Autumn brings many traditions—holiday food drives, driving to see golden leaves and the unmistakable glow of stadium lights during a football game. All of these evoke a sense of community and excitement. As the high school football season ends this fall, we reflect on how the third annual Poudre School District Canvas Community Classic brought students, parents, and community members together for more than a football game.
This year, Timnath and Wellington middle-high school football teams took to the field for their debut match in the Canvas Community Classic. These two schools brought energy and excitement to the evening, setting the tone for a night to remember.
For Tanner Gray, quarterback for the Wellington Middle-High School football team, playing at the Canvas Community Classic was a unique experience.
“I think it’s a super cool event and it puts a spotlight on us,” he said. “Our home games are really electric, but getting to play in front of all of PSD makes it a cool time, especially for a rivalry game.”
Ezra Batjargal, defensive end and right guard for Wellington, reflected on how this event shows the determination of the Wellington team that led to their win. He said there were so many people with expectations on how they would play, especially parents and little kids looking up to them. Although there is that pressure, he said it is about going out and having fun, staying level-headed, and sticking to the basics.
"It's determination, doing what you don't want to do, and it's doing it every day. It's practicing on these hot days, staying out when it's cold, getting up early, staying late," Batjargal said.
Following the game between Timnath and Wellington, the matchup between Poudre and Rocky Mountain high schools carried the momentum forward. These schools are no strangers to the Canvas Community Classic at this point, but it is still an exciting time to showcase school spirit.
Rocky Mountain High School quarterback Bradley Mallette agreed, saying he had been looking forward to this game since the schedule was released. He described this game as an enjoyable experience for everyone.
"It's really special that we're the ones that get to play out here," Mallette said. "I think there's a little bit of nerves when you first see the stadium, but as soon as kickoff happens, it’s like every other game. You’re out here to win.”
The magic of the Canvas Community Classic extended far beyond the football games.
Each quarter and halftime during both games featured various students and activities, including a Unified Flag Football showcase, playful mascot races, and a lively dance-off that ended with the crowd cheering.
Sarah Seitz, a member of the Poudre High School dance team, said the night was about connecting with other students, not just about the routines performed on the field.
"I think it's a really cool opportunity that brings a lot of people together, even if you might not like football,” Seitz said. “I know a lot of people who go there just because it's the Canvas game and they don't really go to other games."
Poudre High School cheerleaders Lilliana McMorrow and Kaydee Cordova echoed that sentiment about the event atmosphere.
“It’s a very amazing opportunity and gives a taste for college, which is not something high schoolers are usually able to do,” McMorrow said. “I think it's an amazing opportunity to be able to cheer and participate in such an amazing event that started only three years ago."
Cordova added that the sight of younger students and the Mini Impalas dance group looking up to the high school teams was a powerful reminder of the impact of this event.
"Especially when you have a big team and a lot of little girls during halftime, it's overwhelming at the time, but at the end of the day, it's exciting," she said. "It's an experience not a lot of people get, so when you do get it, it feels like an honor."
That sense of connection carried over to the parade of schools. Elementary and middle school students proudly marched onto the field between games, showcasing their school spirit and joining the district-wide celebration.
Emily Dunn, assistant principal and athletic director for Timnath Middle-High School, helped plan this parade for the third year.
“The parade is a cool tradition within the Canvas Community Classic because it creates a district-wide celebration,” Dunn explained. “Involving the middle and elementary schools ensures that students from all levels of education within Poudre School District are represented. It’s not just an event for high school athletes—it’s a community experience that brings students, families, and schools together.”
Dunn highlighted how the parade has become a beloved tradition, with younger students eagerly anticipating their chance to support their future high schools.
"The fact that schools keep coming back each year shows how much everyone values being part of this tradition," she said.
Under the glow of stadium lights, neighbors, students, and families came together at the Canvas Community Classic—some for the sport, others for the camaraderie—but all to share in a moment that celebrates community.
Next year, the Canvas Community Classic will take place on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. Fort Collins High School will face off against Fossil Ridge High School at 4:30 p.m., with the Wellington and Timnath Middle-High School game starting at 7 p.m.