Football in Crawfordsville has always had heart. It’s a legacy of pride, teamwork, and unforgettable moments. Over the years, the Crawfordsville High School football team has created history on the field and in the community. From last-minute touchdowns to powerhouse players, these moments live on.
Let’s take a look at the top Crawfordsville football moments that shaped their story forever. Get ready for a trip down memory lane!
1. The 1987 Sectional Championship
It was cold. It was intense. And it was historic.
In 1987, the Crawfordsville Athenians brought home the Sectional title in a thrilling game that had every fan on the edge of their seat.
- Final score: 21–14
- Win secured in the final two minutes
- Led by quarterback Randy Steele
This win marked the start of a golden era for the team and showed what Crawfordsville football was made of.
2. Friday Night Lights in 1993
No one expected it. Not even the experts.
In 1993, Crawfordsville beat a top-five ranked team under the stadium lights in front of a home crowd. It was a major upset that made headlines across the state.
What made it special?
- A 70-yard punt return touchdown
- Two interceptions by the defense
- A crowd so loud you could feel the stadium shake
That game turned ordinary into legendary.
3. Coach Thompson’s First Season (2001)
When Coach Dan Thompson arrived, the team changed.
The 2001 season was full of new energy. Practices were sharper. The team had focus. The town saw the difference fast.
Coach Thompson’s debut season ended with a playoff win—the first in several years. Fans began to believe again.
It was clear: Crawfordsville football was back.
4. The Rivalry Win of 2004
Every town has that one game.
For Crawfordsville, it was the 2004 showdown against their longtime rival—North Montgomery.
Both teams were undefeated. The tension in the air was thick.
- Final score: 17–14
- Game-winning field goal with 3 seconds left
- A blocked punt that shifted momentum
Students stormed the field. Flags waved. People cried.
It wasn’t just a win. It was victory written in history.
5. The 2010 Playoff Run
If 1987 was golden, 2010 was electric.
This playoff run captured hearts. Game after game, the team pushed forward with grit.
One highlight? The dramatic overtime win against Danville in the regional semifinal.
- Won 27–24
- Came back from a 14-point deficit
- Sealed it with a key interception
Crawfordsville didn’t win the championship that year, but they won something just as good—respect statewide.
6. Future Star: Josh Fields (2015)
In 2015, a name began to spread across Indiana—Josh Fields.
A junior wide receiver, Josh had speed, moves, and instincts. He set the school record for receiving yards in a season: 1,212 yards.
He helped turn around a difficult season with his energy and leadership.
Even better? He stayed humble and thanked his teammates every game. That’s what Crawfordsville football is all about.
7. The Unity Game of 2017
Sometimes football unites beyond the scoreboard.
In 2017, a tornado hit a nearby town just days before a scheduled game. Crawfordsville fans and players stepped up.
- Donated ticket sales to disaster relief
- Wore stickers supporting the neighboring town
- Held a moment of silence before kickoff
That night was more than a game. It showed that the Athenians had heart both on and off the field.
8. The Comeback Kids – 2019 Season Opener
It started rough.
Down 28–0 at halftime, many thought the opening game of the 2019 season was over. But not this team.
The second half told a different story.
- Defense shut down opposing team
- Four unanswered touchdowns
- Final score: 29–28
Fans still talk about it as the greatest comeback in Crawfordsville High’s modern history.
9. Lights Out in 2021
This one was wild!
During a tight game in 2021, the stadium lights unexpectedly went out early in the fourth quarter. Everything stopped.
But when the lights came back on, the Athenians lit up the scoreboard too.
- Scored 2 touchdowns in last 6 minutes
- Crowd chanted “Let’s go!” every play
- Won 35–27
Sometimes, a little darkness brings out the brightest moments.
10. Senior Night, 2023 – A Perfect Ending
Senior Night is always emotional. But in 2023, it became unforgettable.
With playoff hopes still alive, Crawfordsville faced a tough opponent. The seniors gave it everything they had.
- First play: 80-yard touchdown run
- Last play: Safety sack to end the game
- Scoreboard: 22–20
Fans held up signs. Families cried. Players hugged. It was the perfect sendoff for a class that gave it all.
A Legacy of Heart
Crawfordsville football isn’t just wins and scores. It’s about spirit, team, and community.
Through the decades, players have become hometown heroes. Coaches have become mentors. Games have become stories passed down through generations.
And every season brings new moments to add to this rich, proud legacy.
So here’s to the big plays, the comeback wins, the team huddles, and the people who wear blue and gold with pride.
Crawfordsville football is more than just a sport. It’s a tradition that lives on.
