Chatfield storms back after storm, loss in Fla.
LITTLETON» When Hurricane Dorian hit Florida two months ago, it left thousands of travelers stranded, including a Colorado football team.
For the Chatfield Chargers, that meant hours spent in airport lines, a canceled cruise and the headache of lost luggage — all after suffering a 20-12 loss to Florida’s Jensen Beach. But after weathering both a hurricane and a season-opening defeat, Chatfield has stormed back, building a strong case as a state title contender in Class 4A.
“We lost that game but since then our guys have responded so positively,” Chatfield head coach Bret McGatlin said. “I don’t know if it was the season’s turning point but it says something about the kids we have. We bonded really well.”
The fellowship that held Chatfield’s players together off the field has reflected in its on-field performances.
Since that opening loss back in August, Chatfield (6-1) has gone undefeated against Colorado opponents, winning six in a row, including last week’s 21-3 victory over Golden. The Chargers are now 2-0 in the Jeffco League, ranked No. 5 in the most recent CHSAANow.com poll and sit at No. 2 in the RPI.
“It (stunk),” Chatfield starting quarterback Matt Canino said of the Florida trip. “But we still found a way to have fun down there, team build and enjoy each other’s company.”
The Chargers are defined by an aggressive, hard-hitting defense and an offense that has more than a few tricks up its sleeves. Early in the win against Golden, Chatfield extended its opening scoring drive with a fake punt. Late in the game, a sweep play turned into a halfback pass that went for a touchdown to clinch the win.
It’s a continuation of the philosophies McGatlin has installed in his 13-year tenure, concepts which he originally learned under his father, legendary Colorado high school coach Don McGatlin. In addition to gadget plays, Chatfield is known to employ unusual formations and offensive packages, including its “psycho” and “speed line” offenses.
“It’s the ideas of my dad’s brain, a Hall of Fame coach, and some of my own,” McGatlin said. “They intermix with each other. What we run is ours. It’s unique and our kids love it.”
It’s an offense that requires a lot of study and practice, not to mention synchronicity and trust.
That’s something this year’s team has plenty of following all those hours spent playing cards and joking around while stuck in a Florida airport.
“We’re a brotherhood,” Canino said. “I know everybody says that and it’s kind of cliché, but we really take pride in that here. Everybody knows everything about each other, we all hang out and we take pride in each other.”