Larry Gartrell
School: Erie Tigers, Class 2A Flatirons League, ranked No. 2 in The Denver Post/9News 2A poll.
Record: 3-0 in 2008, 64-65 career, won 1A state title in 1997.
Coaching resume: Assistant at Niwot High School from 1991-94; head coach at Erie since 1995.
Life lines: Age 41, native of Fort Collins. Graduated from Skyline High School in 1985 and Adams State in 1991. Earned degrees in physical education and industrial technology. Teaches PE at Erie.
Back in his day: Linebacker-fullback at Skyline from 1981-84, all-state both ways as a senior; linebacker at Adams State from 1985-88, played in NAIA Division I championship game as a senior.
Last week: Gartrell spent Sunday moving after his Tigers gave him quite a ride Friday in a 42-41 overtime thriller at home against Eaton.
“It was exciting, to say the least,” he said while taking boxes and furniture across Erie.
The Broncos weren’t the only team in Colorado to go for a two- point conversion to win over the weekend.
Alex Ortega’s fourth touchdown of the game inside the final minute of regulation gave Erie a six-point lead, and Gartrell decided to go for two. The Tigers made it but were flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct in celebrating. Kicking off from the 25-yard line, they were penalized another 5 yards for being offside. It helped set up Eaton in Tigers territory, and the Fightin’ Reds, behind senior quarterback Seth Lobato, scored with five seconds left, then made a two-pointer to tie it at 35.
In the extra session, the Tigers’ Gregory Reese ran in from the 2, and Erie converted the PAT. Eaton responded after another Erie penalty as Lobato threw a 6-yard scoring pass. After a timeout, the Fightin’ Reds opted to go for two, but Erie quarterback-safety Michael Chambers batted away Lobato’s attempt.
“We made a play to win the game,” said Gartrell, who for years has implored his teams “to enjoy the ride.”
In all, he said, neither defense matched up well — the Tigers pound it on offense; Eaton likes to throw — but was pleased with his team’s resolve and ability to rise when needed.
Besides, said Gartrell, whose team will open league play this weekend against Holy Family, “it’s a big possibility we’ll see (Eaton) again (in the playoffs).”
Neil H. Devlin, The Denver Post
The Denver Broncos high school coach of the week award, in its 13th year, will have 10 honorees during the regular season. NFL Charities will present a check for $1,000 to the school’s program. Gartrell joins ThunderRidge’s Joe Johnson and Jefferson’s Francisco Lujan as winners in 2008. A coach of the year will be announced at the Broncos’ game against the Buffalo Bills on Dec. 21 at Invesco Field at Mile High and receive $2,000. Coaches are selected from a panel consisting of Neil H. Devlin, The Denver Post; Billy Thompson, the Broncos; and Andy Lindahl, KOA 850 AM.
