The Broncos celebrate the return of high school football this season

In towns across Colorado, the Broncos will be a festival-like atmosphere to add even more excitement to the return of Friday night lights

BY JAMES MERILATT

Sep 2, 2021, 4:58 PM Updated: 5:17 pm

Follow on Google News

Watch: Nuggets trade Watson — Is the Championship window closing? | Stokley and Evans with Mark Schlereth | 9 mins

The Denver Broncos “High School Game of the Week” program, presented by Children’s Hospital Colorado and Ford Motor Company, returns this season. It will once again support Colorado high schools at the smaller classifications, highlighting those who play in CHSAA 6-man to 2A football.

The first featured Game of the Week has a special Broncos connection. When Wiggins hosts Valley on Thursday, Sept. 2, in Wiggins, Colo. (7:00 p.m.) Denver’s starting left guard, Dalton Risner, a Wiggins alumnus, will have his jersey retired by the school during a halftime ceremony.

But that won’t be on the only special night. Throughout the season, the Broncos will turn high school games into classic, small-town fun.

Fans attending featured games will have the opportunity to meet Denver Broncos Alumni, Denver Broncos Cheerleaders, Miles the Mascot and take photos with the Super Bowl trophies. In addition, all participating schools will receive a $1,000 equipment grant and a video message from a Broncos player wishing the team best of luck.

“We’re so excited to bring back the ‘High School Game of the Week’ this season and reunite with towns and programs growing the game of football at the high school level,” Broncos director of youth and high school football Bobby Mestas said. “High school football is a big part of the Colorado community, and the Broncos are looking forward to making those games special for players, coaches and fans.”

Here is the complete 2021 “High School Game of the Week” schedule:

Thursday, Sept. 2
Wiggins vs. Valley
Wiggins, Colo.

Friday, Sept. 10
Limon vs. Strasburg
Limon, Colo.

Friday, Sept. 24
Eaton vs. Faith Christian
Eaton, Colo.

Friday, Oct. 8
Merino vs. Akron
Merino, Colo.

Friday, Oct. 15
Fleming vs. Prairie
Fleming, Colo.

For those who love high school sports, with a little Americana thrown in, these are must-attend events. Be sure to check out Colorado’s version of “Friday night lights.”