Palmer Ridge embraces new season after state championship runner-up finish
MONUMENT, Colo. (KRDO) — The pain of falling just short has lingered throughout the offseason for Palmer Ridge football. After coming within one victory of a perfect season and a state championship, the Bears have spent months reflecting on what went wrong and how they can come back stronger.
“I definitely think it didn’t end the way we wanted to,” senior Drew Japp said. “But every loss has a lesson.”
For Palmer Ridge, that lesson was simple: never take an opponent for granted.
While the disappointment of last season’s ending still resonates, it has also fueled excitement for what comes next. Players are eager to get back between the lines and begin another journey toward a championship.
“Honestly, the first thing on my mind is I just can’t wait to get back on the field and just play again and have that feeling of playing football again,” senior Zak Crisler said.
The road ahead will look different. Palmer Ridge graduated a large and talented senior class that helped lead the program to another championship appearance. Their departure leaves big shoes to fill, but also provides opportunities for a new generation of players.
“We had great seniors, so it was great learning from them and also getting to work with them,” a returning player said. “That was the biggest thing last year.”
Still, those inside the program believe their success has never been built solely on talent. Instead, it’s rooted in a culture that has helped establish Palmer Ridge as one of Colorado’s premier football programs.
That culture revolves around what the Bears call their “gold standard.”
“Toughness, hard-working and competitive,” senior Trek Leonard said when describing the program’s core values.
Japp added, “The gold standard is just doing the little things right.”
Those principles have helped Palmer Ridge consistently compete at the highest level. The Bears have finished as 4A state runners-up in 2020, 2023 and 2025, proving they can reach the championship stage year after year.
Now, the goal is finding a way to take the final step.
“Everyone is ready to buy in again just like the year before,” Leonard said. “We’ve got a bunch of great guys and we know they’re all committed. Nothing’s changed.”
If the foundation is still strong, Palmer Ridge believes another championship run could be right around the corner.
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