Northfield High School football isn't just about Friday nights anymore. It's become a massive part of the conversation in Denver's prep sports scene, especially with how fast the program has climbed the ranks. You’ve probably seen the highlights or heard the buzz around Central Park. This isn't some decades-old legacy program resting on its laurels. It's a relatively young school that decided, pretty much from day one, that it was going to compete with the heavy hitters.
They play hard.
When you look at the trajectory of the Nighthawks, it’s honestly kind of wild how quickly they established a winning culture. Usually, new schools spend a decade getting kicked around by established programs before they find their footing. Northfield didn't get that memo. They went from being the "new kids" to a legitimate postseason threat in what feels like a blink of an eye.
The Rapid Rise of the Nighthawks
It wasn't always a sure thing. Starting a football program from scratch in a city like Denver, where schools like Cherry Creek or East have dominated the mental landscape for generations, is a massive uphill battle. You have to convince kids to stay in their neighborhood instead of "choicing out" to a more established powerhouse.
Coach Ben Startzer and his staff basically had to build a brand out of thin air. They didn't just focus on X’s and O’s; they focused on an identity. The Northfield High School football team became synonymous with a high-octane, disciplined style of play that caught a lot of opponents off guard.
By the time the 2023 and 2024 seasons rolled around, nobody was overlooking them. They weren't a "gimme" on the schedule anymore. They were the team you circled because you knew you were in for a physical, four-quarter fight.
What Makes the Northfield System Different?
A lot of people think high school ball is just about who has the biggest kids. Sure, size helps. But Northfield succeeds because of their spatial awareness and how they utilize the spread. They aren't just running into a wall of linemen. They use the whole field.
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It's actually pretty sophisticated. Most high schools run basic schemes because they only have a few weeks to install them. Northfield’s coaching staff treats the prep level with a lot of tactical respect. They vary their looks. They force defensive coordinators to actually stay up late on Thursday nights.
- Player Development: They don't just wait for talent to walk through the door. The off-season conditioning program at Northfield is legendary among the players. It’s a year-round commitment to getting faster and stronger.
- Community Support: If you’ve ever been to a home game, you know the atmosphere is electric. The neighborhood has really rallied around this team, creating a "true" home-field advantage that intimidates visiting squads.
- Academic Integration: Unlike some programs that treat football as an island, the Nighthawks are integrated into the school's high academic standards. You can't play if you don't perform in the classroom, which breeds a smarter, more disciplined player on the field.
Recent Performance and Standout Seasons
Let's look at the numbers for a second, because the stats don't lie. During their recent 3A and 4A campaigns, Northfield consistently put up high-scoring games. They’ve had seasons where they averaged over 30 points per game, which is tough to do when everyone knows you’re a passing threat.
The 2023 season was a major turning point. They proved they could go toe-to-toe with the top-tier teams in the state. They weren't just winning games; they were dominating teams that had been around for fifty years. It sent a message to the rest of the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA): Northfield is here to stay.
People often ask about the "Northfield Way." Honestly, it’s just a refusal to accept the "new school" handicap. They don't use their age as an excuse. They use it as fuel. They play with a chip on their shoulder because they feel they still have something to prove every single week.
Navigating the CHSAA Landscape
The move between classifications is always a headache for high schools. Northfield has had to navigate the jump from 3A to 4A, which is a significant leap in terms of depth and talent. In 4A, every team has at least two or three "dudes" who are going to play on Saturdays.
The Nighthawks handled this transition by doubling down on their core philosophy. Instead of trying to become a "power run" team to match the size of 4A opponents, they stayed true to their speed and agility. They make you chase them. By the fourth quarter, those bigger teams are often gassed, and that's when Northfield strikes.
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It's a chess match. Football is often described as a game of inches, but at this level, it’s a game of endurance and mental errors. Northfield thrives on forcing the other team into mistakes.
The Reality of Recruiting at Northfield
If you're a player or a parent wondering about the next level, Northfield has started to get on the radar of college scouts. While they might not have a dozen five-star recruits, they have a lot of high-IQ players who translate well to the college game.
Scouts like Northfield players because they are well-coached. They understand coverages. They know how to read a blitz. They aren't just athletes; they are football players. This distinction is huge when you’re trying to get a scholarship or a walk-on spot at a DII or DIII school.
Facing the Rivalries
Every great team needs a villain, or at least a rival. For Northfield, games against other Denver Public Schools (DPS) like Denver East or George Washington are always circled in red. These games are more than just wins; they are for city bragging rights.
The rivalry with Denver East is particularly interesting. It’s the old guard versus the new guard. The "City High" tradition versus the "Nighthawk" innovation. When these two teams meet, the stands are packed, and the intensity is palpable. It’s arguably some of the best high school football you can watch in the state.
Advice for Future Nighthawks and Parents
If you're looking to get involved with the Northfield High School football program, there are a few things you should know. It's not a casual commitment. This is a program that demands a lot from its athletes.
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- Start Early: Engage with the youth programs and middle school camps that Northfield hosts. Getting familiar with the coaching staff and the terminology early makes the transition to high school ball much smoother.
- Focus on Versatility: Coaches at Northfield love players who can play multiple positions. Don't just pigeonhole yourself as a wide receiver. Be willing to learn safety or special teams.
- The Weight Room is Mandatory: You cannot survive a 4A schedule without a solid physical foundation. If you aren't in the gym in the winter and spring, you’ll be behind by August.
- Academic Excellence: Don't let your GPA slip. The Northfield community prides itself on being a top-tier academic institution. Being a "student-athlete" means the student part comes first.
Where the Program Goes from Here
The ceiling for Northfield High School football is incredibly high. As the school continues to grow and the surrounding Central Park community expands, the talent pool is only going to get deeper. We are likely looking at a future state championship contender within the next few years.
They have the facilities. They have the coaching. They have the community. All that’s left is the execution.
Watching this team evolve has been a lesson in how to build something the right way. They didn't take shortcuts. They didn't rely on one or two superstar players to carry the load. They built a system that works, regardless of who is under center.
If you want to support the team, show up to a game at the Paul Wright Stadium or their home field. Wear the black and silver. Experience what is quickly becoming one of the most exciting traditions in Colorado sports. The Nighthawks aren't just a flash in the pan; they are a blueprint for how modern high school football should be played.
To stay updated on the latest scores, schedule changes, and roster moves, your best bet is to follow the official Northfield Athletics page or check MaxPreps regularly. The schedule is usually released in late spring, and summer practices start earlier than you’d think. Get involved, stay informed, and get ready for a fast-paced season of Northfield football.
Follow the team's social media accounts for real-time updates and behind-the-scenes content that you won't find in the local papers. This is the best way to see the "human" side of the players and coaches who make this program what it is today. Plan your Friday nights accordingly, because the Nighthawks are the best show in town.