Everything about Fountain-Fort Carson’s first flag football season was impromptu. 

Last fall, there wasn’t much time to train before jumping into competition. So each week felt rushed as coach Mike Clayborn built a team on the fly. 

This year feels different. 

“The pressure is there, but not as urgent as last year,” Clayborn said. “We had the talent last year, and we did really well on the field and off the field in the classroom. But this year, we’ve had the time to plan. There’s a big difference. We’re not rushed. We just want to play.”

After a 4-9 inaugural season last fall, the Trojans (1-3) have the chance to post a statement win against Colorado Springs Christian School in the Pikes Peak Kickoff Classic at Weidner Field on Friday.

It’s Fountain-Fort Carson’s fifth game in nine days. But Clayborn is embracing the challenge. 

“There’s a lot of planning that goes into the games,” Clayborn said. “The challenge that we face in flag football programs is we don’t have the bandwidth yet. Right now, we are planning as we go sometimes. Here, we get a chance to go, reset, refocus, and then re-engage. I like it that way.” 

The team lost 12 seniors to graduation, but just as quickly refilled the roster spots with freshmen. Since it was added as a sport at Fountain-Fort Carson, interest has continued to soar, with middle school girls already excited to join the program, according to Clayborn. 

Returners from last year’s squad cited the support and community around the sport as reasons for coming back for a second season. 

“I would always play football with guys. But I never wanted to actually do tackle, because I always felt like, that was a boys’ sport,” junior wide receiver Jocelyn Kohones said. “So I joined flag. I wanted to come back this year because the support that I got last year was just great.” 

Strengths of the Trojan’s team have been its speed and athleticism, both of which have improved since last season. While the players have upped their preparation over the summer, so has Clayborn. 

At the start of last season, the second-year coach began to confide in fellow flag football coaches around the city, including Lions coach Aaron Moore, whom he will face Friday at Weidner Field. 

Doherty coach Rodney Pierson, who led the Spartans to an 11-5 season in 2025, has also mentored Clayborn as he continues to build the program. 

“It was pretty necessary that I reached out to coaches like coach Aaron, who had a few years of experience,” Clayborn said. “That’s what I did. I got the pros and cons. Some do’s and don’ts, lessons learned, things of that nature.”

On Friday, the Trojans face an experienced team in CSCS (1-0) that is in its fourth year as a program and is led by quarterback Hayley Helwege, who “poses a threat,” as Clayborn put it. The Lions were 2-9 last season and also look to highlight results from summer training Friday night. 

Feeling more prepared than ever, Fountain-Fort Carson is excited to play in a big venue and use it as a learning experience. The team has already attracted the attention of future players, and Friday’s game will be another opportunity to represent the rapidly growing sport. 

“Right now, the junior high level is looking at us,” Clayborn said. “So they’re wanting to come to our high school level. So it’s coming.
This is a movement. What I feel is going to happen is not just a hope. I really feel like it’s gonna happen. It’s going to be a contagious movement until it gets out of control.”