Longmont High School's football team showcased an exciting family duo on Friday night in their 48-28 victory over Skyline at Everly-Montgomery Field. Joey Foot, a standout player since his freshman year, introduced a powerful addition to the Trojans' lineup: his younger brother, Jacob Foot. As a freshman wide receiver, Jacob blazed through Skyline's defense, racking up a staggering 278 yards and three touchdowns. Before even scoring, he amassed an impressive 108 yards with long runs and catches, setting the tone early in the game. His 71-yard run and a 50-yard reception from senior quarterback Kolby Holmes underscored the explosive talents of the Foot brothers, who troubled Skyline's defense throughout the matchup.
Reflecting on his experience, Jacob expressed admiration for his older brother, noting Joey's leadership and the joy of playing alongside him. It's clear the siblings' synergy bolstered Longmont's performance, contributing significantly to their success. Joey Foot concluded the game with 142 yards and two touchdowns, while quarterback Holmes complemented their efforts with 168 passing yards and four touchdown throws. On the opposing side, Skyline's junior quarterback Servando Morales emerged as a key player, producing much of the team's offense. Morales passed for 176 yards, ran for another 155 yards, and added a rushing touchdown to his tally, providing a glimmer of hope for a team that remains winless under first-year coach Justin Vogt.
Coach Vogt remarked on the team's journey, emphasizing foundational skills like ball handling and tackling, crucial elements to their developmental phase. The game began on a rocky note for Longmont when a fumble at the 1-yard line denied them an early touchdown. However, they rebounded quickly with a forced fumble and recovery, establishing their defensive presence. Both teams committed three turnovers each in the first half, with Longmont capitalizing the most. Their offensive prowess was evident when Ben Starkel scored off a 12-yard run at the first quarter's end, followed by subsequent touchdowns that included a remarkable contribution from Logan Johnson, turning a fumble recovery into a 50-yard score in under a minute.
By halftime, Longmont had secured a substantial 27-6 lead. Despite Skyline's efforts to narrow the gap early in the third quarter with a dramatic 40-yard pass and two-point conversion orchestrated by Morales and Johnny McCray, Longmont domineered the field. Joey Foot's additional two-yard touchdown after a steady drive underscored their dominance. With a current 2-6 record, Longmont's sights are set on progressing through CHSAA’s Class 4A playoff selection and seeding. Motivated by the strength of their schedule, head coach Doug Johnson remains optimistic about their playoff qualifications. Conversely, Skyline will continue seeking their first season victory amid their ongoing development and identifying areas for consistent improvement. The thrilling competition between Longmont and Skyline has much to teach both teams as they aspire to stronger finishes this season.
