For the second consecutive week, the AHS Skiers won a high-scoring football game. On Sept. 1, it was a blowout, with the Skiers taking down Arvada by a score of 44-0. That comes on the heels of an exciting home opener on Aug. 25, when AHS beat Middle Park by a score of 80-50.

Senior quarterback R.J. Peshek scored a record breaking eight touchdowns, leading the Skiers to an auspicious win. The Aug. 25 game “was crazy. Words can’t really explain it,” said Peshek.

After  a disappointment of only two wins last year to the season opening, near record setting game (see related story),  the Skiers’ new mindset was obvious to the crowd and their offensive line was strong. Junior Noah Hollander, wide receiver and cornerback, made several kickoff returns and showed how hard the team worked during the off-season.

“It was a great example of the improvement for our team, we were all much more comfortable playing with Coach Pike’s offense and it really showed on the field,” Hollander said.

Karson Pike, head coach, said he was pleased with the results of the first game which transferred to the next game as well.

“ I think that our boys will have an easy time building on the momentum – we need to make sure that they are not over-confident and looking past our next game,” Pike said.

Hollander, said the program is coming together this year.

“The team loves Coach Pike, he is really helping us to become better men,” Hollander said.

Pike said what has made a huge difference this season is the “team chemistry.”

“We have spent a lot of time talking on quality leadership and program buy in. When teams play for and with each other great things can happen.  They have also gained a better understanding of our offensive and defensive schemes,” said Pike.

Tight end and and defensive end, Trey Thorpe, explained that although the offensive line was  played well, their defensive line needs more attention.

“Defensively we could use some work, but our offense was incredible and we executed everything just like we have been practicing,” Thorpe said. On Sept. 1 against Arvada, they held the opponents to no scores.

Coach Pike agreed that the areas in need of most improvement are on defense, specifically, tackling and defeating blocks.

“We also need to improve our special teams units,” he said.

Thorpe feels confident that AHS is off to a good start and that the season will produce much better results than last year.

“No promises but we definitely have the potential to go over .500 and maybe even better. Our group of guys have a lot of talent,” said Thorpe.

The Aspen Skiers will be traveling to Cedaredge on Sept. 8 and will be back home on Oct. 6 against the rival Basalt Longhorns.