Bayfield had a good crowd of about 300-400 people who saw the Wolverines win their first football state championship and first state title in any boys sport.

Marshall Hahn threw the game’s first touchdown to John Lancett, who came out of his fullback position and caught his only touchdown pass of the season.

Ben Ford intercepted a pass that turned into Bayfield’s second touchdown, as Lancett scored on a great twisting and turning dive into the end zone.

Late in the third quarter, Meeker mounted its last big drive, but Ford saved the day with two tackles that saved touchdowns.

“Everything went right from the beginning,” Kevin Prior said. “They were fumbling because of the weather, we were up at halftime.”

Lancett was the hero with his tackles and two touchdowns. Bayfield was presented with the trophy at midfield, and the team was greeted by swarms of fans and family. The team returned via Moab and arrived to Bayfield with a full gym of fans at 1 a.m.

The Records of 1996

The 1996 Bayfield Wolverines set many records that year. The Wolverines scored more points (99) in the first two games than any team in school history. BHS won its 200th game in school history by beating Window Rock, Arizona, 36-0.

Ford recorded his 19th interception that year, placing him in the top 10 in Colorado history. Ford would eventually record 22 career interceptions to finish fourth on the all-time Colorado list.

Ford also set school records with 612 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.

The 1996 team was the first squad to win 10 games in a season and allowed only 63 points all year.

Ryan Howard holds single-season records from 1995 when he went a perfect 7-for-7 in extra points in a 49-12 win over Del Norte. It was dubbed the “most perfect” effort in school history. The following week against Centauri, Howard again was perfect by going 6-for-6 in a 42-0 win.

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What you need to know to watch or follow the game

Who: No. 1 Bayfield (11-0) at No. 3 Platte Valley (11-1)
What: CHSAA Class 2A State Football Playoffs championship game
When: 1 p.m. Saturday
Where: Kersey
Ticket Information: Ticket sales will start at 10:30 a.m. at the west entrance of the stadium and 11 a.m. at the east entrance. All gates will open at 11 a.m.
Cost: $9 adults; $7 senior citizens and students (K-12). Prices are set by CHSAA. No passes will be accepted except for CHSAA and CHSCA passes. The pass gate will be located on the west side of the stadium. There is not a pass gate on the east side of the stadium.
Parking: Parking for Bayfield fans will be located in the east lot (weather permitting). There is no charge for parking.
Concessions: A full concessions stand will be available during the game under the west grandstands.
Championship Apparel/Programs: Merchandise will be available for purchase under the west grandstands.
Tailgating: Fans are permitted to tailgate. Bayfield fans are asked to tailgate in the east parking lot. Please do not tailgate in the main stadium parking lot. Alcohol and tobacco are not permitted on school grounds. The Kersey Police Department will provide security, and any violators will be cited.
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