Class 2A football team previews

The Rocky

Published August 21, 2008 at 12:36 a.m.

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2007 playoff results

* First round Faith Christian 48, Pagosa Springs 0

Eaton 30, Aspen 7

Olathe 30, Bayfield 0

Platte Valley 35, Manitou Springs 14

Buena Vista 31, Gunnison 6

Platte Canyon 27, Trinidad 0

Erie 22, Kent Denver 7

Holy Family 47, Brush 36

* Quarterfinals Eaton 13, Faith Christian 10

Platte Valley 22, Olathe 6

Platte Canyon 30, Buena Vista 20

Holy Family 22, Erie 18

* Semifinals Platte Valley 14, Eaton 7 (OT)

Platte Canyon 34, Holy Family 23

* Championship Platte Valley 21, Platte Canyon 7

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COLORADO

Kent Denver grabbed the league title last season, but it was Platte Canyon that made the most noise in the playoffs, advancing to the state championship game. Those two teams again should battle it out for the top spot in the league. Denver Christian should be improved, and the Crusaders might jump up and challenge for a playoff spot. Bennett and Clear Creek are trying to establish winning programs and could be dark horses in the race for the postseason.

Bennett, 2007: 5-4; Coach: Rick Jacoby

For the second season in a row, the Tigers started the year 5-1, only to lose their final three games and drop out of the playoff race. New coach Jacoby is hoping to stop that trend and get Bennett into the postseason.

Clear Creek, 2007: 4-5; Coach: Tony Villani

The Golddiggers won four of their first five games before losing four straight to end the season. But that was a vast improvement over the past, as Clear Creek had posted only four wins total in the previous four seasons.

Denver Christian, 2007: 3-6; Coach: Mark Swalley

The Crusaders hope to rebound after an uncharacteristic down year. They will be solid in the trenches on both sides of the ball, with Matt Newton and Sam Lee leading the way. Hard-nosed senior C.J. Caso averaged more than 4 yards a carry last season and will be the workhorse. Quarterback Marcus Pippins has a solid group of receivers to work with, including Sam Marsh, who missed last season because of a broken hand.

Kent Denver, 2007: 6-4; Coach: Scott Yates

The Sun Devils have two top-flight running backs in Tyler Jackson and Patrick Murray, and they will deliver a 1-2 punch that few opponents can handle. The line in front of them is still a little undersized, but it's bigger than it was in 2007. Depth still is a concern, but Kent Denver has reached the postseason in 24 of coach Yates' 27 seasons, and anything less will be a disappointment.

Manual, 2007: No team; Coach: Dwayne Davis

The Thunderbolts return to action with a team made up entirely of freshmen and sophomores. It definitely will be a building year, but the team will take its victories where it can find them. Linebacker Aramis Prior will key the defense, and Josh Spearman will anchor both lines. Quarterback Jauan Price and running back Latha Grant are dangerous weapons who will cause problems for opponents.

Platte Canyon, 2007: 10-3; Coach: Mike Schmidt

The Huskies made a magical run through the postseason last year to reach the state title game for the first time in school history. There is no reason to think it was a fluke, since Platte Canyon has been building into an elite team for several seasons. It has the components, including a tough defense headed by tackle Mike Pollick, end Sam Prentner and linebacker Dillon Whisman, to make another run. On offense, the Huskies have a player who's a threat to break it every time he touches the ball in speedy A.J. Melillo, who averaged more than 9 yards a carry as a junior.

Sheridan, 2007: 0-9; Coach: Lonnie Tate

The Rams suffered through a winless season, while scoring only 47 points all season. Getting the offense going will be key for the team to put a mark up in the win column this year.

The Classical Academy, 2007: 3-6; Coach: Nate Sassaman

The good news is, the Titans snapped an 18-game losing streak in Week 2 last season. They also ended the year strong, winning two of their final three games, including a 51-0 pasting of Lake County in the finale. Getting to .500 is the next step, but Classical Academy is in a tough league to try to accomplish that.

FLATIRONS

For the first time in recent history, neither Faith Christian nor Holy Family enters the year favored to win the league. That designation falls to Erie, which has been improving steadily and heads into the campaign ranked No. 1. But the Tigers do have to prove it on the field, since all three losses last season came against either Faith Christian or Holy Family. Mike Gabriel Jr. takes over as coach at Holy Family. His father, Mike Gabriel Sr., led the Tigers to two state titles earlier in the decade, and Holy Family's football field is named after him. One team that could challenge the old guard is The Academy, which appears to be a program on the rise. The Pinnacle is fielding a football team for the first time, but the Timberwolves had more than 40 players show up for the start of practice.

Erie, 2007: 8-3; Coach: Larry Gartrell

The Tigers are loaded, with seven starters returning from an offense that averaged more than 30 points a game. Key among them are quarterback Mike Chambers and running back Alex Ortega, who ran for more than 800 yards and reached the end zone 14 times. Big tackle Cees Doxsey anchors a defense that held opponents to 12 points a contest. Erie also brings back four starters at linebacker, including standout Adam West.

Faith Christian, 2007: 10-1; Coach: Blair Hubbard

The Eagles might not be as imposing as when they were the most feared team in 2A during the middle part of the decade, but they still are formidable and could walk away with their third title in the past five years. They will be strong in the trenches, with Nathan Hood and Robert Bray leading the way, and Hubbard said the team is in its best shape ever. If the Eagles can develop a couple of players at key skill positions, they will be looking at another long postseason run.

Holy Family, 2007: 10-2; Coach: Mike Gabriel Jr.

The Tigers should be especially strong on defense, with T.J. Wood and Mark Harvey leading the charge up front. The question will be on offense, where the team has to replace most of its skill players, including the 2A offensive player of the year. Senior Jake Gonzales steps into that quarterback role, and he has good speed and a strong arm. If the offense jells, Holy Family again should be a factor to win it all.

Jefferson, 2007: 0-10 (3A); Coach: Francisco Lujan

The Saints drop down from Class 3A and are coming off a season in which they had to forfeit their final four games because they didn't have enough players to complete the season. Jefferson, which hasn't won a game since 2003 and is on a 44-game losing streak, will be looking for a fresh start under first-year coach Lujan.

Machebeuf, 2007: 2-7; Coach: Tom Tesone

After jumping up to three wins in 2006, the Buffaloes took a slight step back last season, but they were better than their record might indicate. Of Machebeuf's seven losses, four were by a total of 24 points, including a one-point loss to Colorado Springs Christian late in the season.

Middle Park, 2007: 2-7; Coach: Marc Loberg

After putting together back-to-back winning seasons in 2005 and 2006, the Panthers fell off the pace a bit last season. With eight starters back on both sides of the ball, they could rebound and be a factor in the race for the playoffs. Quarterback Mike Schmidt had more than 1,000 combined yards last season, and he will pace the offense.

The Academy, 2007: 3-6; Coach: Seth Replogle

After going winless in 2006, the Wildcats made major strides last season by picking up a couple of victories in one of the toughest leagues in the classification. The Academy hopes to continue that upward trend and compete for a playoff spot this season. Anchored by senior linebacker Jon Seidel, the Wildcats should be tough on defense. Landin Caswell moves from fullback to quarterback, and his development will be key for the offense.

The Pinnacle, 2007: No team; Coach: Eric Hahn

The Timberwolves are entering their first season of competition, but think they can be a factor immediately. More than 30 players participated in offseason workouts and more than 40 showed up for the first day of practice.

MOUNTAIN

Bayfield was a huge surprise last season, going from a cellar dweller to the league championship. No one will be surprised if the Wolverines are up there again this season, although they will face a stiff challenge from perennial power Buena Vista. Monte Vista and Pagosa Springs also have the horses to be in the race. The league title probably won't be decided until the final week of the regular season.

Bayfield, 2007: 8-2; Coach: Marshall Hahn

The Wolverines made a major move up last year, going from one win in 2006 to winning the league title and advancing to the playoffs. They should have the talent to stay near the top. Jeff Huffmyer returns at quarterback after amassing 1,300 yards of combined offense last year, and he could be a 1,00 0/1,000 rushing/passing player this season. Zach Adams leads the defense, which surrendered more than 14 points only twice last year.

Buena Vista, 2007: 6-5; Coach: Bob Marken

The Demons will be powered by senior running back Larson Greenfield, who rushed for more than 2,000 yards and 25 touchdowns last season. Greenfield had more than 200 yards rushing in six contests, including a 331-yard, six-touchdown effort against Salida late in the season. One of the big boys clearing the way for Greenfield is massive Mason Finley, a 6-foot-8, 340-pound senior who is the top prep discus thrower in the nation.

Centauri, 2007: 3-6; Coach: Greg Jones

The Falcons won their first three league games last season, including a 7-3 victory against Buena Vista, and appeared poised to make a run at the playoffs. But Centauri dropped its final three games to miss out on the postseason. The Falcons' defense surrendered an average of 30 points in their six losses, so they have switched schemes to shore up that unit.

Monte Vista, 2007: 6-3; Coach: Jim McAuliffe

A tiebreaker prevented the Pirates from going to the playoffs last season, and that should drive them to make a run at the postseason. They bring back only four starters on each side of the ball, and depth will be a concern, so they must stay healthy. Running back Adam Garcia should be the workhorse on offense.

Pagosa Springs, 2007: 6-4; Coach: Sean O'Donnell

The Pirates were an onside kick from winning the league championship last year and are motivated to get another shot. They are strong at the skill positions, with quarterback Taylor Shaffer leading the way, but they have questions in the line and at linebacker. If they can develop those positions, another trip to the postseason is in store.

Salida, 2007: 1-8; Coach: Phillip Gardunio

The Spartans reached the quarterfinals two seasons ago but took their lumps last year. It was understandable, since the team had only three seniors on its roster. That means the Spartans return an experienced bunch that should improve on their win total and could challenge if things fall right.

PATRIOT

Eaton won the league title last year, but it was rival Platte Valley that went on to win the state championship, knocking the Reds out in overtime in the semifinals. Both teams should be back in the mix again this year, and it wouldn't be a surprise if they had to face each other again in the postseason. Brush, which made the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season, also will be a factor, as will University, which might be a dark horse in the race for a playoff spot.

Brush, 2007: 6-4; Coach: Randy Dreitz

The Beetdiggers were extremely young last year, so it's reasonable to think they will be improved this season. Offensively, Brush averaged more than 28 points a contest with a balanced attack, with five backs gaining at least 200 yards rushing.

Eaton, 2007: 8-4; Coach: Bill Mondt

After suffering through their first losing season in more than a decade in 2006, the Reds responded last year by winning the league and advancing to the state semifinals. This year, Eaton is going after the state title behind standout senior quarterback Seth Lobato (1,743 yards passing, 16 TDs), one of the top signal-callers in Colorado, regardless of classification. Lobato has a good group of wideouts to work with, including Cameron Stewart (36 receptions, 578 yards), but the Reds have to replace their entire offensive line. Senior Kyle Lehmann anchors a stingy defense that held seven opponents to 10 points or fewer last season.

Estes Park, 2007: 1-8; Coach: Randy Hinson

After going winless in 2006, the Bobcats started 2007 strong by knocking off Middle Park in the season opener. It was all downhill after that, though, as they were outscored 362-47 in their next eight contests. The Bobcats failed to break the 1,000-yard mark as a team on the ground last year, so getting the rushing game going will be key to any kind of turnaround. A veteran line, anchored by four-year starter Blake Hinson, should help get the ground game going.

Platte Valley, 2007: 11-2; Coach: Michael DeWall

The defending champs have some holes to fill, but that shouldn't prevent the Broncos from making a repeat run. Tate Mekelburg, an all-state tight end and the championship game most valuable player, moves to H-back, and he could develop into one of the top offensive threats in the league. Inside linebacker Michael Hoffman is one of the best in the state, and he will spearhead a defense that held opponents to 10.9 points a game last season. Platte Valley has been in the past two state title games, so there's no reason to think it can't make it again.

Strasburg, 2007: 1-8; Coach: Jeff Giger

The Indians move over from the Flatirons and hope to make a jump up in the standings. Most of the team's starters have played varsity since they were sophomores. The early schedule should help them get some wins, and a .500 record is a realistic goal.

University, 2007: 6-3; Coach: Hod Soto

The Bulldogs have increased their win total the past two seasons and have earned the respect of the rest of the league. They even scored a victory against eventual state champion Platte Valley last year, so they have the talent to play with any team. Getting to the playoffs is the next step.

Valley, 2007: 2-8 (3A); Coach: Ryan Wehrman

The Vikings drop down from Class 3A and are coming off a disappointing season. They had trouble putting points on the board and were shut out in four contests. Getting the offense humming will be key for the Vikings to rebound this season.

Weld Central, 2007: 2-7; Coach: Mike Brown

What was a major downfall of the Rebels last year, injuries, might be a boon for this season. Because Weld Central was decimated by the injury bug, a lot of young players received extended playing time. That could pay off this fall as they hit the field with a year of experience. Alan Gudka is a force on the line, and sophomore JJ Sirios is entering his second year as the Rebels quarterback.

TRI-PEAKS

Trinidad picked up its second consecutive league title last year, but the Miners lost a ton of talent to graduation. Newcomers to the league, Florence, which drops from Class 3A, and Colorado Springs Christian could battle it out for the crown.

Colorado Springs Christian, 2007: 6-3; Coach: Paul Passno

The Lions move over from the Colorado League, where they were a factor. Before sitting out the postseason last year, CSC had made the playoffs three consecutive seasons and it just missed out on a wild-card spot last year. The Lions will be strong in the skill positions, and quarterback Rocco Bachara returns after a productive junior year. If the younger players develop, especially in the line, CSC should battle for the league title.

Dolores Huerta, 2007: 4-5; Coach: Jerry Salazar

The Scorpions are playing their first full varsity schedule this season, but coach Salazar has set the bar high: He expects them to compete for the league title and a playoff spot. They should be strong at the skill positions but will have to develop players in the trenches. After playing seven of its nine games on the road last season, Dolores Huerta will play its home games at the new Colorado State-Pueblo facility.

Ellicott, 2007: 2-7; Coach: Donte Stewart

The Thunderhawks have won only eight games in the past four seasons, and they still are trying to establish a winning mind-set. The offense struggled last year, averaging a little more than 11 points a game, and the defense surrendered 30 a game.

Florence, 2007: 7-4 (3A); Coach: Mark Buderus

The Huskies return to 2A for the first time since 2001 and immediately become a factor in the race for the state title. The team won't rely on any one or two players, instead fielding a solid squad across the board. Florence doesn't have tremendous size, but it has good team speed and a lot of "180-pound athletes that can run well," according to Buderus.

La Junta, 2007: 3-6; Coach: Clint Buderus

Buderus, the son of Florence coach Mark Buderus, replaces Bob Hinkhouse as coach and will be looking to get the Tigers back on the right track.

Lamar, 2007: 4-5; Coach: Jason Tice

The Savages ended last season on an upswing, winning four of their final five contests. They were kind of a Jekyll and Hyde team last year, too, scoring 30 points or more in four contests as well as being shut out twice.

Manitou Springs, 2007: 7-3; Coach: John McGee

The Mustangs have one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the classification in wideout Dan Gieck, who hauled in 51 passes for 911 yards and 13 TDs in 2007. Alex Reiter will be the one throwing the ball to Gieck, as he moves from running back to under center. With a good core returning on both sides of the ball, a return trip to the playoffs is a realistic goal.

St. Mary's, 2007: 5-4; Coach: Matt Walter

The Pirates are going to be young, but they should be good up front on both sides of the ball. Big Brian Bagnas, a 306-pound senior nose guard, will clog things up in the middle of the field defensively. The big question will be at the skill positions, as graduation took five of the six skill players on offense and the entire defensive backfield.

Trinidad, 2007: 8-2; Coach: Randy Begano

The Miners are coming off a great two-year stretch in which they won 17 games and advanced to the playoffs each season. But they lost a great senior class to graduation, including several three- and four-year starters. This squad won't have a whole lot of varsity experience, but Begano hopes it can contend for one of the league's playoff spots.

WESTERN SLOPE

Three playoff teams came out of the league last season, champion Gunnison, runner-up Aspen and Olathe, which grabbed a wild-card berth. Olathe was the only team to make it out of the first round, though. All three should contend again this season, as should Roaring Fork, which had only five seniors on its roster last year.

Aspen, 2007: 7-3; Coach: Mike Sirko

The Skiers experienced a resurgence under Sirko in his first year, taking second place in the league and qualifying for the playoffs. A similar run isn't out of the question this year, but Aspen does have to replace a talented group of seniors it lost to graduation.

Basalt, 2007: 2-7; Coach: Carl Frerichs

Longtime defensive assistant Frerichs takes over the coaching reins for the Longhorns. They bring back a good group of seniors, including Cody Kosinski, who averaged more than 8 yards a carry in limited use last season. Frerichs said the team was more competitive than its record indicated last year, losing two games by a single point and another by eight. If the Longhorns can figure out a way to win the close contests, they could be in the mix for a playoff spot.

Cedaredge, 2007: 1-8; Coach: Eric Hollombeak

The Bruins finished with one win for the second consecutive season and have only five victories in the past four years. They struggled mightily on defense, surrendering more than 44 points a contest last year.

Coal Ridge, 2007: 1-8; Coach: Scott Parker

The Titans picked up their first win in varsity competition last season. The goal this year is to get a few more. With a full senior class for the first time, Coal Ridge should be able to do that. Leading rusher Bradey Gasaway is back, as is leading tackler Josh Alsop and leading receiver Alex Klein.

Grand Valley, 2007: 10-1 (A); Coach: Mike Johnson

The Cardinals move up from Class A, where they put together an unbeaten regular season before being knocked out by Wray in the playoffs. Grand Valley has won 18 games during the past two seasons, but how that will translate in 2A remains to be seen.

Gunnison, 2007: 8-2; Coach: Dennis Fraser

The Cowboys ran the table in the Western Slope League in Fraser's first year as coach, edging Olathe 7-0 in the season finale to win the title. Gunnison should be in the hunt again, since the Cowboys traditionally are strong on defense and established an offense that scored 30 points or more in four of the final six regular-season games.

Olathe, 2007: 8-3; Coach: Ryan Corn

The Pirates have been in the playoffs the past two seasons and should make a run at a third postseason this year. Losses to Aspen and Gunnison last year forced them into the wild card, but they have the tools to win the league title this year. They were the only Western Slope team to make it out of the first round of the playoffs, crushing Bayfield 30-0.

Roaring Fork, 2007: 3-6; Coach: Mike Brinson

Roaring Fork had dominated this league for much of the past decade but fell on hard times last year and missed the playoffs. The Rams were young last year, with only five seniors, so they should rebound and battle for a higher finish in the league.

INDEPENDENT

Lake County, 2007: 1-8; Coach: Rob Paine

The Panthers still are a team in transition after having their season canceled in 2006. Last year, they played in the Mountain League; this year, they will be independent and won't play a full varsity schedule.

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