Kids . . . They just grow up so fast.
One day you are watching them tear up your football team on the field and the next they are rival coaches trying to make a name for themselves.
Jim Trahern is starting his 25th season at Kit Carson. That’s long enough to see former opposing players returning as opposing coaches. In the last decade, Eads’ Dustin Uhland, Liberty’s Toby Kechter and Idalia’s Perry Allen all competed against Trahern with their helmets on. Now, they will try to match wits with the Wildcats’ head coach.
“I don’t feel like I have any sort of advantage on those guys, no way,” Tra-hern said. “Anytime you enjoy the game that much and miss it, coaching is just one avenue to get back into it.
“There will be a learning curve, sure. But they are enthusiastic, and I can certainly relate to that.”
Said Kechter, whose alma mater draws Kit Carson on Friday night, “We have a lot to learn, but the idea of coaching against him and having a chance to beat him is great.”
Trahern will face all three first-time coaches this season.
“I can’t wait for the opportunity,” Uhland said. “He’s a legend and knows more about the game than I ever will.”
The enthusiasm and the taste of a state title is something that drives anyone competing on this level. Uhland won wrestling titles back in his days and both Allen and Kechter have won titles on the gridiron.
Kechter’s title came in 1999 when Liberty edged Idalia and Allen 44-43.
A title is something that has eluded Trahern, who has been dangerously close in years past, most notably in 2006. His Wildcats were just 41 yards and 1 minute, 13 seconds from playing for their first title, but couldn’t score in a 24-23 loss to Idalia.
“It was easily the biggest disappointment in my coaching career,” Trahern said.
The time to get that elusive championship is now. Numbers are dwindling across the board in 6-man football, and Trahern’s Wildcats may be hit the hardest in the coming years.
Class A 6-man top five
1. Hi-Plains: Said coach Dave Sheffield, “This team is going to win.” The Patriots are playing for fallen teammate Evan Bancroft.
2. Eads: The defending champs lost some key pieces (including a coach) but still have the personnel to make another serious run.
3. Peetz: The Bulldogs have owned the North for years, and with loads of experience across the board, this year should be no different.
4. Idalia: A state championship is always the goal for this school.
5. Kit Carson: With the number of players on the decline, this may be the Wildcats’ last shot for a while.
Players to watch
Colt Baker, Arickaree, Sr., QB-LB: One of four seniors who have seen plenty of playing time for the up-and-coming Indians.
Jon Ball, Kit Carson, Sr., E-DE: The 6-foot-4, 200-pound Ball will be tough to bring down after moving from center to end.
Bruce Baxter, Briggsdale, Sr., RB-DB: His 1,600 yards last season took the Falcons back to the playoffs for the first time in four seasons.
Spencer Bell, Deer Trail, Sr. RB-LB: The Eagles will get the ball in his hands as much as possible.
Kyle Burk, South Baca County, Sr., E-NG: A transfer from Springfield, his 6-foot-2, 240-pound frame will bolster lines.
Keith Hahn, Peetz, Sr., E-LB: As good a blocker and receiver as there is in the 6-man game.
Kent Herman, Hi-Plains, Sr., E-LB: The MVP of the Western State football camp has shaken off the effects of last year’s hip pointer injury.
Aaron Hiner, Woodlin, Sr., RB-NG: If he recovers from a late-summer broken collarbone, he could be vital to the Mustangs’ success.
Taylor Reed, Eads, Jr., QB-LB: Will be a bigger focal point of the defending champs’ potent offense.
Luke Terrell, Idalia, Jr., RB-LB: Will spearhead the Wolves’ new power running attack.
Jon E. Yunt, The Denver Post
