East Conference
I-70 Division
CHEYENNE WELLS TIGERS
Coach: Mike Bates
2007 record: 5-5
Returning starters: Two offense, two defense
Playoff appearance last season: 2007, lost in first round 34-0 to Merino
Strengths: They are young, so the future is bright and their quarterback is still in place.
Weakness: Young, young and still young.
Players to watch: Dylan Arredondo, Sr., E-DE, 6-4, 170; Casey Hyle, Sr., QB-DB-P, 6-1, 170; John Knudson, Jr., FB-LB, 5-11, 185; Justin Smth, Jr., TB-DB, 5-11, 175.
In 2008: Coach Bates comes back to where he got his start after several seasons and a state championship at Wyoming’s Cheyenne East. He will install that winning system and how quickly his youthful team jels is crucial to the Tigers’ success.
FLAGLER PANTHERS
Coach: Brandon Borich
2007 record: 4-4
Returning starters: Five offense, five defense
Strengths: Good size, a hard-hitting defense and a three-year starter at quarterback.
Weaknesses: Just 19 kids out and very youthful backfield.
Players to watch: Weston Charles, Sr., C-LB, 6-0, 196; Randy Crisp, Jr., HB-LB, 5-9, 175; Bryant Elrick, Sr., QB-DB, 5-10, 180; Dusty Mays, Sr., G-DL, 6-3, 320; Phillip Witt, Sr., E-DE, 6-1, 215.
In 2008: The goal here is to always beat Startton and try and win this division. The Panthers lost a lot of firepower but may very well be a better team.
GENOA-HUGO/KARVAL PIRATES
Coach: Mike Clark
2007 record: 6-4
Returning starters: Five offense, five defense
Playoff appearance last season: 2007 lost in the first round 56-12 to Dayspring Christian
Strengths: Heart after the loss of teammate John Thornton in August as well as experience through the ranks.
Weakness: Team speed is not great.
Players to watch: Cole James, Jr., OL-DE, 6-1, 175; Brett Stone, Jr., TB-DB, 6-1, 165; Chase Toft, Sr., QB-DE, 6-2, 185; Tyler Yowell, Sr., FB-LB, 5-11, 200.
In 2008: This team is already tighter and will use the passing of Thornton as motivation. They may very well be a darkhorse challenger for the divisions top spot.
SIMLA CUBS
Coach: Shane Zimmerman
2007 record: 8-2
Returning starters: Four offense, four defense
Last playoff appearance: 2007, lost in first round 21-20 to Sedgwick County
Strengthes: The continuity of a returning offensive line; also strength in the defensive line and linebackers.
Weakness: Younger team learning on the fly.
Players to watch: Rusty Bohrer, Sr., C-NT, 6-1, 235; Bryan Hamacher, Sr., OL-DL, 5-8, 140; Coltan Lopez, Sr., RB-LB, 5-8, 165; Mike Mullin, Jr., RB-DB, 5-7, 160.
In 2008: They really want to compete, but it will be a dogfight to nab one of the four cross division spots.
STRATTON EAGLES
Coach: David Gottmann
2007 record: 8-3
Returning starters: Four offense, four defense
Playoff appearance last season: 2007, lost in quarterfinals 27-14 to Dayspring Christian
Strengths: Constant rotations over the years gives them plenty of experience and as always the o-line is always solid here.
Weakness: Speed.
Players to watch: Josh Cooper, Sr., E-DE, 5-10, 170; Byron Davis, Sr., RB-LB, 5-9, 160; Christian Hornung, Sr., G-DE, 6-1, 250; Spencer Schmidt, Sr., QB-DB, 5-7, 150; Bo Wertz, Sr., E-LB, 6-0, 180; Scott White, Sr., G-DT, 6-3, 295.
In 2008: A new bunch is stepping in to fill holes but the Eagles have been there and done that. They are always a contender not only for a league title but also a state title.
Black Forest Division
COLORADO D&B BULLDOGS
Coach: Joe Sisneros
2007 record: 1-7
Returning starters: Four offense, four defense
Strength: Sould be pretty solid defensively.
Weakness: The offense still has a way to go.
Players to watch: Kalub Bray, Jr., RB-LB, 5-8, 125; Nick Elstad, Sr., QB-DB, 5-8, 145; Reggie Madril, Sr., C-DL, 5-8, 225; A.J. Moody, Fr., HB-DL, 5-6, 165; Ryan Peterson, Jr., LB, 5-9,145.
In 2008: Just 14 kids out could make things tough, but the Bulldogs have a history of being tough themselves.
ELBERT BULLDOGS
Coach: Shawn Graves
2007 record: 7-2
Returning starters: Two offense, three defense
Strengths: Good positive attitude, not bad on the lines and the are not huge but they are experienced.
Weakness: They are inexperienced at the skill positions and will have a lot of sophomore gettin a lot of touches.
Players to watch: Kyle Brown, Jr., E-DE, 6-1, 175; Joe Crabbs, Jr., C-DT, 5-10, 210; Conrad Rohleder, Sr., OL-DL, 6-0, 170; Dawson Weber, Jr., RB-DB, 5-11, 155.
In 2008: The Bulldogs need to find a way to score points to be successful.
KIOWA INDIANS
Coach: Richard Schubauer
2007 record: 4-5
Returning starters: Five offense, five defense
Strengths: Offensive speed and defensive experience.
Weakness: Still a young team with just three seniors on the 24 man roster.
Players to watch: Josh Burton, Sr., RB, 5-11, 180; Cody Campbell, Jr., QB, 6-2, 185; Ben Pierson, Jr., E-DB, 5-10, 165; Wyatt Taylor, Sr., OL-DL, 6-3, 235; Ben Totsch, Jr., OL-DL, 6-2-225.
In 2008: The Indians steady improvement over the years may finally payoff in 2008.
PIKES PEAK CHRISTIAN EAGLES
Coach: Kelvin Thorne
2007 record: 4-5
Returning starters: Three offense, three defense
Strengths: Team unity and the motivation to get the job done.
Weakness: Still pretty green.
Players to watch: Andrew McFarlin, Sr., E-DE, 6-4, 175; Joey Moore, Jr., FB-LB, 5-10, 160; John Rodvold, Sr., G-DE, 5-8, 150; Caleb Smith, So. G-DE, 6-5, 255; Tyler Thorne, Sr., RB-DB, 6-0, 180.
In 2008: Have the horses, especially up front, to hang in the Black Forest.
MIAMI-YODER BUFFALOES
Coach: Don McGatlin
2007 record: 4-5
Returning starters: Six offense, six defense
Strengths: Pretty good backfield and secondary speed.
Weakness: The lack of numbers will require the limited number of Buffs to stay on the field a long time.
Players to watch: Zach Butts, Sr., QB-DB, 5-11, 157; Michael Carl, Sr., HB-DB, 5-10, 155; Jeremy Dole, Sr., FB-LB, 6-1, 190; Roy Berry, Sr., G-NG, 6-3, 230; Chris Winstead, Sr., E-DB, 6-1, 174.
In 2008: Once they adjust to the 8-man game, the have the personnel to play with anybody.
North Conference
Plains Division
CALICHE BUFFALOES
Coach: Paul Zink
2007 record: 5-5
Returning starters: Six offense, six defense
Last playoff appearance: 2007, lost in the first round 36-28 to Stratton
Strength: “Our quickness is not bad, but it ain’t great either,” Zink said.
Weakness: They have a bunch of quality kids, but their aren’t a whole lot of them.
Players to watch: Craig Debus, Sr., E-DE, 6-4, 195; Daniel Huss, Sr., G-DE, 6-4, 195; Justin Jones, Sr., G-LB, 5-11, 210; Cory Stump, Jr., QB-DB, 5-11, 160; Derek Weingardt, Sr., RB-DB, 5-8, 165.
In 2008: It will be a battle game-in and game-out in this league, but these guys are good enough to compete on a weekly basis.
DAYSPRING CHRISTIAN EAGLES
Coach: Mick Holmes
2007 record: 11-2
Returning starters: Six offense, six defense
Last playoff appearance: 2007, lost in the championship game 26-9 to Merino
Strengths: Speed, speed and more speed. The 32 team roster is loaded with 12 seniors.
Weakness: Depth.
Players to watch: Brock Martin, Sr., E-LB, 6-1, 165; Mike Moore, Jr., E-DB, 6-2, 172; Jared Sanderford, Sr., QB-DB, 6-0, 160; Kyle Taplin, Sr., RB-DB, 5-7, 155; Jared Ulmer, Jr. OL-DL, 6-2, 270; Tim Wuender, Jr., FB-LB, 5-11, 180.
In 2008: Last year was no fluke. “They have a lot of confidence in them and that makes them easy to coach,” said Holmes. These guys are good.
HAXTUN FIGHTIN’ BULLDOGS
Coach: Dave Shafer
2007 record: 2-5
Returning starters: Seven offense, seven defense
Strength: “One would think it would be experience,” Shafer joked.
Weakness: Confidence is not that high after an un-Haxtun like season.
Players to watch: Kendall Kroeger, Sr., RB-LB, 6-0, 180; Matt Ramirez, Sr., RB-DB, 5-10, 150.
In 2008: The Dawgs need to rebound this year and get back to playing Haxtun football, because the cupboard could be a little bare in the coming years.
LONGMONT CHRISTIAN WARRIORS
Coach: Carl Christensen
2007 record: 3-5
Returning starters: Two offense, two defense
Strength: Got decent speed, especially at quarterback.
Weakness: A majority of the team is underclassmen on the 18 team roster.
Players to watch: Steven Charles, Sr., E-K, 5-11, 165; Kyle Matthews, Sr., E-LB, 5-11, 180; Aaron Praska, Jr., QB-DB, 6-0, 175; Joe Schroeder, Sr., OL-DE, 6-0, 195.
In 2008: The Warriors would be pleased to sneak into the top four of this league. That could be a tall order.
MERINO RAMS
Coach: John Barber
2007 record: 13-0
Returning starters: Four offense, three defense
Playoff appearance last season: 2007, beat Dayspring Christin 26-9 for the championship
Strength: Deep as usual with 35 players out.
Weaknesses: Replacing their backfield and reigning 8-man player of the year Ethan Kurtzer.
Players to watch: Dylan Rinaldo, Sr., E-LB/DB, 6-3, 190; Derek Smart, Sr., E-DE, 6-0, 190.
In 2008: There is a lot of potential here that just needs to be focused in the right direction. “We can very good, but our league is very tough,” Barber said.
SEDGWICK COUNTY COUGARS
Coach: Dennis Hill
2007 record: 8-3
Returning starters: Four offense, four defense
Playoff appearance last season: 2007, lost in the quarterfinals 21-12 to Merino
Strengths: The overall numbers in the program are great (29) and 11 seniors on the roster doesn’t hurt.
Weakness: Inexperience at the skill positions.
Players to watch: Carson Ebke, Sr., E-LB, 6-3, 215; Reed Jablonski, Sr., OL-LB, 6-2, 225; Eric Kantor, Sr., E-DE, 6-3, 200; Justin Tjaden, Sr., SE-DB, 6-5, 195.
In 2008: If they get through the league unscathed, and they will, they will be very dangerous come playoff time.
Central Division
GILPIN COUNTY EAGLES
Coach: Ryan Witzel
2007 record: 1-7
Returning starters: Three offense, three defense
Strengths: Offensive line and linebackers.
Weakness: The running backs are all freshman and sophomores.
Players to watch: David Gerhardus, Sr., C-LB, 5-8, 170; David Yerkman, Jr., G-LB, 5-9 150.
In 2008: Seven years of losing football has been tough on the Eagles, but the future (including at the junior high level) appears to be getting brighter.
JUSTICE PHOENIX
Coach: T.J. Cole
2007 record: 0-8
Returning starters: Eight offense, eight defense
Strength: They have good numbers for a change.
Weakness: Genetics have never been in the Phoenix’s favor.
Players to watch: Hasan Alday, So. QB-DB, 5-7, 145; Salvador Hernandez, So., E-DB, 5-7, 150; Gustavo Lopez, Fr., WR, 5-7, 135; Marcus Wright, Jr. TB-LB, 5-10, 185.
In 2008: The move to the Central League can nly help this program that took their lumps in the I-70. Look for these guys to noth a few extra wins this time around.
MARANATHA CHRISTIAN CRUSADERS
Coach: Dan Ducey
2007 record: 7-3
Returning starters: Six offense, six defense
Strengths: Experienced backfield and secondary.
Weakness: Small size wise.
Players to watch: Christian Ducey, Sr., TB-DB, 5-11, 165; David Garrison, Jr., G-NT, 5-7, 170; Aaron Hammer, Sr., FB-LB, 5-11, 170; Alex Lampe, Jr., QB-DB, 5-7, 145; Mike Minges, Jr., E-DE, 5-6, 140; Nick St. John, Jr., E-LB, 5-4, 145.
In 2008: On paper the Crusaders are the class of the Central League, but they have to go out and proove it.
NORTH PARK WILDCATS
Coach: Toby Lopez
2007 record: 2-6
Returning starters: Seven offense, seven defense
Strength: Just a year more experienced.
Weakness: No real speed guy.
Players to watch: Darrol Berry, Sr., E-DB, 5-11, 140; Pat Drakulich, Sr., RB-LB, 6-2, 190; Perry Forester, Sr., E-DB, 5-11, 140; Kenny Westfall, Jr., C-NG, 6-0, 230.
In 2008: The Wildcats were regulars atop this league for several years and after several down season may be ready to get back in the playoff fold.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN LUTHERAN EAGLES
Coach: John Barenz
2007 record: 0-4
Returning starters: Seven offense, seven defense
Strength: More experience is something they have never been able to say.
Weakness: Still very much inexperienced.
Players to watch: Tyler Beagle, So., RB-LB, 5-10, 180; Josh Brown, Jr., QB, 6-2, 185; Jamal Cato-Perry, Jr., RB-DB, 5-7, 155; Cameron Johnston, Jr., G-DE, 6-2, 200.
In 2008: Realistically the goal is for the Eagles to just try and get better, specially on defense.
SILVER STATE CHRISTIAN PATRIOTS
Coach: Nathan Smith
2007 record: 8-1
Returning starters: Five offense, six defense
Strength: Passing game.
Weakness: Running game.
Players to watch: Spencer Fagen, Jr., E-LB, 5-11, 160; Aron Garcia, Jr., G-NT, 6-1, 290; Collin Mays, Sr., C-NT, 6-1, 175; Joey Whittaker, So., QB, 5-10, 170.
In 2008: It has always been the Patriots league to lose, that being said it will be tough to hang onto the top spot.
VAIL CHRISTIAN SAINTS
Coach: Tim Pierson
2007 record: 4-5
Returning starters: Four offense, four defense
Strength: A strong defense will be stingy against the run.
Weakness: “None to speak of,” Pierson said.
Players to watch: A.J. Burgess, Sr., E-DB, 6-1, 160; Kiernan Hurtt, Jr., G-NT, 5-10, 210; Kelly Lowry, Sr., C, 6-2, 215; Elliot Ristow, Sr., E-LB, 5-8, 120; Chris Schmidt, Sr., E-DB, 6-4, 170.
In 2008: The Saints defense is strong but it still takes points on the board to win games and they need to figure out how to do that.
South Conference
Arkansas Valley Division
GRANADA BOBCATS
Coach: Manuel Gonzales
2007 record: 11-1
Returning starters: Five offense, five defense
Playoff appearance last season: 2007, lost in the semifinals 47-17 to Dayspring Christian
Strengths: Experienced senior backfield and quarterback Tyndan Marquez already has a championship under his belt.
Weakness: Filling in the holes on the line, especially at center.
Players to watch: Cody Baker, Sr., G-DE, 6-3, 210; Tyndan Marquez, Sr., QB-Util., 6-1, 190; Tyson Thrall, Sr., RB-LB, 6-0, 205; Aaron Vega, Jr., E-DB, 5-9, 155; Riley Widener, Sr., C-DE-K, 6-1, 185.
In 2008: The guys are always a contender and if those holes get filled on the offensive line they may be real good. “I have a pretty good feeling about this team,” Gonzales said.
HOLLY WILDCATS
Coach: Tom Grasmick
2007 record: 3-6
Returning starters: Four offense, four defense
Strengths: The running game and a good defensive line bolsters a solid defense.
Weakness: “We’re gonna be young,” Grasmick said.
Players to watch: Richard Hernandez, So., E-LB, 5-9, 180; Mike Lozano, So., QB-LB, 6-0, 175; Kody Neill, Jr., C-DE, 5-9, 190; Michael Salgado, Jr., RB-LB, 5-8, 160; Cameron Simon, Sr., FB-DE, 5-11, 160.
In 2008: Will be amongst the four teams vying for three spots in cross-division play after Granada.
MCCLAVE CARDINALS
Coach: Shawn Randel
2007 record: 7-3
Returning starters: Six offense, six defense
Playoff appearance last season: 2007, lost in the first round 38-36 to Sangre de Cristo
Strength: The seniors on the team finally got a taste of the playoffslast season.
Weakness: Depth, just 13 kids out.
Players to watch: Ryan Geisinger, Sr., FB-LB, 6-0, 205; Blayze Melgoza, Sr., E-DE, 6-3, 190; Mike Weber, Sr., QB-DB, 5-10, 150; Darron Williams, Sr., TB-LB, 5-10, 170.
In 2008: Sure it is the Cardinals fourth coach in four years and there is an adjustment period. But Randel is a proven winner and will get the best out of these guys.
SPRINGFIELD LONGHORNS
Coach: Doug Hutcheson
2007 record: 7-4
Returning starters: Zero offense, three defense
Playoff appearance last season: 2007, lost in the quarterfinals 35-12 to Granada
Strengths: There is some speed and the quarterback has some experience.
Weakness: Inesperience . . . “Even in the coaching staff,” joked Hutcheson.
Players to watch: Seth Burnett, Sr., DL, 5-10, 170; Chase Humphrey, Jr., QB-LB, 5-10, 160; Blaine Kirk, Jr., RB-DB, 5-7, 140; Herman Medina, Jr., E-LB, 5-10, 150.
In 2008: “At least we have an experienced ballboy,” Hutcheson also joked. The capability is there to be a .500 team but they have to learn quickly.
WALSH EAGLES
Coach: Ronny Tate
2007 record: 3-5
Returning starters: Five offense, five defense
Strengths: Speed and good size up front as well of another year of experience under their belt.
Weakness: “The first scrimmage will tell,” Tate said.
Players to watch: Coach Tate never singles out any of his players.
In 2008: The Eagles can’t overlook anybody because of a number of lean years. That said, they could be a legit contender in an always tough Arkansas Valley.
WILEY PANTHERS
Coach: Andy Shaw
2007 record: 0-8
Returning starters: Seven offense, seven defense
Strength: Team unity. “These guys play really well with each other, they are intense, good learners and have a good work ethic,” first year coach Shaw said.
Weakness: They are tall, but have no bulk.
Players to watch: Brian Herrera, Sr., QB-DE, 6-2, 180; Bryan Marsh, Sr., E-DE, 6-4, 180; Joe Paintin, Sr., Sr., TB-LB, 6-2, 195; Zack Purdue, So., FB-NG, 6-3, 155.
In 2008: “I believe we are not going to go 0-10 or 10-0, but we should turn a few heads. If we fall short, we look and see where we can build,” said Shaw of the task of taking over a winless program.
Southern Division
FOWLER GRIZZLIES
Coach: John Ayres
2007 record: 6-3
Returning starters: Four offense, four defense
Strength: Numbers . . . 29 kids out.
Weakness: Youthful. Of the 29 on the roster, 23 are freshmen and sophomores and just four seniors.
Players to watch: Nick Berumen, Sr., E-DE, 6-1, 190; Steven Carpenter, Sr., RB-LB, 5-8, 154; Eric Montez, Sr., E-DE, 5-10, 186; Brad Zemmer, Sr., RB-LB, 5-10, 145.
In 2008: Got to look to get better each week and if the wins don”t come this year, they certainly will in the years to come.
HANOVER HORNETS
Coach: Luk Decker
2007 record: 2-6
Returning starters: Seven offense, seven defense
Strength: The same starting five on the offensive line come back fully intact.
Weaknesses: Not a lot of size and dealing with an inexperienced backfield.
Players to watch: Tim Brinson, Sr., OL-DL, 5-10, 200; Leo Garcia, Sr., OL-DL, 5-8, 210; Jared Gilbreth, Sr., E-DB-Spec., 5-9, 140; Frank Hughes, So., FB-LB, 5-7, 140; Kyle Runyon, Sr., E-LB, 5-10, 170.
In 2008: The Hornets have to shake the losing mentality and find ways to win games instead of lose them.
HOEHNE FARMERS
Coach: Bob Schafer
2007 record: 11-1
Returning starters: Four offense, four defense
Playoff appearance last season: 2007, lost in the semifinals 34-6 to Merino
Strength: A big senior class provides a ton of leadership.
Weakness: Replacing a few vital spots.
Players to watch: Justin McMillan, Sr., E-DE, 5-8, 165; Kurtis Paradisa, Sr., FB-LB, 6-2, 230; Cody Roberts, So., RB-DB, 5-10, 160; Dustin Thurston, Sr., C-NT, 6-3, 260.
In 2008: The Farmers planted the seeds of success last season and with a huge senior class are eager to take the next step. These guys are legitmate contenders.
HOLY TRINITY/PRIMERO BULLDOGS
Coach: Dr. Joe Jimenez
2007 record: 0-8
Returning starters: Three offense, three defense
Strengths: Quickness and attitude are the bst they’ve been in years.
Weakness: Finding a team leader.
Players to watch: Anthony Baca, Sr., RB-LB, 5-8, 160; Ryan Kitchen, Jr., C-NT, 6-2, 250; William McDonald, So., QB-DB, 5-10, 160; Gabe Valles, Sr., LB, 5-8, 170.
In 2008: For a team that scored just three touchdowns all of last season, the goal is obviously putting points on the board. The Bulldogs have one win in two seasons, and should be good for at least a couple this year.
MANZANOLA BOBCATS
Coach: James Lopez
2007 record: 4-5
Returning starters: Three offense, three defense
Strength: “It’s been hard to tell early on,” Lopez said, “but the future is bright.”
Weakness: Only one senior on the 14 man roster.
Players to watch: Ramon Padilla, Sr., RB-DB, 5-9, 170; Troy Padilla, So., QB-DB, 5-7, 160; Thomas Ramirez, Jr., OL-LB, 5-8, 170; Josh Reyes, Jr., E-LB, 6-0, 190; Michael Romero, Fr., FB-LB, 5-8, 170.
In 2008: The Bobcats will have to work very hard justto get into the cross-divisional round.
SWINK LIONS
Coach: Ray Headley
2007 record: 4-5
Returning starters: Five offense, five defense
Strength: “I’m hoping it’s the defense,” Headley said. There is good speed in the secondary and in the linebacking corp.
Weakness: The offensive and defensive lines have a combined one returning starter.
Players to watch: Tyler Dell, Jr., C, 5-9, 265; Josh Harris, Sr., E-LB, 5-9, 170; Tyler Lewis, Sr., FB-LB 5-11, 185; Brock Miller, Jr., QB-LB, 5-9, 170; Ethan Miner, Sr., E-DB, 5-7, 145; Kyle Stroud, Jr., RB-DB, 5-8, 150.
In 2008: “We are young and are going to make some mistakes, but that is how you learn,” Headley said. The Lions have a chance to battle for the 2-3-4 spot in the league behind Hoehne.
West Conference
Mountain Division
ANTONITO TROJANS
Coach: Aaron Abeyta
2007 record: 2-7
Returning starters: Five offense, seven defense
Strength: Offensively: a good quarterback and a good group of receivers. Defensively: linebackers.
Weaknesses: Offensive line, just two seniors, and Coach Abeyta lost a lot of kids he thought would come out and play.
Players to watch: Jon Duran, Jr., FB-DT, 5-10, 150; Ronnie Garcia, Sr., E-LB, 5-11, 135; Armando Ruybal, Jr., E-LB, 5-11, 160; Dylan Sisneros, Jr., OL-LB, 6-0, 215; Jose Uriarte, Jr., QB-DB, 5-11, 150.
In 2008: The Trojans appear to have the personnel to return the favor to league foes that have been eating their lunch for years of humiliation.
COTOPAXI PIRATES
Coach: Ryan Christensen
2007 record: 2-6
Returning starters: Five offense, five defense
Strength: Team size.
Weaknesses: Sheer numbers and just sheer inexperience after the five returning starters.
Players to watch: Matt Donovan, Jr., QB-LB/DB, 6-0 160; Dacyn Johnson, Jr., RB-DE, 5-10, 150; Brandon Madonna, Sr., OL-DL, 6-1, 210; Jeremiah Medina, Sr., Util.-LB, 6-3, 220; Thomas Samora, Sr., E-DE, 6-0, 170; Cole Whitlow, Jr., RB-LB, 5-8, 205.
In 2008: The Pirates will need to catch a few breaks to nab one of the four cross-division spots.
LA VETA REDSKINS
Coach: Don Price
2007 record: 4-4
Returning starters: Five offense, five defense
Strength: The underclassmen have matured and played a lot.
Weaknesses: Depth and if anybody gets hurt, especially at tailback, they could be in trouble.
Players to watch: Coach Price never singles out any of his players.
In 2008: After Sanford, the Redskins will be a force to be reckoned with and if they catch a few breaks could challenge Sanford for the division title.
MOUNTAIN VALLEY INDIANS
Coach: Allen Rael
2007 record: 0-8
Returning starters: Four offense, four defense
Strength: Pretty fast all the way around.
Weakness: The defensive backs are a young and inexperienced.
Players to watch: Nick Hammel, So., RB-DB, 5-7, 150; Brian Lovato, Jr., C-NT, 6-0, 190; Aaron Meyers, Jr., RB-LB, 5-5, 160; Tex Mangum, Jr., G-LB, 5-7, 220; Ethan Moffit, So., E-DE, 6-2, 190.
In 2008: After a winless 2007 campaign, the Indians have to work hard to regain the respect of their league mates, then maybe they can sneak up on a team or two.
SANFORD INDIANS
Coach: Cody Reynolds
2007 record: 8-2
Returning starters: Eight offense, eight defense
Playoff appearance last season: 2007, lost in the 1A first round 35-27 to Hayden
Strengths: The junior and senior classes.
Weakness: Having to learn the trick of the trade on the 8-man level.
Players to watch: Todd Crowther, Sr., RB-LB, 6-1, 185; Austin Edgar, Sr., QB-DB, 5-11, 175; Brennon Norton, Jr., OL-DL, 6-5, 190; Colton Sutherland, Sr., E-LB, 6-2, 190.
In 2008: It’s a new game but football is still football no matter how many people are on the field. “There are a lot of tradition rich programs on the 8-man level and we have our work cut out for us.”
SANGRE DE CRISTO THUNDERBIRDS
Coach: Buddy Anderson
2007 record: 9-1
Returning starters: Three offense, three defense
Playoff appearance last season: 2007, lost in the quarterfinals 60-30 to Hoehne
Strength: Intelligent football group.
Weaknesses: Gas prices caused 14 potential players to transfer closer to hom instead of driving to Mosca, leaving just 12 kids on the roster. Inexperience at quarterback.
Players to watch: Jeffery Beiriger, Sr., QB-LB, 6-1, 180; David Fisher, Sr., OL-DL, 5-9, 180; Mike Givens, Sr., E-LB, 6-5, 280; Andrew Klair, Sr., C-DL, 5-8, 210; Rusty Witherspoon, Jr., RB-LB, 5-7, 160.
In 2008: The T-Birds are the reigning league champs but are also an injury away from being just a ho-hum team in the league mix.
Western Division
DOVE CREEK BULLDOGS
Coach: Ken Soper
2007 record: 7-2
Returning starters: Six offense, five defense
Playoff appearance last season: 2007, lost in the first round 60-15 to Springfield
Strengths: Veteran group with loads of experience, fair size and decent speed.
Weaknesses: Depth could be an issue and they may struggle a little bit on defense.
Players to watch: Jesse Denno, Sr., G-NT, 6-2, 250; Justin Guynes, Jr., FB-LB, 5-8, 193; Colton Huskey, Sr., RB-LB, 5-8, 155; Andrew LaPlante, Sr., G-DE, 6-2, 210; Ryan Martin, Sr., E-DB, 6-2, 165; Jesse Poole, Sr., QB-DB, 5-11, 170.
In 2008: The Bulldogs are always the class of the Western side, but have yet to find a way to make it translate to the eastern slope style.
NORWOOD MAVERICKS
Coach: Tom LaFramboise
2007 record: 3-5
Returning starters: Three offense, three defense
Strength: Should be good at the skill positions.
Weakness: Need to fill some roles on the lines.
Players to watch: Ethan Alexander, Jr., RB-LB, 5-11, 190; Billy Fourney, Sr., RB-DB, 5-9, 170.
In 2008: Best team LaFramboise has had in his tenure and one he believes could challenge Dove Creek for the Western title.
NUCLA MUSTANGS
Coach: Tom Helmbrecht
2007 record: 7-3
Returning starters: Four offense, four defense
Playoff appearance last season: 2007, lost in the first round 20-6 to Granada
Strength: They are starting freshwith a bunch of coachable players.
Weakness: Overall inexperience.
Players to watch: Michael Bell, Sr., G-NT, 5-11, 195; Eric Galarza, Jr., E-LB, 6-1, 189; Taeyoung Lim, Jr., G-DL, 5-11, 180; Marci Mendisco, Jr., E-DB, 6-0, 175; Destry Smith, Fr., QB-LB, 6-0, 180.
In 2008: Could be a struggle for the Mustangs as the try and rebuild on the fly. The good news is, with just four team in the league they will have a chance to make the playoffs come late October.
PLATEAU VALLEY COWBOYS
Coach: Matt Guedes
2007 record: 4-6
Returning starters: Four offense, five defense
Playoff appearance last season: 2007, lost in the first round 48-13 to Hoehne
Strengths: Good leadership and they are very aggressive up front.
Weakness: Learning curve of a new coaches system.
Players to watch: Jesse Gilmore, Sr., TB-DB, 5-9, 160; Troy Hawkins, Sr., E-DE, 6-3,190; Ryan Satterfield, Sr., C-DT, 6-1, 220; Dalton Shuman, So., QB-LB, 6-0, 175; D.J. Shuman, Sr., E-DE, 6-1, 175.
In 2008: These guys don’t know yet what it is like to win, but the objective, as always, is to find a way to dethrone Dove Creek.
Independent
SOROCO RAMS
Coach: David Bruner
2007 record: 1-7
Returning starters: Five offense, five defense
Strength: Experience after the juniors and seniors got loads of playing time over the last few seasons.
Weakness: Transition from 11-man to 8-man.
Players to watch: Mike Davis, Sr., FB-LB, 6-0, 190; Jephery Donaldso, Sr., C-NT, 6-0 195; Alex Estes, Jr., RB-DB, 5-11, 160; Bobby Mason, Sr., G-DE, 6-4, 195; Cody Miles, Jr., QB-LB, 6-2, 180.
In 2008: The Rams have been down for years and the idea of having a competitive team, even if it is an Independent, has Oak Creek chomping at the bit.
