Glenwood Springs High School got a massive bump to their homecoming festivities with a dominating 39-14 victory over Conifer on Friday night. 

The Demons demolished the Conifer Lobos at home, led by a five-touchdown performance by senior two-way star Mason Markovich. 

“It’s so fun to play behind such an amazing crowd,” Markovich said after the win. “Shout out to the band for coming out and playing for us; that made the atmosphere incredible. We have the best student section in the valley, and it makes being a Demon so much fun.”

Markovich entered the Demons’ homecoming game, leading the 3A Division in rushing yards (800) and touchdowns (14). Thanks to his dominating performance on Friday (210 yards, five touchdowns), he put a cavernous gap between himself and the backs chasing him. 

The holy trinity of a smothering Demons defense, a roaring Glenwood crowd, and a third first-half touchdown from Markovich seemingly ended the game before the homecoming court was announced. 

“(Mason) is a kid that picks everyone up,” Head Coach Mike West said at halftime. “He does that as a leader every game and is a spark for our offense.”

After a 0-0 first quarter, the Demons exploded for 33 points. 

On the final play of the first quarter, senior receiver Jerick Sorenson took an end around 40 yards and brought the Demons into the red zone for the first time. Markovich buried a 12-yard rush, the first of his three touchdowns in the first half. He saved the Demons’ skin on the next drive by taking a fourth and two 55 yards to the house, igniting the ‘whited-out’ Glenwood student section. 

Glenwood entered the half with a 19-0 lead behind a screaming homecoming-fueled crowd. Markovich dominated the offense, but the Glenwood defense dominated the other half of the game. They held the Lobos to no points through the first half and didn’t even let them reach the red zone. 

“Our defense is executing,” West said. “We’re playing sound, seeing our keys, and finding the ball.”

The suffocating grip of the Demons’ defense on the Lobos softened near the end of the game, but it was far too late for any Conifer fireworks. They finally reached the red zone with a minute left in the third. Markovich had already broken the plane of the endzone five times, including another 40+ yard rushing touchdown. 

“We really came together as a team, I think it showed,” Markovich said after the 39-14 victory. “It’s been my goal all season to come out full speed and play with nothing to lose. It’s my senior year. I’m excited for the rest of the season and everything else to come.”

The Demons improved to 4-2 after the homecoming win, giving them a momentum boost as they prepare for their first league matchup of 2024. Glenwood hosts the Eagle Valley Devils on Thursday, Oct. 10 for the Demons’ senior night.