The Rebels entered the 2026 campaign after a winless three-game stretch that left their preseason expectations in doubt. Rather than retreat, the coaching staff announced a strategic shift: the program would drop to Class 4A, a move that promises a tighter schedule but also a chance to re‑establish dominance at a new level.
A Schedule Designed to Prove Worth
Columbine will open the season on the road against Fort Collins on August 21, then confront a slate that includes several 5A powerhouses from the Southwest Metro League. Each matchup is framed as a test of whether the team can translate its historic success into the present roster.
Seniors such as defensive end Keith Fischer, tight end Conan Williams, offensive linemen Wes Barber and Josiah Ernest, and linebacker Lijah Vialpando anchor a unit that blends size with experience. Their performances are expected to set the tone for younger teammates and to keep the Rebels competitive against larger opponents.
Head coach Andy Lowry, who has steered the program for three decades and amassed six state championships, views the transition as both a professional milestone and a personal journey. Lowry, who recently mourned the loss of his wife Janet to cancer, remains committed to the “Columbine way” of playing football — a philosophy that emphasizes discipline, community and relentless effort.
Despite the challenges, Lowry’s message to the squad is clear: past accolades do not guarantee future victories, but the work ethic that built those titles can still drive success. The team’s ultimate goal is to prove its competitiveness, earn a playoff berth and restore the program’s reputation on the state stage.