About Us
The Elite All-State Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charity led by Colorado’s 8-Man football coaches and communities. Our goal is to strengthen small-town football by providing advanced helmets, scholarships, and leadership opportunities to student-athletes across 42 small-town schools across Colorado.
We organize the annual Colorado 8-Man All-State Game, celebrate top players, and support academic and personal growth through grants, scholarships, and community-driven programs. Together, we help young athletes succeed on the field, in the classroom, and beyond.
—Building future leaders through the game of Football-

Mission
Empowering Colorado’s small-town athletes to excel—on the field and in life—by providing advanced helmets, academic scholarships, and leadership development through football. We unite communities and coaches to protect the future of 8-Man football, promote safety and health, and inspire lifelong achievement for every student-athlete we serve.
Vision
A future where every young athlete—no matter their background—has the resources and support to excel in football, develop leadership skills, and build thriving communities that uplift and sustain small-town Colorado.

The Foundation

​Coach Joe Stranaly
​
​Board Member​
Defensive Coordinator for the Gilpin County Eagles
​Gilpin County School Board Member

Coach Craig Ball
Executive Director
Board Member
All-State Game Organizer
Head Football Coach for the Gilpin County Eagles

Dr. Nahanni Freeman
Board Member
Clinical Psychologist
​
​Director of Graduate Studies Research at George Fox University
The All-State Game Coaches

2025 Team North Head Coach
Chris Brown
West Grand High School
Western Slope League

Head Coach
Ben Fusco
Dayspring Christian High School
Plains League​​

Head Coach
James Grinde
Caliche High School
Plains League​​

Head Coach 2022 Game
JD Stone
2021 & 2024 State Champions
Haxtun High School
Plains League​​

2025 Team South Head Coach
Casey Pelton
Byers High School
Black Forest League​​

Head Coach
David Guy
Simla High School
Black Forest League​​

Head Coach
Shane Baughman
2022 State Champions
Dove Creek High School
Mountain League​​

Head Coach 2022 Game
Josh Gardner
2022 State Champions
Mancos High School
Mountain League​​

Head Coach (North)
Paul Fortunato
Rangely High School
Western Slope League​​
Head Coach (South)
Dan Hiltz
Swink High School
Arkansas Valley League​​
Contact
Like what you see? Get in touch with Coach Ball or the foundation to see how can play a role in shaping the future of the youth.