High school sports editor Neil H. Devlin breaks down the Class 1A, 8-man and 6-man football playoffs, which begin today:
CLASS 1A
Favorite: Burlington. The defending champion Cougars have won 20 games in a row and looked good doing it.
Contenders:
• Hotchkiss. Permitted only 60 points all season.
• Lutheran. A newly combined school has been impressive, also winning three close ones.
Players to watch: Coley David, Burlington, WR-DB-returns, the skilled thoroughbred on a tough-guy team, a difference maker; and Jourdan Hottinger, Akron, QB-DB, a do-it-all player for multiple seasons.
Keep an eye on: Burlington and Wray, which could meet in the quarterfinals. It seems like they’ve been playing against each other forever, and the games are always worth watching.
CLASS A 8-MAN
Favorite: Hoehne. Farmers own Colorado’s longest current winning streak at 22 and seek another title.
Contenders:
• Dayspring Christian. Haven’t the Eagles seemingly been in the mix for years?
• Simla. Cubs are breaking out and know an opportunity when they see one.
• Norwood. Rough-and-tough Mavericks eager to ply their wares.
Players to watch: Dustin Jenkins, Simla, RB, 8-man’s leading rusher (1,739 yards); and Martin Waln, Hoehne, RB (1,487 yards rushing and receiving, 18 TDs).
Keep an eye on: Hoehne and Norwood, which could meet in the semifinals, a robust matchup.
CLASS A 6-MAN
Favorite: Fleming. The 2010 runner-up and preseason No. 1 has held serve, the top seed into the bracket.
Contenders:
• Deer Trail. Outscored the opposition by a combined 504-83, including a win by forfeit.
• Otis. The pieces are in place for the Bulldogs.
Sleeper: Cotopaxi. A hungry outfit with surprising success that could continue.
Player to watch: J.T. Pisel, Deer Trail QB, has thrown for 1,449 yards with 23 TDs, just one interception.
Keep an eye on: The first-rounder between Eads and Otis. It’s a toughie.
