Class 1A football preseason capsules, for the Metro North, North Central and Santa Fe conferences. The rest of 1A will be updated in the coming days. Check back for more:
Metro North
FRONT RANGE CHRISTIAN FALCONS
Coach: Steve Seeley
2007 record: 1-8
Returning starters: four offense, six defense
Last playoff appearance: None
Strength: Strong on the ground with some new run schemes
Weakness: Numbers are low – a majority are underclassmen
Players to watch: Ian Foster, Jr., G-LB, 6-1, 210; Mark Nyhoff, Sr., T-DL, 6-4, 225; James Pettigrew, Sr., K, 5-5, 130; Kris Tive, Sr., G-LB, 5-10, 185.
In 2008: Falcons will focus on a West Coast-style offense that they’re hoping will benefit from the conversion of some skill players to linemen. With more speed on the lines, they’re hoping to pull more in a wide-open attack.
LUTHERAN LIGHTS
Coach: Joel Brase
2007 record: 3-6
Returning starters: five offense, five defense
Last playoff appearance: 2006
Strength: Overall team speed and athleticism
Weakness: Lacking size and depth on the lines
Players to watch: Cameron Chainhalt, Sr., RB-LB, 5-10, 185; Jared Hock, Sr., QB-S, 5-10, 170; Jon Swan, Sr., OL-DL, 6-4, 250.
In 2008: Coming off a missed playoff season in ’07, the Lights will run more of a triple-option offense, a true veer. Hock is a solid rusher and the receiving corps is good, so look for play-actions, bootlegs, roll-outs and some shot gun.
LUTHERAN (PARKER) LIONS
Coach: Steve Fickert
2007 record: 4-5 (8-man)
Returning starters: N/A
Strength: Tough character
Weakness: Inexperience at the 11-man level
Players to watch: Stephen Knapp, Jr., QB; Jordan Murphy, So., LB; Christian Parkinson, Sr., WR; Brandon Johnson, Sr., FB; Tyler Stibrich, Sr., OL-DL.
In 2008: Fickert, a former coach in the Arena Football League and collegiately at Wayne State, took over in Parker in August. Of the 30 players on the roster for the Lions’ first season in 11-man, maybe three are bigger than 200 pounds. But a first-week come-back win over Wiggins – care of an overtime 2-point conversion – spells good things for the Lions.
LYONS LIONS
Coach: John Nichols
2007 record: 6-3
Returning starters: five offense, four defense
Last playoff appearance: 2006
Strength: Skill players with speed and athleticism
Weakness: Lacking size
Players to watch: Dalton Arnold, Jr., OL-DL, 6-2, 175; Dexter Tomczak, Sr., HB-MLB, 6-2, 180; Ryan Valdez, Jr., OL-LB, 6-0, 170.
In 2008: The Lions went 6-3 last season in 1A’s toughest division and incredibly missed the playoffs. They return this season a changed team. Gone is the run-up-the-gut double wing. Coach Nichols will have Lyons in a more spread offense, trying to take advantage of speed in the skill spots. They’re young, but the Lions can still move the ball. Down some this season in state-wide prominence, they are the favorites in a new Metro-area league.
NEDERLAND PANTHERS
Coach: Aaron Jones
2007 record: 5-4 (8-man)
Returning starters: Three to five on both sides
Strength: Team speed, with a good group of linebackers and defensive backs.
Weakness: Lost 11 seniors after last season
Players to watch: Chase Chandler, Sr., QB-LB, 5-10, 150; Gage Hamel, Jr., TE-SS, 6-1, 195; Jesse Knight, Jr., TE-LB, 5-11, 180; Mike Liang, Sr., C-RB-LB, 6-0, 200; Tim Plumb, Jr., WR-DB, 5-11, 170; Steven Vero, Sr., TB-LB, 5-10, 175; Justin Wenzel, Sr., OL-DL, 6-2, 205.
In 2008: Panthers had to deal with some eligibility issues before the season. But no matter. Numbers are up in Nederland, nearly a two-fold increase from just a few years ago. After a rough non-conference schedule (Yuma, Byers, West Grand), the Panthers should be primed for league play. They will definitely compete for the top spot and the postseason is well within reach.
RESURRECTION CHRISTIAN COUGARS
Coach: Ron Mondt
2007 record: 3-6 (8-man)
Returning starters: five offense, five defense
Strength: Experience at QB, WR and RB
Weakness: Still learning to take on the 11-man ranks
Players to watch: Caleb Boehler, So., RB-LB, 5-10, 180; Lucas Carls, Jr., QB-LB, 6-0, 190; Adam Haag, Sr., WR-DB, 5-10, 170; Tyler Lohr, Jr., RB-DB, 5-10, 180.
In 2008: After kicking up a class from 8-man, the Cougars will need game experience to grow into their new league. While there may be transition pains to start, the goal is to prep for a strong second-half stretch run.
SOUTH PARK BURROS
Coach: J.R. McMillin
2007 record: 0-9
Returning starters: Three to four on each side
Last playoff appearance: 2001
Strength: Team will be much better prepared this season
Weakness: Numbers are low, with lots of underclassmen
Players to watch: N/A
In 2008: Of the 20 players on the Burros’ roster, 14 were underclassmen. But new coach McMillin, a former Denver Broncos player in the 1960s, has the Burrow back on track. They had lost 33 consecutive games before defeating a non-sanctioned Colorado Springs charter school in Week 1. South Park will play old-school football: run the ball a lot and fill gaps on defense. Optimism is back in Fairplay.
North Central
AKRON RAMS
Coach: Brian Christensen
2007 record: 13-0
Returning starters: offense, defense
Last playoff appearance: 2007, won the 1A title 46-14 over Limon
Strength: A winning tradition; senior leadership
Weakness: Eh, depth maybe?
Players to watch: Logan Davisson, Sr., RB-CB, 5-11, 160; Bruce Hall, Sr., OL-DE, 6-1, 180; Brennen Hottinger, Jr. OL-DL, 5-10, 180; Dalton Jefferson, Sr., RB-LB, 5-10, 180; Kade Leavell, Sr., OL-DL, 5-10, 200; Joe McKay, Sr. RB-S, 6-1, 210; Alec Vasquez, Sr., SE-S, 5-11, 150; Benj Vigil, Sr., TE-LB, 6-0, 200; Branden Woods, Sr., CB-SE, 5-10, 150.
In 2008: The reason the Rams haven’t lost a game since 2005 is because they’ve mastered the act of turnover. By the time players get to their senior seasons, they’re like half-coaches. Young players get guidance from the first day and graduation losses are minimized. The single-wing offense and chase-’em-down defense will keep Akron a 1A favorite again.
HIGHLAND HUSKIES
Coach: Todd Matkin
2007 record: 7-4
Returning starters: seven offense, seven defense
Last playoff appearance: 2007, lost to Limon 39-20 in the 1A quarterfinals
Strength: Perhaps the best receiving tandem in 1A
Weakness: Small on the offensive line
Players to watch: Tyler Clawson, Jr., WR, 6-2, 190; Dylan Dillingham, Sr., LB, 6-0, 205; Damion Fedler, Sr., QB, 6-0, 175; Jeremy Herrick, Sr., OL-DL, 6-0, 200; Dean Irvin, Jr., RB-LB, 5-11, 185; Andrew Jackson, Sr., WR, 5-11, 155; Nick Pacheco, Jr., LB, 5-11, 200.
In 2008: Huskies ended the longest playoff drought in 1A with a postseason berth last season. Then proceeded to qualify for the quarterfinals. They enter this season even more improved. In a run-dominated league, the Huskies stand out as a passing squad, something that could work to their advantage. They have quickness in the backfield, one of the better throwers in 1A and at least two quality receiver targets.
HOLYOKE DRAGONS
Coach: George Purnell
2007 record: 5-5
Returning starters: eight offense, eight defense
Last playoff appearance: 2007, lost to Limon 28-21 in the 1A preliminaries
Strength: fast and smart on defense; an improved ground game
Weakness: Numbers are down
Players to watch: Dylan Bradley, Sr., RB-LB, 6-1, 175; Kyle Carper, Jr., WR-FS, 6-3, 180; Coltin Houghtelling, Sr., OT-DT, 6-4, 250; Logan Kruger, Jr., C-LB, 5-11, 160; Austin Tharp, Sr., QB-SS, 6-2, 175.
In 2008: Dragons hit a snag early with the loss of their starting QB to a shoulder injury. With one of the better football traditions in Colorado’s small-school ranks, it’s a wonder that numbers are down in Holyoke. There will be somewhere between 22-25 players on the roster this season. But the Dragons are fast and aggressive. If they can avoid prolonged dogfights (and the injuries that go with them), they could be a postseason threat.
WIGGINS TIGERS
Coach: Mike Gross
2007 record: 2-7
Returning starters: eight offense, eight defense
Last playoff appearance: 2001
Strength: Lines are largely returned, and big and strong
Weakness: Backfield is untested
Players to watch: Rolando Celis, Jr., WR-DB, 6-2, 165; Tanner Dowdell, Jr., RB-DB, 5-10, 160; Junior Leon, Jr., QB-DB, 6-3, 180; Dustin Marini, Jr., OL-LB, 6-0, 215; Kyle Pollock, Jr., OL-DL, 6-1, 260.
In 2008: Tigers bring back eight starters on each side, but only three seniors. Still, they’ll be much improved from ’07. A hefty junior class will carry Wiggins. Plenty of size and strength should have the Tigers matching up well in the North Central.
WRAY EAGLES
Coach: Levi Kramer
2007 record: 8-4
Returning starters: six offense, six defense
Last playoff appearance: 2007, lost to Limon 23-21 in the 1A semifinals
Strength: Five seniors with extensive experience on the offensive line
Weakness: New receiving corps still a bit green
Players to watch: Jake Beckman, Sr., TB, 5-8, 160; Brady Buck, Sr., QB-S, 6-2, 190; Paul Campfield, Sr., OL-LB, 5-11, 215; Tim Kerbs, Sr., G-LB, 5-10, 165; Jeremy Lund, Sr., OT-DT, 6-5, 290; Ben Reinick, Sr., TE-LB, 6-2, 185; Bryan Rogers, Sr., C-DE, 5-10, 195; Kelly Siegrist, Jr., FB-LB, 5-10, 170.
In 2008: To the chagrin of the rest of 1A, Wray returns more athletic than last season’s semifinal squad. There are 46 players on the Eagles’ early roster, one of the highest numbers in the class. The five seniors on the offensive line will be starting for a third consecutive season, so they know what it takes to handle their league rivals. If they can survive the North Central, the Eagles should be plenty prepped for the playoffs.
YUMA INDIANS
Coach: Keith Gille
2007 record: 2-7 (2A)
Returning starters: eight offense, eight defense
Last playoff appearance: 2001
Strength: Huge offensive line, through-and-through with returning starters
Weakness: Not much
Players to watch: Al Brown, Sr., C-DE, 6-1, 275; Adrian Bencomo, Sr., OL-DL, 6-4, 285; Zach Diaz, Sr., FB, 5-10, 175; Ryan Lebsack, Sr., QB, 6-1, 185; Joel Rhoades, Jr., TB, 5-10, 180; Mitch Wills, Jr., TB, 6-1, 190; Nick Witte, Sr., OL, 5-10, 255.
In 2008: When is a returning 2-7 team a legitimate threat to win a state title? When that team is former 2A entrant Yuma, which dropped a class and comes back with size and numbers (55 on the roster). They have enough hard-knock experience to survive a tough league. And they’ll be one of the most physical teams in 1A. “They play tough football out here,” coach Gille said of the Eastern Plains. Yuma fits right in.
Santa Fe
CROWLEY COUNTY CHARGERS
Coach: Greg Wise
2007 record: 2-7
Returning starters: Three offense, four defense
Last playoff appearance: 2004
Strength: Good size and depth
Weakness: Not a lot of varsity experience
Players to watch: Garett Gibson, So., RB-DB, 5-7, 150; Bill Gray, Sr., OL-DL, 6-2, 275; Ethan Gruntorad, Jr., RB-DB, 5-8, 145; Chris Johnson, Jr., FB-DE, 5-11, 250; Richie Jones, Sr., OL-DL, 6-1, 195; Trevor Love, Jr., OL-DL, 5-10, 285; James Rook, Jr., RB-LB, 5-11, 225.
In 2008: Wise, a long-time coach at Crowley before leaving earlier this decade, returns this season. He takes over a young team, but one that should be competitive in the Santa Fe. If the Chargers can continue to improve week over week, and steal a win or two, you could see them in the playoffs.
CUSTER COUNTY BOBCATS
Coach: Bruce May
2007 record: 6-3
Returning starters: Six offense, six defense
Last playoff appearance: 2006
Strength: Senior leadership and team unity
Weakness: Lacking depth all over
Players to watch: Corey Barnes, Sr., QB-S, 6-1, 180; Daniel Frank, Jr., C-DT, 6-4, 210; Kyle Hershberger, Sr., RB-LB, 5-10, 180.
In 2008: The good word on Custer quarterback Corey Barnes already is spreading through 1A. He’s a threat, the kind that could get Custer a playoff upset. Or more. Bobcats will run the wishbone and should be among the few with a shot at its league title. The deciding game may come the final week, when Custer takes on Rye.
JOHN MALL PANTHERS
Coach: Ken Burger
2007 record: 1-9
Returning starters: One on offense, none on defense
Last playoff appearance: 2000
Strength: Trying to develop a strong running game
Weakness: Really young
Players to watch: Clayton Archuleta, Jr., RB-LB, 5-10, 160; Charlie Whitehead, So., RB, 6-2, 175.
In 2008: Some lean recent seasons in Walsenburg have left John Mall a young team – the roster has no seniors and just four juniors. So the Panthers will likely be undisciplined to start. They need to get consistent and learn fast. If they do, the Panthers will be buoyed by some expected late additions with size.
LAS ANIMAS TROJANS
Coach: Pedro Madrid
2007 record: 1-8
Returning starters: N/A
Last playoff appearance: 2004
Strength: Balanced in the backfield and skill spots
Weakness: Some early injuries
Players to watch: Jeffrey Gonzales, So., QB, 5-10, 170; Jay Snow, Jr., WR-CB, 6-1, 160; Harley Tenario, So., FB-LB, 5-10 210; Wic Turner, Sr., C-NG, 6-2, 240; Derek Wilson, Sr., WR-CB, 6-4, 170.
In 2008: Trojans ended the ’07 season with 14 players on the roster. They start ’08 with 27 – a good sign. Las Animas has just two victories in three seasons, so Madrid’s task is to get the team expecting wins. “They’re tired of getting punished. They want to do the punishing,” he said. “When they put that helmet on, it’s to smash heads. And that’s what they plan on doing.” Talking tough from the top-down can go a long way. Las Animas will be improved.
ROCKY FORD MELONEERS
Coach: Eric McCrae
2007 record: 6-4
Returning starters: Six offense, six defense
Last playoff appearance: 2007, lost to Highland 32-3 in the 1A preliminaries
Strength: Salty on defense; solid kicking game
Weakness: Passing game
Players to watch: Bo Brodrick, Jr., OT-DE, 6-3, 210; Aaron Hernandez, Jr., WR-QB-S, 5-10, 145; Nick Jurney, Sr., C-LB, 5-10, 190; Colby Ridennoure, Sr., TE-CB, 6-2, 155; A.J. Romo, Jr., TB-LB, 6-0, 155.
In 2008: The defending Santa Fe Conference champions return a lot from last season. Still, there will some growing pains. The passing game struggled in early practices, which led to some problems in play-action. All in all, the Meloneers should be right back in the thick of things in league.
RYE THUNDERBOLTS
Coach: Jeff Bailey
2007 record: 6-4
Last playoff appearance: 2007, lost to Wray 49-26 in the 1A preliminaries
In 2008: Rye’s season outlook and players to watch coming soon.
