IHSA Class-4A State Quarterfinalist

Final Record: 10-2

The 1995 Sterling Golden Warriors football team had big shoes to fill. Following a 1994 season that saw the Golden Warriors advance to only their second state quarterfinals ever, the 1995 team had to prove that the previous year wasnít just a flash in the pan.

The Golden Warriors, coached by Max Gaumer í72, went 8-1 in the regular season and grinded down the opposition with a dominant defense, a vicious running game headlined by a small but speedy offensive line and team captain and Iowa State recruit Doug Densmore í96, and an efficient passing game centered around quarterback James ìJeejî Treacy í96 and his reliable targets Kris Houck í96 and Kit Kyarsgaard í96. The Golden Warriors finished second in the NCIC Northeast and reached the state quarterfinals for the second consecutive season, defeating Peoria Richwoods and Peoria Central en route to a matchup with Metamora. In the state quarterfinal, Sterling succumbed to the Redbirds 20-0 in a game now dubbed the ìIce Bowl.î

At the beginning of the season, the Golden Warriors beat Rock Island Alleman to the tune of 25-14. The next two weeks saw the Golden Warriors steamroll Galesburg and Chicago Steinmetz 38-7 and 37-6 respectively. In the two blowouts, Sterling got their running game going before conference play, combining for 626 rushing yards in the two games and averaging 9.4 yards per carry against Steinmetz, a game that saw Densmore rush for 161 yards and three touchdowns on just five carries.

Beginning the conference portion of the schedule, the next week saw the Golden Warriors receive the only blemish to their regular season and conference record, a 29-22 decision at the hands of Ottawa. After suffering their first regular season defeat since 1993, the Golden Warriors went on an absolute tear for the rest of conference play.

From week five to week eight, the Golden Warriors defeated their conference opponents by an average of 26.75 points per game. The Golden Warriors defeated Streator soundly 36-16 while amassing 291 rushing yards. This set up a matchup with fierce rival and perennial state power Geneseo, whom the Golden Warriors obliterated 35-6, while gaining 354 yards rushing on nearly 10 yards a carry. The next week saw the passing part of the offense flourish, with Treacy throwing for 314 yards and three touchdowns in a 38-0 defeat of neighboring Dixon. Sterling put the finishing touches on their conference schedule with a 36-16 defeat of LaSalle-Peru, rushing for 382 yards while averaging an absurd 16.61 yards per run.

In the final game of the year against Western Big Six opponent United Township (East Moline), the Golden Warriors flirted with adversity for the first time since the week 3 loss to Ottawa. In a back-and-forth, physical matchup, Sterling proved they were ready for the grind of the playoffs by eking out a 23-22 victory.

In the postseason the Golden Warriors were hungry for another chance to prove themselves amongst the stateís elite. In the first round, the Golden Warriors were slated to play Peoria Richwoods. In an intense game, Sterling had to fight back from a third quarter deficit. Trailing 13-6, Densmore broke free for a 57-yard touchdown. However, Kyarsgaard missed the ensuing extra point and Peoria Richwoods remained in the lead. Getting the ball back as the clock winded down, Treacy and the offense had to drive 70 yards to win. Faced with a 3 and 11 from their own 29, Treacy found Houck for a 22-yard gain. Two plays later, Kyarsgaard redeemed himself and caught the game-winning touchdown on a 30-yard reception.

In the second round, Sterling was scheduled to play another school from Peoria. This time, it was the Lions from Peoria Central. Tied 14-14 in the third quarter, Scott Meinke í96 fumbled the ball and the Lions recovered it. Nevertheless, two plays later Meinke deflected a pass from Peoria Centralís quarterback and tipped it to teammate Josh Bohms í96, who returned the interception 35 yards for the game-deciding touchdown. The Golden Warriors ended up winning 28-14.

The first two playoff games demonstrated the resolve that the 1995 football had throughout its entire roster. Whether it was living in the shadow of the 1994 team, being completely outsized on the offensive and defensive lines, or making a mistake and remaining persistent, this team showed the heart of a true champion. Although their season ended in Metamora in the state quarterfinals in a game where the wind-chill was below zero and the wind was howling at 30 miles per hour, the 1995 team will always be remembered in Sterling lore, and rightfully so.

The 1995 team was filled with talent, as many players received All-Conference honors. 1st team honorees were Densmore (running back and defensive back), Houck (End), Dustin Book í96 (offensive line), Treacy (quarterback), Camilo Quintana í96 (defensive line), Jason Folsom í96 (defensive line), Bohms (linebacker), Josh Mendoza í96 (linebacker), and Kyarsgaard (punter and kicker). 2nd teamers were Luke Duerst í96 (offensive line) and Meinke (running back). Densmore also received All-State honors.

Team members include: Nathan Barbro í97, Mike Barton í97, Josh Bohms í96, Dustin Book ë96, Jason Buis í97 Rene Cantu ë97, Matt Clevenger ë97, Matt Coon í97, J.C. Criss í97, Doug Densmore í96 Chris Devine í96, Luke Duerst í96, Jason Folsom í96, Paul Fondahn í97, Chris Fordham í97, Kody Gaffey í96, Nick Garcia í96, Matt Hardt í97, Jake Harmsí97, Kris Houck í96, Kyle Ivey í97, Kit Kyarsgaard í96, Carl Lehman í96, Michael Leroy í97, Shane Lutz í96, Craig Mallicoat í97, Scott Meinke í96, Jason Mendoza í97, Josh Mendoza í96, Alex Montiel í97, Ryan Palmer í97, Derek Port í96 Camilo Quintana í96, Mike Ramos í97, Luis Ramos í96, Matt Reynolds í96, Aaron Rogers í97, Frank Schuldt í97, Eric Sharp í97, Gabe Sifuentes í97, Justin Squires í97, Jon Sutkay í97, Nick Taddeucci í96, Thomas Todd í96, James Treacy í96, Heath Warner í96

Coaches: Max Gaumer (head coach), Jay Rhodes, Frank Lee, Matt Elder, Bruce Seiler, Elroy Wylde, Steve Walton, Jeff Neubauer, Ken Johnson, Bob Totten, Chris Palmer