RANGELY I Even though the Panthers didn’t win a game, they had some outstanding individual performances.
Rangely finished the football season with an 0-9 record, but senior running back/linebacker Cole Barlow’s efforts were noticed by opposing Western Slope League coaches, who named him to the all-conference first team.
Coach Tim Galloway said Barlow was deserving of the honor.
“Oh, he was by far our best player,” Galloway said. “He deserved it (being named all-conference). It was well earned. He played his heart out all season.”
At the team’s end-of-the-season banquet Tuesday, Barlow received more honors. He was named the team’s defensive most valuable player and winner of the big heart award.
Other award winners included: Kody Denny, offensive MVP; Tobie Gasper, special teams MVP; and Chas Byerly and Colton Coombs shared most-improved honors.
Galloway also thanked community members for their support, including: Dr. Chris Adams for serving as the team doctor for games; Gary Denny, Paul Fortunato, Andy Shaffer, Wes Torsell and Tim Webber (chain gang); Rodger Polley (gold cards); Doretta Barlow and Jeff Rector for feeding the team on game days and setting up for the banquet; Alicia Cushman for taking care of the grounds; and Jeff Heinle, Jeff LeBleu and Crandal Mergelman for announcing and spotting.