Garden City, KS

The trip was a huge success for the CV Football program. Despite the hard-fought varsity loss on Saturday, JV bounced back on Saturday and the program proved that it is ready and worthy of out-of-state match-ups.

Visitors were treated to High School Football experience often associated with Texas programs. Garden City High School put on a great show, including having the game-ball delivered by a GC Alumni who is a decorated military veteran, via a Helicopter prior to kick-off.

It demonstrates what the High School experience should and could look like in Colorado", stated Charles Oster, president of the CV Gridiron Club. Last season, Coach Pfeiffer instructed the Gridiron Club to make GC feel at home in Castle Rock when they visited us. This year, all visitors to GC were greeted and treated overwhelmingly well.  The pregame ceremony also included military veterans riding in on motorcycles a color guard and a canon being fired at kick-off.  

The weekend completed a 2-year agreement between the two schools. Renewal of the series is unknown at this point as CHSAA contemplates changes to the playoff system for 2018.  

After the game, both teams joined each other at the school and had a late meal with each other.  Rex Corr, principal of Castle View was at the game and event and was excited to see the excellent sportsmanship.  

The community also responded well. A representative for the team hotel reported to the Gridiron Club member that this was the "most courteous and professional group of players, coaches and fans that have ever stayed at the hotel."  

"We are proud of our program on a lot of levels. Knowing that we are all ambassadors of the town of Castle Rock and for the CV Football program, hearing positive feedback is always encouraging," acknowledged Oster.  "We are all witnessing this program evolve and go to the next level. It is fun to be part of."

From a football perspective, the loud crowd and big game spectacle did not phase the Sabercats. The team was well-prepared and matched up against the Kansas opponent.  While the offense had a tough night against a sterling GC Defense who has yet to yield a score this season, the Sabercat Defense performed exceptionally well, holding a high powered offense at bay and managing a defensive score.  The game proved that CV is ready for play at the highest level in and outside of the state of Colorado.    

Castle View will return home this week to face Legend on Friday at DCS Stadium at 7 PM.