Fans Rally Behind Fall Stars; Prospects Look Good for Future State Titles
Trevor Phipps
Photos By Paul Magnuson
Woodland Park Panther sports enthusiasts were overjoyed this fall as their regular athletic season excitingly extended into November, showcasing post-season performances by both the boys’ football and soccer teams.
Despite the lofty aspirations of their devoted fans, both Panther teams narrowly missed bringing home a coveted state championship. Still, the athletes’ remarkable achievements during the season were evident, with many local stars poised to pursue their athletic careers beyond high school.
As both teams conclude their remarkable seasons, this moment is perfect to revisit their successes and highlight some key moments.
Panther Football Team Loses Heartbreaker at Home
The Panther football team made history by achieving their first-ever undefeated regular season, an extraordinary feat that dazzled fans and pundits alike. They triumphed over formidable opponents, defeating the 11th-ranked Colorado Springs Christian School Lions and the 4th-ranked Lamar Thunder, showcasing their impressive skill and determination.
Despite their flawless record, the Panthers were controversially assigned a 7th seed in Class 2A football, attributed to a perceived softer schedule compared to the competition. This seeding placed them against the formidable Sterling Tigers in the first round of the playoffs, setting the stage for a thrilling contest against one of the state’s elite teams.
Marking a significant milestone, the Panthers earned the honor to host their first playoff game since 2000. Unfortunately, an unexpected storm dropped two feet of snow on the field, leading to the game being postponed from Saturday to Sunday. With a fired-up crowd expecting a showcase of talent, the Panthers entered the game with enthusiasm. However, the Tigers’ explosive offense quickly proved challenging, shifting momentum away from the Panthers.
Although the Panthers were the first to score, the momentum soon tilted in favor of Sterling, compounded by misfortune and controversial calls that saw critical plays reversed by penalties. Sterling maintained a sufficient lead in the closing minutes, ultimately resisting a valiant late-game drive from the Panthers. Despite scoring a touchdown in the final moments, a failed onside kick sealed their fate, resulting in a heartbreaking 33-31 defeat and the end of their remarkable 2024 season.
Nonetheless, several players delivered standout performances throughout the year. Enthusiastic local supporters might soon see some of the Panther stars gracing college football fields or even NFL games in the future.
The Panthers’ star quarterback, Marqus Schoenberger, who aspires to continue playing football at the collegiate level, enjoyed a standout season. He ranked among the top 15 in four statistical categories across Colorado Class 2A football, finishing with impressive numbers that included 916 passing yards, 88 total points, 14 touchdowns, and cumulative yardage of 1,583 yards.
Senior Parker Shreeve, who is targeting a spot on the University of Northern Colorado team, similarly delivered an outstanding season as a versatile player contributing on offense, defense, and special teams. Averaging eight tackles per game, Shreeve recorded 11 touchdowns, five sacks, and 386 total yards from kickoff and punt returns, showcasing his multifaceted skills.
Defensively, Matteo Pizarro, who possesses remarkable strength with a near-total lift of 1,500 pounds, was instrumental. He amassed six sacks, forced four fumbles, and recovered three fumbles, truly embodying a key defensive presence.
Looking ahead, the Panther football team faces the challenge of losing several senior players to graduation. However, with promising talent emerging from a championship middle school team, fans can anticipate continued success for Panther football in the seasons to come.
Soccer Team Eliminated During Quarterfinals
Similarly, the Panther soccer team enjoyed their record-breaking season despite falling short of the state championship. This year marked only the second time in school history that the team has hosted a playoff game, following their historic success last season.
On Halloween, the team faced the No. 26-ranked Basalt team, triumphantly winning their first-ever postseason match with a score of 3-1. Following this historic victory, the Panthers hosted their second playoff match, which coincided with a frigid Election Night. In a nail-biting encounter, the Panthers prevailed, winning 4-3 in brutal conditions.
Next, the Panthers were set to confront the formidable Jefferson Academy Jaguars on the road, but a heavy snowstorm forced the quarterfinals match to be rescheduled to Veterans Day afternoon. Unfortunately, the Jaguars, who were ranked second in the state, proved too strong, defeating the Panthers 5-0.
Although the Panthers’ season concluded with this loss, they can celebrate their most successful season in the school’s history, with several athletes achieving impressive statistics as they look forward to potential collegiate careers.
Senior forward Silas Koelewijn enjoyed a remarkable season, landing in the top three statistical categories within their 3A Tri-Peaks league. Specifically, he achieved second place with 32 total points, second with 13 goals, and third with six assists.
Junior midfielder Jamie Urban was also pivotal to the Panthers’ offensive success, ranking first in the 3A Tri-Peaks league with an impressive tally of 10 assists alongside six goals, totaling 22 points with an average of 0.6 assists per match.
Additionally, the backbone of the team was solidified by junior goalie Noah Magestrelli, who ranked 11th statewide in 3A and first in his league with a remarkable 0.733 goals against average. His exceptional skills were further evidenced by ranking fifth statewide and second in the league with an astounding total of 165 saves.
Significantly, the future of soccer in Woodland Park appears exceptionally bright.
In contrast to the football squad, the soccer team won’t lose a large number of players to graduation next year. The team will be returning most of its core players, with only three starting seniors heading out, including the standout Silas Koelewijn. The return of key players like Magestrelli, Urban, Miles Wiley, and Harrier Smith positions the Panthers as a formidable threat poised to contend for a state title in the upcoming season.
What strategies are in place to support the development of younger athletes transitioning into the varsity teams?
**Interview with Woodland Park Panthers Athletic Director, Jamie Lewis**
**Trevor Phipps (TP):** Thank you for joining us today, Jamie. The Woodland Park Panther teams had an amazing fall season, even if they didn’t come away with state titles. How do you feel about their performances this year?
**Jamie Lewis (JL):** Thanks for having me, Trevor! I couldn’t be prouder of our teams. Both the football and soccer squads achieved significant milestones, and their dedication and hard work were evident throughout the season. The football team had an incredible undefeated regular season, and the soccer team made history by winning their first postseason match. These accomplishments are monumental for our school and community.
**TP:** The football team faced a tough loss in the playoffs despite their undefeated season. Can you share some insights on how they handled that challenge?
**JL:** Absolutely. It was a heartbreaking way to end the season. The boys gave it their all, and we saw some amazing plays and performances, especially from our quarterback Marqus Schoenberger and versatile players like Parker Shreeve. The weather certainly played a factor, but what impressed me the most was how the team rallied together and stayed positive throughout the ups and downs of that game. Their resilience will serve them well as they move forward.
**TP:** Speaking of moving forward, what does the future hold for the Panthers? How does losing senior players impact the upcoming seasons?
**JL:** While it’s always a challenge to say goodbye to our senior athletes, we have a strong pipeline of talent coming up from our middle school program. The success we’ve seen, especially with the championship team, bodes well for the future. We’ll continue to work hard to develop our players’ skills and keep the momentum going. I truly believe we can build on what we established this year.
**TP:** Looking at the soccer team, they also had a strong season, making it far into the playoffs. What can you say about their achievements?
**JL:** The soccer team’s run this year was truly impressive. Hosting a playoff game for just the second time in school history is no small feat. Their hard work culminated in that first postseason victory, and despite falling short in the quarterfinals, their spirit and teamwork were something special to witness. They’re building a solid foundation that we hope will lead to even greater success in the coming years.
**TP:** What message do you have for the fans and supporters who rallied behind both teams this season?
**JL:** I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our fans! Your support means everything to our athletes and our school. The energy and enthusiasm from the stands played a big role in our team’s achievements this year. We hope to see you all back next season, cheering on the Panthers as we continue to strive for excellence both on and off the field.
**TP:** Thank you, Jamie, for sharing these insights. It sounds like the future is bright for Woodland Park Panthers!
**JL:** Thank you, Trevor! We’re excited for what’s to come!