FORT LUPTON – Fort Lupton’s Jake Bernhard gets one more high school football game before he heads off to college.

    He is slated to play in the Colorado High School Coaches Association’s all-state game in Greeley in mid-June.

    Making this roster was a little easier than most.

    “There was really nothing I had to do but play well enough to be selected,” Bernhard said. “So I guess you can say, in a way, I promoted myself by playing well and standing out. “

    According to Varvee.com, Bernhard finished with 118 tackles from his linebacker spot, including 13 tackles that resulted in a loss of yardage. He forced two fumbles, recovered both, blocked a pass and intercepted another.

    He also rushed for 713 yards on 138 carries and completed eight of 21 passes for 78 yards. His coach, Justin Carpenter, said half of Bernhard’s tackles were the result of hustle.

    Carpenter said the recognition would help Bernhard in several ways.

“It’s going to make him more marketable to potential schools and has given him the credibility that he has worked hard for and deserves,” Carpenter said. “Jake, by nature, is a pretty humble guy, which is one of his best traits. But getting these awards is a tribute to his work the past four years.”

    Two weeks of practice precede the all-state game June 12 at the University of Northern Colorado. Bernhard thinks he will be a linebacker.

    “I hope to gain some experience playing with a higher level of teams and figure out how well I play,” he said. “Not only that, but I’m hoping to meet some new people and see how it feels to be on an all state team.”

    “He has grown to utilize every ounce of free time he has to complete homework and study for tests,” Carpenter said. “He has grown up a lot.  On the football field, Jake has a huge motor that never stops. He is a gym rat and has devoted himself to the weight room and I am excited to see how he progresses at the next level.”

    Carpenter faces the task of replacing Bernhard next fall. That won’t be easy.

    “I am thankful for the work ethic that he helped instill in some of the younger kids in the program and the way he handled himself day in and day out,” Carpenter said. “I am excited to see which kids are going to take the next step to fill his shoes.  I am confident that someone will answer the call.”

    Bernhard played for three coaches in four years at Fort Lupton.

    “He has handled every situation with class and integrity that few have,” Carpenter said. “He has taken care of business in the classroom and has really buckled down to excel in upper level classes. I am confident he is going to have a great showing at the all-state games and will be a great advocate for Fort Lupton.”