FOSSIL RIDGE IS A SPECIAL PLACE

As I was walking off the field wrapping up the postgame rituals with the handshakes and high fives following the season finale against Greeley Central something caught my eye, stopped me in my tracks and put a lump in my throat. The stands were now all but empty. The perfect fall night had now started to turn chilly. The headsets, white board, Cat Juice buckets and Ryan's trunk had all been loaded up and were headed for the truck. Yet there in the midst of an empty sidelines sat a BEAUTIFUL site. A group of young men who had just played their last game as SaberCats sitting on the benches soaking up what would be their last time in a SaberCat football uniform. Sweat drenched, eye black running down their faces yet none of them were ready to take off that uniform. They had the look of "weren't we just FRESHMAN yesterday." There was a bond there. One that is only EARNED.
Football is special game for many reasons. It is tough, physical,emotional and mentally challenging like no other sport I know. But it's also is the GREATEST team sport EVER. In no other sport is the TEAM reliant so much on every individual doing HIS job to create the TEAM'S success. As a result the RELATIONSHIPS that are forged on the football field are SPECIAL. Those fellas who did not want to leave the bench that night know that BOND. That BOND has brought Fossil Ridge Football to where it is today. SENIORS, THANK YOU!

Always remember Fellas, IRON SHARPENS IRON.

Coach Lefort

FINISHED STRONG

Halloween night left little doubt who was doing the tricks and who was doing the treating. The Wildcats potent passing offense was held in check while the SaberCat offense erupted in the second half like it has all year long. That is the WAY TO FINISH. Not just with this game but with the season. You finished 4-1 over the final half of the season and ended up literally a couple yards short from making an appearance in the State playoffs. Not bad for a team picked to finish 8th out of 9 teams in our conference. Lesser men would have chose to take the easier route and maybe stumbled into a losing season. But you fellas laced up your football cleats determined to give the kind of effort that SaberCat Football has been built on. CONGRATULATIONS on a great win!!

UPON FURTHER REVIEW
-There something about those BLACK JERSEYS (especially on Halloween)

- The D was BALL HAWKIN all night

- It was Vintage Hollywood during his TD scramble in the 3rd

- No that wasn't 3 straight fake extra point attempts

- Nothing better than a seeing the smiles on the proud parents and Seniors during the pregame ceremonies -BEAUTIFUL

- The Mystery PA announcer was AWESOME


- What an absolutely GORGEOUS night for a football game

- Fossil Ridge is blessed with THE BEST, STUDENTS, PARENTS and ADMINISTRATION!! It makes our jobs easy..

Coach Lefort

BIG SABERCAT THANK YOUS

A big thank you to the boosters, and the following restaurants for the AWESOME meals they provided to the Sabercat football team: Old Chicago, Wendy's, Chipotle, and PhoDoy. Thanks also to the boosters for the amazing Bar B Que they provided for the players and their families after a great win against the Durango Demons. We have had tremendous support from the parents this entire season, and it is GREATLY appreciated. We hope that as the years go by your commitment to the Sabercats will remain strong. Thanks Again!

Coach Lefort

Tough Thursday

It was a tough night Thursday in Loveland. You gave tremendous effort and gave the Indians all they wanted and then some. Loveland is a talented team that finally played their best game of the season when the SaberCats came to town. It is tough to lose a game that seemed to be heading our way, but it takes all four quarters and sometimes even more to finish off a team that is playing inspired ball. There will always be victories and defeats in life but, the REAL WINNERS can PICK THEMSELVES UP and move forward.

Coach Lefort

UPON FURTHER REVIEW

- The SaberCats always play with HEART

- It was an HONOR to coach against my former High School Coach ( John Poovey)

- The offense can score on anybody, anywhere, anytime

- Big Luke was blowing people up

- I never saw so many onsides kicks in one game EVER

- It was good to see my roommate from college: Dennis Kling and his son CJ ( Loveland OT 6'4" 315)

- We have to make stops (WHATEVER IT TAKES)

- The sunset over the Mummy Range was a blessing that we get this time of year in the Rockies

THIS IS WHAT YOU PLAY THE GAME FOR

This week is why you go to lifting in the Summer time while the rest of your friends are hanging out at the pool. This week is why you strap up those shoulder pads when you can barely lift your arms. This week is why you run those sprints until your legs feel like they are going to collapse underneath you. This week is why you pay extra close attention in the classroom to make sure your grades are on track. This week is why YOU PLAY THIS GAME!!

Everything you have worked for and everything that you want is within your grasp. How we approach this week will determine how things turn out on Thursday night. We MUST have a GREAT WEEK of PRACTICE.

Every minute that we are on that practice field must be met with focus and effort.

Our opponent is one of the most talented teams that we have ever faced.

With the short week ahead we MUST WIN on MONDAY, TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY to be able to walk out of Loveland with a WIN on THURSDAY. But I am more than confident that YOU have IT IN YOU.

Here's to AN AWESOME WEEK OF PRACTICE!!

Coach Lefort

Sensational SaberCat Saturday

What an absolutely gorgeous Indian Summer Saturday for a football game. The Durango Demons were looking to spoil your season and you came out and played like a TEAM that is starting to realize how GOOD you can be. Defensively you were able to slow down the high octane option attack and give the offense a chance to go to work. Offensively you executed the game plan to perfection. When we are able to put a total team effort on the field like that the SaberCats are a tough group for any team to deal with. You are just starting to scratch the surface of your potential. CONGRATULATIONS FELLAS, ON TO LOVELAND!!!

UPON FURTHER REVIEW
- Hayden (the Playmaker) Rowley catch of the deflected ball was AMAZING

- The offensive line OWNED the LOS

- Ben (Big Play) Petersen has a GIFT for blocking kicks

- The defense scrapped, clawed,battled and is getting BETTER with every play

- The offense is TAKING CARE OF THE FOOTBALL

- Big Luke is becoming a monster on at the nose

- En Soo HAMMER and STEALTH stepped up when called on

- Congratulations to Sean (the Kickout) Romero for breaking into the endzone

- It was great to meet Caleb's sweet little Grandma from Texas (wearing Calebs 22 jersey) It seemed like everywhere I looked someone was wearing a Kroening jersey

Coach Lefort

Dangerous Durango Demons on their way

The Demons will bring a high flying option attack offense to French Field on Saturday. They have played a one of the toughest schedules in the state, and still managed to score big points. We will no doubt face a focused and rested team that will be hungry to get a win. Attention to YOUR assignment is CRITICAL. If you are to have the Quarterback, Dive or the Pitch, then you must do so. It has been a good week of practice but everyday you must come to the field ready to get better, and YOU WILL. Saturday holds the promise of being a tremendous day, but there is much work to be done between now and kickoff. Our time is precious so MAKE THIS WEEK COUNT!!

Coach Lefort

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER GIVE UP

Friday nights game once again proved the old adage "NEVER GIVE UP!". The longer I coach the more this is proven to me. Time and time again I see victories EARNED by teams that live by this mantra. As long as there is a second left on the clock the Fossil Ridge SaberCats are going to come out swarming. Broomfield has an excellent football tradition with outstanding players and coaches, but Friday night it was you guys who did not want to come off the field with any less than a victory. SaberCats were making plays all over the field in those last defining moments. That was one crisp fall evening that anyone who witnessed the game will not soon forget. CONGRATULATIONS FELLAS!!!

Coach Lefort
UPON FURTHER REVIEW
- Ben (Big Play) Petersen is a COMPETITOR

- It was great to see Coach Parker and his family at the game, they will always be a part of the SaberCat Football Family

- Landon Ochwat is MONEY in the CLUTCH

- I think that game became an INSTANT CLASSIC on Broomfield TV

- We have to TACKLE better

- Jon (One Time) Moore had a nice first start at safety, and knocked down the game winner in the endzone

- Best sign spotted in the stands : LEISTIKOW FOR HEISMAN

Eagles Squared Friday Night

Friday you make the trek down I-25 to battle with the traditional power the Broomfield Eagles. The Eagles have a proud tradition in football with many State Championships to their credit. They finished in the Final Four last season and return another powerful team this year. This is the kind of game that should get you excited to play, because this is the kind of team brings out the best in the SaberCats. You have always risen to each challenge no matter who you were playing. We are at a crossroads in this season. What you do on the field Friday night will go a long way in determining how the story of the 08 SaberCats is written. Football seasons are a precious blink of an eye and they are gone before you know it. Be prepared to give all you have to your teammates to help lift them to make Friday a night that will be hard to forget.

Coach Lefort

Fantastic Finish

Thursday nights game had more twist and turns in one game than most teams see in an entire season. Football is a game of momentum ( a very powerful thing). Almost every game the momentum will swing a time or two, and you have to fight your tails off to get it back. Thursday it was all over the field. A team in football (JUST AS IN LIFE) must be able to withstand adversity and respond to it. There will come a pivotal moment where the difference in victory and defeat may be determined by one play. This week you responded when faced with a game determining moment. The victory was hard fought and well deserved. Congratulations!!!

Coach Lefort

UPON FURTHER REVIEW

The offensive was a thing of beauty ALL NIGHT LONG

We have to tackle better

Number 6 from TV in a TREMENDOUS player

Mike Lamb is running the ball better than any SaberCat back EVER

Hollywood had a complete game (passing and running the ball)

We have to know our assignments on defense

Hayden THE PLAYMAKER Rowley was uncoverable

Brother Craig is a master of the onsides

There is nothing better than seeing the team celebrate with your fellow students

BIG SABERCAT THANK YOUS

The BEST booster in the world were at again with a couple of tremendous pregame meals in the Fossil Ridge Commons. The team was treated to tasty Bar B Que from the kind folks at Texas Roadhouse on the 24th and Papa Johns Pizza tonight. Thanks to all the parents and for all your hard work and LOVE toward the SaberCats. The LOVE you show to these young men is making a difference in their lives. THANK YOU!

Coach Lefort

HUNGRY EAGLES FLY TO FRENCH FIELD

Thompson Valley is a team that has faced a tough early season schedule and not found many breaks along the way. They are a tough, hungry and talented team that would love nothing better than to break into the win column on Thursday afternoon. It will take your best efforts to walk off the field with a win. Assignments must be executed, tremendous effort must be given, but most of all you must play with the kind of PASSION and HEART that are the trademarks of SaberCat Football. You are a TALENTED, STRONG,SMART and WELL COACHED football team, but you have to bring your heart and soul to the field to play this game properly. And I KNOW YOU WILL.

Have a great game.

Coach Lefort

NOW YOU KNOW

Thursday night was a classic high school football game in which both teams battled to the last tick of the clock. You should be proud of the way you played. Niwot is 4-1 because they are solid Northern Conference team. You played them to the last play because YOU are a solid Northern Conference team. Regardless of wins or losses that was our best game this year. Guys were stepping up all night long, scrapping, battling and playing SaberCat Football the way it is meant to be played. ( HARD, TOUGH and CLEAN) That has been the trademark of our program, and will continue to be.

As the season began we knew that we were entering the traditionally tough Northern Conference. The past three weeks we have played the best the NC has to offer, and WE have continued to get BETTER each week. If I was doing a little self scouting on the SabeCats, I would say watch out for that bunch in the second half of the season, because they are just starting to play their best ball. Now we know where we belong, right where we are at. And believe me fellas , that's a GOOD thing. It may have hurt walking off that field in Longmont, but as you walked off you could do so with the confidence of knowing you can line up with any team in this conference.

Coach Lefort

UPON FURTHER REVIEW

Chris (The Pancake Man) Russel was serving up the Niwot defenders

Georgetown now has a new weapon in his arsenal (running the ball)

Salz was a triple threat playmaker at corner, (picks, tackles,and coverage)

Niwots Coach Ron Tesone is good coach and a friend of mine (ex Ram DB)

I have never seen a field goal hit multiple posts and go through

Our fans travel AWESOME, We have the BEST fans in the STATE

Big Red is becoming a beast

Beard is one tough hombre and makes a HUGE difference when he is on the field

Nick Jensen played his best game this year

Beishied makes plays ALL OVER THE FIELD

Mike Lamb has always been fast, now he is running HARD

IT'S NOT HOW YOU START, BUT HOW YOU FINISH

This Thursday night we will take the field with a chance to even up our conference record with a win. The Niwot Cougars come into the game riding a three game winning streak following their win on the road against Broomfield. We came to work last week on the practice field and progress was made on the field during the game. This week if we come out to work during practice, more progress will show up against the Cougars. Football seasons are not made from one game or four, but ten and maybe more.

I am not one who is big on the "Back In the Day" stories, but here I go. I played on a team that started off the season at 1-3. (sound familiar)This was a team that had a successful season previously, advancing to the State Championship Game and losing. It was a team that started the season slow, but didn't give in to self doubt. Instead they kept the faith, and came out with an all or nothing TEAM attitude. Whatever it took they were not going to come off the field with a loss. One by one they started picking off opponents until they clawed their way into the playoffs. Nine weeks later on a frozen field in Colorado Springs they were celebrating the schools first football championship in 43 years.

There it is, my first and hopefully my last "Back in the Day" story. But it is relevant, because it happens. Remember in FOOTBALL as in LIFE "IT IS NOT HOW YOU START, BUT HOW YOU FINISH!!" FINISH STRONG!!

Coach Lefort

A WORK IN PROGRESS

In life there are many times that your efforts are not rewarded as soon as you would like. But you have to keep working, keep building and keep the faith. There was much improvement during the Longmont game, a testament to a solid week of practice. The Trojans are a strong team and will have a successful season. But building blocks were formed out of your sweat and determination last night that will impact the way we play for the rest the season. SaberCat football teams have always improved and have played their best ball as the season goes on, and you will be no different.

Coach Lefort

UPON FURTHER REVIEW

WHAT AN AWESOME CROWD --THANK YOU

We have to eliminate mistakes

Longmont's QB runs hard, but I would take Hollywood any day

Brother Craig was swinging his right leg Friday night

The O line was moving people around

We can not give up the BIG PLAY, especially on third and FOURTH down

The Black Shirts were running around hitting people all night long

Frodo was a maniac

We have to have the BEST BAND IN COLORADO, it is a treat when they are there

It was good to see some of THE RENAISSANCE MEN in attendance last night

SABERCAT THANK YOU

A big SaberCat thank you goes out to the good folks at Old Chicago's for donating the pregame meal Thursday night at Fossil Ridge. The team dined on a variety of tasty pizzas, salad and cookies. Thanks to Old Chicago's for putting their support behind SaberCat Football.

Coach Lefort

BIG WEEK AHEAD

This week presents a great opportunity to make a statement about SaberCat football. The Longmont Trojans will bring an undefeated team into Fort Collins on Friday night. They are a physical team, that likes to control the game with a strong running attack. It will take a great week of practice to prepare for victory. But you are MORE than capable of it.

Attention to every detail of the game plan. Be accountable to your teammates by lifting them up by raising the level of your play and your expectations for the team. Football is an amazing game that we are blessed to be a part of. Celebrate this week by having your best week of practice ever, and follow up by leaving it all out on the field Friday night. If everyone commits to that this week Friday will be a special night.

Coach Lefort

SPARTANS SOAK SABERCATS

Greeley West is an outstanding football program and they proved that on the field Thursday night. The Spartans played a hard, clean football game that they could be proud of. Best of luck to Coach Roggy and thier team.

We have lots to learn from our performance. There are plenty of areas to improve upon (tackling, assignments, blocking and special teams). But that is why we head out onto the practice field everyday. Lets bring our best to the practice field this week.

Coach Lefort

UPON FURTHER REVIEW

Greeley West football is a classy outfit

We must TACKLE better

Rain,rain and more rain from the national anthem to the bus ride home

Mike Lamb ran hard

Beishied showed a lot of heart blocking that punt

Ensu laid the wood to a Spartan

PREPARE TO WIN

The task ahead this week will be a large one: the states #5 team the Greeley West Spartans. The Spartans led by Head Coach Mark Roggy have found themselves annually in the hunt for the state championship and this year is no different. The fifth ranked Spartans are a well coached and disciplined team. It will take a great week of practice and a commitment to victory to be able walk out of Greeley with a win over this crew. But you have proved to yourselves, and others, that you can accomplish great things when you have confidence and put your heart into it. Take care of your business at home, on the field and in the classroom this week. See you on the practice field.

Coach Lefort

SABERCATS WIN CONFRENCE OPENER

You took the field Thursday night with the attitude that you were not coming off with anything less than a victory. Offensively we continued to move people all over the field, take care of the football and score touchdowns. Defensively you are playing more like the "Gang Green" that has become the trademark of Fossil Ridge football. That is the kind of effort we will need every time you take the field from here on out. Nice Victory fellas!!

But what as a coach I was most proud of was the way you reacted to the ugly incident that occurred in the second quarter. That has NO business on a football field. You handled yourselves like the young men that Fossil Ridge football has built it's reputation on. Win or lose, we WILL always represent our team, school and families one way, FIRST CLASS.

Coach Lefort

UPON FURTHER REVIEW

Beard formed up and popped the top on a Falcon

Lamb's run was a thing of beauty, in and out and then gone

We have to keep working HARD to become better tacklers

Hayden and Alex made some big time catches in crucial situations

Brian reminds me of another #11 who wore green in this town

Jax is punting as well as anyone we have ever had

The O-line is doing the WORK

Bowers weak side blitz was a picture perfect way to seal the deal

SABERCAT THANK YOU /TEAM DINNER AT THE LEISTIKOW FARM

The team enjoyed a Mexican themed buffet hosted by Jan Leistikow and Susan Ballinger at the Leistikow's Farm. The players feasted on burritos and brownies, and (the Leistikow tradition) of fresh ice cold chocolate milk. I think Hollywood drank a whole gallon himself. It was a beautiful setting and provided the team a chance to relax and focus before the big conference opener the next day. Thank you ladies for your continued hospitality.

Coach Lefort

HUGE SABERCAT THANK YOU

Thank you once again to the SaberCat boosters for providing a much appreciated pre game dinner. Special Thanks to the Beard family for opening up "The Beard Ranch" for a great time. Fossil Ridge is blessed with outstanding support from you all. Thank You!

Coach Lefort

Tough Night

Last night was a tough go for all of us, but we MUST move forward. The great thing about sports is that YOU have the opportunity to go back to work right away and go out and compete again. One regular season opening game does not determine a season, either way. But your ATTITUDES will!! Believe in yourselves and your teammates and prepare yourselves to get better this week.

Coach Lefort

UPON FURTHER REVIEW
- We have to tackle better
- EXECUTION is vital in all areas
- Thank you to our fans, you were AWESOME as usual
-It was great to see so many SaberCat Football Alumni at last night game.
(Levi Kovari, Justin Pellman, University of Wyoming
Greg Rushing UMASS, Bart Panella School of Mines, Shawn Salisbury CSU and Zach Carrol USMC)
- Windsor played with a lot of heart last night

Windsor Wizard Week

Camp is now over. We are now in season. It is imperative to make each day count in preparation for Friday nights battle. Each practice has to be crisp with attention to detail. There is much work to do this week. At home, in the classroom and on the practice field. Everyday preparing yourself mentally and physically, building up to a crescendo that will be ready to explode at 7pm on Friday night.

Make no mistake, Windsor wants to win the game badly. Last year they upset a 4A team in the season opener and would love to do it again. ( They sent 4 coaches to Loveland to scout your scrimmage.)

FACT: No Fossil Ridge football team has ever won their season opener.

BE THE FIRST!!!!

Coach Lefort

SABERCATS READ TO KIDS AT READERS COVE

Thanks to all the SaberCats who took time out of their Saturday to read to kids at Reader's Cove bookstore. You once again put your best foot forward as representatives of the Fossil Ridge Football program. Thanks Guys, and a special thanks to all the boosters and parents who supported the event.

Coach Lefort

IT'S ALWAYS FUN TO HIT SOMEONE ELSE

Friday night it appeared that everyone was ready to start hitting someone other than thier teammates . You came ready to play and showed the promise of what kind of team you CAN and WILL be. Improvement throughout the week was evident by your play. Thanks to Mountain View, Wheat Ridge and Stadley Lake for some great competition on the field.







UPON FURTHER REVIEW




Hollywood is a HORSE

We have to RUN TO THE FOOTBALL

Know YOUR assignments, DO YOUR assignments

The Loveland Sports Park is an awesome place to watch a sunset

Wheat Ridge has some SERIOUS speed

Fossil Ridge brings the fans (even to a pre season scrimmage)

We have to TACKLE better

Coach Fick LOVES you guys

Coach Lefort

A New Era in SaberCat Football has begun

The effort shown on the practice field this two-a-days was outstanding. You continued to work hard and improve with each practice. The scrimmage on Saturday (through the pouring rain) showed us highlights of the team we can be. Yet it also provided plenty of opportunities for us to get better. Pursuit and tackling are major areas of improvement that needs to be addressed before we take on Windsor. The Wizards are an improving program and would like nothing better than to come in to our house and leave with a victory.
As you prepare to begin classes this week make sure to organize and prepare yourself for both the work in the classroom and on the field. We have a huge week of work ahead of us. The scrimmages on Friday should be an outstanding chance to learn by competing against some solid football teams. (Wheat Ridge, 2006 AAAA State Champions) Here's to a great week of work.

Coach Lefort

SABERCATS TEAM CAMP AT CSU STARTS 2008 SEASON

The 2008 team camp at CSU this week was a great opportunity for us to grow as individuals and as a team. We lined up against some outstanding high school football programs (Grandview #16 in the nation according to Sports Illustrated), and saw as good as football played as we will see all year. It gave the coaches a chance to see who was hungry and wanted to work to become a great player, and who are not ready to make that commitment. Lots of you stepped up to the challenge and showed us the heart that has become the trademark of SaberCat Football. It will take that kind of dedication and work ethic all Summer long to prepare us for TWO A DAYS and the SEASON OPENING KICKOFF. As your coach I am proud of the way you conducted yourselves on the field and around campus. Fossil Ridge football must always be known as a first CLASS program. That is a reflection of you.

Coach Lefort


UPON FURTHER REVIEW

There are some outstanding football programs in Colorado

Thanks to Marc Lubick and the CSU staff for running a great camp

Nick Pegg came to play BIG TIME

Ryan Beard is now on some college scouts radar

Kirk Easton and big SHACK showed up in the trenches

Sean Romero trucked that fella from Grandview

The O-Line moved the ball on everyone

We have to become better tacklers

There is no way we can let someone behind us if we are a "Cover 3 corner or a Cover 2 safety"

Make a commitment to yourself and the team to be in the weight room this Summer

I don't think I have ever seen it rain as hard as it did on Wednesday

Friday was "A Beautiful Day for Football"