DENVER — "It is opportunity to kind of jump start a new Montbello, start a new legacy," football head coach Stanley Richardson said.
For the first time in 10 years, Montbello High School students have a building to call home.
"The kids were upbeat and they were optimistic, and just could not wait for this building to be built," said Frank Roman, special education team lead, football class of '87. "And so now that it's here and we're seeing it come to fruition, this is now the crown jewel the far northeast. Once again."
And with it comes the revamped Montbello Warrior football team, in its first season in a decade, led by Richardson.
"I have big shoes to fill, because you had great all the greats that were here before, Maurice Frilot, Fred Harris, I can go on and on with the number of guys that came out of this program," Richardson said.
But they’re not too far removed.
Montbello and several others teamed up as the Far Northeast Warriors, winning the Class 5A spring state title in 2021.
"Friday Night Lights. We want that to be a part of the Montbello tradition, getting families out, creating that whole family vibe around football and other sports, soccer and whatnot, and really bringing the pride back to Montbello," Roman siad.
But to the current team, and the first guys to wear these uniforms in a decade?
"Overall, we have a pretty solid offensive unit. Defensively. We got guys flying around trying to get to the ball. Special teams, we have some guys doing very well at that in that perspective as well. So yeah, it's going to be interesting to see how they do the first game."
Their first game was postponed due to a power outage, but give it some time, the new Montbello Warriors plan to reignite this community.
"Coach Stanley Richardson is an amazing man. He brings that same swagger, that same vibe, back to the community and to the varsity football team. We really want that, that swagger and that respect back here in Montbello to show the rest of DPS. Hey, we're going to put you all on Mark, because we're back," Roman said. "We are back."