From 61-0 Loss to Small-Town Dynasty: The Story of Truckee Football
Before the 13 state titles, before the 41-game win streak, before “Truckee Pride” became a way of life — there was a first game in 1952 that ended in a 61-0 loss and a home field carved out of two fairways at the Tahoe City Golf Course.
Moonshine Ink’s Jon Grant has written the most complete chronicle yet of how a small mountain town built one of Nevada high school football’s great dynasties. It’s all here: Ron Estabrook’s 1989 team that lit the fuse, freshman Damien Fertitta’s title-winning kick in 1990, the nine championships of the legendary Bob Shaffer era, and Coach Josh Ivens’ journey from a humbling 3-6 first season to back-to-back state titles in 2022 and 2023. Along the way, Grant digs into what makes this program different — the Wing T offense passed down from youth ball to varsity, the alumni who return to coach, the fearless kids raised on skis, and a community that shows up year after year.
As the Wolverines kick off the 2026 season with an uncertain future on the state line, this is a piece every member of Wolverine Nation should read.
Our thanks to Moonshine Ink and staff writer Jon Grant for the time and care they put into telling our program’s story. Independent local journalism like this is a gift to the community — please read, share, and support their work.
→ Read the full story at Moonshine Ink: Truckee Football’s History of Greatness