Last week, Brad Campbell, who is head coach for the combined Norwood football team also made up of Nucla players, was astounded to find out he’d been named Denver Broncos High School Tackle Football Coach of the Week. He received a call from the Colorado High School Activities Association’s (CHSAA) commissioner, letting him know he’d been picked. The Broncos recognize one flag football and one tackle football coach weekly.
The CHSAA commissioner reported that opposing schools, other school staff and administration, plus officials on the field, have been discussing not only what a great team the Norwood Mavericks are, but also how classy and respectful they conduct themselves too. Campbell was informed the Mavericks are an example to be followed.
He admitted he was indeed blown away by the award, and he is a big fan of Broncos coaches Sean Payton and Vance Joseph.
Yes, the Maverick players were ecstatic, and had various congratulations for Campbell. Many community members have reached out as well.
“It’s really a cool thing to be a part of,” he told the Forum in an interview Nov. 1.
He agreed it was also a great boost heading into the Oct. 30 football game, and said any type of positive energy helps momentum. The Mavericks went to Sanford last Friday with the league championship on the line.
According to Campbell, it’s been approximately 10 years since Norwood won the mountain league division. He said it was a good game against a good team, and the Norwood guys were able to finish against a high-quality opponent.
Campbell added it might be 10 years since Norwood has even won a game on that field.
Norwood took the league championship, 28-24, and coach said a few highlights did stand out. That includes a broken play, where the Mavericks fumbled, but Jackson McCabe picked up the ball, got around the end, and he then threw around the top of the defense to Austin Garvey, close to 50 yards. The other was Daniel Zunich with a long touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
“Those two plays helped swing the momentum,” he said.
And, in the third quarter, there was a huge goal line stand, the defense stepped up, and the Mavericks kept Sanford from punching into the end zone.
Now 8-1, what’s next for Norwood is hosting Front Range Christian on Saturday at 1 p.m. Coach is still learning about the team himself. It’s a private school in Littleton, and the No. 11 seed.
Norwood is going into the game No. 6 in the bracket.
The Mavericks are feeling good, coach said, and recovering from some injuries a few weeks ago. He said the feeling is good for the playoff run.
With 15 seniors on the team, Campbell said it’s true that they want to make the most of it. He tells them, “You never know when you’ll play your last snap. Leave your best effort on the field.”
He invites all in the community to come to Saturday’s game.
“Support the boys,” he said. “They’re a group worth watching.”
