The Fossil Ridge football team(3-4,2-0 in conference play) beat the Horizon Hawks 40-32 in an offensive showcase.

Fossil trailed early, as Horizon jumped out to a 17-7 lead after the first quarter. 

However the Sabercats didn’t stay dormant for long, as they scored another three touchdowns in the 2nd quarter while only conceding one. After an exciting back and forth battle, Fossil led 27-24 heading into the half.

Three of the touchdowns in the first half came from junior Domenic Leone. Leone came out ready to play and was prepared for his monster game.

“I came into this game knowing they can’t guard me. It’s a mindset for me,” Leone said.

Two of Leone’s touchdowns came leaping over Horizon defenders and securing a 50/50 ball. He has made these types of catches his specialty, as he uses his basketball background to leap above the opponents to make some improbable catches.

“It’s more of a natural athletic thing…you can go to practice and work hard, but I guess you could say I was gifted,” Leone said.

Both teams came out in the second half with a more defensive mindset, as neither team scored during the third quarter. Fossil was able to tighten down on defense despite not causing any turnovers, instead having a tenacious pass rush and timely stops.

The Sabercats continued their great defense into the fourth quarter, and were able to add a touchdown and two field goals, to expand their lead to 40-24. 

Horizon added a touchdown and two-point conversion with two minutes left, but Fossil recovered an onside kick and preserved the win.

This is now Fossil’s third win in the past four games, and are one of two teams in the Front Range League who are still undefeated in conference play, sharing that honor with Legacy.

The biggest difference between their wins and losses is Fossil’s defense, as they give up an average of 20.3 points in a win, compared to 32.5 in a loss.

Fossil will look for their third win in a row as they play Fairview(4-3,1-1) next at home on October 15.