After a year-long hiatus, the Roaring Fork High School varsity football team is making a comeback. The varsity program, which was shelved last year due to a lack of players, is back on the field with renewed energy, despite a lean roster of 35 players for both the junior varsity and varsity teams. 

Roaring Fork’s varsity program was disbanded for the 2023 season, leading six key players to make their way to Glenwood Springs High School. Among them were then juniors Hunter Noll, Balaram Koss and Zack Bollock, along with former seniors Max Bollock, Nick Smith and Brooks Chatman. Now seniors, Noll and Koss have returned to Roaring Fork to contribute to their home team, while Zack Bollock has opted to stay with Glenwood Springs for his senior season.

“We feel really good about the 35 players we have, but managing two teams with that number is definitely a challenge,” head coach Scott Noll said. “It’s important to maintain a JV team so that freshmen and sophomores get the experience they need.”

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The Rams have been working hard to strike a balance between their varsity and JV squads. Scott Noll emphasized the importance of giving younger players opportunities to compete against teams at their level, ensuring their growth and development for future seasons.

“It’s worth the work,” Scott Noll said. “We’re committed to giving these kids the experience they deserve.”

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Koss, a returning senior, is particularly excited about the upcoming season. 

“Glenwood had more players and more options, but coming back to Roaring Fork feels right,” Koss said. “We’ve got a good chance of winning some games this year.”

Koss is not the only one who’s optimistic. Newcomers like senior Drake Cornett, who is playing football for the first time, are also hopeful about the season.

“It’s tougher than I expected, but the support from my teammates has kept me going,” Cornett said. “We may have a smaller roster, but we’re ready to give it our all.”

Cornett, who also wrestles for the combined Basalt High team while also training in Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu, decided to join the team after being encouraged by his classmates for years. Now, he’s fully committed to helping the Rams succeed on the field, even as he adjusts to the new demands of football.

Despite the challenges, Noll is confident in his team’s ability to compete. 

“Our goal is to make the playoffs,” Scott Noll said. “We’ve worked hard on our non-league schedule, and I think we’re set up for some wins. If we can carry that momentum into our league games, we’ll be in a good position.”

The Rams are aware of the uphill battle they face with a smaller roster, but the team’s camaraderie and determination are stronger than ever. Koss, reflecting on the bond he’s seen among his teammates, believes that this year’s squad has something special. 

“We all want it more than I’ve seen in past years,” Koss said. “This group is different. We’re working together as a team.”

As the season approaches, the Rams are focused on their ultimate goal: making the playoffs. For seniors like Koss and Cornett, it’s a chance to leave their mark on Roaring Fork football and inspire future players. 

“Making the playoffs would be a dream come true,” Koss said. “It would mean everything to us, and it would be incredible for the community too.”

The Rams will open their season on Aug. 30 when they travel to face off against the Ellicott Thunderhawks.