Noah Chapala (‘27) and Ethan Elmore (‘27) have a combined 12 touchdowns. Photo courtesy of football videographer Jacoby Kaker.

The Mavericks’ home opener for the football season was electric. The crowd was energetic as the Mavericks’ herd took the field in their black uniforms. The black uniforms are only worn for special occasions such as the homecoming game. The tradition of football in the Mead community held strong to start the year.

On the opening kickoff, Cooper Modrzejewski (‘28) took the ball 95 yards off the bounce for an early touchdown. This was not his only huge return of the night, as he would later return one for 45 yards. Modrzejewski was not the only returner that had an impact, as Breckan Palko (‘26) returned a punt for 30 yards to give the Mavericks the ball in the red zone. Field position made a big difference for the offense, as their job was much easier this week.

The first offensive drive took only three plays. There were big plays on every single down on this drive. Griffin Kratochvil (‘26) had a 33-yard touchdown run for the first offensive touchdown of the night. It just happened to be his birthday, and he was gifted a touchdown by his offensive line.

The defense was looking to continue the shutout streak to three games, which would be a school record. The defense started the night with two three-and-outs. On the second punt, the ball was snapped over the punter’s head and kicked out the back of the end zone for a safety. The offense would take over again.

This drive was much different than the last. There were no big plays, and it was a long, sustained drive. On the 12th play of the drive, Ryan St. Aubin (‘26) took a jet sweep eight yards and into the end zone. The first quarter would end with a 23-0 lead for the Mavericks.

The short field of the next offensive drive, due to a punt return, led to a seven-yard touchdown run for Ethan Elmore (‘27). His second touchdown run of the night was even better as he ran for ten yards and through contact to score.

Greeley West was still looking for a first down as they approached 4th and short. They went for a quarterback sneak, but were stuffed by the front seven of the Mavericks. The short field set up an Elmore to Jack Rogowski (‘28) 14-yard touchdown connection. It was Rogowski’s first touchdown as a varsity player.

The Mavericks earned a running clock after Elmore’s second touchdown run, with seven minutes left in the first half. The Spartans finally got a first down with three minutes left in the first half, but couldn’t finish the drive after the quarterback was sacked by Jackson Shields (‘28). The lead was 43-0 heading into halftime.

The Spartans would score their first touchdown on their first possession after halftime. Jax Lamb (‘28) had a 40-yard touchdown run down the sideline for their only points on the night.

Many players were able to see the field, and many took advantage of the opportunity. Isaac Sword (‘26) found a wide-open Santi Lara (‘27) for a 15-yard touchdown. Cael Michaelis (‘28) also took advantage with many tough runs, including a 13-yard score. The Spartans’ offense bobbled the snap on the next possession, and Elijah Sigg (‘28) recovered his second fumble of the year.

The clock hit zero and the scoreboard read 55-6. The defense gave up its first points of the season, and the offense continued its groove. The Mavericks will head to Monument as they take on Lewis Palmer next week. The Rangers are currently 2-2 after tough losses to Palmer Ridge and Holy Family.