FAIRPLAY, CO – The thin, crisp air of Park County will be electric this afternoon as the South Park Burros varsity football team prepares to host the Clear Creek Golddiggers in a thrilling non-conference season opener. This high-altitude showdown is set for Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 4:00 PM on the Burros’ home turf in Fairplay.

Game Day Information

• Who: Clear Creek Golddiggers vs. South Park Burros

• What: Varsity Football Non-Conference Game

• When: Thursday, August 28, 2025 | 4:00 PM Kickoff

• Where: South Park High School Stadium, Fairplay, CO

• Live Stream: demand at NFHS Network!

For both teams, this game represents more than just a line in the win-loss column; it’s the first true test of the 2025 campaign. It’s a chance to set the tone, shake off the offseason rust, and see how new plays and personnel perform under the bright lights of Friday night—albeit on a Thursday.

A Battle of Grit and Tradition

Nestled in the historic mining town of Fairplay, South Park High School football is built on a foundation of resilience and community pride. The Burros, competing in Class 1A, are known for their hard-nosed, fundamental style of play. For Head Coach, this opening game is a critical opportunity to evaluate his squad against outside competition and build momentum before diving into league play. The team will look to leverage the significant home-field advantage that comes with playing at one of the highest elevations of any high school in the United States.

Meanwhile, making the journey from Evergreen are the Clear Creek Golddiggers. Competing in the 2A classification, they bring a tradition rich with its own unique history. The Golddiggers will aim to use their size and speed to navigate the challenging road environment and start their season on a high note. For them, this non-conference game is a perfect measuring stick against a determined opponent from a different class.

What’s at Stake

As a non-conference matchup, this game won’t impact league standings. However, its importance cannot be overstated:

• Early Season Momentum: A victory here can provide an invaluable confidence boost that carries through the following weeks of practice and games.

• Roster Evaluation: Coaches from both sidelines will be closely monitoring player execution, conditioning, and decision-making in a live-game scenario.

• Playoff Positioning: While not direct, strong non-conference performances are often a factor in seeding for the postseason playoffs, making every game count.

Key Matchup to Watch

The battle in the trenches will likely dictate the pace of this game. Can South Park’s offensive line establish a powerful running game to control the clock and keep the Clear Creek offense on the sidelines? Conversely, can Clear Creek’s defensive front penetrate the backfield and force the Burros into long-yardage situations? The team that wins the line of scrimmage will put themselves in a prime position to claim victory.

The community is encouraged to come out in full force to support the Burros. Fans are advised to dress in layers for the unpredictable mountain weather, where afternoon sun can quickly give way to chilly evening winds.

This clash between the Golddiggers and the Burros is more than just a game; it’s a celebration of community, perseverance, and the pure love of high school football in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. Here’s to a hard-fought, injury-free game and an exciting start to the 2025 season.