GILPIN COUNTY — For the second time this year, the Gilpin Eagles football team faced the Justice Phoenix. The first meeting, on September 25, was Gilpin’s Homecoming. The Eagles prevailed on that day by a score of 48-20. Entering the contest as heavy favorites, they were hoping for a similar result this time around on Saturday, October17. As their final home game of the year, it was an occasion to honor Gilpin seniors.

Neko Cope:

Following graduation, Neko will be looking to move to Montana and fulfilling his intended future profession as a pipeline welder. This season Neko has been a starting center and defensive end. He is averaging 8 tackles per game, 1 pass defended, and 2 sacks per game. A major force inside for the Eagles. 

Gabriel Hockley: 

Following graduation, Gabe is going to pursue becoming a movie editor. This season Gabe has been a shutdown corner and platooned a little bit at wide receiver, and has been a key contributor on special teams. He is averaging 4 tackles per game and has 7 passes defended on the year.

Nicholas Schoell:  

Following graduation, Nick wants to attend Red Rocks Community College for media & videography studies. Nick has been a starting defensive end making life miserable for opposing quarterbacks all year. He filled in during key moments at offensive guard, fullback, and tight end. Nick has also been a constant producer on special teams. He is the team’s third-leading tackler with 44 on the year, has 7 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 hurries, 1 blocked kick, 1 forced fumble, and 2 fumble recoveries. 

Taurean Paxton booms the kickoff into the end zone.

Photos by Dave Gibson

Taurean Paxton:

Following graduation, Taurean will attend Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Boulder, Colorado. Taurean is having a monster season at linebacker and wide receiver, while also handling kicking duties for the Eagles. Offensively he has registered 17 receptions for 165 yards, including 3 receiving touchdowns. Defensively he has 56 total tackles (2nd most on the team), 4 tackles for loss, 2 passes defended, a conference-leading 6 interceptions (2 returned for touchdowns), 2 fumble recoveries, and 1 forced fumble. On special teams he has 11 kickoff returns for 314 yards (2 returned for touchdowns), 6 punts for 162 yards (2 inside the 20), 28 kickoffs totaling 1,262 yards—13 of those kicks have been touchbacks. He is also 3 for 4 on PATs (Point After Touchdown) this year. 

Ryan Marr zeros in on a Justice runner.

Photos by Dave Gibson

Ryan Marr:

Following graduation, Ryan would like to continue playing football. He plans on attending school at the same time, studying to become an athletic trainer. Ryan is having an excellent year as a guy who can change a game and score on any given play. He currently has 39 carries for 285 yards, 32 receptions for 417 yards, 4 rushing touchdowns, 5 receiving touchdowns, 43 tackles (2 tackles for loss), 8 passes defended, 1 punt return for 30 yards, 1 forced fumble, and multiple fumble recoveries. 

Gilpin’s 52-14 victory over Justice was the perfect conclusion for the seniors.

Next up the Eagles play Estes Park on October 23 before wrapping up their season on October 31 against Front Range Christian.