School: Widefield Gladiators, Class 4A Foothills League.
Record: 9-1 in 2011, 17-4 career.
Coaching resume: Assistant at Widefield from 1998-2009, Widefield head coach since 2010.
Life lines: Age 36. Born in Seoul, South Korea. Graduated from Widefield in 1994 and Mesa State in 1998, earned a degree in physical education; earned a master’s degree in school administration from University of Phoenix in 2002. Teaches P.E. at Widefield.
Back in his day: Wide receiver-quarterback at Widefield from 1990-93 and wide receiver at Mesa State from 1994-97.
Last week: Marjerrison called Friday’s victory over Cheyenne Mountain “exciting” and “crazy.”
He has a point in both references.
At home against the Rams, Widefield trailed 17-7 early, then 24-21 at the half. However, after each team had only one possession in a scoreless third quarter, the Gladiators put up three touchdowns in a three- minute span of the fourth quarter to take a 42-24 victory that secured their first league title since 1996.
“We were stressed,” Marjerrison said of corralling Cheyenne Mountain quarterback Bret Helton, son of former University of Colorado punter Barry Helton.
Kevin Stringer ran for two touchdowns and threw for another, and Marquis Coddington added 175 yards rushing and two touchdowns for the athletic Gladiators, who next host Wheat Ridge in the first round of the 4A playoffs.
Marjerrison, who led the Gladiators to their first playoff appearance in 14 years last season, said his team can’t afford to blink against the Farmers, an annual class power.
“At this time of year, you’re always going to be playing somebody good,” he said.
Neil H. Devlin, The Denver Post
About the award: The Denver Broncos high school coach of the week award, in its 17th year, will have 10 honorees during the regular season. A coach of the year will be announced at the Broncos’ Jan. 1 game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High and receive $2,000. Coaches are selected by a panel consisting of Neil H. Devlin, The Denver Post; Billy Thompson, the Broncos; and Andy Lindahl, KOA 850 AM.
