Football Recap: Rifle Comes Up Short on the Road Against Golden + How To Watch

Rifle had to hit the road for their first game and it wasn't the result they were hoping for. They fell 30-20 to the Golden Demons on Friday.

Alex Gonzalez threw for 169 yards and one touchdown. Blake Shaffer was his top target, picking up 54 receiving yards and one TD.

Golden's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Thatcher Matthews led the charge by throwing for 210 yards and three touchdowns on only 19 passes. That's the most passing yards Matthews has posted since back in September of 2024. Golden's leading receiver Ethan Bonafede was Matthews' top target yet again, picking up 76 receiving yards and one score, while also punching in one TD on the ground.

Looking ahead, Rifle will welcome Grand Junction at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. As for Golden, they will have some time to savor their win since their next game is a little ways off: they'll take on Brighton at 7:00 p.m. on September 5.