first quarter.
The Panthers scored their second touchdown of the game when Randy Haley sprinted through a huge hole off right tackle for an 18-yard score. After another successful extra point by Gurney, M-CHS led 14-6 with 4:41 left in the second quarter.
A solid drive by Central its subsequent possession allowed the Warriors to drive deep into Panthers territory and score on the final play of the first half on a two-yard run up the middle by Tonka Little-Fawn.
Leading 14-12 to begin the second half, M-CHS pulled extended its lead to 21-12 on its first possession of the third quarter on a 45-yard touchdown run by Randy Haley that included a juke and several broken tackles.
“We just kept pounding it in there,” said Haley. “We were wearing them out and finally it just broke. I found a big hole and I ran through it.”
Refusing to go down without a fight, Central cut the Panthers lead to 21-18 after a 12-yard touchdown run by McElwain with 4:36 left in the third quarter.
On M-CHS’s subsequent possession, Central’s defense stopped the Panthers on fourth down.
The Panthers forced a punt on Central’s subsequent possession however, and pulled ahead 27-18 on a 37-yard touchdown run by Haley with 6:35 left in the game.
“Randy Haley was a beast,” said Panthers head coach Casey Coulter after the game. “There times when he made is own hole and when he bounces it, he’s the fastest guy on the field.”
Even with Haley’s exploits, Central was far from done, cutting the Panthers lead to 27-25 with 4:51 left in the fourth quarter on a 13-yard touchdown run by McElwain.
Central regained possession of the ball after a botched snap on an M-CHS punt attempt and drove the ball inside the Panthers fifteen-yard-line with just over two-minutes to go.
M-CHS defensive tackle Kyle Kennell forced Central to fumble however, and after Ryan Haley jumped on the loose ball, the Panthers ran the clock out.
“The defense made a good stand,” said Walck after the game. “We just have to work on our mental toughness.”
As Panthers players celebrated and the crowd cheered, Coulter took a moment to talk about the significance of his team’s latest victory.
“They’re learning to win,” said Coulter. “It’s a great thing, they’re having fun and they’re understanding that all of their hard work pays off.”
With their record now at 2-1 on the season, M-CHS will continue practicing hard in the upcoming week in anticipation of a Sept. 19 homecoming matchup against Igancio.
“It’s a good time for the kids to have fun,” said Coulter of the upcoming game. “(Homecoming) is what high school is all about. We also need to lock in and improve though. Hopefully we can be 3-1 (after next weekend).”