The American League is there for the taking.
If Class 5A has a group in which nearly every team has a reasonable chance to win the league or earn a playoff berth, it’s the AL.
The league’s postseason appearance(s) could come from any of the AL’s cities of Aurora, Colorado Springs, Highlands Ranch and Littleton.
Each brings something to the table.
For instance, Gateway and Regis, which tied for the league title a year ago, may do it again. Gateway (with multithreat Greg Bolling) has the skill and is looking to continue sound line play. Regis (national lineman recruit Butch Lewis) now is under the tutelage of Mike Woolford, who led the great Cherry Creek teams of the 1990s and is a welcome sight returning to the ranks.
Meanwhile, Rangeview brings back 2004 leading rusher Corey Nabors and another batch of big linemen for coach Dave Gonzales, himself a world power-lifting champion.
The two H’s, Heritage and Highlands Ranch, enter with something to prove. Heritage unexpectedly dropped to 1-9 a year ago, but returns dozens of seniors, always a good sign in Eagle land. Highlands Ranch hired Darrel Gorham, who led Rifle to last season’s 3A championship.
And in Colorado Springs, Palmer is armed with speedy skill players. City rival Coronado looks to be more comfortable rebuilding and working toward erasing last season’s 1-9 showing.
