AURORA – Buena Vista, 1A state semifinalists in 2024, is off to a 3-0 start following last weekend’s 37-27 victory at Centauri.

For his efforts, Matt Flavin has been recognized as CHSAA’s Broncos Tackle Football Coach of the Week.
 
Throughout the season, a Broncos Coach of the Week will be named each week for both tackle football and flag football. Then, at every Broncos home game this season, during a pregame, on-field recognition ceremony, the Denver Broncos will celebrate a group of the Coach of the Week honorees.

Q&A with Buena Vista High School Head Coach Matt Flavin

What is the most rewarding part of coaching for you, especially in a setting like Buena Vista?

I would say it’s seeing someone come out for football who you wouldn’t normally expect to play, and then seeing how successful they can become not just in the sport, but in how football becomes a big part of their life. For me, it’s not always about the stars or the players you see in the papers or scoring touchdowns. It’s about the kids who quietly put in four years of commitment and staying loyal to the team. Finding a place for every player to contribute, honoring their hard work and dedication, that’s been a cornerstone of our program. That kind of loyalty builds character and strengthens our team culture.

How would you describe your coaching style, and what experiences or mentors shaped the way you lead?

I coach the way I do because of all the experiences I’ve had in my life. My style is constantly evolving with every new experience. Not all of them have been positive, but each has shaped me into a better person. I hope that by learning and growing myself, I can help others strive to better themselves, and also positively impact the people around them.

This is your ninth season as the head coach at Buena Vista. What has been the biggest challenge that you’ve encountered in building and sustaining a successful program in Central Colorado?

One of the biggest challenges is making the right choices and doing things the right way, rather than just chasing wins at all costs. For me, it’s important to be able to lay my head down at night knowing we did the right thing, rather than taking shortcuts or making decisions just because they might give us an advantage. Coaching isn’t just about winning; it’s about doing things the right way.
Looking at your roster, who are the top leaders you’ll be leaning on this season, and which players have really stepped up to surprise you so far?
I’ll stick with the team perspective. Our senior group is especially important this year with every senior leaving their mark on the program in a positive way. This class has had its growing pains, but something is clicking right now. I don’t want to single anyone out because leadership has been a group effort. The seniors have stepped up to support each other, lift each other up after mistakes, and set an example for the younger players. I’ve been really proud of how they’ve matured between their junior and senior years.
 
Last year you had an amazing run going 9-3 with a 5-0 record in your league and finishing as a semifinalist in the playoffs. What do you think made that group so special, and how are you looking to carry that momentum into this season?

I think the senior group started to mature through the season, realizing that their personal goals weren’t more important than the team’s goals. Early in the season, there may have been pressure to outshine each other, but toward the end, they started coming together as a team. They’ve learned to overcome adversity, which started last year and has carried over into this season. That growth and teamwork are what make this group special.
Buena Vista has consistently been one of the strongest programs in 1A. How do you handle the pressure to maintain that level while dealing with challenges like limited roster size and depth?
Pressure is something you naturally feel, but I think the key is remembering why kids play football. A few years back, we did a survey and the top answer was always “to have fun.” As coaches, we sometimes forget that. We try to make sure the kids enjoy themselves — for example, during our bye week, we take them to Mount Princeton Hot Springs for a little pool party. Those are the memories they’ll remember 20 years from now, not the wins or losses, but the fun experiences and relationships built along the way. We have to step back and remember that football is about more than just winning championships.

In your time there, you’ve led the Demons to multiple deep playoff runs. Looking back, is there a particular game or season that stands out as a defining moment for this program?

It’s really hard to pick just one because each season is unique; it could be a rivalry game, a state championship, or even a preseason scrimmage. Coaching is an emotional roller coaster. Some days you feel like you’re doing everything right, other days you question whether you’re connecting with the kids. Beyond the games, coaching is about relationships — helping players with homework, giving rides, and supporting them in ways no one sees. And I couldn’t do it without our assistant coaches. This program succeeds because of a team effort, on and off the field.

When you think about the future of Buena Vista football, what kind of legacy do you want this program and your players to carry on?

I want people to know that we did things the right way. This program is about everyone involved: the coaches, the players, the community. I want it to be “our team,” not “my team.” The focus is on doing things correctly, supporting each other, and leaving the program in a strong place for the next group of kids. That’s the legacy I hope we carry forward.