Grand Junction football is on a winning streak to open the season with a 3-0 record and hopes to renew its rivalry with Fruita Monument on Friday.

“I think we’re prepared pretty well and have a lot of strong points,” said GJHS senior defensive back Aiden Boss.

The Tigers are off to their best start to a season since 2013. That includes dominating shutout victories over Rifle and Denver North and a convincing 35-14 win over city rival Central High School.

However, GJ has not beaten Fruita since 2014. The Wildcats won 41-6 in last year’s meeting.

GJHS sophomore wide receiver Izaak Martinez, who scored two touchdowns in the win over Denver North, said the goal is “just to beat them.”

GJHS faces Fruita Monument High School at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, in Stocker Stadium.

Fourth-year GJHS football coach Landon McKee downplayed the rivalry and said, “We prepare just like any other game.” 

Fruita made the jump to the 5A division this year and played challenging games early in the season. The Wildcats won their season opener against Central 37-19 and lost their last two games by scores of 41-0 and 30-0 respectively.

Fruita is coming back from a successful 7-3 season in which they made it to the second round of state playoffs. GJHS last made the playoffs during the COVID-shortened season in 2020.

Editor’s Note: This article was written by staff members Mason Strippel, Lincoln McQuade, Rhys Martinez and Landon Ward.