Thursday nights match up between Fossil Ridge and Horizon turned out to be one of the biggest wins in the program’s history. For the first time, Fossil upset a top 10 team in class 5A.
Last season the Sabercats made it to the state play-offs for the first time, and after last night, they secured their spot to return again this year.
Horizon (7-2, 6-1 FRL) had already been deemed Conference Champions, but it was still a key game for Fossil (5-4, 4-3 Front Range League). Ranked 23rd in the state, and Horizon ranked 7th, the victory will put them in a much better position for the play-offs.
Not knowing if it would be the last game at French Field for the season, the program honored their 22 seniors before the game.
“Winning on senior night was the best win we could have asked for. We weren’t scared of their seeding, we were just ready,” said senior offensive lineman, Mitch Tamez. “It’s easy to go out and play hard when you’re playing for your teammates.”
Fossil put up almost 200 offensive yards just in the first half, making it difficult for the Hawks. Neither team got on the score board in the first quarter, but the Sabercats had a breakout second quarter.
Quarterback Griffin Roberts hit Cole Schilling in the end zone twice within the last four minutes of the first half, making the game 14-0. Roberts missed last weeks game against Fairview due to a shoulder injury, but he came back without missing a beat.
The Sabercats offense struggled throughout the second half, but their impressive defense held off Horizons impressive offense.
Horizon punched it in from the 1 yard line the first play of the fourth quater, making the game 14-6. The extra point was unsuccessful after a block from Nick Edridge, which proved to be one of the biggest plays of the game.
Horizon got into the end zone again later in the fourth, but couldn’t complete the two-point conversion with 4 minutes left in the game.
Fossil played smart and ran down the clock as much as they could during their last drive until they had to punt to the Hawks. With an interception earlier in the fourth from safety Ryan Cronin, and another one to solidify the win from Cole Harger on Horizons last drive, the defense came through.
The Sabercats will have a chance to continue rolling in the upcoming state play-offs. They will receive their seed this Sunday when the brackets are released.
