Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — One has to appreciate coach Lonn Clementson’s enthusiasm.

The second-year Steamboat Springs High School football coach thought his team could win its first three games, all of which were against schools ranked in the top 10 of their respective classifications.

Clementson is similarly optimistic about Friday’s matchup, and for good reason. The 7 p.m. game at Eagle Valley provides perhaps the Sailors' best chance yet at a win.

“I sense our guys believe that they can win it,” Clementson said. “The last three we went in thinking would could win. You never go in thinking we can’t win.”

With the Devils, the Sailors (0-3) find a team in a similar position.

Eagle Valley enters the game at 0-2 having lost to Coal Ridge and Summit. In its last game, a 28-12 loss, Eagle Valley had a chance in the fourth quarter but couldn’t capitalize against Summit.

Still, Clementson said he knows he will get a well-coached, disciplined Devils team.

“My understanding is they are as junior-dominated as we are,” said Clementson, whose team has been outscored 148-19 this season. “With (Eagle Valley) coach (John) Ramunno, he believes in what he is doing.”

Despite the lopsided scores, Steamboat has been competitive in the first quarter of two of its games. Trying to find consistency in the following three quarters is what Clementson is looking for.

“Consistency is one of the things we’ve failed to do in both halves,” Clementson said. “We’ve started out fairly well in every first quarter. But it’s getting to halftime playing well instead of letting adversity get the best of us.”

Friday’s trip already is kinder to Steamboat than the previous ones were. Steamboat has traveled to Olathe and Montrose, so the short trip to Gypsum should be a welcome sight for a Sailors team eager for a win.

— To reach Luke Graham, call 970-871-4229 or email lgraham@SteamboatToday.com