Artwork by Mia Nogueira

When it comes to football, nothing is bigger than the NFL. TJ is fortunate enough to be hosting the Derrick Martin Youth Sportsfest this weekend. Derrick Martin is a former TJ Spartan who had earned All-Colorado and All-State Class 5A honors and was named the MVP of the Denver Prep 5A League. In college at the University of Wyoming, Martin earned the All-Mountain West Conference 2nd team honors as a sophomore. Martin was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2006 in the sixth round, and was traded to the Green Bay Packers in 2009, where he is one of the Packers’ special teams captains today.  Martin has returned to Thomas Jefferson to host this free football and cheer-leading camp for students in first through eighth grade.

Marcus Smith of the Baltimore Ravens, Pierre Garcon and Devin Moore of the Indianapolis Colts, Trevor Ford and Brad Jones of the Green Bay Packers are a few NFL superstars who will be hosting this camp. On Friday night, Martin and his NFL friends will participate in a celebrity bowling challenge and silent auction at Monaco Lanes starting at 6:00 p.m. For the group that has the greatest participation in the bowling challenge, $200 will be given to them as a reward. “Derrick Martin donates a lot to this school – not just the athletic department – and it’s good they’re giving back to the community,” said Athletic Director Lani Nobles.

Martin’s flyer for the free football clinic states: “…whether you are an experienced player or just starting football, this NON-CONTACT clinic is an experience you will never forget.  During the clinic, the NFL players will teach you the same offensive and defensive techniques they are taught in the pros.  You will definitely leave a better player than when you came.  It’s FREE and enrollment is limited to the first 150 participants, so register today!”  Furthermore, it states that the cheer clinic, “…concentrates on basic cheer-leading skills including jumps, motions, and tumbling.  No previous cheer-leading experience is necessary.  It’s FREE and enrollment is limited to the first 50 participants, so register today!”

Participants can register online at DerrickMartin.net and if there are any questions, contact Coach Tim Owens. “This is our third year hosting it. They’re trying to get kids to come out and play, which is why it’s only for first through eighth grade kids,” said Owens. The Derrick Martin Youth Sportsfest will be taking place on May 21-22 at Thomas Jefferson High School.

Artwork by Rebecca Holt

Floyd Little has finally earned what he deserved: an induction into the Hall of Fame. His on-field explosiveness and charisma made his remarkable career a standout.

Floyd Douglas Little was born July 4th, 1942. Bronco fans are thankful for that, to say the least. His running back career started at Syracuse University, following in the footsteps of many other great running backs, including Jim Brown and Ernie Davis. Little was an All American with the Orange, and in the spring of 1967 he became the first ever draft pick of the then AFL Denver Broncos. Many people called him “the franchise” for saving the team from certain relocation due to lack of talent and poor ticket sales. His presence started a string of sell-outs, the likes of which still last today. Little impressively led the NFL in rushing yards for six straight years, from 1968-1973. Though his extreme amount of talent should have brought wins, it didn’t, and he unfortunately never came home with a championship trophy. Other awards he received, though, include being elected to the AFL all-star game twice, and also the NFL pro bowl three times. His former coach, Lou Saban, stated that Little was “…one of the most explosive running-backs he has ever seen.”

In 1984 Little was made a charter member of the Broncos’ Ring of Fame. He was the first Bronco to ever win the rushing title in 1970 with 901 yards, and then the following year he became the first Bronco to rush for more than 1000 yards in a season with a total of 1133 yards, leading the entire NFL. Little had an unusually small frame, only 5’10” and weighed a mere 195 pounds, which made him the smallest back to lead the entire league in rushing since World War II. He was one of the league’s most exciting players. “ I loved to watch him play; he had such quickness I sometimes held back blinking when he had the ball,” said Chip Warren, who had season tickets for the 70-71 season. In 1967-68 Little was the only player to return a punt for a touchdown, something that now commonly happens in the NFL. Despite Little playing for a team that lacked any distinguished talent, he was by far one of the most explosive offensive threats of all time.

Little retired becoming the 7th leading rusher in the history of the NFL after only eight seasons. After waiting for years, Little was finally nominated to be inducted into the NFL hall of fame in the summer of 2009, and was eventually voted in on February 6th, 2010. He was the first Denver Bronco to have his jersey “44” retired. Little was finally rewarded for his spectacular career, and will go down as one of the best running backs in Bronco history. “I was elated, but at the same time a little disappointed that it took so long … there was a lot of pain over the years; that doesn’t wash away completely,” Exclaimed Floyd in a recent Denver Post interview.

Little now owns his own law-firm, and also owns automobile dealerships in Denver, Santa Barbara and Seattle.

Photo by Rebecca Holt

The Spartans took the field with high hopes Saturday afternoon against a Bear Creek team that had just escaped with a win in a first round game with Highlands Ranch. Unfortunately for the Spartans, it did not go their way, as they were defeated by a score of 49-6. The TJ football team was never able to muster a consistent stable offensive attack, which ultimately overworked their defense and put them in a bind the entire game.

Bear Creek had their way on offense as they were able to get a great performance form their offensive line, which seemed to tower over the undersized TJ front 8, (as TJ runs a 4-4 defense). The Bears both ran and threw the ball efficiently. “We played hard and came out fired up, but in the end we just could not pull it off. I love my fellow Spartan football players, and always will remember them all,” said Senior Offensive Lineman Andrew Sheer.

With the end of the season comes the end of all of the Senior Spartans’ high school football careers. However, the seniors are grateful for the season and football in general. “I would not change a thing about this year and football as a whole. It has made me the young man that I am today,” said Senior Lineman Demetrius Allen.

“Spartan football has turned me into something more than I ever thought I would become. I came in as a weak minded individual, and left as a strong willed team player. And that is what counts,” added Senior Lineman Sam Rahwa.

Photo by Rebecca Holt

The roller coaster that was the playoff game between the Thomas Jefferson Spartans and the Douglas County Huskies ended on a high note as the Spartans scored a winning touchdown in the last second of the game.

Midway through the first quarter, Senior Running Back Matt Averyhart continued to carry the ball well, as he took a handoff 65 yards to the end zone. After the PAT was made, there would be no more scoring in the first half, as TJ would take a 7 point lead into halftime.

However, the second half of the game was a different story, as Douglas County controlled the ball. The Spartans showed life early on another Averyhart run of 28 yards, but the Huskies would not go away as they scored two straight touchdowns to roar back and tie the game. Then, receiving the ball late in the fourth quarter, the Spartans were able to march down the field. However, penalties would push the Spartans back. Then with approximately 20 seconds remaining, Averyhart took a run to the Huskies 19 yard line. The Spartans got up to the line of scrimmage hiked the ball and, as time was expiring, Senior Quarterback Zach Jackson floated the ball to the left end zone and into the eager hands of Senior Wide Receiver Chase Bostic for the game-winning touchdown. The sideline erupted as the Spartan bench rushed to the end zone to congratulate their hero. “This game meant a lot to us. Not only because it was a playoff game, but also because of our history with Douglas County. This team knows what we have to do to get to state,” said Senior Fullback Valentino Lamorie.

TJ has now advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the first time in two years, and will now advance to the top 18 teams in the state and play Bear Creek at Jefferson County Stadium at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Saturday.  Ticket prices are $7 general admission, $5 for seniors and children under 12.  There are no passes except CHSAA passes.

file photo by Gustavo Garcia

The Spartans captured their second consecutive Central Metro League Championship, as they defeated the rival East Angels 37-13 on a crisp Friday night. The Spartans had their foot on the gas pedal from the first play on, as they dominated the Angles (whose student body is twice the size of TJ’s) in all statistical categories.

The Spartans struck first when Senior Running Back Matt Averyhart scored on a twelve yard touchdown run. Later on in the first quarter, the Spartans added on an additional seven more points when Senior Defensive Back/Wide Receiver Kyle Caruthers took a pitch and ran in 13 yards for a Spartan score. Then, in the second quarter, Caruthers scored another touchdown, but this time it was on the receiving end of a 26 yard pass by Senior Quarterback Zach Jackson. The Spartans also added a David Sanchez field goal to their first half points, leading 24-0 at the half.

The second half continued to go the Spartans’ way as the Angles begin to make turnovers. A key play was a 58 yard interception returned for a touchdown by Junior Linebacker Lonnie Hampton. The final score was TJ winning 37-13. ” We came out, worked hard, and executed. I think we have a lot of momentum as we head into our playoff game next week. We have grown from the time our season began,” said Senior Fullback Valentino Lamorie.

The mighty Spartan defense held East to just 123 yards of total offense (86 of which came on one rushing play in the fourth quarter).  ““It was a very good win for our program, and it is always nice to add another league title to our trophy case. East is a big game on our schedule every year because of the rivalry, and all of the kids know each other on both teams so this gets talked about in the neighborhoods for the entire year,” said Defensive Coordinator Matt Nicolo.  “Personally I think it is huge for the TJ community, to compete in a division (5A) where every team we face has double the enrollment, and we still are one of the top programs in the state. The kids deserve all of the credit; they went out and played their tails off to make sure the Central Metro League Title stayed in the hands of a DPS team.”

The Spartans next game will be the first game of the 5A playoffs. The Spartans are the number six overall seed, and will take on Douglas County at All City Stadium. The game will be on Saturday, November 6, and will start at 10:00 am. The game will be played at All City Stadium.

Thu 9/03      Monarch     34     Thomas Jefferson 7
Fri 9/11         Columbine 48         Thomas Jefferson0
Thu 9/17      Thomas Jefferson 33        Montbello 6
Fri 9/25        Rangeview 24     Thomas Jefferson 32
Fri 10/02     Thomas Jefferson 46     Aurora Central 0
Sat 10/10     Hinkley 6     Thomas Jefferson 42
Sat 10/17    George Washington 14   Thomas Jefferson 44
Sat 10/24    Thomas Jefferson   14   Gateway  6
Fri 10/30    Thomas Jefferson 37    Denver East  13

Thomas Jefferson showed grit as they won their sixth consecutive game of the year, defeating the Gateway Olympiads 14-6 on Saturday afternoon. However, this was not a walk in the park for the heavily favored Spartans, as they trailed Gateway all the way until the fourth quarter.

Gateway scored on an eight-yard rushing touchdown, but did miss the extra point; that miss would be big later on. The Gateway defense pitched a shutout on the Spartans all the way until the fourth quarter, until Senior Running Back Matt Averyhart pounded the ball in for a Spartan score. The Spartans would be able to convert the extra point, giving them a 7-6 lead. The Spartans defense would not allow another Gateway point, and eventually the offense was able to score once more on a 20-yard Jamie Redd touchdown run. The Spartans would go on to win by a final score of 14-6. “This was a gritty performance by both our defense and our offense. Gateway came out ready to fight, but so did we. Just a good win for us,” commented Junior Linebacker Robert McMacken.

The Spartans next game will be their most important game of the year as they take on the rival East Angels. What makes this match up particularly intriguing is that the winner will be crowned the division champ, and that will affect the playoff seeding of both teams. The Spartans will be looking for a bit of revenge after losing to the Angels last year in dramatic fashion. The game will be on Friday, October 30 at 7:00 pm  at All City Stadium.

TJ QB Zach Jackson steps up into the pocket to hit his receiver. photo by Ron Allen

In what usually is a closely fought battle between two DPS Rivals, turned out to be a big win for the Spartans. Both teams came out firing early, but it was George who struck first blood when Patriot Running Back Lonnie Allen scored a rushing touchdown. However, TJ answered back when Senior Matt Averyhart broke off a 64 yard touchdown run. After the Spartan defense forced a Patriot punt, Averyhart went back to work, this time scoring a touchdown on a 53 yard run. Averyhart was well on his way for a day to remember.

George Washington then answered with a big touchdown run of there own. However, that is all the scoring they would be doing till late in the fourth quarter. The next two Spartan touchdowns would be through the air as Senior Quarterback Zach Jackson would hook up with Seniors Kyle Caruthers and Chase Bostic for 39 and 17 yard touchdowns. Averyhart then reached the end zone once more, this time on a run of 89 yards. He would finish the game with a stat line of seven rushes for 248 yards (an average of 35.8 yards p carry), and three touchdowns. TJ would then tack on one more touchdown on a Lonnie Hampton touchdown run. “We are making progress each week to be an elite team, and the scores against our opponents would demonstrate that,” said Senior Fullback Valentino Lamorie.

The Spartans next game will be on Saturday, October 24, at 12:00 when they take on the Gateway Olympiads. The game will be held at Aurora Public Schools Stadium.

Thu 9/03
6:00 pm     Monarch     34     Thomas Jefferson 7
(at All City Stadium)
Fri 9/11
7:00 pm     Columbine 48         Thomas Jefferson0
(at All City Stadium)
Thu 9/17
7:00 pm     Thomas Jefferson 33        Montbello 6
(at All City Stadium)
Fri 9/25
7:00 pm     Rangeview 24     Thomas Jefferson 32
(at All City Stadium)
Fri 10/02
6:00 pm     Thomas Jefferson 46     Aurora Central 0
(at Aurora Public Schools Stadium)
Sat 10/10
1:00 pm     Hinkley 6     Thomas Jefferson 42
(at All City Stadium)
Sat 10/17    1:00 pm     George Washington 14   Thomas Jefferson 44   (at All City Stadium)
Sat 10/24
12:00 pm     Thomas Jefferson     Gateway    (at Aurora Public Schools Stadium)
Fri 10/30
7:00 pm     Thomas Jefferson     Denver East    (at All City Stadium)

TJ knocks off Hinkley 42-6.

The Spartans took care of business on a nippy Saturday afternoon at All City Stadium, as they defeated the Hinkley Thunderbirds by a score of 42-6.

The teams spent most of the first quarter testing each other out, until Senior Jamie Redd broke off a 35 yard touchdown run. The game was still an offensive struggle until Senior Billy Sprague ran for an 11 yard touchdown followed by Senior Running back Matt Averyhart rushing for a 48 yard score. Then the flood gates began to open and TJ started to score at will. Averyhart and Redd took ball into the end zone on the round once more each, and Sprague caught a touchdown pass from Senior Quarterback Zach Jackson.

The Spartan defense played masterfully on Saturday afternoon, not relinquishing a point until mid-way through the fourth quarter when most of the Spartans reserves were already in the game. Also, Senior’s Shane Oliver and Kyle Caruthers each recorded an interception. “We are getting better each week, and both offense and defense put it together this week,” said Sprague.

The Spartnas will take their four-game winning streak into next week’s match up against DPS Rival George Washington. The battle will begin on Saturday, October 17, at All City Field at 1:00 pm.

Thu 9/03
6:00 pm     Monarch     34     Thomas Jefferson 7
(at All City Stadium)
Fri 9/11
7:00 pm     Columbine 48         Thomas Jefferson0
(at All City Stadium)
Thu 9/17
7:00 pm     Thomas Jefferson 33        Montbello 6
(at All City Stadium)
Fri 9/25
7:00 pm     Rangeview 24     Thomas Jefferson 32
(at All City Stadium)
Fri 10/02
6:00 pm     Thomas Jefferson 46     Aurora Central 0
(at Aurora Public Schools Stadium)
Sat 10/10
1:00 pm     Hinkley 6     Thomas Jefferson 42
(at All City Stadium)
Sat 10/17    1:00 pm     George Washington     Thomas Jefferson    (at All City Stadium)
Sat 10/24
12:00 pm     Thomas Jefferson     Gateway    (at Aurora Public Schools Stadium)
Fri 10/30
7:00 pm     Thomas Jefferson     Denver East    (at All City Stadium)

photo by Carlos Covarrubias

TJ traveled to Aurora Public Schools Stadium on a cool, crisp Friday night to take on the Aurora Central Trojans. Needless to say, this game was worth the drive. The Spartans first scored when Senior Cornerback Nasheed Robison picked up a fumble and returned the ball for a TJ touchdown. That was just the beginning of the scoring for TJ. Senior Running Back Matt Averyhart continued his terrific run of late, accounting for 101 yards rushing, along with one touchdown.

In total, the Spartans had four rushing touchdowns, and they also scored a passing touchdown when Senior Quarterback Zach Jackson hooked up with fellow Senior Billy Sprague for a 30 yard pass. The Spartans additionally scored yet another defensive touchdown when Senior Safety Kyle Caruthers intercepted a pass and returned the ball 71 yards for a TJ touchdown. “This was a great win for us. It feels nice to have a three game winning streak.  I think our team is really gaining momentum,” said Junior Linebacker Robert McMacken.

With their shutout, the Spartans also helped to continue a sad streak for the Trojans, who still have yet to score an offensive touchdown this season. Fortunately for TJ, that streak stayed intact Saturday night.

TJ’s next game will be on Saturday October 10, when they take on the Hinkley Thunderbirds. The game will start at 1:00 pm and will be played at All City Stadium.

Thu 9/03
6:00 pm     Monarch     34     Thomas Jefferson 7
(at All City Stadium)
Fri 9/11
7:00 pm     Columbine 48         Thomas Jefferson0
(at All City Stadium)
Thu 9/17
7:00 pm     Thomas Jefferson 33        Montbello 6
(at All City Stadium)
Fri 9/25
7:00 pm     Rangeview 24     Thomas Jefferson 32
(at All City Stadium)
Fri 10/02
6:00 pm     Thomas Jefferson 46     Aurora Central 0
(at Aurora Public Schools Stadium)
Sat 10/10
1:00 pm     Hinkley     Thomas Jefferson
(at All City Stadium)
Sat 10/17    1:00 pm     George Washington     Thomas Jefferson    (at All City Stadium)
Sat 10/24
12:00 pm     Thomas Jefferson     Gateway    (at Aurora Public Schools Stadium)
Fri 10/30
7:00 pm     Thomas Jefferson     Denver East    (at All City Stadium)

In front of a large homecoming crowd full of current Spartans as well as many TJ alumni, the Spartans took it to the Rangeview Raiders, winning the game 32-24. The Spartans got on the scoreboard first when Senior Running Back Matt Averyhart broke off a 60 yard touchdown scamper late in the first quarter. However, the Raiders would strike back quickly as they would return the ensuing kick off for a touchdown.

But that did not slow the Spartans down, as they continued to work hard and pound the ball with both Averyhart and Junior Jamie Redd. The pair finished with a total of five rushing touchdowns. “When we do our job, we find success much easier,” stated Fullback Valentino Lamorie.

There was also extra motivation for the Spartans because of the fact that it was homecoming, and that there was such great attendance at the game. “We came out flat in the first half but we picked it up once we realized that we could lose our homecoming game. We were not about to let that happen,” said Junior Linebacker Robert McMacken.

The Spartans played admirably and deserved the win. The team will look to build on its past two victories when they next take on the Aurora Central Trojans. The game will be on October 2 and will be played at Aurora Public Schools Stadium. The game will begin at 6:00 pm. The Spartans had their way with the Trojans last year, winning 48-3, so look for this year to be no different.

Thu 9/03
6:00 pm     Monarch     34     Thomas Jefferson 7
(at All City Stadium)
Fri 9/11
7:00 pm     Columbine 48         Thomas Jefferson0
(at All City Stadium)
Thu 9/17
7:00 pm     Thomas Jefferson 33        Montbello 6
(at All City Stadium)
Fri 9/25
7:00 pm     Rangeview 24     Thomas Jefferson 32
(at All City Stadium)
Fri 10/02
6:00 pm     Thomas Jefferson     Aurora Central
(at Aurora Public Schools Stadium)
Sat 10/10
1:00 pm     Hinkley     Thomas Jefferson
(at All City Stadium)
Sat 10/17    1:00 pm     George Washington     Thomas Jefferson    (at All City Stadium)
Sat 10/24
12:00 pm     Thomas Jefferson     Gateway    (at Aurora Public Schools Stadium)
Fri 10/30
7:00 pm     Thomas Jefferson     Denver East    (at All City Stadium)