MEAD — When two equally skilled football teams face off in the state playoffs, one crucial play can determine the fate of a team’s season.
In the Class 3A state quarterfinal on Saturday, Holy Family’s Adam Moore played that pivotal role in the Tigers’ 34-26 victory over No. 4 Mead. With just over a minute remaining and Mead close to scoring a much-needed touchdown, Moore made a game-changing interception.
That interception sealed the fate of Mead’s season, with Moore finding inspiration from a bible verse written on his nose tape.
“Coach (Frank Ybarra) on the sideline, he knows everything,” Moore explained. “He tells me to cover my guy, watch the quarterback’s eyes. I see the ball coming towards me. I had to make a play on the ball, had to secure the interception.”
“Isaiah 41:10, ‘Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.’ It was an electrifying moment. I was proud of my team and myself. We put in the hard work for this.”
Just moments before Moore’s interception, Oliver Hansen scored three crucial points with a 42-yard field goal, his second long-range kick of the game. This game was a stark contrast to Holy Family’s previous visit to Mead.
In their earlier 27-21 victory in October, the Tigers had a slow start and had to fight back to win. However, this time they came out strong from the beginning, scoring within the first 36 seconds and holding a 14-0 lead in the first half.
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Holy Family’s Nick Leopardi turns to make a catch while Mead’s Brycen Gissel tries to stop him during the Class 3A quarterfinal game between Holy Family and Mead at Mead High School on Nov. 22, 2025. (Alissa Noe/BoCoPreps.com)
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Holy Family’s Nick Leopardi turns to make a catch while Mead’s Brycen Gissel tries to stop him during the Class 3A quarterfinal game between Holy Family and Mead at Mead High School on Nov. 22, 2025. (Alissa Noe/BoCoPreps.com)
Sophomore quarterback Kaden Hopkin played a key role, throwing for 379 yards and three touchdowns, including long TD passes of 64 and 52 yards. Sophomore Gage Gunderson also contributed with 156 yards and a touchdown.
“We knew that getting the offense going early and building a lead would put pressure on them,” Hopkin stated. “As long as we keep scoring and our defense steps up, we knew we could win the game.
“Mead is a tough team with some talented players. They play hard and with respect, and it’s always a challenge to beat them on their home turf. Every game against them is a battle.”
Crucial plays from both
