Class 2A football received much-needed public schooling in 2007.
With the cold winds of December scurrying across the Eastern Plains, Platte Valley won the championship in its second consecutive attempt over title-game newcomer Platte Canyon. It was the first time two public schools had contested the 2A crown since 2001, when Burlington knocked off Eaton.
Don’t think for one minute it wasn’t a victory that has been savored for the past eight months by the public-school coaches.
“You know how I feel about the subject of private schools,” said Platte Canyon coach Mike Schmidt, who, no matter how successful public schools in 2A may be, will never see a level playing field.
While that debate will rage until the sun ceases to shine, it might be another good year for the public contingency.
Blame it on the economy — private-school coaches are noticing a slight dip in numbers of players — or call it natural selection, but the top seven in the preseason top 10 are public.
The most intriguing game on the schedule, even if there isn’t much in the way of postseason implications, is the Oct. 17 showdown between Florence and La Junta. It’s not so much for the players, either, as it is for the coaches. Florence’s Mark Buderus will meet his son, Clint, the new head coach at La Junta.
Florence, a perennial force in 3A, drops down and claims the preseason No. 1 role and the Tri-Peaks. With the return of Colorado Springs Christian School, St. Mary’s and defending league champion Manitou Springs now make a local rivalry trio.
Brush gets the early nod in the Patriot League. However, Platte Valley made it to consecutive title games without winning the league. Eaton is in the hunt with 6-foot-6, 212-pound senior lefty quarterback Seth Lobato. Valley, Strasburg and Weld Central are building.
Erie should head up the top-heavy Flatirons League, which includes 2006 champion Faith Christian and 2005 champion Holy Family. Erie returns 15 starters (including senior quarterback Michael Chambers) and 25 lettermen.
Faith Christian has multiple running threats and a great line to get positive yardage while Holy Family remains blessed. Jefferson drops to 2A, which should help the Saints build. Building will be on the minds of Middle Park, Bishop Machebeuf, The Academy and The Pinnacle.
Manual’s return to the mainstream will be charted in the Colorado League, which should follow the lead of Platte Canyon, Kent Denver and Denver Christian. The fight for the next tier will be spirited, with Clear Creek, Bennett, The Classical Academy and Sheridan slugging it out.
Asking Mountain League coaches to predict the No. 1 team? Buena Vista? Bayfield? Monte Vista? Pagosa Springs? Roll the dice, although Buena Vista looks the toughest on paper. The Demons, finalists in 2005, have a great rushing attack, size up front to move it along and one of the state’s biggest stars — literally — in 6-8, 340-pound Mason Finley, who can throw the discus into Utah. Salida makes a great rival for the Devils. Centauri is young but improving.
The Western Slope also appears to be top-heavy with league champion Gunnison, Aspen and Olathe all making the playoffs last season. Basalt hasn’t been to the postseason since 1987 and Cedaredge since 2002, and Coal Ridge has never been there. Grand Valley joins the fray, fresh off a 10-0 season in Class 1A.
