We Got The Win!

Ulysses Tigers traveled to Colby Friday, September 5 for their first match-up of the season against the Eagles.  And after a very close game, what did the Tigers do?

"We got the win," said UHS Head Football Coach Mitch Foote of the 47-46 victory. "It was an amazing feeling obviously for our kids and a big thing for our community members and the town of Ulysses."

Foote said the night was full of emotions.

"It was a roller coaster of emotions both throughout the game and afterwards as well," he said. "I'm super proud of our kids for never giving up and finding a way to end up on this side of things."

The last time the Tigers faced one another in September of 2024, the Tigers fell to the Eagles 39-6. Last week's win proves the Tigers should not be counted out.

"One of the big things of the night," Foote said. "Junior quarterback Caden Ledesma had an awesome night. I think he was 25-29, 358 yards and five touchdowns. Obviously, his co-partners of Julian Meraz and Preston Hittle - both of those guys were over 100 yards and had two touchdowns a piece."

Foote said the Tigers did "give up some points".

"But, we were able to score a total of 47 points, which I don't think many people were accustomed to seeing as many points as we did," he said. "I think everybody played a role in the win. They played some key factors. Obviously, there was some big numbers from individuals, but overall I think it was a team effort. Very glad to be on this side of it."

On Colby's side, Maxson Smiley threw for 274 yards and four touchdowns. He rushed for 33 yards and one touchdown. Eagle Nathan Cates provided the Eagles with two scores.

What was the atmosphere with the win?

"It was almost like a weight had been lifted off of everybody's shoulders," Foote said. "To finally get a taste of success is something Ulysses has lacked for a few years now. It was emotional. Several kids and parents were teary eyed, joyous and happy to come out on top. We  found a way to win. There were so many different emotions running through my body, it was hard to hang on to one."

This is Foote's first year to serve as head coach. He was an assistant football coach for eight years prior to taking the lead with the Tigers. He is pleased with what he has seen of the team thus far.

"I think there are a lot of individuals who - upperclassmen for sure - who are doing an amazing job of being leaders and role models," Foote said. "I think a lot of the younger guys are starting to understand the buy-in of what we are trying to get out of our program and what it takes to be successful. I'm very pleased with that ."

Last Friday's win was a team effort, according to Foote.

"Everybody contributed and played a role in our victory, whether or not they got to be on the field," he said. "They did a great job on the sidelines even with parents and fans. It was an all around effort - everybody was involved in that one. I  think everybody can take a step back, take a deep breath and enjoy it. Now, we have to hit the reset button and get back to work."

The next game will be the Tigers' first home game, tomorrow, September 12 against Hugoton - another Eagles team.

"Hopefully it will be an awesome game,"  Foote said. "It  will be a rival game.  I'm expecting a lot of people to be there and think we will have great weather as well. Thankful for the opportunity to get back to work this week ."

What does he expect from Hugoton?

"They are returning a great group of kids,"  Foote said. "A lot of those kids have been in that system for several years. They know what they are doing. They also have a great group of coaches. They've got coaches. They've got players. They've got a game plan. We have to go out there and I think whoever is the most disciplined, takes care of the ball gets the big plays, makes the least amount of mistakes - will be the most successful. It will be a tough game - I don't doubt that at all. I'm excited for the opportunity and I know our kids are as well."