Game Recap: The success of all 3 levels continues to roll on with 3 shutouts over the weekend against Vista Peak – as Coach Cohen mentions below, that hasn’t happened in a really long time. After the way the first game this year against Legend went we have made enormous strides to get to where we are now. Looking ahead to this week’s games, Varsity and Freshman play at Air Academy which is on the Air Force Academy campus. I have included some logistical info below that everyone traveling to those games needs to read.
Coach Cohen Message: Our staff is incredibly proud of the start to our season. We are currently ranked 5th in RPI which is indicative of the challenging non league schedule we took on. We also just had a PROGRAM SHUTOUT (V 21-0, JV 41-0, C 51-0) which I can not recall the last time I did it. I would like to recognize all the people who contributed to our program’s success thus far- anyone who has helped with car rides, team meals (especially Jon Pollock who spent his Thursday grilling chicken for the boys), and all of you who helped on the homecoming festivities. Your work is appreciated.
We enter league play going for our 4th league title in a row. Our league is the most difficult in 4A, with 4 teams in the top 10. However, I know our boys will rise to the challenge each week and continue to improve.
Game Video: Vista Peak Highlights – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTXMEULj4D8
Media: Photos of weekend games are posted in the links below:
Schedule this week:
- Freshman – on 9/30 against Air Academy – 3:30 pm (6910 Carlton Dr., Air Force Academy, CO 80840)
- JV – on 10/2 against Denver South – 10 am (Ponderosa Turf)
- Varsity Game
- Opponent: Air Academy HS
- Date and Time: September 30th at 7 pm
- Location: AAHS – 6910 Carlton Dr., Air Force Academy, CO 80840
- Online streaming of this game: https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/air-academy-high-school-usaf-academy-co/gam765aa65353
Housekeeping:
- Due to the fact that this week’s away games will be on the Air Forge Academy property, they have provided us with some details on the requirements that will be needed in order to gain access their HS Stadium. Please read through this information prior to leaving for the game
- One thing to note – the traffic on I-25 between Castle Rock and Colorado Springs can get pretty hairy during rush hour. Between this and the line that will form to get through the AFA gate, I would give yourself a little extra time to make sure are there before kick off
- I failed to get this out a few weeks ago when I was asked to so I want to make sure it goes out now. If you have seen our Marching band performing at the games this year, you should consider yourself lucky as this is the first year it has been back together in a LONG time. Ponderosa has a rich history of large and successful marching bands from the late 90’s and early 2000’s but when Legend and Chaparral opened up, it severely affected our numbers. Our band recently participated in a local competition and Coach Cohen had a number of players there to support the kids that support them each game. Below is the message that Coach Cohen received from the Band director after that event:
Dear Football/Athletic Leadership Team,
I wanted to send you an email to say thank you for encouraging your students to come support the Marching Band at the district showcase yesterday evening. Upon seeing you all in the stands and hearing the Ponderosa chant, my students had a look of excitement and energy that was indescribable. You made them feel like they were Rockstars, and they are eternally grateful for that. I had a few students in tears because they were so touched that you all were there to support them.
After our performance, several parents, staff, and students from other schools approached me and said, “I wish we had a community like this” and “it’s so fantastic that your school takes pride in your band.” Through this remarkable act of kindness, you helped to teach our students that although we have our differences, we can always come together to support each other as a family, and as a community.
So once again, thank you.
To the players that went to support the band, well done!!
- For those of you that have ordered anything from either the team store or a gear bag here is the latest info I have on all of those orders:
- Gear Bags – These bags shipped out from our supplier last week and as soon as we receive them we will get them distributed out to the players
- Team store Orders – The latest I have heard on this is our supplier is pushing to get everything printed this week. There have been a few items that have been delayed from the vendors (what isn’t late or delayed in the world these days?) and they are moving as fast as they can.
- Thank you for your patience with us on this.
Thanks for all of your support of this program, see you all Thursday!!