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Leagues: Northern | Foothills | Mountain Plains | Pikes Peak | South Metro | Southwest
Northern
BROOMFIELD EAGLES
• Coach: Gary Davies
• 2009 record:7-3
• Returning starters: Eight offense, five defense
• Last playoff appearance: 2008 (lost 28-7 to Pine Creek in first round)
• Strengths: Offensive backfield and speed is among the best in the classification
• Weaknesses: Short on depth, particular at offensive line and linebacker
• Players to watch: Dan Geubelle, Sr., RB, 5-9, 185; Aric Kaiser, Sr., LB, 6-2, 180; Phil Latimer, Sr., OL-DL, 6-0, 240; Dylan Ritger, Sr., WR-DB, 6-0, 170; Jake Wheeler, Sr., FB-LB, 6-0, 215.
• In 2010: The Eagles could finish anywhere from first to fourth in the league, but wherever it is, they just want to get in the playoffs. Chances are good to advance if they make it, because the regular season grind of this league definitely serves as a playoff preparatory session.
GREELEY CENTRAL WILDCATS
• Coach: Mike Heatherly
• 2009 record: 6-4
• Returning starters: One offense, five defense
• Last playoff appearance: 1996 (lost 21-20 to Wheat Ridge in championship game)
• Strengths: Loaded with playmakers at the skill positions
• Weaknesses: Could take some time for the offense to groove with only one fulltime starter back
• Players to watch: Jesse Freeman, Sr., WR-DL, 6-3, 220; Chris Mendoza, Sr., RB-LB, 5-8, 195; Cyrus Mora, Sr., WR-DL, 5-10, 218; Jordan Tellez, Sr., QB, 5-8, 205; Andrew Trevino, Sr., RB-DB, 5-7, 135, Sr.; Brandon Trevino, Sr., RB-DB, 5-7, 125.
• In 2010: After last year’s narrow miss, some have asked Heatherly whether his team is rebuilding or reloading. “Rebuilding is when your program is bare and there is a culture of losing,” he said. “That was us five years ago. Now, we’re more retooling.” The Wildcats have embraced the challenge of playing in the state’s premier league.
GREELEY WEST SPARTANS
• Coach: Mark Roggy
• 2009 record: 11-1
• Returning starters: Three offense, three defense
• Last playoff appearance: 2009 (lost 20-16 to Wheat Ridge in quarterfinals)
• Strengths:The Spartans appear to be morphing into a year-in, year-out contender along the lines of Monarch.
• Weaknesses: Top-notch college-bound talent won’t easily be replaced.
• Players to watch: Tyler Culbertson, Sr., C, 5-11, 210; Levi Dopler, Jr., LB, 5-11, Jr.; James Dowgin, Jr., CB, 5-11, 165; Micah Murdock, Sr., OL-DL, 6-4, 260; Lee Sogge, Sr., TE, 6-0, 200.
• In 2010: Camp featured a nice quarterback battle between juniors Brandon Gallatin and Tyler Ficek. While it’s not clear who will start, it’s likely both will play with Gallatin more a classic quarterback and Ficek a dual threat. “I think we can win with both of them,” Roggy said.
LONGMONT TROJANS
• Coach: Doug Johnson
• 2009 record: 11-3
• Returning starters: Six offense, six defense
• Last playoff appearance: 2009 (lost 42-28 to Heritage in championship game)
• Strengths: Gargantuan line and top-notch team speed
• Weaknesses: Many untested starters and lack of big-game experience from several newcomers
• Players to watch: Nick Chopp, Sr., WR-DB, 6-5, 215; Darian Finley Garcia, Sr., FB, 5-10, 175; Cameron Herbert, Sr., RB-DB, 5-11, 170; Justin Hansen, Sr., OL-DL, 6-5, 285; Justin Traxinger Sr. OL-DL, 6-8, 255.
• In 2010: While it’ll be tough for the Trojans to pick up right where they left off last season, don’t expect the high-octane offense to fizzle to a crawl. The Trojans will put up points, but they will have to avoid getting into a shootout on a weekly basis.
LOVELAND INDIANS
• Coach: John Poovey
• 2009 record:9-3
• Returning starters: Eight offense, one defense
• Last playoff appearance: 2009 (lost 37-31 to Monarch in quarterfinals)
• Strengths: The core of the offense remains and the big-play ability is there.
• Weaknesses: Having to replace 10 starters on defense means plenty of question marks.
• Players to watch: Callen Hecker, Sr., OL-DL, 6-2, 245; Logan Jones, Sr., WR-DB-K, 6-2, 185; Connor Medbery, Sr., FB-LB, 6-1, 240; Taylor Svendsen, Sr., WR-DB-P, 6-3, 185; Scott Weissmann, Sr., QB, 6-2, 200.
• In 2010: The Indians nonleague schedule is composed mostly of 5A opponents, then many of their league games – Greeley West, Longmont, Broomfield – seem that way. The Indians will be competitive but the schedule is ambitious. “People ask if we’re going to be good,” Poovey said. “I said, ‘yeah, we’re going to be good, but who knows if our record will show it.'”
NIWOT COUGARS
• Coach: Ron Tesone
• 2009 record: 2-8
• Returning starters: Zero offense, two defense
• Last playoff appearance: 2008 (lost 21-14 to Montrose in first round)
• Strengths: Team camaraderie was top-notch in camp with solid position battles.
• Weaknesses: Will be tough to make progress in stalwart league with only two returning starters.
• Players to watch: Mitch Eutsler, Sr., CB, 5-7, 145; Landon Nolting, Sr., OL-DL, 6-4, 230; Ryan Schuler, Sr., WR-S, 6-0, 155; Xandon Sigafoos, Sr., FB-LB, 6-1, 190; Tanner Smith, Sr., TE-DE, 6-3, 190.
• In 2010: It could be much like last year, in which the Cougars were solid, but the rugged league schedule led to a less-than-stellar record. The roster undoubtedly contains talent, but the Cougars could be a year or two away from making some big-time noise in the league. A favorable nonleague slate could lead to increased number of wins.
THOMPSON VALLEY EAGLES
• Coach: Michael DeWall
• 2009 record:0-10
• Returning starters: Four offense, two defense
• Last playoff appearance: 2005 (lost 45-6 to ThunderRidge in semifinals)
• Strengths: Dorian Brown might be the most exciting player in the conference.
• Weaknesses: The defense that gave 38.5 points a game last season won’t be magically fixed
• Players to watch: Cody Anderson, Jr., DE, 6-2, 185; Dorian Brown, Sr., 6-1, 225, Sr.; J.J. Gunkel, Sr., OL, 6-6, 210; Noah Harold, Sr., QB-DB, 5-10, 160; Francisco Marquez, So., SS, 5-8, 160; Josh Sampson, Sr., FS-KR, 6-1, 165.
• In 2010: DeWall, who spent the past eight seasons at the helm at Platte Valley, will be in charge of giving the Eagles an identity beyond Brown. Translation: his team needs to win a few games to begin earning its stripes in the league. “We believe going 5-5 is a realistic possibility,” DeWall said.
Foothills
CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN INDIANS
• Coach: Kris Roberts
• 2009 record: 5-5
• Returning starters: Six offense, six defense
• Last playoff appearance: 2002 (lost 33-7 to Monarch in first round)
• Strengths: Team speed
• Weaknesses: Team size
• Players to watch: Pat Callahan, Jr., FB-LB, 5-11, 205; Brad Helton, Jr., QB, 6-3, 180; Tyler Pigford, Sr., RB-DB, 5-11, 185; Ben Sherman, Sr., RB-DB, 5-9, 175; Christian Teske, Sr., RB-DB, 5-11, 190.
• In 2010: After a decent but unspectacular audition last season, Helton (five TD passes, six interceptions in 2009) will take over the starting signal caller role. The Indians have gone 5-5 all but one time since 2004, and they are searching for more consistency in 2010.
MESA RIDGE GRIZZLIES
• Coach: Rob Braaten
• 2009 record: 6-4
• Returning starters: Eight offense, seven defense
• Last playoff appearance: 2006 (lost 35-7 to Greeley West in first round)
• Strengths: Running back Phillip Rhoades will make a case for player of the year in the league
• Weaknesses: Like many teams, graduation hit hard
• Players to watch: K.C. Conklin, Sr., OL-DL, 6-2, 250; Devante Johnson, Jr., RB-LB, 5-7, 165; Alex Kazee, Sr., RB-LB, 6-0, 190; John Mullineaux, Sr., OL-DL, 6-0, 255; Phillip Rhodes, Sr., RB-LB, 6-1, 185.
• In 2010: The presence of Rhoades and Johnson in the backfield will make the Grizzlies lightning quick, but it remains to be seen whether an inexperienced defense can make key stops at pivotal times. Color Mesa Ridge a dark horse team in the league race.
PUEBLO SOUTH COLTS
• Coach: Ryan Goddard
• 2009 record: 6-4
• Returning starters: Eight offense, eight defense
• Last playoff appearance: 2008 (lost 37-22 to Dakota Ridge in first round)
• Strengths: Senior loaded, strong corps of linebackers
• Weaknesses: Nonleague schedule includes Pine Creek and Valor Christian
• Players to watch: Brian Castellucci, Sr., TE-LB, 6-3, 220; Brandon Castro, Jr., RB, 6-0, 185; Ronnie Gutierrez, Sr., OL-LB, 5-9, 170; Corey Kemling, Sr., FB-DL, 6-2, 220; Niklas Spinuzzi, Sr., QB, 6-0, 190.
• In 2010: Goddard, a former Colts player (2001) and seven-year assistant, will employ a similar system to Mark Haering, who departed to take a graduate assistant position at the University of Wisconsin. Rather than start over, Goddard said “we’re trying to build on what we had here with Mark.” Playoffs aren’t out of the question.
PUEBLO WEST CYCLONES
• Coach: Monte Pinkerton
• 2009 record: 7-4
• Returning starters: Six offense, seven defense
• Last playoff appearance: 2009 (lost 29-0 to Greeley West in first round)
• Strengths: Senior-heavy with strong leadership.
• Weaknesses: Need to shore up depth at key positions and develop consistency in the passing game.
• Players to watch: Justin Berns-Laborde, Sr., DL-FB, 6-1, 215; Ian Imamura, Sr., DL-TE, 6-4, 205; Jared Mendicino, Sr., OL, 6-3, 215; Connor Roumph, Sr., QB-DB, 5-11, 170; Jordan Ruiz, Sr., WR-DB, 5-8, 175.
• In 2010: As the lone playoff team from last season in the five-team league, the Cyclones are aiming to recapture the form that led them to the title game in 2007. The experienced squad will enter the season as the favorite to win the league and perhaps earn a lofty postseason seed.
WIDEFIELD GLADIATORS
• Coach: Fred Marjerrison
• 2009 record: 1-9
• Returning starters: Seven offense, seven defense
• Last playoff appearance: 1996
• Strengths: Participation numbers are up, strong contingent of seniors
• Weaknesses: Culture of losing – a 4-16 mark over the past two seasons – will have to be overturned
• Players to watch: Chris Ashe, Sr., RB; Cesario Vigil, Sr., OL; DJ DeSantos, Sr., TE-DE; DJ Hightower, Sr., OL-DE; Terrell Stanley, Sr., OL-DL. (Heights and weights n/a)
• In 2010: Marjerrison, a former Gladiators athlete and also the school’s track coach, will try to take steps in helping the team vanquish its 14-year playoff drought. It probably won’t happen this season, but it’s time to begin laying the foundation.
Mountain Plains
BRIGHTON BULLDOGS
• Coach: Pat Sandoval
• 2009 record: 6-4
• Returning starters: Nine offense, nine defense
• Last playoff appearance: 2003 (lost 17-7 to Pine Creek in first round)
• Strengths: Loaded with experience and well-versed in the offense
• Weaknesses: Challenging schedule, both in league and nonleague
• Players to watch: Jason Adkins, Jr., OL, 5-11, 230; Joe Jackson, Sr., LB, 5-11, 190; Dominique Matthews, Sr., 5-11, 185, RB; Pierce Powers, Sr., LB, 6-3, 190; Sebastian Romero, Sr., TE-LB, 5-9, 205.
• In 2010: If the Bulldogs are going to be a factor in the league, this is the year. They have the game-breaking back in Matthews and virtually all of their contributors from last season returning. Early success will be key.
DAKOTA RIDGE EAGLES
• Coach: Ron Woitalewicz
• 2009 record: 6-4
• Returning starters: Eight offense, seven defense
• Last playoff appearance: 2008 (lost 21-16 to Wheat Ridge in semifinals)
Strengths: Gifted at skill positions and all four defensive backs return
• Weaknesses: Offensive line has four new starters
• Players to watch: Keaton Greenstreet, Sr., TE-LB, 6-0, 200; Bolton Howes, Sr., QB, 6-0, 190; Dane Miller, Sr., RB-LB, 5-10, 190; Brent Terrell, Sr., RB, 5-7, 155; Derek Vander Velde, Sr., WR, 6-4, 200;
• In 2010: This should be a dynamic bunch to watch. Eagles coaches are just hoping wins are a part of that equation. Howes’ experience as a three-year starter – he is one of 21 seniors – should help propel the Eagles into the upper reaches of the league and likely a playoff spot.
GOLDEN DEMONS
• Coach: Mike Joseph
• 2009 record: 7-3
• Returning starters: Five offense, five defense
• Last playoff appearance: 2002 (lost 42-35 to Monarch in championship game)
• Strengths: Capable playmakers on offense
• Weaknesses: Relatively inexperienced in a league boasting several experienced teams
• Players to watch: Trevor Evanson, Sr., WR, 6-5, 200; Jordan Johnson, Jr., QB, 5-11, 170; Leonard Holland, Jr., WR-DB, 6-2, 175; Robert Holland, SR., RB, 6-0, 205; Kyle Sorvig, Sr., OL-DL, 6-2, 245.
• In 2010: The receiving game took a hit when Wyndam Williams decided to concentrate only on baseball this season, but the Demons will run the ball a bit more under Joseph anyway. The former Alameda coach took over for John Roberts, who left to become the quarterbacks coach at Arvada West. The Demons ended 2009 with six straight wins.
GREEN MOUNTAIN RAMS
• Coach: Van Davis
• 2009 record: 4-6
• Returning starters: Three offense, three defense
• Last playoff appearance: 2004 (lost to Greeley West 21-15 in quarterfinals)
• Strengths: Becoming well-versed in Davis’ system
• Weaknesses: Relatively undersized and young
• Players to watch: Gage Crispe, Sr., C-DE, 6-2, 240; Matt Knight, Green Mountain, Sr., WR-CB, 5-8, 160; Ethan Larson, Sr., QB, 6-1, 170; Austin Nelson, Jr., OL-LB, 6-0, 180; Shane Nelson, Jr., DB, 6-0, 180; Trevor Van Tassel, Sr., DE-OT, 6-7, 225.
• In 2010: In the second year under Davis, the Rams have not set a tangible benchmark, such as wins. But they do have goals. “The thing we want to do is compete every night,” Davis said. Larson emerged as a clear-cut winner after a QB battle in camp.
MONARCH COYOTES
• Coach: Phil Bravo
• 2009 record: 12-1
• Returning starters: Five offense, five defense
• Last playoff appearance: 2009 (lost 36-35 to Heritage in semifinals)
• Strengths: Punishing ball control offense and swarming ‘D’ quickly wear down opposition.
• Weaknesses: Limited choices in the passing game if forced into 3rd-and-long.
• Players to watch: Ryan Hamlin, Sr., RB, 6-1, 185; Joe Kawulok, Sr., TE, 6-6, 230; Isaac Marks, Sr., CB, Ryan Muller, Sr., 5-10, 160; LB, 6-0 195; Cody Sloan, Jr., QB, 5-10, 170; Joe Tyo, Sr., C, 5-11, 235.
• In 2010: The Coyotes believed they had the team to win it all last season, and the heartbreaking one-point loss to Heritage has made it a long offseason. Always a powerhouse in the classification, the Coyotes are ranked No. 1 to begin the season and thirstier than ever for more success.
PRAIRIE VIEW THUNDERHAWKS
• Coach: Rocky Schneider
• 2009 record: 3-7
• Returning starters: Eight offense, nine defense
• Last playoff appearance: Never qualified
• Strengths: Nearly everyone back, optimistic camp
• Weaknesses: Still considered new kid on block in league of traditional powers
• Players to watch: Josiah Cannon, Sr., LB, 5-10, 230; Robert DeCarlo, Jr., DE, 5-8, 205; Ronnell McNeal, Sr., WR-DB, 6-0, 165; Jarred Thompson, Sr., RB-S, 5-10, 165; Jordan Vaden, Jr., RB-WR-S, 6-2, 185.
• In 2010: This could be Prairie View’s finest team in its limited history. The question is whether that talent will translate into a significant increase in wins. “While we got a lot better, our competition got a lot better too,” Schneider said. Vaden is a potential game-breaker on offense.
STANDLEY LAKE GATORS
• Coach: Don Morse
• 2009 record:8-3
• Returning starters: Eight offense; five on defense
• Last playoff appearance: 2009 (lost 28-0 to Montrose in first round)
• Strengths: Rugged offensive line and talented skill-position players
• Weaknesses: Lack of depth at linebacker and defensive secondary
• Players to watch: Connor Burgwald, Sr., FB-LB, 5-11, 205; Alex Delisa, Sr., QB, 5-9, 165; Andrew Hutchinson, Sr., OL-DL, 6-1, 240; Troy Owen, Sr., RB-DB, 6-2, 185; Jay Polachek, Sr., WR-S, 6-2, 175, WR-S; Patrick Schall, Sr., OL-DL, 6-1, 200.
• In 2010: The Gators finally shed the stigma of never qualifying for the playoffs, now they have to prove they can do it regularly. While camp went well and the offense is clicking, one potentially make-or-break factor looms: Polachek (15 touchdowns last season) is sidelined with a shoulder injury with an unknown time table for his return.
WHEAT RIDGE FARMERS
• Coach: Reid Kahl
• 2009 record: 11-2
• Returning starters: Four offense, four defense
• Last playoff appearance: 2009 (lost 36-20 to Longmont in semifinals)
• Strengths: A solid offseason and traditional success to go with an athletic quarterback
• Weaknesses: Inexperience looms with only eight seniors
• Players to watch: Juan Carter, Sr., 5-10, 220; Jackson Herd, Sr., DE, 6-1, 185; Leandro Lara, Sr., OL-LB, 6-0, 195; Nick Ossello Sr., QB-DB, 6-2, 180; Loreto Vialpando, Sr., OL-DL, 6-0, 215.
• In 2010: Don’t count on the Farmers to fall too far back into the back. Ossello will keep them competing, as will the droves of former understudies who have patiently waited for their moment to shine. Although with an abundance of changes in personnel, this still appears to be a playoff outfit.
Pikes Peak
AIR ACADEMY KADETS
• Coach: Mike Hillstrom
• 2009 record: 1-9
• Returning starters: Five offense, five defense
• Last playoff appearance: 2007 (lost 10-0 to Cherokee Trail in quarterfinals)
• Strengths: Good experience at quarterback and on the line
• Weaknesses: Light at skill positions, still seeking continuity as camp winds down
• Players to watch: Court Adams, Sr., TE-LB, 6-0, 180; Jeremy Berg, Sr., RB-CB, 6-0, 175; Rip Price, Jr., FB-LB, 5-11, 205; Andrew Renfrew, Sr., OL-DL, 6-4, 220; Trent Riefstahl, Sr., QB, 6-3, 185.
• In 2010: After narrowly missing the postseason in 2008, the Kadets endured a season that got poorer as it progressed last season until a 70-3 lost to Fountain-Fort Carson finally put the lid on it. This season, the Kadets are looking at the postseason as a secondary goal with regaining their way back to respectability the primary objective.
FALCON FALCONS
• Coach: Jason Catron
• 2009 record: 10-2
• Returning starters: Eight offense, seven defense
• Last playoff appearance: 2009 (lost 39-6 to Mountain View in 3A quarterfinals)
• Strengths: All five offensive lineman return as well as starting QB
• Weaknesses: The 4A circuit will be faster and tougher than the Falcons usual slate
• Players to watch: Joey Caron, Sr., QB, 5-11, 170; Jade Gale, Sr., RB-DB, 5-11, 175; Joe Vela, Sr., WR, 5-11, 175; Nick Willis, Sr., OL, 6-0, 210; Brennan Nowlin, Sr., OL, 6-0, 215; AJ Pinterpe, Sr., OL, 6-0, 220;
• In 2010: Just because they’re moving up a classification doesn’t mean the Falcons have changed their lofty ambitions of being one of the finest squads in school history. Finishing in the upper reaches of the league remains a goal, as does qualifying for the postseason.
LIBERTY LANCERS
• Coach: Jaron Cohen
• 2009 record: 9-2
• Returning starters: Zero offense, three defense
• Last playoff appearance: 2009 (lost 33-18 to Longmont in first round).
• Strengths: Former complementary players who now are thrust into key roles are accustomed to winning.
• Weaknesses: Must replace 18 departed seniors.
• Players to watch: Tyler Carr, Jr., QB, 6-0 180; Isaac Koch, Sr., RB-LB, 5-11, 185; Darien Thompkins, Sr., RB-LB, 6-2, 205; Jake Vieux, Jr., LB-DE, 6-2, 220; Josh Wilcher, Jr., OL-DL, 6-3, 265.
• In 2010: The Lancers might be virtually starting over in regards to a starting lineup, but they feel really good about Carr, Koch and Thompkins in the offensive backfield. Koch is a 1,000-yard candidate and will run behind a line that still has decent size.
PINE CREEK EAGLES
• Coach: Todd Miller
• 2009 record: 11-1
• Returning starters: Six offense, six defense
• Last playoff appearance: 2009 (lost 42-41 to Longmont in quarterfinals)
• Strengths: Smash-mouth run game spiked with a dynamic quarterback
• Weaknesses: Defense sometimes susceptible to the big play
• Players to watch: Shomari Cousar, Jr., RB, 6-0, 190; Dallas Fields, Sr., TE-DL, 6-2, 200; Kris Kentera, Sr., QB, 6-4, 190; Matt Mechtly, Sr., RB-LB, 6-2, 215; Jess Roverson, Sr., TE-WR, 6-3, 230;
• In 2010: The Eagles run-most-of-the-time identity will change some with the versatile Kentera, but don’t be fooled into thinking this isn’t a gritty group in the trenches. The defined league favorite could morph into a title contender.
SAND CREEK SCORPIONS
• Coach: Ryan Leaming
• 2009 record:2-8
• Returning starters: Three offense, one defense
• Last playoff appearance: Never qualified
• Strengths: Extremely strong, forward-thinking group
• Weaknesses: Youthful with only three, perhaps four, senior starters
• Players to watch: Alex Guice, Jr., OL, 5-10, 235; Tuli La’ulu, So., OL-DL, 6-1, 260; Connor Putman, Sr., QB, 6-1, 185; Dylan Shanen, Sr., CB, 5-10, 170; Gabe Solis, Jr., RB-LB, 6-1, 210.
• In 2010: Junior heavy, the Scorpions hope to at least lay the foundation for a strong 2011. At the very least, they won’t be pushed around much, although they could take some lumps on the scoreboard. Expect progress in 2010 from a defense that surrendered at least 48 points in five of the final six games last season.
South Metro
CASTLE VIEW SABERCATS
• Coach: Ryan Hollingshead
• 2009 record: 7-4
• Returning starters: Seven on offense, six on defense
• Last playoff appearance: 2009 (lost 34-0 to Monarch in first round)
• Strengths: Potent offensive and defensive backfield
• Weaknesses: Brutal schedule will test mettle
• Players to watch: Jason Baer, Sr., DB, 5-10, 175; Kyle Fouss, Sr., LB, 6-2, 220; Phillip Grow, Jr., DB, 6-0, 175; Tommy Moen, Sr., FB, 5-11, 210; Hasan Schaar, Sr., OL, 6-5, 285; Marshall Thurston, Sr., QB, 6-3, 205.
• In 2010: After posting a combined 1-19 mark the previous two seasons, the SaberCats turned around lightning-quick to earn their first playoff berth last season. Now, it feels like the program is officially rolling. “We like we learned how to win last season,” Hollingshead said. “Now we have to keep it rolling.”
LEGEND TITANS
• Coach: Michael Wade
• 2009 record:2010 is first varsity season
• Returning starters: First varsity season
• Last playoff appearance: Never qualified
• Strengths: Two years of junior varsity play allows for some foundation
• Weaknesses: Almost every opponent will be larger and more experienced
• Players to watch: Michael Finkelstein, Jr., QB, 6-0, 175; Mike McCoy, Jr., DB, 5-11, 165; Jacob Min, Jr., RB, 5-10, 180; Adam Strong, Jr., LB, 5-10, 185.
• In 2010: The Titans are ambitious about competing in varsity play after two years of playing behind the scenes. They are looking for a few good athletes to emerge so they can begin molding their identity as a squad.
LITTLETON LIONS
• Coach: Jay Lukes
• 2009 record: 6-4
• Returning starters: Three offense, one defense
• Last playoff appearance: 2008 (lost 37-14 to Greeley West in first round)
• Strengths: Mentally and physically strong group
• Weaknesses: Thin depth-wise and in overall numbers
• Players to watch: Jay Barrow, Sr., QB, 6-2, 185; Skylar Dodson, Sr., DE, 6-0, 195; Jonathan Edmunds, Sr., WR-DB; 5-11, 180; Denzel Washington, Sr., WR, 6-4, 180; Austin Versteeg, Sr., RB-LB, 5-11, 210.
• In 2010: Lukes, a former Arapahoe assistant, takes over for Chad Koepke, who resigned after eight seasons. The Lions will have to replace all-everything back Mister Jones but still have some star power with the dynamic Washington. Still, some growing pains might be expected.
PONDEROSA MUSTANGS
• Coach: Randy Huff
• 2009 record: 6-4
• Returning starters: Five offense, seven defense
• Last playoff appearance: 2009 (lost to Regis 34-13 in 5A first round)
• Strengths:Senior leadership, decent depth
• Weaknesses: Limited knowledge of new opponents in new league
• Players to watch: Frank Camp, Sr., S, 5-10, 170; Austin Gabel, Sr., LB, 6-0, 190; Sean Palinckx, Sr., OL, 6-7, 290; Tyler Sandt, Sr., RB, 5-10, 175; Kyle Shefferly, Sr., LB, 6-2, 215.
• In 2010: The Mustangs took a hit when junior quarterback Tom Thornton, a possible starter, moved to Arizona. Otherwise, things are upbeat in Parker as the Mustangs hope to quickly introduce themselves as a factor in the league and in the classification as a whole.
ROCK CANYON JAGUARS
• Coach: Tom Lynch
• 2009 record: 8-3
• Returning starters: Three offense, three defense
• Last playoff appearance: 2009 (lost 27-6 to Wheat Ridge in first round)
• Strengths: Spread offense confuses defenses, team speed
• Weaknesses: Undersized and youthful
• Players to watch: Dustin Dodd, Sr., DB, 5-11, 150; Matt Hopper, Sr., QB, 6-5, 170; Ryan Kelly, Sr., RB, 5-9, 165; Mike Shepard, So., WR, 5-10, 170; Eric Williams, So., RB, 5-9, 180;
• In 2010: Hopper, a key receiver last season, will take the helm at quarterback. His height gives him supreme field vision, which is key considering how frequently the Jaguars pass. They’ll score a lot but might give up a lot as well.
VALOR CHRISTIAN EAGLES
• Coach: Brent Vieselmeier
• 2009 record: 14-0
• Returning starters: Nine offense, nine defense
• Last playoff appearance: 2009 (defeated Steamboat Springs 41-14 in 3A championship game)
• Strengths: Nearly everyone from last season’s title-winning roster returns
• Weaknesses: Schedule stiffens with several marquee 5A opponents on nonleague slate
• Players to watch: Brock Berglund, Sr., QB, 6-3, 210; Sackett Keesen, Sr., LB, 6-2, 190; Andrew Pint, Jr., LB, 6-2, 220; George Talanoa, Sr., FB-DE, 6-0, 250; Carzell Vickers, Sr., WR, 6-4, 200.
• In 2010: This is the year the Eagles are going for it, playing many marquee 5A squads in nonleague. They eventually hope to be a 5A power, and this is another step in the evolution. The best facilities in the state also come with an outstanding team that holds over nearly everyone from last season’s 3A title.
Southwest
DURANGO DEMONS
• Coach: Greg Wyatt
• 2009 record: 8-3
• Returning starters: Five offense, six defense
• Last playoff appearance: 2009 (lost 33-7 to Pine Creek in first round)
• Strengths: Defensive line and linebackers
• Weaknesses: Must replace 17 seniors
• Players to watch: Easton Garcia, Jr., WR, 5-11, 170; Joe Keresey, Jr., QB, 6-3, 180; Avery Llewellyn, Sr., DB-P, 6-4, 185; Niko Rodriguez, Sr., LB, 5-11, 215; Matt Singley, Sr., LB-DE, 6-3, 210.
• In 2010: The Demons will have a much different look, particularly offensively, with many of their chief contributors now in college. Don’t count them out for another run toward the postseason, but they might have to squeak in if they make it.
MONTROSE INDIANS
• Coach: Todd Casebier
• 2009 record: 10-2
• Returning starters: Six offense, six defense
• Last playoff appearance: 2009 (lost 43-24 to Heritage in quarterfinals)
• Strengths: Dynamic quarterback, solid linebackers and defensive backfields
• Weaknesses: Must rebuild both lines to remain a contender
• Players to watch: Bryce Gaber, Sr., RB-LB, 5-11, 185; Roland McClaren, Sr., RB-LB, 5-11, 180; Josh Mora, Sr.; OL-DL, 6-3, 290; Nate Robertson, Sr., QB-DB, 6-3, 200; John Sierra, Sr., WR-DB, 6-1, 195.
• In 2010: Robertson is one of the finest athletes in the classification and very mobile. He’ll need to be behind a youthful offensive line, but look for a sensational season from the senior. Question marks loom as far as stopping dynamic offenses, but the Indians look like a good bet to return to the postseason.
