Fort Collins High Football Relies on Four Senior Twin Sets
The undefeated team features four pairs of senior twins anchoring its dominant defensive unit.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Football
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The Fort Collins High School football team remains undefeated this season with a 7-0 record, bolstered by four sets of senior twins on the roster. These eight players serve as the core of a defensive unit that has forced 12 turnovers so far this year.
Why it matters
The twin players provide a unique level of on-field synchronization and accountability that has allowed the team to overcome significant roster turnover from the previous season. Their shared connection facilitates rapid communication and reacting to plays, which has proven critical for the team's defensive success.
The defense allows an average of 17 points per game, while twin players account for nine of the team's 13 total sacks. Furthermore, these players contributed to seven of the 12 total forced turnovers recorded this season.
The players
Holden Irby
He is a top defensive player who served as the team's leading tackler before suffering a season-ending injury during the 2026 preseason.
Fort Collins High School
This educational institution serves as the home base for the football program and is located in Fort Collins, Colorado.
The details
Six of the team's top 10 tacklers are twins, who work together by reviewing game film to critique their positioning and performance. This internal accountability has helped compensate for the loss of six defensive starters from last season, including leading tackler Holden Irby, who was sidelined by a preseason injury.
Timeline
The team finished the 2025 season with a 9-3 record.
Holden Irby sustained a preseason injury in 2026.
The team hosted Fossil Ridge for Senior Night on October 13, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This undefeated start marks a sharp departure from the team's 2025 season finish of 9-3. The defensive reliance on twin pairs has fundamentally altered the team's trajectory, allowing them to remain undefeated despite losing key veterans to injury.
The defensive unit's ability to force 12 turnovers has been the primary statistical driver behind the team's 7-0 start. With six of the top 10 tacklers coming from these twin pairs, the team relies heavily on this specific group to maintain its current points-per-game average.
The takeaway
The success of this team highlights how unconventional roster composition can lead to high-level coordination on the field. Coaches and athletes may look to this performance as an example of how deep accountability partnerships can bridge gaps left by injured veteran players.
Further reading
For more local coverage, check out our Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Coloradoan.
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