The Friday night lights shone a bit brighter this past week, as Fossil Ridge defeated the Fort Collins Lambkins 46-21 at Canvas Stadium.

This game, along with the matchup of Rocky Mountain against Poudre, was part of the inaugural Canvas Community Classic event. The event was a way to elevate high school football to a higher level, along with putting on a massive community event in order to unite the area of Fort Collins.

The games were truly a massive spectacle, including multiple dance and cheer performances, appearances from the districts’ unified teams, students from every school in PSD and much more.

Not only was the environment elevated for the Sabercats, it was also their biggest rivalry game of the season against the Fort Collins Lambkins.

After holding the Harmony Cup for three straight seasons, Fossil gave it up last year losing to Collins 34-23 after being outscored by 13 points in the fourth quarter. 

The Sabercats entered this matchup a completely different team, creating a 33-7 lead by halftime. After scoring two more quick touchdowns, Fossil threw in their backups and coasted to a 46-21 victory.

The team was once again led by sophomore quarterback Colton Pawlak. Pawlak combined for a total of 342 yards and five touchdowns on the day, bringing his total up to 16 for the season.

“It was great to play here,” Pawlak said. “To play alongside my teammates in this environment under the lights — it was big.”

Fossil looks to return to Canvas Stadium next year, as the initial contract for the Canvas Classic still has one year remaining. 

“I wish that we could make this our home field,” said Jeff Fulton, Fossil Ridge football head coach. “I’d like to be the home team again and play the 7 o’clock game. … (We like to) put on a show for our fans and our families.”

The 5-1 Sabercats will look ahead to their road matchup on Thursday, October 6, against the 1-5 Boulder Panthers.

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