MATT LOYD
School: Ralston Valley Mustangs, Class 5A, Super 6 League, 8-0 (4-0 in league) in 2010, 131-58 career.
Coaching resume: Assistant at Bear Creek in 1991 and Golden from 1992-93; head coach at Golden from 1994-99; head coach at Ralston Valley since 2000.
Lifelines: Age 41. Born in Glenwood Springs. Graduated from Bear Creek High School in 1987; attended Adams State for a year, transferred to Colorado State and graduated in 1993 with a degree in exercise and sports science; earned a master’s degree in education administration from the University of Phoenix in 1998. Teaches physical education at Ralston Valley.
Back in his day: Quarterback-defensive end at Bear Creek from 1983-86, second team all-Jefferson County League; played one season at Adams State.
Last week: “Obviously, we’re happy,” Loyd said. “Nobody expected us to do this, and that’s been just fine with us.”
Expectations or not, the Mustangs have won the league title and are on the brink of an undefeated regular season in their first try in 5A. They’ll be in Boulder on Friday to take on Fairview and will await what should be a high playoff seed.
Chad Grenfell’s 22-yard field goal with six seconds to play lifted Ralston Valley over Pomona 23-20 at the North Area Athletic Complex on Friday, a microcosm of its season. Loyd has unleashed a wave of Mustangs who constantly put forth effort, make plays, refuse to worry about who gets the credit and know how to handle adversity. In 2010, Ralston Valley has handled the 5A state runner-up (Pomona) and a 2009 semifinalist (Arvada West). Fairview is another 2009 final four team.
Early poor field position and multiple deficits against Pomona were overcome by a 16-point fourth quarter. As usual, more than one Mustang had a hand — Reilly Hauptman (139 yards rushing), Jakob Buys (114) and Jeff Grenfell each scored a touchdown, and the Ralston Valley defense allowed only eight points in the second half.
Balance has been big for the Mustangs, who will line up on offense in either shotgun or smashmouth styles, have seven rushers with at least 136 yards and a defense allowing less than 12 points per game.
And there may be more to come.
“We want to complete the undefeated season,” Loyd said.
About the award
The Denver Broncos high school coach of the week award, in its 15th year, will have 10 honorees in the regular season. Primero’s Shelby Langford, Regis Jesuit’s Mark Nolan, Wray’s Levi Kramer, Burlington’s Glynn Higgs, Skyview’s Bill Nelson, Bethune’s Troy Hauxwell, John F. Kennedy’s Rich Martinez and Loyd are the 2010 winners so far. The NFL Youth Football Fund will present a check for $1,000 to the school’s program. The coach of the year will be announced at the Broncos’ game against the San Diego Chargers on Jan. 2 at Invesco Field at Mile High and will receive $2,000. Coaches are selected from a panel consisting of Neil H. Devlin, The Denver Post; Billy Thompson, the Broncos; and Andy Lindahl, 850 AM.
