1. Merino: The deepest team in the classification has coach John “Buck” Barber more than a little excited.
2. Hoehne: The Farmers are legitimate contenders.
3. Dayspring Christian: The Eagles have another deep senior class that has speed to burn.
4. Sanford: The Indians should quickly establish themselves as another tradition- rich program in the classification.
5. Granada: Bobcats coach Manuel Gonzalez: “I feel pretty good about this one.”
6. Sedgwick County: Another one of the Plains Division’s deep programs.
7. Stratton: The Eagles are contenders and known for their size up front.
8. Caliche: The Buffs have put in the time. Now they have to go out and prove it on the field.
9. Walsh: The Eagles may be overlooked by their Arkansas Valley foes.
10. Miami-Yoder: The Buffs drop from 11-man and become an instant hit with speedster Michael Carl in the backfield.
Players to watch
Michael Carl, Miami-Yoder, Sr., HB-DB: May be the fastest player in 8-man.
Colten Huskey, Dove Creek, Sr., RB-LB: Senior rushed for 1,200 yards last season.
Tyndan Marquez, Granada, Sr., QB: Already has a championship under his belt.
Mike Moore, Dayspring Christian, Jr., E-DB: The all-state end is bigger, faster and stronger.
Kurtis Paradisa, Hoehne, Sr., FB-LB: In the words of Farmers coach Bob Schafer: “He’s a load.”
Dylan Rinaldo, Merino, Sr., E-DB/LB: Paired with Derek Smart, gives the Rams two dynamic pass catchers and blockers.
Jared Sanderford, Dayspring Christian, Sr., QB-DB: A high ankle sprain limited the speedster in 2007.
Tyson Thrall, Granada, Sr., RB-LB: If Marquez doesn’t beat you, Thrall probably will.
Jose Uriarte, Antonito, Jr., QB-DB: The Trojans’ best player is hoping to return the favor to teams for years of frustration.
Jon E. Yunt, The Denver Post
