With a total of just two wins during 2015, the Aspen High School Football Skiers are ready for a comeback, this year with new coach Karson Pike. Even though their first game, Aug. 25, started with a loss to Middle Park, the Skiers hope for a better record this 2016 season.

“My goal for this season is to be the most well coached team, create a positive experience for our players and reinvigorate excitement around the football program,’’ said Pike. “Our playbooks and schemes in all three phases of the game are brand new,” he added.

The student-athletes are still learning the playbook and getting to know the new coach. They had some positive moments during the away game that opened the season, even if they lost 22-14. Junior quarterback RJ Peshek said if it weren’t for a few dropped passes and a missed block, the AHS skiers would have won.

Freshman Trey Fabrocini said he is excited to play on varsity as a running back and linebacker this season. He also agreed with Peshek about the new coach.

“Coach Pike is awesome, he brought experience to the team, which is something AHS football really needs for our coaching staff,” said Fabrocini.

Pike said he is also optimistic about the upcoming season for his first year of coaching at AHS.

“If we continue to progress like we have over last 10 practices and our game, we will win games. The biggest strength we have right now is that our team truly cares and believes in each other,” said Pike.

The Aspen Skiers play their home opener against Arvada this Friday, Sept. 2. Kick off is at 7 p.m.