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8-man preview
East
The Black Forest Division of the conference was dealt a blow before the season when it lost Maranatha and Silver State, reducing it to a three-team league. Elbert was a semifinalist last year and will have to beat out only Kiowa and R.M. Lutheran to earn top honors again. Top to bottom, the I-70 Division is as balanced as any in the state. Cheyenne Wells (great senior class) looks like the team to beat.
North
The Plains Division forces boys to become men quickly. Merino and Dayspring Christian have represented the league in the state title game each of the last two seasons, and Caliche has gained ground on both. The Central Division has never won a crossover game against the Plains, but with the addition of West Grand and Soroco, that could change this season.
South
The Southern Division race between Hoehne and Fowler will be fun to watch, as will the race for the remaining two spots with Swink, Manzanola and Primero battling for it after Hanover folded its program. The Arkansas Valley always produces great teams, usually at Granada. Walsh and Springfield seem to have the upper hand, but Granada and Holly figure to be in the mix as well.
West
Norwood stunned Colorado with its run to the state semifinals last season and in doing so earned the respect of the state. The Mavs will be tough again and should get a good test from a Mancos team eager to play meaningful games after two years as an independent. The Mountain Division is up for grabs between Antonito, La Veta and Sanford.
Class A 8-man’s top 10
1. Merino: Despite their personnel losses, including coach John Barber, the Rams simply reload and deserve to be here until someone beats them.
2. Dayspring Christian: Even with a young team in 2009, Dayspring made it back to the title game. Now the team has another year of experience.
3. Walsh: The injury bug had the Eagles for dinner late in 2009, but we believe they will be back on the big stage.
4. Hoehne: Cody Roberts returns after missing most of last season. He strengthens what could be a title-contending group of Farmers.
5. Caliche: The third team out of the Plains, a group many think could catch and pass Merino and Dayspring Christian.
6. Cheyenne Wells: A big senior class has the Tigers setting lofty goals.
7. Norwood: Surprise semifinalists last season, the Mavericks will be a tough out again in 2010.
8. Elbert: All-state quarterback Travis Hutchens leads an athletic bunch of Bulldogs, who advanced to the semifinals last season.
9. Fowler: The Grizzlies return all eight starters, seven of whom are seniors.
10. Springfield: The speedy Longhorns get the early nod as challengers to Walsh in a very deep Arkansas Valley League.
Class A 8-man players to watch
Travis Hutchens, Elbert, Sr., QB-LB, 6-feet, 200 pounds: The Bulldogs’ signal caller is a bigger threat with his legs.
Zane Jandreau, Dayspring Christian, Sr., OL-DL, 6-0, 275: Should help pave the way for some young talent.
Traegon Marquez, Granada, Sr., QB-DB, 5-10, 150: Younger brother of Tyndan is a star for coach Manuel Gonzales.
Cody Roberts, Hoehne, Sr., RB-DB, 5-11, 175: Eager to make up for a lost junior season that lasted all of a half.
Bryan Ruybal, Antonito, Sr., RB-DE, 5-11, 170: The star of the Trojans averaged 13 yards per carry in 2009.
6-man preview
North
How long has it been since Prairie was considered a league favorite? The Mustangs and Fleming should duke it out for the top two spots. Briggsdale, Peetz and Weldon Valley are not far behind.
Central
Defending champion Idalia is going to be tough to beat. It will be tough for Otis, Deer Trail and Liberty (Joes) to pull the upset, but their time is coming soon.
South East
Maybe the best three-team race in the state between Eads, Flagler and Hi-Plains. Bethune could benefit from the crossover layout.
South West
Also known as the “Great Unknown Conference.” It’s filled with first-year teams and 8-man drop-downs. The early edge should go to Edison, based on its knowledge of the 6-man game.
Class A 6-man’s top five
1. Idalia: The Wolves are the team everybody else is chasing, and they all know it.
2. Eads: The Eagles have strong tradition and may have more size than most 6-man teams.
3. Fleming: Just a hunch about the Panthers, who have the benefit of depth — a rarity at this level.
4. Flagler: The best of the 8-man teams to move down has a super senior class.
5. Hi-Plains: “I expect what we usually expect,” says coach Dave Sheffield, whose team has made it to back-to-back title games.
Class A 6-man players to watch
Cameron Jeffryes, Briggsdale, Sr., RB-LB, 6-0, 180: A workhorse on a team that will rely heavily on his durability.
Sterling McDonald, Idalia, Sr., E-DE, 6-3, 190: A big target for Wolves quarterback Landon Shaffer.
Matt Myers, Deer Trail, Sr., QB-DB, 6-1, 210: A quarterback with good size and a strong arm is a huge benefit.
Sam Rueb, Hi-Plains, Sr., QB-LB, 6-2, 220: The latest in the Patriots’ long line of big quarterbacks.
Caleb Smith, Pikes Peak Christian, Sr., C-NT, 6-7, 250: Teammates and coaches simply call him “Moose.”
Five games you can’t miss
Merino at Dayspring Christian
Sept. 25, 1 p.m.
We’ve been spoiled over the last two seasons watching the best two teams go at it twice a year, both in the regular season and in the championship game. This one is in Week 4.
Springfield at Walsh
Oct. 22, 7 p.m.
The powers of the Arkansas Valley will match wits in the southeast corner of the state, with a league title on the line. The host Eagles are eager to make up for an injury-plagued October in 2009 that destroyed playoff plans.
Fowler at Hoehne
Sept. 24, 7 p.m.
Ask anyone across the state, and all believe these teams could be legitimate title contenders. We get them on the same field in a game that likely will settle the Southern Division of the South Conference.
Idalia at Otis
Oct. 8, 7:30 p.m.
The one potential stumbling block for the defending champion Wolves will be their Central League game at Otis, where the Bulldogs are capable of competing with anybody — even Idalia.
Hi-Plains at Eads
Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m.
This is a huge game because the winner will have a guaranteed home game in the Week 9 crossover game and the loser will have to get past Flagler.
