Under the bright lights of Gilpin County Stadium, the Elite 8-Man All-State Football Game brought together the best senior players from across Colorado, pitting the North team against the South in a battle that would go down to the final whistle. The North squad struck first, capitalizing on a 46-yard touchdown run by Elijah Martin, but the South answered with a powerful rush from Derreck Buford that tied the game. In a tightly contested second half, the North added a 1-yard touchdown and a safety to pull ahead, ultimately sealing a 24-20 victory. Jakzon Livesay of the North and Matteo Moltrer of the South were named co-MVPs, each embodying the skill and sportsmanship that defined the evening.
Honoring Legends of the Game
The contest was also a tribute to the pioneers who shaped Colorado's football heritage. Six distinguished figures were inducted into the Colorado 8-Man Hall of Fame, including Steve Vosburg, who captured four state championships at Otis High School; Joe Sisneros, a three-time championship coach at the Colorado Deaf and Blind School; Dick Teecher, celebrated for an 80% winning record at Wiley and McClave; Brian Helton, a prolific passer with 7,800 career yards and two Super Bowl rings as a punter; Kevin Shaffer, whose four-decade career as a high school sports announcer has become a fixture in the state's sports culture; and Alfred Montez, the 1989 Player of the Year who led his team to a championship. Their legacies were woven into the night's narrative, reminding current athletes of the rich tradition they now join.
Among the standout performers, Landon Church distinguished himself with the most interceptions in the league and the second-most in the state for 2025, while Ben Bushey anchored the North's offensive line as a pulling guard for the Gilpin Eagles. Jacob Jones dominated the passing game, topping the league in both passing yards and all-purpose yards, and Nathan Guerrero emerged as the league's leading rusher, earning Academic All-State honors for his excellence on and off the field. Their contributions highlighted the depth of talent that the All-State showcase continues to attract each year.
The event also served as a gathering point for coaches, families, and community leaders, including announcer Kevin Shaffer, who has chronicled Colorado high school sports for four decades. Their presence underscored the collective pride in nurturing athletic excellence and academic achievement. As the night concluded, the blend of fierce competition, historic recognition, and emerging stars painted a vivid picture of a football culture that remains vibrant and forward‑looking, promising many more memorable contests for fans across the state.