Class A 8-man football team previews

The Rocky

Published August 20, 2008 at 9:54 p.m.

Text size

2007 playoff results

* First round Merino 34, Cheyenne Wells 0

Sedgwick County 21, Simla 20

Hoehne 48, Plateau Valley 13

Sangre de Cristo 38, McClave 36

Stratton 36, Caliche 28

Dayspring Christian 56, Genoa-Hugo 12

Springfield 60, Dove Creek 15

Granada 20, Nucla 6 * Quarterfinals Merino 21, Sedgwick County 12

Hoehne 60, Sangre de Cristo 30

Dayspring Christian 27, Stratton 14

Granada 35, Springfield 12

* Semifinals Merino 34, Hoehne 6

Dayspring Christian 47, Granada 17

* Championship Merino 26, Dayspring Christian 9

More Football

More stories »

ARKANSAS VALLEY

Granada has been the class of the division the past two years, and nothing changes here. With the Bobcats' experience and talent, they are poised for a shot at their second title in three years. Springfield always is competitive, but it has many holes to fill offensively. McClave emerged as a dangerous offensive team last season and should remain on the same pace this year.

Granada, 2007: 11-1; Coach: Manuel Gonzales

The Bobcats are loaded with talent. Tyndan Marquez, Tyson Thrall and Dustin Bohlander enter their senior seasons as the most prolific offensive trio in the classification. Line depth is an issue, but with that sort of talent, Granada should make up for it.

Holly, 2007: 3-6; Coach: Tommy Grasmick

The defense suffered graduation losses, but the Wildcats offense should be able to lessen much of that blow. Quarterback Michael Lozano returns with far more experience. Inexperience will be an issue.

McClave, 2007: 7-3; Coach: Shawn Randel

Randel, fresh off of an A 6-Man title with Eads last year, is making the transition to McClave. The Cardinals were explosive last season, averaging 40 points a game and finishing a surprising second within the Arkansas Valley. Mike Weber (1,108 yards, 15 TDs) returns at quarterback.

Springfield, 2007: 7-4; Coach: Doug Hutcheson

The Longhorns lost a lot to graduation, especially in the skill department. In the meantime, they should get by with defensive lineman Seth Burnett holding down the inside. Running back Blaine Kirk will be counted on to move the chains.

Walsh, 2007: 3-5; Coach: Ronny Tate

Walsh was down, but still, it remained competitive in the difficult Arkansas Valley. This season might be more difficult, since seniors and juniors are few and far between. Team speed will be the Eagles' biggest asset.

Wiley, 2007: 0-8; Coach: Andy Shaw

Shaw takes over a team that struggled to make it through the 2007 season. The Panthers averaged 6.3 points a game and were shut out three times. Quarterback Taylor Wilson struggled as a freshman, but with more experience, he should fare better against defenses.

BLACK FOREST

Elbert dominated within the division last year. Graduation losses hit hard this season, though, so it needs some of its young players to step up. Miami-Yoder is making its way from Class A 11-Man to 8-Man and already has captured the attention of opponents within the division. Pikes Peak Christian enters the season with a new coach but has the offensive firepower to compete for the top spot.

Colorado Deaf & Blind, 2007: 1-7; Coach: Joe Sisneros

The Bulldogs struggled last season. A lack of returning starters will continue to be a challenge. Depth also will be an issue. Nicholas Elstad has been a stalwart on defense: He led the team in tackles last year.

Elbert, 2007: 7-2; Coach: Shawn Graves

Elbert won the division but lost to Cheyenne Wells in the crossover playoffs. The Bulldogs lost six seniors and will be a young squad, but they should be competitive. Lineman Conrad Rohleder is the senior standout. He will be paired with Joe Crabbs on the defensive line.

Kiowa, 2007: 4-5; Coach: Richard Schubauer

Kiowa will be forced to play with 13 freshmen this season. While the Indians are young, they do have size, as 6-foot-3 Wyatt Taylor heads a big offensive line. Senior Kyle Barlett, a 6-5 basketball player, will make his football debut at tight end for the Indians.

Pikes Peak Christian, 2007: 4-5; Coach: Kelvin Thorne

Thorne, the team's former offensive coordinator, takes the helm for the Eagles this season. He should get plenty of offense from running back Tyler Thorne (1,343 yards, 18 TDs). The offensive and defensive line is anchored by John Rodvold. The defense has some holes to fill, though.

Miami-Yoder, 2007: 4-5 (A); Coach: Don McGatlin

Moving down a classification might be a breath of fresh air for the Buffaloes after playing the likes of Limon, Byers and Burlington for so long. They should be primed for a successful transition. While overall turnout is down, the talent is good: Speedy Michael Carl returns at receiver and Jeremy Dole comes back at linebacker.

CENTRAL

The Central is wide open, featuring plenty of rebuilding teams and young teams trying to find their footing. Justice put itself in a position for success by attending offseason camps with larger schools. Maranatha Christian has the speed and athleticism, but size will be a big question. Newcomer Rocky Mountain Lutheran is inexperienced but thinks it can compete or at least hang around the middle of the pack.

Gilpin County, 2007: 1-7; Coach: Ryan Witzel

The Eagles finished 2007 with the same record as in 2006. They once again might be lacking in experience and impact players. Linebackers David Gerhardus and David Yerkman lead the defense.

Justice, 2007: 0-8; Coach: T.J. Cole

The Phoenix endured the I-70 division for a few years and now find themselves in the much more accommodating Central. Hassan Alday returns for his second year behind center. Thanks to being located in Boulder, Justice was able to attend seven-on-seven camps with Class 5A schools.

Maranatha Christian, 2007: 7-3; Coach: Dan Ducey

Maranatha Christian must find a new starting quarterback, but with fullback Eric Hammer and tailback Christian Ducey, the other two-thirds of the backfield is solid. If the Crusaders can answer the quarterback question and find some depth, they should compete.

North Park, 2007: 2-6; Coach: Toby Sanchez

North Park struggled through growing pains in Sanchez's first season. This season, the Wildcats return seven starters, including all-league players in running back Tim Dra- kulich and lineman Kenny Westfall. To be competitive, the defense will have to clamp down: The unit allowed 40.8 points a game in 2007.

Rocky Mountain Lutheran, 2007: 0-4; Coach: John Barenz

Last season was Rocky Mountain Lutheran's first playing football. While the Eagles played mostly Class 2A teams, this year, they will take on 8-Man. While young, the team returns 10 players, including lineman-turned-running back Tyler Beagle.

Silver State, 2007: 8-1; Coach: Nathan Smith

Smith, a former assistant coach, takes over a Patriots team that returns four starters. The Patriots will air it out a bit more this season. Sophomore quarterback Joey Whittaker has a strong arm, and junior wide receiver Spencer Fagan has the hands and speed to stretch the field.

Vail Christian, 2007: 4-5; Coach: Tim Pierson

The Saints enter the season with high expectations and plenty of question marks. Junior and three-year starter Kieran Hurtt leads the offensive line, but there is no solid starter at running back. They also have quick and reliable wide receiver A.J. Burgess, but no experienced quarterback to get the ball to him.

Victory Christian, 2007: 0-8; Coach: Truman Abbott

The Conquerors need to establish a consistent offense if they are to tally in the win column in 2008. The unit averaged only 8.5 points a game last season and scored more than 14 points only once.

I-70

Expect the I-70 Division to be one of the best and most competitive around. Flagler has the size, speed and talent to contend in the playoffs. Genoa-Hugo's patience has paid off, and the talent finally is coming to the surface. Stratton never suffers a down season and keeps churning out talent year after year. Simla's offense might struggle with the departure of one of the best running backs last season. Regardless, it should find a way to compete.

Cheyenne Wells, 2007: 5-5; Coach: Mike Bates

It's a self-professed rebuilding year, according to new head coach Bates. The Tigers are young, but hopes are high. Casey Hyle is a two-year starter at quarterback, but he might be better known for his punting abilities by the end of the season.

Flagler, 2007: 4-4; Coach: Brandon Borich

Three-year starting quarterback Bryant Elrick is the real deal. He has passed for more than 1,000 yards the past two seasons and eclipsed 1,800 yards of total offense last season. Elrick's offensive line consists of Clint Rand (6-3, 215 pounds) and Dusty Mays (6-2, 300 pounds).

Genoa-Hugo, 2007: 6-4; Coach: Michael Clark

If the Pirates can avoid injury, they might well be the deepest team in the division. Running backs Tyler Yowell and Brett Stone will grind it out on the ground, and consistent Chase Toft will lead the offense at quarterback. One glaring issue is the lack of team speed, but the Pirates can be as physical as anyone.

Simla, 2007: 8-2; Coach: Shane Zimmerman

The obvious question for the Cubs is, how do they replace a graduated 2,000-plus yard rusher? It will be difficult, but the offensive line still is very steady with Tyler Anderson. The defense should be solid with linebacker Colton Lopez patrolling the defensive front.

Stratton, 2007: 8-3; Coach: David Gottman

For the second year in a row, the Eagles will have to replace much of their offense. Spencer Schmidt takes over at quarterback. Christian Hornung continues to improve and should be one of the best linemen in the classification by season's end.

MOUNTAIN

Sanford seems primed to overtake the rest of the division. The Indians moved down to 8-Man and have the talent to take on all comers. Since depth always is a factor at this level, the team that can stay the healthiest will find itself competing with Sanford throughout the season. Sangre de Cristo has a high-powered offense that can hang points on any team in the classification. Cotopaxi and Mountain Valley might need another year before they can compete.

Antonito, 2007: 2-7; Coach: Aaron Abeyta

The Trojans still struggled with inexperience last season, though they did win two more games than in 2006. The same struggles might continue. Unfortunately for the Trojans, the division continues to get better around them.

Cotopaxi, 2007: 2-6; Coach: Ryan Christenson

Even before the season starts, the Pirates will face depth problems because of a low turnout. That's not to say the talent that reported isn't solid. The Pirates should be set if junior quarterback Matt Donovan can make a good first impression. Cole Whitlow is a hard-nosed running back and linebacker.

La Veta, 2007: 4-4; Coach: Don Price

The Redskins went 3-1 within the division last season. They were beaten soundly by Sangre de Cristo and struggled when it came to playing better teams outside the division. They lost plenty of size and depth to graduation.

Mountain Valley, 2007: 0-8; Coach: Allen Rael

New coach Rael can only hope to improve on a winless season. The team still is filled with underclassmen, but there is optimism. Tex Mangum is a bowling bowl at fullback. The junior is only 5-5, but weighs in at a solid 220 pounds. Aaron Meyers returns at quarterback.

Sanford, 2007: 8-2 (A); Coach: Cody Reynolds

Dropping from 11-Man to 8-Man caused much consternation in Sanford. A young and talented Indians squad doesn't seem to mind too much, though. The Indians already have stirred a lot of talk among teams in the classification. Running back/linebacker Todd Crowther has an opportunity to become one of the toughest and most active players in the classification.

Sangre de Cristo, 2007: 9-1; Coach: Buddy Anderson

The Thunderbirds need to shore up their defense before they can make a real move within the division and in the playoffs. Conversely, the offense will be in good hands with quarterback Jeffrey Beiriger and fullback Rusty Witherspoon. The Thunderbirds have the firepower, but do they have the stopping power?

PLAINS

Already the toughest division in the classification continues to get stronger. Merino and Dayspring Christian played each other in the title game last year, with Merino again emerging victorious. The defending champs have question marks at important positions and face stiff competition from the runner-up Eagles. Caliche turned heads last year with its skill-position players, and Sedgwick County continued to make its case as the next title bearer. Dormant Haxtun is waiting to explode.

Caliche, 2007: 5-5; Coach: Paul Zink

The Buffaloes find themselves in the thick of the Plains race. They have one of the most dynamic kick returners in the classification in Derek Weingardt. The 5-8 senior has speed and rarely finds himself running sideline to sideline. Tight end Craig Debus is the focal point of the offense.

Dayspring Christian, 2007: 11-2; Coach: Mick Holmes

A powerful and diverse offense put the Eagles in the championship game last season. Don't expect anything different this year. Jared Sanderford takes over at quarterback. Junior receiver Michael Moore will make the transition easy. Moore averaged 19.4 yards a catch last season.

Haxtun, 2007: 2-5; Coach: Dave Shafer

The Bulldogs struggled through a rare letdown last season but should be rounding back into form this year. Matt Ramirez doesn't have top-end speed at running back, but the senior has the toughness and the moves to help the team scratch and claw its way back to the top.

Longmont Christian, 2007: 3-5; Coach: Carl Christensen

The Warriors were young last season and went winless within division play. Junior Aaron Praska will head the offense at quarterback, and fellow junior Austin Bennett is the team's top tackler (46) returning from last season.

Merino, 2007: 13-0; Coach: John Barber

Nothing seems to keep the Rams down. While the quarterback position is up for grabs and won't be decided until camp breaks, the Rams still have a fine base of players from which to choose. Dylon Rinaldo is just as effective catching the ball as he is running it, and he should be the team's next big standout.

Sedgwick County, 2007: 8-3; Coach: Dennis Hill

Depth and talent never is an issue for the Cougars. The issue is playoff seeding. In 2006, Sedgwick County lost to eventual state runner-up Stratton in the quarterfinals, and last season to state champ Merino in the quarterfinals. Reed Jablonski and Carson Ebke anchor a solid offensive line.

SOUTHERN

Hoehne has the horses in the backfield and a quality lineman who will clear the way for both players. If Hoehne can experience the same success that led to gawdy numbers last season, the Farmers should excel. Fowler will be competitive once again if the young players respond and play to their talent levels. Swink will have to adjust to a new coach, but the good news is, he's very familiar with the program. Hanover has a lot of talent and size and could be a surprise contender for the division crown.

Fowler, 2007: 6-3; Coach: John Ayers

Fowler is light on experience, but not lacking in talent. The Grizzlies return their leading rusher in Steven Carpenter, who finished with 699 yards last season. Nick Berumen is the team's best defender, having registered six sacks last season.

Hanover, 2007: 2-6; Coach: Luke Decker

The bad news is, Decker takes over a squad that started two freshmen a year ago. The good news is, Decker will have plenty of returning talent with which to work. Junior Chris Davis received a year of seasoning at quarterback. His targets will be seniors Kyle Runyon and Jared Gilbreth. The offensive line is laced with experience, starting with Leo Garcia and Tim Brinson.

Hoehne, 2007: 11-1; Coach: Bob Schafer

Last season, the Farmers ran roughshod over the entire division, rushing for nearly 3,000 combined yards. Running backs Kurtis Paradisa and Cody Roberts were a large part of that. Finding a quarterback will be a top priority, but with lineman Dustin Thurston returning, protection shouldn't be an issue.

Holy Trinity, 2007: 0-8; Coach: Joe Jimenez

The Tigers are undersized and lack depth. Junior running back Anthony Baca is the most experienced starter. Six-foot-two, 240-pound Ryan Kitchen is the squad's biggest lineman. It will be a building year for the Tigers.

Manzanola, 2007: 4-5; Coach: James Lopez

Lopez is familiar with the division, especially with Swink, his former team, which he guided to the semifinals in 2003 and 2004. The Bobcats managed to stay competitive last year, despite a young team. Receiver Ramon Padilla and running back Josh Reyes return.

Swink, 2007: 4-5; Coach: Ray Headley

Headley takes over the team he previously coached in 1986. The Lions are chock-full of talented track athletes. Junior quarterback Brock Miller is a dual-threat quarterback. Tyler Lewis is the team's fastest player, at fullback and defensive end. Kyle Stroud will face the bulk of the carries at running back.

WESTERN

Dove Creek continued to tear through the division with its offense. The team has skill players who seem poised for breakout campaigns. Plateau Valley should be the closest to compete with the Bulldogs. The team boasts players who can be dominating when they have to be. Nucla and Norwood are big question marks within the division. As always in this division, expect the unexpected.

Dove Creek, 2007: 7-2; Coach: Ken Soper

The Bulldogs always are known for their offense. While graduation took away a large part of a high-powered rushing attack, Justin Guynes (884 rushing yards) should be able to pick up the slack. Jesse Poole is a solid quarterback. If he improves his accuracy, the Bulldogs will be tough to beat.

Norwood, 2007: 3-5; Coach: Tom LaFrambois

On paper, the Mavericks averaged 22 points a game and gave up only 22.9 points in 2007. In reality, though, they struggled against the better teams in the division. Graduation hit hard, which makes for a lot of question marks going into the season.

Nucla, 2007: 7-3; Coach: Tom Helmbrecht

The Mustangs succeeded last year despite injuries and off-the-field issues. Like Dove Creek, Nucla is known for its offense, and that won't change. The team is using a new offensive system and hopes freshman quarterback Destry Smith can pick it up quickly. Speedy Ty Spangler (299 yards rushing) returns at running back.

Plateau Valley, 2007: 4-6; Coach: Matt Guedes

Plateau Valley will try its hand with new coach Guedes. The Cowboys boast plenty of returning talent, including dominant linebacker Landy Coon. Joining Coon on what should be a tough defensive squad is end Troy Hawkins and Jesse Gilmore.

INDEPENDENT

Soroco, 2007: 1-7 (A); Coach: David Bruner

The drop in classification should help the Rams, who averaged 9.8 points a game last season while giving up 43 points defensively.

Subscribe to the Rocky Mountain News