The Basalt High School football team can still achieve all of its goals this fall, even after Friday’s season-opening 48-34 home loss to Class 3A powerhouse Rifle.

At least that was one of the messages the coaching staff gave the Longhorn players following the game.

“Really, it’s one game at a time,” Basalt coach Carl Frerichs said. “But teams like this get us ready for those teams in our league.”

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Rifle, a team known for its power run game that has played in two 3A state titles games in four years, acted the part by overpowering the Longhorns on the first drive to take a 7-0 lead.

Basalt took the early punches, however, and found a way to stay competitive thanks to a big-play offense, led by senior receiver Kyle Roberts.

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“We had some opportunities. Offensively we played great,” Frerichs said. “Defensively we have a lot of work to do if we really want to be the team we want to be.”

The Longhorns trailed 27-20 at halftime, with Roberts scoring on all three occasions (two receiving, one passing). A 45-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Miles Levy to Roberts right before halftime was a big answer after falling behind by two scores.

Basalt had a chance to even the game up with the first possession of the third quarter, but was stopped on downs and never got the momentum back. A quick strike touchdown by Rifle soon after essentially put an end to the game.

“I’m super-proud of the boys — their effort, their attitude, sticking together for four quarters,” Frerichs said. “It will be a good look for us for those teams that want to run the ball and come right at us.”

Basalt (0-1) is off next week. The Longhorns will next play at Grand Valley on Sept. 9.

acolbert@aspentimes.com