Eaton High School football has always been known as one of the best programs in the state. With four state championships in the last 25 years — including three in a row — Eaton football has always had a big target on its back. But after some key players graduated in recent years, many started to wonder if the program was starting to struggle.
When Head Coach Zac Lemon stepped down to become the new Athletic Director, Assistant Coach Cameron Stewart took over the team. Since Lemon left after their 2022 state championship win, the program has faced some tough challenges. Eaton lost a few games before making it to the state semifinals in 2023, where they fell to Rifle, and then lost again in the semifinals to Wellington next year. Coach Cameron Stewart said, “Anything kind of short of that state title is a disappointment. Even though wins and losses matter, we care about that major thing.”
This year, the Reds have a very tough schedule, but they are aiming high and working harder than ever. After losing their first game of the season at home to The Classical Academy, 34-17, the team didn’t let that stop them. Instead, it made them want to work even harder and prove what they can really do.
They came back strong with three straight wins. First, they beat Pueblo Central 18-14, a game many thought they would lose. Then they crushed Platte Valley 40-7 and shut out Fort Morgan 41-0. Stewart said, “I don’t know if we hear all the negativity, but we just know we got really good players. And so every year we just continue to reload.”
On Oct. 3, they faced their long-time rival, University High School, in their homecoming game. With the stands packed and the crowd cheering loudly, the Reds showed everyone the hard work they put in behind the scenes and won 35-21.
But the season is far from over. The next four games will be some of the toughest the Reds have faced. They will play Resurrection Christian on Oct. 10, followed by last year’s state runner-up, Wellington. Then they will take on the 2-3 Valley Vikings, and finish the regular season at home against Berthoud in October.
The Eaton football program has a tough road ahead, but they have the grit and heart the team is known for. Senior Max Blaskowski said, “ It doesn’t really affect us much what people say because we know what we have and we know what we can be.” They will keep fighting to prove everyone wrong.
