For the first time this season, Gilpin County will have a chance to prove themselves in a conference matchup. They will challenge the Clear Creek Golddiggers at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.
As a matter of fact, Gilpin County put up the most points they have all season on Friday. They took their contest with ease, bagging a 48-12 victory over Justice. The Eagles haven't had any issues with the Phoenix recently, as the game was their third consecutive win against them.
Landon Church produced another solid effort rushing for 140 yards and three TDs on only seven carries, while also picking up 62 receiving yards and one touchdown. The bulk of those rushing yards came from one huge play: a run that gained an incredible 93 yards.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: Gilpin County was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 247 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've managed all season.
Gilpin County didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. In fact, those interceptions all came courtesy of defensive juggernaut Vincent Schoell.
Meanwhile, on Thursday Clear Creek's undefeated season almost came to an end. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 46-43 victory over St. Mary's.
Gilpin County better keep an eye on Jacob Young. He was instrumental in Clear Creek's win, throwing for 406 yards and four TDs while completing 77.3% of his passes, and also rushing for 65 yards on only seven carries. Those 65 rushing yards gave Young a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Titus Canelos, who picked up 160 receiving yards and three scores.
Gilpin County's record is now 3-1. As for Clear Creek, their record now sits at 4-0.
Thursday's matchup might be decided on the ground. Gilpin County has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 194 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Clear Creek struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 228.5 rushing yards. There's a good chance Thursday's game turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Gilpin County was dealt a bruising 60-20 loss at the hands of Clear Creek when the teams last played back in October of 2024. That contest was all but decided by halftime, at which point the Eagles were down 38-12.
