Story Written by: Christopher Simmons @ CHSAANow.com
AURORA – Northfield bounced back from a season-opening loss to defeat 2024 4A quarterfinalist Mesa Ridge last week, reversing a 50-47 defeat from 2024 when Northfield had a late-season five-game winning streak and finished 6-5 and reached the state playoffs.
For his efforts, Nighthawks coach Ben Startzer has been named CHSAA's Broncos High School Tackle Coach of the Week.
Throughout the season, there will be a weekly Broncos Coach of the Week for flag and tackle and every nominee will be recognized on-field at a Broncos home game.
Interview with Ben Startzer:
What's the biggest reward of coaching?
BS: The relationships, clearly. I started coaching back in 1994, and I've had so many moments that remind me why I love this profession. A few years back, after a late November practice, I walked into my office and found an official getting dressed. He looked familiar but I didn't recognize him right away. It turns out, he was one of my first quarterbacks from the '90s. In my head, those kids are still 16 or 17, but here he was in his 40s with two kids of his own. I've also always had an affinity for my own head coach. I text him every year to thank him for his service and what he did for me. To know I can be that person for someone else is a blessing. Building relationships, having even a small role in a player's life, and planting a seed that helps them grow and succeed is the biggest reward.
How would you describe your coaching style, and where did it come from?
BS: It's been an evolution. I spent six years in the Marine Corps, and when I first started coaching, I carried that mindset: "What I say goes, no questions asked." But early on, a player basically told me, "Coach, that doesn't work here." He was right. There's no rank out on the football field. Over time, I realized success comes from relationships and influence. The old saying is true: kids don't care what you know until they know how much you care. When you show them that you care, you build that credibility and then you can challenge them to reach high standards. My style today is about pouring love into kids while also demanding a lot from them. Through the years I've learned to be more empathetic, to really listen, and to understand the challenges they face. Consistency, time, and genuine care, that's what moves mountains.
This is your sixth season at Northfield, and you've built a culture centered on safety, security, and inclusivity. What's been the biggest challenge in building this program?
BS: I took the job a week before the COVID shutdown. We were a brand-new school with just 23 players on the roster, and we were coming off a stretch where the program had lost 17 of its last 20 games. It was a rebuild in every sense of the word. In a rebuild there's always hope, but also some despair. I remember a sophomore asking me if we'd ever win a game. That was the reality but every year, we've grown. We moved up from 2A to 3A, then into leagues with powerhouse programs like Lutheran and Holy Family. Now we're at 4A and preparing for a move up to 5A next season. The challenges have been real. From COVID, to reclassification, and tough schedules, but the growth has been incredible. We've built belief, momentum, and most importantly, strong relationships with parents, the kids, and our administration.
Who are your top leaders this season?
BS: Success breeds success. A couple years ago, our seniors set the standard with their leadership and selflessness and that has carried forward. Right now, guys like Elian Oliva who has an offer from Air Force, and Devaughn Daniels, who got an offer from CU, are stepping up. They're great players but also great leaders. Cash Lacy has been huge for us as he stepped in at safety unexpectedly and has handled it incredibly well. We've also got Brody Haskins, the younger brother of Chance Haskins, taking on a big leadership role, and Joey Caruso, who eagerly switched from linebacker to offensive line without hesitation. That kind of selflessness sets the tone for the whole program.
Last year you lost a 50–47 shootout to Mesa Ridge. This year you beat them 10–7. What changed?
BS: Last year's quarterback, Bryce Riehl, was just that dynamic, he was the difference in that game. This year, our defense stepped up in a huge way, holding them to just seven points which surprised many coaches around the state. It was a gritty game throughout. We missed some chances to score more, but we managed a long, late drive to seal it. That's part of our growth as a program. Last year we might've folded in that spot. This year it's been our defense and maturity that has carried us through.
You've coached at 11 different 3A, 4A, and 5A schools in Colorado. How has your time at Northfield been different?
BS: The biggest difference has been staff continuity. A large part of my staff came with me from Prairie View, and we've stayed together since. That consistency is huge as with other schools, I was often there for three or four years, then had to move on. Here at Northfield my staff and I have built something over these last six seasons. High school football has also changed as coaching is more year-round now. Nowadays kids start lifting in January, play 7-on-7s in the spring, and hardly ever take a break. It's harder on coaches and families now, and competing with other sports is even tougher. Our soccer, lacrosse, and basketball teams are all very good, so sometimes great athletes choose another path but you learn to adapt.
Of your accolades, two state playoff appearances, the 2021 Flatirons Conference title, and being named 2021 Flatirons Conference Coach of the Year, which are you most proud of?
BS: The playoff appearances, no question. Those experiences are what the kids remember forever. They'll never forget the bus rides, the meals with their teammates, the moments they shared. When I ask former players about their favorite memories, it's never the games themselves, it's the experiences around them. Giving kids those opportunities means more than any personal award.
After beating Mesa Ridge, what goals do you have for the rest of the season?
BS: Expectations don't really change; we expected to win this game but the key is avoiding complacency. With kids today, social media makes it easy to think you've already arrived. We loaded up our non-league schedule with tough opponents to prepare us. Now it's about improving every week, focusing on the process, and not getting comfortable. If we can keep that mindset, we'll be in good shape by the end of the season.
