Through the first 12 weeks of its 2021 season, Limon football was untouchable. That, of course, was par for the course for a program that has won the most state football championships in Colorado history at 20.

Centauri, however, had other plans when it came down to the Badgers earning state crown No. 21. 

The contentious, back-and-forth Class 1A state championship contest that ended with the third quarter tied at 21 apiece broke toward Centauri in the end, thanks to a late field goal last November. The Badgers chalked the runner-up finish to a breakdown on special teams.

“I’d say that we just have to work a little harder, focus on the things that we didn’t do too well last season that led to that loss,” senior tackle Kaden Becker said.

The Badgers, of course, will look a bit different this year after the exit of quarterback Trey Hines and eight other seniors. The team excels more on the run, collecting 4,108 yards last year compared to Hines’ 945 passing, but it returns one of its top rushers with senior running back Gabe Schubarth.

“I kind of have to step up and be that leader for the younger running backs,” he said.

The Badgers are committed to another title-winning campaign since the moment they stepped off the field against Centauri and that dedication shone through in the high turnout in the weight room during the offseason.

That last-minute loss proved to be quite the motivating factor.

“It gives you that hunger to go back and be that state champion and that’s the expectation,” head coach Mike O’Dwyer said. “Each group of kids is a little bit different and how they respond. … Going into this year, I’m really excited about this group of kids. 

“We have a saying every year through this year. It’s ‘earn it.’ These kids, to get over that hump, to get back to being a state champion, I feel like we’re going to have to earn that. The work that we’ve put in so far this year, we’ve had a great turnout in the weight room, and then with the first two weeks of practice, I’m really pleased with where our kids are right now.”

The Badgers begin their road to another state title on Friday night when they host Florence for a 7 p.m. kickoff.