NORTH ROBINSON - In a highly anticipated Northern 10 football opener, Colonel Crawford faced off against the newcomer Hopewell-Loudon, ultimately falling 38-22. Coach Jake Bruner had prepared his team for a challenging start to the season, emphasizing the difficulty of their schedule. "We’re playing a harder schedule, we’re in a harder league, it might not go well," he noted, highlighting the tough competition they would encounter early on.
Colonel Crawford's season began with a matchup against Division V Fairbanks, followed by a game against Division IV Fairfield Union, setting the stage for their clash against the Division VI state runner-up, Hopewell-Loudon. This loss marks the first time Colonel Crawford has been below .500 since 2019, coinciding with their last back-to-back defeats.
Bruner acknowledged the strength of Hopewell-Loudon, stating, "I thought walking in — besides Kirtland — they were the best team we’ve watched on film. They get three yards every play, they’re disciplined, they’re tough, they’re physical... they’re just deep." The Chieftains were indeed a formidable opponent, having been picked as favorites for the Division VII state championship.
Despite the odds, Colonel Crawford fought valiantly throughout the match. After falling behind 14-0 in the first quarter, the Eagles managed to score when quarterback Roen Thew connected with Parker Weithman for a 26-yard touchdown. However, a turnover on downs during what seemed like a potential tying drive allowed Hopewell-Loudon to extend their lead with a 62-yard touchdown, pushing the score to 22-7.
In a remarkable turn of events, Colonel Crawford's Avery Powers intercepted a pass, returning it for a 43-yard touchdown to shift momentum back in their favor. Following this, a clever play involving a handoff and a pass from Weithman to Thew resulted in a touchdown, bringing the score to a dramatic 22-22 at halftime.
Hopewell-Loudon coach Brian Colatruglio reflected on the first half, admitting, "That second quarter we were a disaster... turnovers, gave up big plays... we went into halftime and our guys were rattled." However, the experience of their players shone through in the second half, as they executed their game plan effectively, scoring twice and stifling Colonel Crawford's offense.
Colatruglio praised his team’s resilience, stating, "The way our guys responded in that second half... we just physically took over the game." The Chieftains' offensive line and skill players dominated, culminating in a decisive final drive that showcased their determination and strength.
Parker Weithman had a standout performance for Colonel Crawford, contributing significantly with a touchdown reception and over 150 yards receiving. Bruner commended Weithman’s competitive spirit, noting his leadership even in defeat. The Eagles were also without last season's leading tackler, Gabe Stratton, due to a knee injury, yet Bruner remained optimistic about his team's potential moving forward.
As the season progresses, both teams will face additional challenges within the Northern 10, and this matchup served as a testament to the competitive nature of the league. Coach Colatruglio expressed his excitement for the battles ahead, emphasizing the importance of such games for the development of his players.
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