The Pomona Panthers are set to compete for the Class 3A state championship on March 16, 2024, facing off against the top-ranked Windsor team at Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins. After experiencing a tumultuous period marked by declining enrollment and a challenging performance in recent seasons, the Panthers are eager to reclaim their legacy as a formidable force in Colorado high school football.
Head Coach Nate Johnson reflected on the journey leading to this championship game, acknowledging the hurdles his team has overcome. “It’s been a challenge for sure,” he stated. “We had a lot of kids transferring, but I give a lot of credit to those seniors who stuck it out.”
The Panthers, who were once a powerhouse in the 5A category, captured the state title in 2017 by defeating Eaglecrest 56-49 in a record-setting final. They reached the finals again in 2015 and 2016 but fell to Valor Christian on both occasions. Following a tough combined record of 3-17 in 2022 and 2023, Pomona made the strategic decision to drop down two classifications, leading to their resurgence as a contender.
An integral part of the Panthers’ success has been Luis Santana, a senior running back who has transformed from a 5-foot-8, 155-pound freshman to a key player weighing 170 pounds. Santana has rushed for over 1,025 yards this season, averaging 7.1 yards per carry and scoring eight touchdowns. He expressed pride in the team’s resilience, saying, “A lot of us played in middle school together and then went on to Pomona. I knew what we had on the table.”
Senior Emmitt Munson, who describes himself as an “athlete,” has also made significant contributions, rushing for 391 yards and seven touchdowns while also excelling defensively with 85 tackles. Munson, who won a state wrestling title last season, noted the parallels between wrestling and football, stating, “We have lived those big moments. We understand the pressure.”
The Panthers’ offensive strategy is led by junior quarterback Tucker Ingersoll, who has thrown for 1,800 yards and 26 touchdowns this season while adding 475 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Ingersoll praised his offensive line, claiming, “They are the biggest, strongest, and meanest in 3A. We can run the ball and throw at a high level.”
Pomona’s performance this season has been impressive, outscoring opponents 482-183 and finishing the regular season with a record of 12-1. The team’s only setback was a loss to Dakota Ridge, the No. 1 seed in the 4A category, underscoring the competitive spirit they have developed.
As the Panthers prepare for their championship showdown against Windsor, a team boasting an undefeated record of 13-0, the players are focused not just on victory but on establishing their own legacy. Santana articulated this ambition succinctly: “We want to create our own legend.”
This upcoming game provides an opportunity for the Pomona Panthers to write a new chapter in their storied history, potentially earning the school its third championship title, following victories in 1988 and 2017. The kickoff is scheduled for 13:30 local time, and excitement is building among fans and players alike as they aim to reclaim their status as champions in Colorado high school football.
