The stalwart
Tigers fueled by recent success on the gridiron
Erie quarterback Blake Barnett can’t recount the number of times he’s replayed last year’s state title game in his head.
One of the state’s greatest football championships, played between the Tigers and Chatfield at Empower Field at Mile High last December, had everything a fan and competitor could want. Or, maybe even more to the point, could handle.
Big plays, lead changes — the game’s fate wouldn’t be decided until 11 seconds left in regulation. Not from the arm of Barnett,
though (the Tigers’ ultimate playmaker who’d often made the spectacular look routine), but that of Chargers QB Jake Jones, who tossed a 32-yard TD to tight end Drew Rohlman for the win. It still stings, Barnett said. “Personally, I think about that game every day and night,” the QB said of Erie’s 41-34 Class 4A title game loss. “I don’t know if I’ll be able to get over that game.”
The lip-puckering truth is the Tigers’ lone loss of the season may for many seem to loom larger than their previous 13 straight wins. Negative bias after all is bred in the athletic arena where losses hurt more than victories bring joy.
The bigger picture is often harder to find in defeat. With the gift of time passed, though, Erie’s 2021 will also be remembered as it should. Spectacular.
It paved the way for a bright future ahead — as much so as any 4A program in the state. Below are a few things to know about Erie in 2022.
Barnett. The showstopper has already said enough with his dazzling play on the field. Kid’s a winner.
As of now, Barnett is a threestar recruit per 247Sports and is Colorado’s top 2024 prospect. After one year starting, he proved to be one of the high school game’s
ERIE FOOTBALL » PAGE 5