Idalia sets state scoring record, rolls to win 6-man football title

PUEBLO – It should be a surprise to no one that the CSU-Pueblo ThunderBowl is a wolf sanctuary.

The home of the Thunderwolves served as the stage for the finale of the greatest scoring season in Colorado state history. With a 38-8 win over Stratton, the Idalia Wolves set the single-season scoring record with 825 points and also claim the 6-man football title.

It’s the first championship for the Wolves since beating Fleming for the 6-man title for 2010.

“Our freshman class wasn’t even born then,” coach Toby Kechter said. “That is a long time; 2010 to us seems like yesterday and them that’s an eternity.”

This is Kechter’s fifth year with the Wolves, and he said it’s the first senior class he’s had that truly bought into the weights program and work that goes into winning a state title.

That was apparent on the first offensive play of the game for the Wolves (14-0 overall) as Broderick Kite broke for a long touchdown run. He had two on the day while Gabe Kechter added three rushing scores, the final one being the touchdown that gave Idalia the state’s all-time scoring record, breaking Stratton’s record of 822 from 2022.

“Kevin Shaffer texted me this week and said if we scored (36 points), we would be [the state’s all-time leader in point],” Coach Kechter said. “I said, ‘Gee thanks. We’re just trying to score 8; the first touchdown of the game.'”

The Wolves took a two score lead before Stratton scored on a Von Isenbart touchdown pass to Austin Weickum.

But that was the only time that the Eagles (11-3) would hit pay dirt.

The Wolves defense refused to give up any ground as it worked to secure the first 6-man title in 15 years.

“It gave us momentum and confidence,” Gabe Kechter said. “And that carries on through the whole game.”

It was also significant in that this was just the second time that Idalia has beaten Stratton in the MaxPreps era. The first time came earlier this year, an 80-32 win for the Wolves.

“We’re a very physical team and we play both sides of the ball very well,” Gabe Kechter said. “We had a great game plan and we have great coaches on both sides of the ball.”

This is the ninth football title in Idalia history and puts them into a tie for sixth-most in state history with Haxtun (heading into the Fightin’ Bulldogs 8-man title game against Akron).

“It’s a dream come true,” Gabe Kechter said. “I could ask for a better team and coaches. I’m so blessed to be on this team and in this community.”