Metro Conference
ALAMEDA PIRATES
Coach: Mike Joseph
2007 record: 2-8
Returning starters: 8 offense, 6 defense
Last playoff appearance: 1992
Strength: Skill position players
Weakness: Lack of depth on offensive, defensive lines
Players to watch: Alex Nguyen, Sr., RB/LB, 6-0, 210; Sean Giroir, Sr., TE/LB/K, 6-4, 235; Jeremy Ateneio, Jr., RB/DB, 5-8, 165; Steven Gordon, Jr., QB/DB, 6-1, 170; Tanner Harrod, Jr., OL/DL, 6-0, 225
In 2008: Tough times have fallen on Alameda High, and not just with the football program, according to Coach Joseph. But his team has adopted a goal to be the best team on the field each week, and if it gets lucky, then the playoffs could be a possibility, says Joseph. But to do that, the team has changed its outlook, not just athletically, but also academically. The first thing the Pirates have to do, says Joseph, is to believe in themselves.
ARVADA REDS
Coach: Kevin Clark
2007 record: 0-10
Returning starters: N/A
Last playoff appearance: 1991
Strength: N/A
Weakness: N/A
Players to watch: Nicholas Loveridge, Sr., RB, 5-7, 175; Hayden Staggs, Sr., OL/DL, 6-3, 300; Tyson Kehm, Sr., LB, 5-9, 175
In 2008: Just win baby. The Reds, under Coach Clark — a former member of the Denver Broncos, will be looking for their first win since Sept. 14, 2006, a stretch of 17 games. A move down from 4A should help the cause. Helping Clark coach will be ex-NFL players Tyrone Braxton and Quinn Dorsey.
CENTAURUS WARRIORS
Coach: Chad Senseney
2007 record: 7-4
Returning starters: 5 offense, 6 defense
Last playoff appearance: 2007, 44-21 to Pueblo County in preliminaries
Strength: Experienced defense
Weakness: Identity on offense
Players to watch: Ryan Rubeck, Sr., DT, 6-3, 250; Lorenzo Mata, Sr., ILB, 5-9, 190; Derik Wetzel, Sr., OLB, 5-9, 195; Austin Scheufele, Jr., OL, 6-4, 250; Sean McEwen, Sr., WR/KR, 5-7, 155
In 2008: The expectations are what Coach Senseney always expects — to be playing in November. The difference is trying to have success there, and that means possibly finding a way to host a playoff game instead of traveling to Pueblo County or Palisade. The goal isn’t just to make the playoffs, it’s to position itself better for the postseason. The key to that could be on offense, where the Warriors might be throwing the ball more often that they’ve done in years past.
CONIFER LOBOS
Coach: Larry Fitzmaurice
2007 record: 9-3
Returning starters: 7 offense, 2 defense
Last playoff appearance: 2007, lost 17-13 to Falcon in quarterfinals
Strength: Offense, interior lines
Weakness: Youth on defense
Players to watch: Willie Hayes, Sr., RB, 5-10, 175; Craig Fowler, Sr., QB, 6-0, 155; Mike Vaggalis, Sr., C, 5-9, 170; Greg Schmidt, Sr., G, 6-1, 220; Stephen Theiss, Jr., WR, 6-1, 175; Calvin Winters, Jr., MLB, 6-2, 190; Jesse Atkinson, Sr., OT/DT, 6-1, 250
In 2008: The team will lean on its veteran experience on offense, which, according to Coach Fitzmaurice, could be better than last year’s attack. But the key could be how well, and fast, the defense steps up. MLB Calvin Winters will direct a defense that lost nine starters from a year ago.
D’EVELYN JAGUARS
Coach: Jeremy Bennett
2007 record: 8-3
Returning starters: 9 offense, 8 defense
Last playoff appearance: 2007, lost 42-31 to Palisade in preliminaries
Strength: Passing game
Weakness: Lack of playing experience on offensive line
Players to watch: Mitch Stroehlien, Sr., OT, 6-4, 260; Garrett Griffith, Sr., QB, 6-1, 180; Steve Sanchez, Sr., RB, 5-5, 145; Sean Rebek, Sr., WR, 5-9, 190; Alex Crabb, Sr., CB, 6-2, 195; Josiah Flack, Jr., MLB, 6-4, 210; Charly Partheymuller, Sr., FS, 6-2, 205;
In 2008: Three years ago, this team was 1-9. Two years ago, 7-3. Last year, 8-2 and a playoff berth. You catch the theme here. Jeremy Bennett has turned the program around and his upperclassmen-laden team is expected to be a contender in the Metro Conference.
ELIZABETH CARDINALS
Coach: Chris Cline
2007 record: 7-4
Returning starters: 2 offense, 6 defense
Last playoff appearance: 2007, lost 27-21 to Berthoud in preliminaries
Strength: Defense, especially the line backing core which returns intact.
Weakness: Inexperience on offense, especially the offensive line
Players to watch: Ethan McKinney, Sr., QB/FS, 6-3, 180; Luke Dillavou, Sr., FB/LB, 5-9, 175; Drew Yancey, Sr., TE/LB, 6-1, 215; Brendan Anderson, Sr., OT/DT, 6-1, 240; Nick Mortensen, Sr., OL, 6-0, 235; Dan Reeder, Sr, DB/WR, 6-3, 160
In 2008: Elizabeth won the Metro Conference last year, but has lost a number of kids from its 2007 squad, including all-state RB Mitch Johnson who rushed for nearly 2,700 yards and 31 scores. Coach Cline expects his team to be competitive, but the team has some rebuilding to do, especially on offense.
ENGLEWOOD PIRATES
Coach: Matt Bednorz
2007 record: 4-6
Returning starters: 6 offense, 6 defense
Last playoff appearance: 2006
Strength: Offensive, defensive lines
Weakness: Offensive stability with a new game plan
Players to watch: Andrew Trigg, Sr., RB/LB, 5-11, 180; Justin Williams, Sr., OL/DL, 6-1, 240; Josh Bateman, Sr., TE/LB, 6-1, 190; Jared Blackburn, Sr., WR/CB, 5-11, 160; Aaron Sloan, Sr., QB, 6-2, 170; Jacob Lowder, Jr., K, 5-10, 160
In 2008: For this team to turn around last year’s sub-.500 record into a return to the playoff, according to Coach Bednorz, the key is his seniors clicking with the younger players. The team chemistry wasn’t there in ’07, said Bednorz. If that comes together, especially with a new QB in Sloan, a transfer from Sheridan, Bednorz is hopeful for at least a 4-2 conference mark. But the team starts off the season with a tough non-conference foe in state runner-up Falcon.
EVERGREEN COUGARS
Coach: Mike Sellers
2007 record: 3-7
Returning starters: 8 offense, 8 defense
Last playoff appearance: 2004
Strength: Speed, skill positions
Weakness: Depth
Players to watch: Josh Ryan, Sr., WR, 6-3, 180; Drake Brown, Sr., DE/RB, 6-1, 205; Greg Hoffman, Sr., DE, 6-3, 215; Jeff Yearsley, Sr., DL/OL, 6-3, 200; Chris Kosicki, Sr. DL/OL, 6-4, 285; Cory Evans, Sr., LB/FB, 5-11, 220; Trevor Olsen, Jr., QB, 6-5, 190
In 2008: The Cougars are itching to end a three-year playoff drought, and according to Sellers, it starts with the non-conference season-opener with Frederick. The team, coming off one of its worst seasons ever, faces a tough road with three of its five division games on the road.
RIDGE VIEW ACADEMY RAMS
Coach: Jason Lane
2007 record: 1-9
Returning starters: 2 offense, 2 defense
Last playoff appearance: Neve qualified
Strength: Conditioning, team camaraderie
Weakness: Lack of football knowledge, roster turnover
Players to watch: Sal Subia, Jr., RB/DB, 5-8, 175; Dustin Duff, Jr., QB, 6-0, 180; Justin Reed, Sr., RB, 6-1, 190; Humberto Roldan, Sr., OL/DL, 6-1, 230; Tyrel Walker, Jr., WR/DB, 6-3, 180
In 2008: First-year Rams head coach Jason Lane hopes to field a competitive team — despite the low number of returning starters — and “surprise some people within 3A.” To do that, Lane says, his team must have much more structured organization.
SKYVIEW WOLVERINES
Coach: Bill Nelson
2007 record: 3-7
Returning starters: 6 offense, 5 defense
Last playoff appearance: 2003
Strength: Stability, experienced starters
Weakness: Depth, lack of numbers
Players to watch: Stephen Mamuzich, Sr., RB/KR, 5-8, 155; Ronnie Tso, Sr., RB, 5-8, 145; Jose Pablo Diaz, Sr., FB, 6-0, 195; Lewis Urena, Sr., OL/DL, 5-10, 215; Justin Maynes, Sr., TE/LB, 6-0, 175
In 2008: When Bill Nelson got to Skyview, the Wolverines had lost 22 in a row. While the wins have started to come, the team is still looking for its first playoff appearance since 2003. The school still lacks numbers, but, at least, the outlook is brighter than it’s been for some time.
SUMMIT TIGERS
Coach: Dylan Hollingsworth
2007 record: 7-3
Returning starters: 8 offense, 7 defense
Last playoff appearance: 2006
Strength: Defense, team speed
Weakness: Grow a lot on offensive, defensive line
Players to watch: Landon Greve, Sr., QB, 6-2, 195; Talon Roggasch, Sr., RB/SS, 6-1, 200;
Jordan Sitkoski, Sr., FB/MLB, 6-0, 245; Zach Campbell, Sr., OT/DT, 5-11, 230; Stephen Ike, Sr., WR/DB, 5-10, 165; Nate Roe, Jr., DE, 5-9, 170; Cody Thomas, Jr., TB/LB, 5-10, 170
In 2008: With 17 returning seniors, Summit looks to be in position to contend for the Metro Conference title, but, as Coach Hollingsworth notes, it’s going to be a battle to get through. Last year, the rest of the conference was senior-laden, this year it’s his team.
VALOR CHRISTIAN EAGLES
Coach: Brent Vieselmeyer
2007 record: N/A
Returning starters: 0 offense, 0 defense
Last playoff appearance: Never qualified, in first year
Strength: Young, don’t know any better
Weakness: Only 14 juniors, lot of underclassmen
Players to watch: Danny Ramirez, Jr., OT, 6-3, 260; Matt Coral, Jr., FB, 5-11, 170; Jesse Perea, Jr., G/DT, 5-10, 215; Brandon Lichty, Jr., DL, 5-11, 205; Blake Froistad, Soph., TE, 6-2, 175
In 2008: Gaining much-needed experience is the key for the Eagles, who played a JV schedule in 2007. The first four games should be a real test against foes from the Metro Conference’s South Division.
Tri-Valley Conference
BERTHOUD SPARTANS
Coach: Dan McGinn
2007 record: 12-2
Returning starters: 9 offense, 6 defense
Last playoff appearance: 2007, won 21-13 over Falcon for 3A championship
Strength: Experienced offense, especially offensive line
Weakness: Special teams, kicking game
Players to watch: Jordan Major, Sr., QB, 5-10, 170; Bryce Munoz, Sr., RB, 5-9, 165; Tye Duncan, Sr., WR, 5-9, 140; Nick Henderson, Sr., LB, 5-10, 175; Brad Dick, Sr., OL, 6-4, 290
In 2008: The expectations are there, and rightfully so, for the defending state champions. But the Spartans have a lot of players stepping up to play varsity for the first time and the Tri-Valley won’t be a cakewalk. That’s evident of last year where Fort Morgan, not Berthoud, won the league title, but the Spartans worked their way through the playoffs to earn top honors.
FORT LUPTON BLUE DEVILS
Coach: Mike Muedeking
2007 record: 1-9
Returning starters: 8 offense, 8 defense
Last playoff appearance: 2006
Strength: Defense, especially experience and returning LB core
Weakness: Lack of participants, inexperience
Players to watch: Tyler Williamson, Sr., WR/DB/KR, 6-4, 180; Zach Nash, Sr., QB/LB, 6-0, 185; Andrew Ornelas, Sr., WR/DB/P, 6-1, 170; Jake Dernhard, Jr., RB/LB, 6-1, 185; Doug Fisher, Sr., OL/DL, 6-2, 175; Reece James, Jr., FB/DL, 6-3, 280; Fabian Guerrero, Sr., OL/DL, 6-1, 230
In 2008: The team took its lumps last season after making the playoffs for the first time since the early ’90s in 2006. But with only six seniors in 2007, experience was a major factor. This year, the team has 15 on the roster and hopes to bounce back. But it will be tough with the likes of Berthoud, Fort Morgan and Sterling to deal with.
Schedule
FORT MORGAN MUSTANGS
Coach: Harrison Chisum
2007 record: 10-2
Returning starters: 6 offense, 5 defense
Last playoff appearance: 2007, lost 38-28 to Palisade in quarterfinals
Strength: Team speed
Weakness: Size. Team lost a lot of prowess on the offensive, defensive lines.
Players to watch: Chris Cobbley, Sr., TB, 5-7, 185; Keef Montel, Sr., LB, 5-10, 190; Joe Hochandel, Sr., FB/NG, 6-0, 235; Garrett Pape, Jr., QB, 6-2, 170; Andrew Rebol, Jr., TE 6-6, 220; Ryan Hoff, Sr., LB, 5-10, 205
In 2008: For Coach Chisum, the focus is simple — take things one day at a time. That might be easier said than done for a team that won 10 games and went to the state quarterfinals last season. But Chisum doesn’t want his team to move forward before it’s time. The team has to work on the little things to get better. But expectations are to take things one thing at a time.
FREDERICK WARRIORS
Coach: Thad Lear
2007 record: 5-5
Returning starters: 4 offense, 5 defense
Last playoff appearance: 2006
Strength: Depth coming off back-to-back strong underclass seasons
Weakness: Replacing skill players
Players to watch: Sam Chavez, Sr., FB/LB, 6-2, 200; Adrian Clough Sr,, QB/CB 5-11, 175; Tanner Ellingsen, Sr., SE/K/P, 6-2, 165; Jeff Stein, Sr., TE/DE 6-4, 200; Demo Schmidt, Jr., OL/DL, 6-3, 200
In 2008: For Frederick, the goal is to continue to improve. With that comes the expectations to compete for a playoff spot, be a contender and give itself a chance to win. While Berthoud and Fort Morgan are the clear favorites in the Tri-Valley, the Warriors hope to be there at the end of the season.
MOUNTAIN VIEW MOUNTAIN LIONS
Coach: Bart Mayes
2007 record: 2-8
Returning starters: 7 offense, 4 defense
Last playoff appearance: 2005
Strength: Senior leadership
Weakness: Figuring out how to win
Players to watch: Matt Hlushak, Sr., RB, 5-9, 162; Brett Boyer, Sr., OG, 6-2, 247; Nick Prinf, Sr., MLB, 6-2, 240; Kyle Urich, Sr., DT, 6-0, 238; Logan Moore, Sr. QB, 6-2, 175
In 2008: The former 4A school has a lot of unknowns as it faces the task of challenging the Tri-Valley Conference. The team returns 26 seniors, up from only five the previous year. So the experience will help, but the expectations are modest. The Mountain Lions have won just three games combined since a playoff run in 2005. Coach Mayes says that his team would enjoy, at least, a 5-5 season, which would be a sign of improvement.
NORTHRIDGE GRIZZLIES
Coach: Jeff Fulton
2007 record: 0-10
Returning starters: 3 offense, 3 defense
Last playoff appearance: 2005
Strength: Offense
Weakness: Inexperience
Players to watch: Colton Taylor, Jr. QB 6-1, 170; Conrad Gabel, Jr., S, 6-0, 160; Luis Quinones, Jr., OL, 5-10, 260; Eric Roat, Sr., OL/DE, 6-4, 240; Justin Booren, Sr., OL, 6-2, 210
In 2008: Moving down from 4A to 3A may be just what the doctor ordered for the Grizzlies, who bring back just six starters from last year’s team. But victories may come hard to find in the Tri-Valley with the likes of Berthoud and Fort Morgan on the schedule. But at least Northridge will have the numbers as one of the larger schools in the classification.
ROOSEVELT ROUGHRIDERS
Coach: Ed Eastin
2007 record: 5-4
Returning starters: 4 offense, 5 defense
Last playoff appearance: 2006
Strength: Senior leadership, skill positions
Weakness: Size
Players to watch: Jesus Sanchez, Sr., WR/DE, 6-0, 190; Nathan Heur, Sr., TE/DL, 5-10, 195; Adam Liges, Sr., RB/LB, 5-10, 185; Brandon Montoya, Sr., QB/S, 5-10, 170; Connor Kimmett, Sr., WR/DB, 5-10, 170
In 2008: Like all teams, the goal is to make the playoffs. But the Roughriders are the new guy on the block in the tough Tri-Valley Conference, and Coach Eastin says his team needs to step it up a level to compete with the likes of Berthoud and Fort Morgan.
SILVER CREEK RAPTORS
Coach: Mike Apodaca
2007 record: 4-6
Returning starters: 6 offense, 7 defense
Last playoff appearance: 2005
Strength: Team speed, athleticism
Weakness: Inexperience, depth, every-down players
Players to watch: Reece Graba, Sr., RB, 5-10, 185; Brett Wright, Jr., WR/DB, 5-10, 150; Scott Hoyt, Jr., QB/DB, 6-0, 190; Alan Crabbs, Sr., RB/LB, 5-9, 175; Chris Heil, Jr., OL/DL, 6-3, 200; Taylor Keith, Sr., OL/DL, 6-3, 210
In 2008: Getting off to a good start is first and foremost on the mind of Coach Apodaca, whose team opens at perennial playoff contender Rifle. That said, another key for the Raptors in ’08 is to win some games against playoff contenders. “When we’ve went to the playoffs, we’ve went through some playoff-caliber teams to get there.”
STERLING TIGERS
Coach: Mark Bauder
2007 record: 7-5
Returning starters: 7 offense, 7 defense
Last playoff appearance: 2007, lost 28-17 to Berthoud in quarterfinals
Strength: Senior leadership, nucleus on offensive
Weakness: Depth at wide receiver
Players to watch: Pat Nertens, Sr., OT/DE, 6-4, 250; Colby Starkebaum, Sr., RB/LB, 6-1, 205; Cody Kloverdanz, Sr., C/LB, 6-2, 220; Jacob Richards, Sr., QB/DB, 6-1, 180; Jerry Kinzie, Sr., WR/DB, 5-10, 145
In 2008: The Tigers strung together a couple of wins in the playoffs following a 6-4 regular season before falling to eventual state champion and conference foe Berthoud. But, as Coach Bauder explains, his team knows that it can’t sit on last year’s accolades and that it has to build off of them.
WINDSOR WIZARDS
Coach: Chris Jones
2007 record: 4-6
Returning starters: 6 offense, 5 defense
Last playoff appearance: 2002
Strength: Leadership, familiarity with system
Weakness: Experience
Players to watch: Chris Haverty, Sr., OLB, 6-2, 200; Craig Von Allman, Sr., WR/CB, 6-4, 185; Jay Hess, Sr., RB/FS, 6-1, 175; Sam Collentine, Sr., RB/PR/KR, 5-6, 175; Conner Glenn, Jr., FB, 6-1, 205; Andrew Kish, Sr., WR/CB, 5-11, 155; Trevor Okamoto, Jr., QB, 5-11, 180; Nick Macklin, Sr., OT, 6-1, 180; Garrett Weyrhich, Jr., ILB, 5-10, 195; Brad Nichols, Sr., DT/P, 6-1, 210; Jordan Detterer, Jr., OG, 6-1, 188
In 2008: Going into year two of its implementation plan, the Wizards hope to grow more into their new system, while platooning more this season which will increase the team’s depth. But nothing will come easy in the difficult Tri-Valley. The schedule-makers also weren’t too kind with three straight road games to start the season.
Southern Conference
ALAMOSA MEAN MOOSE
Coach: Jorge Ortega
2007 record: 6-4
Returning starters: 10
Last playoff appearance: 2006
Strength: Leadership at linebacker
Weakness: Youth despite a solid senior class
Players to watch: Brian Ford, Sr., TE/LB, 6-3, 230; Bobby Cody, Sr., OL/DL, 6-0, 236; Brett Ribaudo, Jr., QB/LB, 5-9, 170; Dakota Valerio, Jr., WR/DB, 5-6, 171; Donovan Archuleta, Sr., RB/LB, 5-6, 171
In 2008: Team hopes to improve last year’s 2-4 conference mark in the new and improved Southern Conference. To do that it will rely on its linebacking core of Ford, Ribaudo and Archuleta, who combined for 288 tackles and seven fumble recoveries.
CAÑON CITY TIGERS
Coach: Chris Coppa
2007 record: 5-5
Returning starters: 7 offense, 7 defense
Last playoff appearance: 2003
Strength: Offensive, defensive lines
Weakness: Inexperience at QB, depth
Players to watch: Rico Garcia, Sr., OL/DL, 5-11, 225; Jeremiah Johnson, Sr., TE/LB, 6-1, 220; Aaron Sanders, Sr., OL/DL, 5-10, 230; Damon McCain, Sr., TB, 5-11, 185; Lucas Aguirre, Sr., OL/DL, 6-1, 215; Trevor Lloyd, Sr., RB/DB, 5-9, 165; Kyle Snow, Sr., WR/DB, 6-1, 180
In 2008: Moving down from 4A, Canon City looks to take things one game at a time due to the uncertainty of its new league. With the exception of Pueblo Central, most of this year’s conference is an unknown to Coach Coppa’s squad. The Tigers, who return 14 starters, look to control what they can control and let everything else fall into place.
FALCON FALCONS
Coach: Jason Catron
2007 record: 13-1
Returning starters: 2 offense, 2 defense
Last playoff appearance: 2007, lost 3A title game 21-13 to Berthoud
Strength: Skill position players, team speed
Weakness: Starting experience
Players to watch: Brandon Cain, Sr., WR/LB, 6-1, 175; Nate Gochenour, Sr., RB/LB, 5-10, 205; Josh Gustad, Jr., WR/DB, 6-1, 170; Josh Ross, Jr., RB/LB, 5-9, 170; Vito Key, Jr., OL/DL, 6-3, 275; Duke Yi, Jr., OL/DL, 5-11, 240; Paul Rotering, Jr, QB, 6-3, 235
In 2008: Last year, Falcon took everybody by surprise, even itself. But this year might be a different story. The team doesn’t have the senior leadership it had a year ago, when it had 18 on the roster. Nevertheless, Coach Catron hopes the team has turned the corner completely in its quest to be a contender year in and year out. Success this season could depend on the play of the underclassmen, a group that led the junior varsity and freshman teams to a combined 13-1 mark in 2007.
HARRISON PANTHERS
Coach: Al Melo
2007 record: 4-6
Returning starters: 7 offense, 7 defense
Last playoff appearance: 2006
Strength: Running game
Weakness: Inexperience at QB
Players to watch: B.J. Morman, Sr., RB/LB, 6-1, 215; Branden Robledo, Jr., OL/LB, 6-1, 220; Eric Casper, Sr., OL, 6-2, 240; John Wingo, Sr., RB/DB, 5-11, 175; Wesley Cox, Sr., TE/DE, 5-11, 200; Jody Davis, Sr., TE/DE, 6-2, 200
In 2008: The goal is simple — to make a return to the playoffs. With a pro-set offense looking to run the ball and seven returning starters, the Panthers will certainly have the experience the offense go. And with B.J. Morman back at linebacker a year after recording 133 tackles, the defense looks to be in solid hands. But the Southern Conference won’t be an easy league to tackle.
PUEBLO CENTENNIAL BULLDOGS
Coach: Mike Palumbo
2007 record: 2-8
Returning starters: 7 offense, 7 defense
Last playoff appearance: 2004
Strength: Experienced offensive, defensive line
Weakness: Youth
Players to watch: Andre Andrini, Sr., QB, 6-0, 205; Alex Gradashar, Sr., OL/DL, 6-0, 245; Drew Brice, Sr., OL/DL, 6-2, 260; John Bela, Soph., RB/DB, 5-7, 145; Cliff In, Jr., FB/LB, 5-11, 180
In 2008: Building the team up — both literally and physically — has been the goal for Coach Palumbo. His team hit the weight room the day after the 2007 season ended, and he started two freshmen and five sophomores a year ago. A year later, the Bulldogs move down to 3A with hopes of landing one of the conference’s four playoff spots, but they know it won’t be an easy task.
PUEBLO CENTRAL WILDCATS
Coach: Dave Craddock
2007 record: 6-4
Returning starters: 6 offense, 6 defense
Last playoff appearance: 2000
Strength: Offensive and defensive line
Weakness: Running backs, secondary
Players to watch: Joe Duran, Sr., OLB/RB, 5-9, 160; Tony Amaya, Sr., RB/LB, 5-10, 175; Mack Lerille, Jr., QB, 5-10, 165; Cameron Tripp, Jr., DL, 5-11, 215; David Martinez, Sr., WR/DB, 5-9, 170; Andrew Morris, Sr., LB, 6-1, 185; Trent Thompson, Jr., TE, 6-2, 185
In 2008: A year after narrowly missing the playoffs — two of its four losses were by a combined seven points — Pueblo Central drops down from 4A to 3A with high expectations for the playoffs. The team will lean heavily on its offensive and defensive line, where it returns seven players. But success could hang on how well the young players step up at running back and in the secondary, where the team lost its top two runners from a year ago and two-thirds of its starting defensive backfield.
PUEBLO COUNTY HORNETS
Coach: Jeff Wilson
2007 record: 11-2
Returning starters: 5 offense, 5 defense
Last playoff appearance: 2007, lost 35-33 to Berthoud in semifinals
Strength: Senior leadership, returning starters
Weakness: Inexperience, filling out starting roster
Players to watch: Jarret Martinez, Sr., OL/DL, 5-10, 250; Ty Cresswell, Sr., TE/DE, 6-2, 215; Frankie Molinaro, Sr., OL/LB .6-1, 215; Marshall Stout, Sr., RB/DB, 5-10, 160 (11 interceptions in 2007); Marcus DeVrief, Sr. OL/LB, 5-10, 180; Josh Greenhood, Jr., FB/LB, 5-9, 180
In 2008: Despite the successful season Pueblo County is coming off, the Hornets’ expectations are the same they’ve always been, according to Coach Wilson. That goal — take one game at a time and see where you end up in the long run. Hopefully, Wilson says, that leads to the team’s long-term goals, which one would assume is a state title.
PUEBLO EAST EAGLES
Coach: David Ramirez
2007 record: 1-9
Returning starters: 8 offense, 9 defense
Last playoff appearance: 1996
Strength: Speed, depth at skill positions
Weakness: Lack of offensive line depth, youth
Players to watch: Nick Taibi, Sr., TE/LB, 6-2, 215; Jordan Ward, Sr., QB, 6-3, 185; Donavan Martindale, Sr., RB, 5-10, 195; Ryan Garcia, Sr., WR, 5-9, 175; Spencer Torrez, Jr., K/P/S, 5-9, 165
In 2008: Coming off a 1-9 season wouldn’t normally bring excitement for a team, but Coach Ramirez is looking forward to his second season at Pueblo East. The team returns 17 starters, including a core of skill-position players. And while dropping down from 4A to 3A will help the Eagles compete with teams more on their level, Ramirez says that it won’t be an easy task facing the other programs in the Southern Conference. But his team, he said, is confident and a winning season and/or the playoffs isn’t out of reach.
WOODLAND PARK PANTHERS
Coach: Brent Cottrell
2007 record: 5-5
Returning starters: 4 offense, 6 defense
Last playoff appearance: 2000
Strength: Game improvement, understanding the game
Weakness: No playoff experience, no tradition
Players to watch: Jared Gianbaldo, Sr., WR/CB, 5-11, 170; Lee Stunkard, Jr., QB/LB, 5-11, 195; David Greenstreet, Sr., OT/DE, 6-5, 215; Bubba Smith, Sr., C/MLB, 5-10, 195; Bryant Szabo, Sr., G/DE, 5-11, 200; Joel Schnierle, Sr., WR/DB, 6-1, 175
In 2008: The good news for Coach Cottrell is that this might be the best team he’s ever had. The bad news, it still might not be enough to win the tough Southern Conference. But it won’t be, as Cottrell says, because of a lack of effort. If the Panthers are to be successful, it could be because of the hands of Gianbaldo, who Cottrell says has the best hands he’s ever seen.
Western Slope Conference
BATTLE MOUNTAIN HUSKIES
Coach: David Joyce
2007 record: 1-9
Returning starters: N/A
Last playoff appearance: 1991
Strength: N/A
Weakness: N/A
Players to watch: Park Robbins, Jr., QB, 6-2, 180; Lucas Brown, Sr., OL/DL, 6-3, 265; Roman Lopez, Sr., OL/DL, 5-11, 180
In 2008: After one win in 2007, the Huskies have another head coach. Joyce, a native of Arkansas, replaces Jason Sedlak, who replaced Pat Engle after the 2006 season. So continuity could be an issue for a team trying to rebuild itself as a contender in the Western Slope. The Huskies have dropped 14 of their last 15 games, dating back to a 5-game losing streak to end the 2006 season.
DELTA PANTHERS
Coach: Kirk McLaughlin
2007 record: 3-6
Returning starters: 4 offense, 6 defense
Last playoff appearance: 1999
Strength: Attitude, work ethic
Weakness: Focus, toughness of league
Players to watch: Andrew Astin, Sr., OL/DL; Brent Richmond, Sr., OL/DL; Ethan Kraai, Jr., TE/LB; Austin Watson, Jr., QB; Phillip Becker, Jr., RB/DB; Robert Simpson, Jr., RB/DB; Corey Hilborne, Sr., QB/FS; Chad Cromwell, Jr., WR/DB
In 2008: For Coach McLaughlin, success for the Panthers depends on attitude. He said that if Delta plays with the right mindset it can compete in the Western Slope and make a push for the playoffs. If the Panthers play that way, then Delta would be playoff-bound for the first time in almost a decade.
EAGLE VALLEY DEVILS
Coach: John Ramunno
2007 record: 6-4
Returning starters: 4 offense, 5 defense
Last playoff appearance: 2005
Strength: Offensive line, secondary
Weakness: Inexperience on special teams
Players to watch: Zak Thrall, Sr., OT/DT, 6-3, 285; Pollo Almanza, Sr., OT/DT, 6-1, 245; Trent Book, Sr., RB/DB, 6-1, 170; John Crawford, Sr., FB/ILB, 6-0, 190; Harrison Neal, Sr., RB/DB, 6-1, 165; Matt Morgan, Sr., QB, 5-10, 165
In 2008: Eagle Valley has the size, but it’s the little things — moving around, staying on blocks — that Coach Ramunno hopes his team works on to best use that size to its advantage. The Devils were 4-4 in the Western Slope Conference last year — a good sign that the team can compete every week and shoot for one of the league’s three playoff spots. Eagle Valley returns 16 seniors.
GLENWOOD SPRINGS DEMONS
Coach: Rocky Whitworth
2007 record: 10-1
Returning starters: 6 offense, 4 defense
Last playoff appearance: 2007, lost 28-27 (OT) to Sterling in preliminaries
Strength: Skill position players
Weakness: Inexperience in offensive, defensive lines
Players to watch: Dakota Stonehouse, Sr., QB, 6-0, 175; Connor Riley, Sr., WR/CB, 6-2, 175; Jordan Ciani, Sr., LB, 6-0, 185; Keenan Hartert, Sr., OG/LB, 5-10, 210; Mike Hudson, Sr., RB, 5-10, 180; Kevin Screen, Sr., WR/DB/KR, 5-9, 165
In 2008: The expectations are high, but Coach Whitworth knows that his team’s health and the rugged Western Slope Conference with the likes of Palisade and Steamboat Springs will be a challenge. But the Demons expect to be competitive a year after a perfect regular season was spoiled by a first-round playoff upset.
MOFFAT COUNTY BULLDOGS
Coach: Kip Hafey
2007 record: 3-7
Returning starters: 3 offense, 3 defense
Last playoff appearance: 2006
Strength: Senior RB Lyle Schaffner
Weakness: Experience, size
Players to watch: Lyle Schaffner, Sr., RB, 5-9, 190; Halen Raymond, Jr., LB, 6-0, 225; Matt Linsacum, Jr., QB, 6-0, 145; Jeremiah Gordon, Jr., C, 6-0, 190
In 2008: In a word, this season is a rebuilding one for the Bulldogs. The team has just one senior — Schaffner — on its 50-man roster and only two players over 200 pounds. That said, this team isn’t giving up hope of making a run at the playoffs. Moffat County has made the postseason four times in the past six years, but with just six returning starters and a schedule that includes defending champion Berthoud in the opener, the Bulldogs face a tough hill to climb.
MONTEZUMA-CORTEZ PANTHERS
Coach: Chuck Cotter
2007 record: 1-9
Returning starters: N/A
Last playoff appearance: 1994
Strength: N/A
Weakness: N/A
Players to watch: Caleb Hollar, Sr., RB, 5-10, 185; Logan Case, Sr., QB, 6-1, 175
In 2008: Chuck Cotter takes over as head coach in place of Tom Adair. The Panthers hope to right the ship after just five victories over the past three seasons, a losing string that began with a five-game losing streak to close the 2004 season.
PALISADE BULLDOGS
Coach: John Arledge
2007 record: 10-3
Returning starters: 7 offense, 6 defense
Last playoff appearance: 2007, lost 7-6 to Falcon in semifinals
Strength: Running game
Weakness: Youth, inexperience
Players to watch: Zach Adair, Sr., RB/DE, 5-9, 178; Aaron Wagler, Sr., FB/DE, 5-11, 210; Jake Edminston, Sr., OL/LB, 6-1, 190; Jake Appling, Sr., QB/FS, 6-1, 170
In 2008: One year after falling just short of the state finals, Palisade is reloaded for a run at not only the Western Slope crown, but state honors. With 13 returning starters, the Bulldogs, who utilize a run-based offense, should be right up there with Steamboat Springs and Glenwood Springs among the favorites in the conference. But Coach Arledge acknowledges that for his team to be successful it has to stay healthy and continue to improve week in and week out.
RIFLE BEARS
Coach: Bill Kucera
2007 record: 6-5
Returning starters: 5 offense, 6 defense
Last playoff appearance: 2007, lost 37-21 to Falcon in preliminaries
Strength: Senior leadership, team chemistry
Weakness: Sheer numbers
Players to watch: Dano Fugita, Sr., RB/LB, 5-10, 170; Brian Key, Sr., TE/DE, 6-1, 220; Tad Davis, Sr., OL/DL, 6-1, 230; Kiefer Deere, Sr., OL/LB, 5-9, 170; Joseph Burgess, Jr., RB /CB, 5-10, 170
In 2008: Year in and year out, the team’s goal is to make the playoffs — like everybody else. However, besides overcoming the competition the Western Slope League offers, the Bears also start the season with some concerns at head coach. New head coach Bill Kucera, who previously coached at Fossil Ridge High, ruptured a disc in his neck between the 4th and 5th vertebrae and is out indefinitely. Assistant coach Anthony Alfini has been named interim head coach while Kucera is sidelined.
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS SAILORS
Coach: Aaron Finch
2007 record: 7-4
Returning starters: 6 offense, 6 defense
Last playoff appearance: 2007, lost 20-13 to Fossil Ridge in preliminaries
Strength: Offensive skill positions
Weakness: Young offensive line
Players to watch: Austin Hinder Jr., QB, 6-5, 180; Alex Wood, Sr., TE/ILB, 6-3, 220; Eric Bonner Sr. TE/FS, 6-1, 185; Cody Harris, Jr., TE/MLB, 6-2, 205; Joe Dover, Jr., WR/SS, 5-11, 175;
Jasper Gantick, Sr., WR/CB, 5-10 160; Fraser Egan, Jr., FB/NG, 5-10, 215; Kevin Stokes, Sr., LB, 5-10, 165; Carl Steele, Jr., OL/DE, 5-11, 195
In 2008: Steamboat Springs’ success this season may depend on the play of its defense. While the Sailors bring back six starters and have a strong secondary, their linebackers are a concern. The main reason for that is the torn knee ligament injury suffered by senior Kevin Stokes last spring during lacrosse season. But if their defense holds up, things could look good for Steamboat Springs, which will rely on quarterback Austin Hinder to lead the offense. Hinder, who is only a junior, is getting looked at by Division I schools, including California.
