EPMS News

The middle school football team wrapped up its season last weekend with a hard-fought 24-20 loss to the Merino Rams. The Bobcats finished the season with a respectable 4-4 record after going winless the previous season, marking a significant turnaround for the program.

The Bobcats faced a 24-6 deficit at halftime but battled back with a strong second-half effort. Jack Banker and Theodore Romig led the Bobcats through the air, while Thomas Cousineau and Jonathan Elkinton provided a strong rushing attack.

Estes Park nearly completed the comeback with a game-winning drive in the final minute. A trick play from Banker to Romig came just inches from finding Boone Oberg, who was unable to make the catch off his fingertips. The Bobcats were understandably disappointed after fighting so hard to battle their way back into the game.

The season marked an important step forward for the program, with the Bobcats establishing a new standard and building a strong foundation for the future.

A special thank-you goes to the team’s 8th graders, who helped set that new standard: Thomas Cousineau, Jonathan Elkinton, Sam Layton, Izaiah Nagl, Elijah Nelson, Henry Newhouse, Boone Oberg, Will O’Brien, Theodore Romig and David Rubio.

The program also extends its appreciation to head coach Nathan Harger and assistant coaches Nathan Davis, Austin Cummins, Tom Cousineau and Thomas Doherty for their commitment throughout the season. Sabrina Davis served as the team coordinator and was instrumental in keeping everything together, while David Thomas was the team’s hydration hero, helping keep the Bobcats going strong throughout the season.

Coach Harger reflected on the season, saying, “We did not get all of the wins we wanted, but we sure fought hard every bit of the way. At no time did we ever give up. What a great group of athletes, coaches and parents!”

The 2026 middle school football season may have ended with a tough loss, but the Bobcats finished with a 4-4 record, a renewed sense of pride and a program that is heading in a positive direction.

Preview photo by Beautyseeker Photography