Head coach for the Norwood Mavericks Brad Campbell told the Forum last week that their post-season game versus Simla would be a good one, and that the team is coached by one of the best in eight-man football, David Guy. But on their own turf and with approximately 300 fans cheering them on, Norwood persevered and got the job done, winning in double overtime Nov. 8.
The guys were down in the fourth quarter, losing by 16 points. The Mavericks then scored 16 unanswered points and tied the game at 30. Next, Simla kicked a field goal to win, and Norwood blocked it as time expired, sending the game into overtime.
In the first overtime, both teams scored once.
In the second overtime, Simla scored, but Norwood stopped their two-point conversion. Then, Norwood scored and got their two-point conversion.
“The energy of the guys never quit,” Campbell said. “They fought until the game was over. It was remarkable to see them rally and finish.”
Campbell said Simla really is a great team with a great coach. He said he feels he honestly got out-coached. He said the Mavericks fell behind, and Simla’s game plan was very good. Still Campbell said he remained confident. Part of it comes from playing the sport. He’s been there before personally, and he knows what can happen.
“I had all the faith in the world,” he said, “but they were a good opponent.”
There are no districts or regionals in football for Colorado. Now, the Mavericks advance in the quarterfinals, and there are only eight teams left.
What’s next?
The guys head to McClave, Colo. Coach said for those whho don’t know, it’s actually closer to Oklahoma than Pueblo, Colo. — “way over there.”
The team will likely travel Friday and play a 1 p.m. game on Saturday.
McClave is the No. 3 seed and undefeated. Coach said they beat Simla by 50 points earlier this season. According to him, though, it’s a matter of match-ups. He said with Simla, they had a center who was 6’9” and 350 pounds. They also had a wide receiver 6’6” who could jump. Norwood doesn’t have that height, and it gave them some trouble. Campbell said McClave will be a different type of opponent.
“They like to be powerful, and so do we,” he said. “Simla played a style we struggle with.”
Campbell said he’s grateful for community support, the fans that showed up to cheer on the guys. He said the crowd was huge, and many got onto the field after the win. He said it made for some meaningful moments. He said it definitely meant a lot to the graduating seniors.
He thinks some will travel to McClave in support of Maverick football this week, but he knows it’s a long way.
Right now, he agreed there’s a lot of positivity building in the school community. The school bond passed Nov. 4, and people are celebrating that win. On top of that, football is having one of its best seasons in nearly a decade.
“The energy in the community is phenomenal,” he said.
Coach was hesitant to focus on applauding any one player after Saturday’s game.
“That was such an incredible team win,” he said.
The public can watch Saturday’s game through livestream by visiting the National Federation of State High Schools Association (NFHS) and creating an account.
