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Team-by-team capsules previewing the 2012 high school football season in Class 1A.

Sort by league: Metro | North Central | South Central | Southern Peaks | Tri-Peaks | Western Slope

Other classes: | | | | | |

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Metro League

CLEAR CREEK GOLDDIGGERS Coach: Brian Inman 2011 record: 2-7 Returning starters: Five offense, five defense Last playoff appearance: 1999 Strengths: Speed. “This is the fastest we’ve been across the board in some time,” said Inman, who also has a small but quick line. Weakness: Numbers and youthfulness. Players to watch: Jared Cook, Jr., WR-CB, 5-8, 150; Jordan Howard, Jr., tE-LB, 6-1, 170; Nate Kocol, So., C-LB, 5-11, 190; Justin Lucas, Sr., QB-DL-P, 6-9, 210; Tevin Lucas, Jr., Util.-DB, 6-1, 170; Walter Michner, Sr., OL-DL, 6-3, 220; Chandler Morgan, Jr., RB-DB, 5-7, 145. In 2012: The numbers aren’t good, but the Golddiggers have a chance like everybody else in this league to be competitive. If they learn how to finish games, the playoff drought could come to an end.

DENVER CHRISTIAN CRUSADERS Coach: Troy VandenBroeke 2011 record: 3-6 Returning starters: Eight offense, seven defense Last playoff appearance: 2006 Strengths: The skill positions are good, especially at quarterback. He has a bevy of tall targets to throw the ball to. Weakness: Line and depth. Players to watch: Blake Kastens, Jr., WR-LB, 6-4, 180; Jake Monsma, Sr., WR-DB, 6-1, 160; Robert Parker, Sr., OL-DL, 6-1, 240; Alex Terpstra, Sr., QB, 6-4, 175; Reed VandenBroeke, Jr., WR-DB, 6-1, 150; Andrew VanDenend, Sr., OL-DL, 6-0, 200. In 2012: The Crusaders, with a ton of talented skill kids, fully expect to be playing for a playoff spot out of this newly formed league.

ESTES PARK BOBCATS Coach: Brian Lund 2011 record: 0-10, in 2A Returning starters: Eight offense, nine defense Last playoff appearance: 2003 Strengths: “There is a no-give-up attitude surrounding this team,” said Lund, who is in his first season. “The kids are working hard.”. Weakness: Still real young. Half of this team is freshmen and sophomores. Players to watch: Adam Christenson, Jr., WR-LB/DB, 6-0, 185; Andre Gonzalez, Sr., C-DL, 6-0, 225; Frankie Keller-Twigg, Jr., QB-DL, 6-3, 225; Kayle Robidart, Sr., RB-LB, 5-10, 185. In 2012: The Bobcats, who have won just one game in the last two seasons, match up a little bit better in this league and in 1A in general. Avoiding the injury bug and that youthful exuberance could help a ton.

FRONT RANGE CHRISTIAN FALCONS Coach: Derald Gautier 2011 record: 4-5 Returning starters: Six offense, seven defense Last playoff appearance: Never qualified Strengths: Good leadership, speed and balance. Weakness: Smaller than in years past. Players to watch: Ty Gautier, Sr., RB-LB, 5-10, 175; Jacob Kozanecki, Sr., OL-DL, 6-1, 200; Leif Larsen, Sr., WR-DB, 5-11, 170; Tanner Matoba, Jr., RB-DB, 5-9, 160; Connor Rhoads, Sr., TE-DE, 6-4, 210. In 2012: After back-to-back 4-5 years, the Falcons are eager to show of their wares in this much more competitive league. They have a chance to win some games.

JEFFERSON SAINTS Coach: Anthony Rankin 2011 record: 1-9 Returning starters: Nine offense, eight defense Last playoff appearance: 1996 Strengths: Skill positions are solid and they have a good linebacking corp. Weakness: Defensive line. Players to watch: Donte DeLoach, Jr., WR-DB, 6-2, 165; Jovannie Lucero, Jr., RB-DB, 5-8, 155; Lawrence Salazar, Jr., WR-DB, 5-8, 150; Cameron Washburn, Jr., QB-DB, 6-1, 165. In 2012: Rankin, an Saints alum, has been impressed by the summer turnout and the first few weeks of practice. “They are buying in,” said Rankin, who team will have to qualify for the playoffs in Class 2A.

LYONS LIONS Coach: Brandon Wilkes 2011 record: 10-2 Returning starters: Five offense, five defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 53-13 to Burlington in semifinals Strengths: Veteran line play. Weakness: New coach, new schemes and lower numbers. Players to watch: Erik Blair, Sr., FB-LB, 5-10, 225; Justin Boldt, Sr., RB-DB, 6-0, 160; Clint Hirschfield, Sr., OL/FB-LB-P, 5-10, 165; Blair Housley, Sr., OL-DL, 6-0, 165; David Plute, Sr., OL-DL, 6-1, 240. In 2012: “We know we’ve got used to winning,” said Wilkes, who moves in from Atchinson, Kan. to take over for John Nichols. “That doesn’t mean anything now, nothing is given.” The Lions are favored in this league, but will take nothing for granted.

NEDERLAND PANTHERS Coach: Aaron Jones 2011 record: 2-8 Returning starters: Four offense, four defense Last playoff appearance: 2007 Strengths: Solid group of offensive lineman, some good skill players and defensive back. The schedule works in their favor too. Weakness: Depth “But that should get better as the season goes along,” Jones said. Players to watch: Joe Chapman, Sr., C-LB, 5-10, 200; Torin Perret, Sr., OL-DL, 6-1, 195; Holden Reecer, Sr., RB-LB, 6-1, 190; Noah Ridnell, So., RB-LB, 6-1, 185; Connor Steele, Sr., WR-DB, 6-2, 170; Dillon Weaver, Sr., WR-DB-K, 6-0, 175. In 2012: Going to try and build on the confidence that goes along with a schedule that fits their style.

PLATTE CANYON HUSKIES Coach: Mike Schmidt 2011 record: 3-7 Returning starters: 10 offense, 10 defense Last playoff appearance: 2010 Strengths: Obvious experience. They are a little bigger along the front line and team speed is good. Weakness: Depth and they are lacking a little athleticism on the line. Players to watch: Hunter Grivina-Bode, Sr., RB-DB, 5-10, 170; Indy Hooser, Sr., TE-DE, 6-2, 195; Jake Robl, Sr., RB-DL, 6-1, 185; Danny Spykstra, Sr., OL-DL, 6-3, 220. In 2012: “We have the chance to get back to the playoffs with a little luck,” Schmidt said. The Huskies are excited about seeing new teams and traveling to new places.

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North Central League

CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY BULLDOGS Coach: Mitch Doughty 2011 record: 3-6 Returning starters: Five offense, five defense Last playoff appearance: Never qualified Strengths: In their offensive sets, the Bulldogs have plenty of athletes in their skill positions. Weakness: Size. Players to watch: Brandon Black, Jr., WR-DB, 5-10, 175; C.J. Holder, Jr., WR-DB, 6-0, 170; Evan Ice, Sr., WR-LB, 6-2, 185; Nathaniel Ruble, Jr., QB, 6-0, 160. In 2012: “It’s going to be a learning season in the North Central,” said Doughty, whose brother Reed plays for the Washington Redskins. It wasn’t the ideal situation for the Bulldogs, but its is the one they are faced with and they are going to try and make the best of it. They have winnable games early one that would do loads for their confidence.

HIGHLAND HUSKIES Coach: Alan Overton 2011 record: 0-0 Returning starters: Six offense, four defense Last playoff appearance: 2007 Strengths: The skill positions are experienced. Notably at running back and wide receiver. Weaknesses: Just one senior returns to an inexperienced offensive line. The whole team is once again having to learn a new system. Players to watch: Jacob Hasbrouck, Sr., Util.-LB, 6-3, 245; James Price, Sr., RB-LB/DB, 5-6 160; Keaton Sameshima, Sr., OL-DL, 6-2, 265; Joe Seaton, Sr., Util.-DB, 6-1, 200; Chris Villalobos, Sr., WR-LB/DB, 5-8, 170. In 2012: Teh Huskies have the talent and they have the skills, but this team was constantly in flux last season. “They know they can win, if they just play as a team,” said Overton, who is in his first season. It will be tough in 1A’s deepest league, so the Huskies will have to rely on talented skill position players to turn this thing around.

HOLYOKE DRAGONS Coach: John Zilla 2011 record: 2-7 Returning starters: New coach Zilla was not sure. Last playoff appearance: 2008 Strengths: The kids are willing to learn the new system including Zilla’s Wing-T offense that should highlight a strong running game. Weaknesses: Constant coaching changes have forced the Dragons to learn yet another new system. Players to watch: Brett Cummings, Sr., RB-LB, 5-6, 180; Jesus Hernandez, Sr., OL-LB, 6-0, 210; Logan Vieler, Sr., WR-DB, 6-0, 160. In 2012: Coach Zilla moves in from Scott City, Kansas where his team made the playoffs in 11 of his 13 seasons. He studied last years tape and realized: “They were always in games, but they could never finish.” The talent is there, Zilla just hopes the attitude is too.

RESURRECTION CHRISTIAN COUGARS Coach: Rich Yonker 2011 record: 7-4 Returning starters: Six offense, five defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 49-21 to Hotchkiss in quarterfinals Strengths: Skill positions on both sides. Weaknesses: The offensive line is trying to fill some major holes. Players to watch: Brock Buxman, Jr., WR-DB, 5-11, 145; Trent Buxman, Sr., WR-DB, 5-9, 145; Taylor Dewald, Sr., RB-LB-P, 6-2, 210; Jake Lohr, Jr., WR-DB, 6-1, 185; Dan Rhyan, Sr., OL-NG, 6-2, 215; S.T. Shepherd, Sr., OL-DE, 6-3, 265. In 2012: Confidence is high at Rez. The Cougars will try and and erase the memory of the second half against Hotchkiss but take from that, that they can compete with the best teams in the state.

WIGGINS TIGERS Coach: Mitch Risner 2011 record: 9-4 Returning starters: Seven offense, seven defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 23-0 to Burlington in 1A championship game Strengths: Maturity. The seven returnees are important to a team that 80 percent passing last season and will likely be the complete opposite this season. Strong line play. Weaknesses: They are replacing some very big cogs in the defensive secondary and in the skill positions. Players to watch: Lane Bensky, Sr., OL-DL, 6-1, 250; Dalton Risner, Jr., OL-DL, 6-4, 275; Corey Ritchey, Jr., OL-DE, 5-10, 190; Thayer Sauter, Sr., QB-DE, 6-0, 190; Garret Walker, Sr., RB-LB, 5-10, 195. In 2012: “It does get better,” said coach Risner, whose team made an improbable run to the title game in 2011. Wiggins took a a pretty big step last season, now they need to make an even bigger one.

WRAY EAGLES Coach: Levi Kramer 2011 record: 7-4 Returning starters: Six offense, six defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 13-7 to Burlington in quarterfinals Strengths: The offensive line could end up being a strength, protecting both a good quarterback and a strong running game. Defensively, the safties are good. Weaknesses: Inexperience at both cornerback and on the defensive line. “They cane do it, but they just haven’t been battle tested,” Kramer said. Players to watch: Alec Ellis, Jr., RB-LB, 5-10, 190; Thomas Groves, Sr., C-DE, 6-2, 200; Austin Reed, Sr., TE-LB, 6-3, 185; Cade Reinick, Sr., QB-DB, 6-1, 180; Matt Sullivan, Sr., OL-DL, 6-3, 230; Jaden Valco, Sr., FB-DB, 5-11, 160. In 2012: The injury bug bit the Eagles hard last season and they still found a way to get things done. The Eagles are a good team and may be the favorites in the new-look North Central.

YUMA INDIANS Coach: Ryan Burkholder 2011 record: 3-6 Returning starters: Seven offense, seven defense Last playoff appearance: 2010 Strengths: The skill positions are going to be tough. Weaknesses: Depth could be an issue, even though Burkholder has upwards of 40 kids out. Players to watch: Conner Blach, Jr., WR-DB, 5-9, 140; Jaden Koenig, Jr., QB-DB, 6-2, 170; Justin Koenig, Jr., TE-LB, 6-1, 185; Ricardo Moreno, Sr., OL-LB, 5-10, 205. In 2012: “Our schedule is pretty top heavy,” said Burkholder, whose team opens with Limon, Lyons, Wray and Resurrection Christian. The Indians will get tested and find out what they are made of right out of the gate. If they can survive that and stay healthy, they could surprise some people.

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South Central League

BURLINGTON COUGARS Coach: Glynn Higgs 2011 record: 13-0 Returning starters: One offense, one defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, beat Wiggins 23-0 in the championship game Strengths: “Don’t know yet,” Higgs said. Weakness: Raw and inexperienced. Players to watch: Tobin Mettling, Sr., RB-DB, 6-0, 165; Cole Ridnour, Sr., TE-LB, 6-0, 190. In 2012: It drops off a lot from what we’ve come to expect from the Cougars of late. But despite all the losses, “we are not going to drop of the face of the Earth,” Higgs said.

BYERS BULLDOGS Coach: David Dodge 2011 record: 6-4 Returning starters: Seven offense, six defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 34-14 to Akron in the first round Strengths: Offensively: the line and quarterback. Defensively: line and secondary. Weakness: Inexperience at running back, linebacker and the defensive backs; also special teams. Players to watch: Ryan Imber, Sr., QB-DB, 6-1, 190; Jared Martin, Sr., OL-DL, 6-2, 225; Lane Quick, Sr., OL-DL, 5-9, 250; Peter Trahan, Sr., OL-DL, 6-0, 255. In 2012: The Bulldogs beat Limon for the first time in a decade last season and that was huge for them. This years version, strong up front, should make up for the lack of skill position experience.

CALHAN BULLDOGS Coach: Clint Mitchell 2011 record: 3-6 Returning starters: Five offense, five defense Last playoff appearance: 2008 Strengths: Offensive line. Weakness: Overall numbers in the low 20s leads to a lack of depth. Players to watch: Garrett Richardson, Sr., OL-LB, 6-1, 190; Nathan Schloesser, Sr., OL-LB, 5-10, 180. In 2012: The combination of having a first year head coach and numbers being down could make this a long year for the Bulldogs.

CROWLEY COUNTY CHARGERS Coach: Ty Davies 2011 record: 7-3 Returning starters: Eight offense, eight defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 32-12 to Wray in the first round Strengths: Skill positions are good. Weakness: Up front, the Chargers are thin with linemen. Players to watch: Bryce McCracken, So., RB-LB, 5-9, 165; Herman Ross, So., QB-DB, 6-0, 175; Dustin Stadler, Sr., RB-DL, 5-10, 220; Josh Torgler, Sr., C-DL, 5-7, 235. In 2012: “We have to accept the challenge to get over the hump,” said Davies, who takes over a team that dominated the now defunct Santa Fe League. “Maybe that (being in the Santa Fe) cost us in the past.” Davies likes the fact the numbers are up and so was the summertime commitment.

LAS ANIMAS TROJANS Coach: Cody Hines 2011 record: 2-7 Returning starters: Four offense, seven defense Last playoff appearance: 2004 Strengths: A tough, physical defense. Weakness: Offensive line will be freshman and sophomore dominated. “They are young, but they are big,” Hines said. Players to watch: Justin Dean, So., FB-LB, 5-11, 170; Trevor Johnson, Sr., TE-DE, 6-5, 235; Shane Smith, Sr., RB/WR-DB, 5-11, 165. In 2012: The Trojans are hopeful to close out games this time around. They were close against several playoff team a year ago, and Hines is hopeful that trend changes. An opportunistic defense will have to create chance for a young offense.

LIMON BADGERS Coach: Mike O’Dwyer 2011 record: 6-4 Returning starters: Four offense, seven defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 21-20 to Wiggins in the first round Strengths: Defense. “If thhings come together like the should,” O’Dwyer said, “we could be pretty good on that side of the ball.” Offensive skill positions. Weakness: A brand new offensive line. Players to watch: Chandler Dohe, Sr., RB-LB, 6-3, 190; Tyler Koehn, Sr., TE-LB, -4, 205; Gavin Liggett, Jr., QB-DB, 6-0, 170; Luke Meier, So., FB-LB, 5-11, 170; Landon Stang, Sr., WR-DB, 5-7, 160. In 2012: The defense is going to keep the Badgers in a lot of games. That 6-4 mark a season ago was indicative of youth.This group is good and will be in the mix of a wide open classification in November.

ROCKY FORD MELONEERS Coach: Bart Rusler 2011 record: 4-5 Returning starters: Five offense, five defense Last playoff appearance: 2010 Strengths: There is a bunch of versatility on the roster that will allow the Meloneers to provide a bunch of different looks. Weakness: Young and inexperienced line play. Players to watch: Ricki Aragon, Jr., RB-LB, 5-8, 160; Adam Baca, Jr., QB-DB, 5-7, 150; Nate Fennell, So., FB/TE-LB, 5-11, 205. In 2012: “It will be an upset when we win this year,” Rusler said. That’s not a bad thing, because not much is expected of the Meloneers. After finishing last in the Santa Fe last season, the goal is to compete and keep the games from getting out of control.

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Southern Peaks League

CENTAURI FALCONS Coach: Kyle Forster 2011 record: 5-4 in 2A Returning starters: Six offense, five defense Last playoff appearance: 1997 Strengths: The Falcons are a loaded youthful team that saw a lot of playing time a season ago. Weakness: See strengths. Players to watch: Jason Buhr, Jr., RB-LB, 5-8, 155; Micah Keys, Sr., RB-LB, 5-9, 165; Austin Velasquez, Sr., FB-LB, 5-9, 160. In 2012: Some people view the drop in classifications as a demotion, but the Falcons have to look at it as an opportunity. It has worked for Monte Vista the last few season in this league and Forster is hopeful this is the Falcons’ time.

CENTER VIKINGS Coach: Lee Flood 2011 record: 2-7 Returning starters: Eight offense, seven defense Last playoff appearance: 2004 Strengths: This is the second year in Flood’s system, so a little continuity is a good thing. The leadership is good as is the defensive line and the secondary. Weaknesses: Still a little young in the linebacking corp. Players to watch: Jose Luis Macias, Sr., Util.-LB, 5-8, 195; Luis Mariscal, Jr., C-DL, 5-11, 205; Gustavo Nungaray, Jr., RB-LB, 5-8, 170; Ryan Perrin, Sr., QB, 6-1, 180. In 2012: The Vikings are much improved from a season ago when they won games for the first time in two season. They are eager to again take the fight to teams that might again underestimate them in 2012.

DEL NORTE TIGERS Coach: Fuzzy Holmes 2011 record: 4-5 Returning starters: Seven offense, eight defense. Last playoff appearance: 2007 Strengths: Running game should be “pretty salty,” according to Holmes. Weaknesses: Depth … The Tigers just don’t have a lot of numbers. Players to watch: Austin McDonald, Sr., RB-DE, 6-2, 185; Brennan Pacheco, Jr., DB, 6-0, 175; Preston Pacheco, So., QB-DB, 5-9, 140; Collin Trujillo, Sr., RB-LB, 5-10, 170. In 2012: The potential is there, but this whole league from top-to-bottom is better. “For us, it’s a confidence thing,” Holmes said.

DOLORES BEARS Coach: Ray Weir 2011 record: 3-6 Returning starters: Four offense, four defense Last playoff appearance: 2009 Strengths: “We are just mediocre right now,” Weir said. “We have the biggest kid in the league and the smallest team.”. Weaknesses: Offensive line. Players to watch: Colton Shull, Sr., QB-DB, 5-11, 180; Chaz Thompson, Sr., RB-LB, 5-11, 180; Tyler Weir, Jr., OL-DL, 6-5, 260. In 2012: The Bears could turn some heads with their new smashmouth style of play. For years under longtime coach Jim Everin, the Bears ran the wing-T. Stay tuned.

IGNACIO BOBCATS Coach: Lupe Huerta 2011 record: 4-5 Returning starters: Five offense, six defense Last playoff appearance: 2009 Strengths: The line is stocked with a young, strong and stable group. Weaknesses: Youthful receiving corp. “They are freshmen and they are going to have to step up,” Huerta said. Players to watch: Austin Haire, Sr., TE-LB, 6-3, 190; Adam Herrera, Jr., WR-DB, 5-10, 150; Clayton Jefferson, Jr., WR-DB, 5-10, 155; Adison Jones, So., QB-DB, 6-4, 205. In 2012: Jones was a starter as a freshman and has only gotten bigger and stronger this season. As he goes, so may go the prospects of the Bobcats season. This is an interesting team that could be a darkhorse contender in the league.

MONTE VISTA PIRATES Coach: Jim McAuliffe 2011 record: 7-3 Returning starters: Seven offense, seven defense Last playoff appearance: 2010, lost 35-28 to Resurrection Christian in the first round Strengths: Experienced and fairly quick. Weaknesses: Size … “We are really, really small,” McAuliffe said. Not a lot of depth either. Players to watch: Jeff Cooper, Sr., WR-DB, 5-11, 140; Hansel Garcia, Sr., RB-DB, 5-9, 160; Garet Pacheco, Sr., TE-DE, 6-0, 170; Mike Sanchez, Jr., QB-DB, 5-9, 150; Austin Vance, Sr., OL-LB, 5-9, 160; Mitch Vanderpool, Jr., RB-LB, 5-10, 165; Chadron Wenta, Sr., RB-LB, 5-11, 170. In 2012: With a new look league, the Pirates are eager for a chance to defend their league title. After “giving their playoff game away last season,”, the returnees have learned from that and McAuliffe feels this team is better than last years..

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Tri-Peaks League

BUENA VISTA DEMONS Coach: Matt Flavin 2011 record: 7-4 in 2A Returning starters: Four offense, five defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 42-7 to Florence in 2A first round Strengths: Speed and a good sense of team unity. Weakness: Size and a youthful offensive line. Players to watch: Graham Bachmann, Sr., Ol-DL, 6-4, 200; Daniel Carr, Sr., OL-DL, 5-9, 210; Koby Close, Sr., QB-LB, 5-10, 190; Dakoda Deturio, Sr., RB-LB, 6-1, 180; Josh Williams, Sr., WR-DB, 6-2, 180. In 2012: The Demons will be very competitive after dropping down from Class 2A. The goal is to give the Eastern Slope big-boys, who have long dominated the classification some fits.

CUSTER COUNTY BOBCATS Coach: Troy Bomgardner 2011 record: 5-4 Returning starters: Three offense, three defense Last playoff appearance: 2008 Strengths: The Bobcats are loaded with a good nucleus of upperclassmen, especially in the junior class. Weakness: Numbers. “We need some bodies,” Bomgardner said. Players to watch: Lane Byerly, Jr., QB-DE, 6-1, 175; T.J. Flynn, Jr., WR-LB, 6-0, 175; Casey Nordyke, Jr., RB-LB, 6-0, 190; Corey Nordyke, Sr., RB-LB, 6-2, 225; Smokey Solis, Jr., OL-DL, 6-3, 280. In 2012: “We want to be able to establish our program, and that has nothing to do with wins and losses,” Bomgardner said. That said, the Bobcats need to get off to a quick start with a young team. That confidence could go a long way.

C.S. CHRISTIAN LIONS Coach: Jay Kersey 2011 record: 3-7 in 2A Returning starters: Eight offense, seven defense Last playoff appearance: 2010 Strengths: Skill positions are loaded with all kinds of speed. The running backs are decent too. Weakness: “Up front, we are young and undersized,” Kersey said. Players to watch: Dan Kenney, Sr., QB-LB, 5-11, 205; Jim Kenney, Sr., RB-DB, 5-11, 185; TJ Stockton, Jr., TE-LB, 6-3, 215. In 2012: The off season weight room participation was “incredible.” The Lions are buying into what the coaches are selling. They are ready to go play and hit somebody.

ELLICOTT THUNDERHAWKS Coach: Donte Stewart 2011 record: 2-7 Returning starters: Eight offense, eight defense Last playoff appearance: 2000 Strengths: Decent size. Weakness: Still pretty young. Players to watch: Jacob Crisp, So., WR-DB, 6-3, 175; Dillon Harvey, So., WR-DB, 5-8, 140; Alex Hill, Sr., OL-DL, 6-5, 260; Raul Morales, Sr., OL-DL, 5-9, 170; Javonte Stewart, So., QB-DB, 5-8, 145. In 2012: Look for the Thunderhawks to be somewhere in the middle of the pack in this league. Still a young and talented group that may be built for 2013 and beyond.

JOHN MALL PANTHERS Coach: Mike Whitehead 2011 record: 6-4 Returning starters: Seven offense, eight defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 51-6 to Burlington in the first round Strengths: Fast and very experienced. Two very good linebackers and a very good group of upperclassmen. Weakness: The Panthers don’t have very good number. “We are playing some younger kids and we will be relying on them a lot,” said Whitehead, a first year coach. Players to watch: Michael Griego, Sr., WR-DB, 6-2, 175; Jacob Pino, Sr., OL-LB, 6-0, 180; Dylan Tenorio, Sr., RB-DE, 5-10, 180; J.P. Vigil, Sr., RB/WR-LB, 5-10, 150. In 2012: Coach Whitehead returns to the team he coached 20+ years ago. He is understandably excited about the latest crop of Panthers.

PEYTON PANTHERS Coach: Ken Delahoy 2011 record: 6-4 Returning starters: Four offense, five defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 31-14 to Lyons in the first round Strengths: This is a more athletic group than the bruisers that took the field last season. Weakness: Size and experience. “We are definitely smaller than we were last year,” Delahoy said. Players to watch: Robby Easterrin, Jr., RB-LB, 5-9, 180; Chris Epps, Jr., WR/TE, 6-5, 180; Rick Lancaster, Jr., OL-LB, 6-0, 200; Tyler Lashley, Jr., QB-LB, 6-1, 180. In 2012: These kids got a taste of the playoffs last year. If they don’t make some big noise this season, then 2013 could be huge.

RYE THUNDERBOLTS Coach: Jeff Bailey 2011 record: 2-7 Returning starters: Eight offense, six defense Last playoff appearance: 2010 Strengths: Lots of experience in the junior class. Weakness: Still relatively young. The Bolts have just one senior. Players to watch: Adam Burnett, Jr., OL-DE, 6-1, 215; Sean Daniels, Jr., RB-DB, 5-10, 145; Aaron Doub, Sr., QB-LB, 6-0, 165; Anthony Goos, Jr., OL-LB, 5-10, 195; Dillon Stinson, So., OL-DL, 6-0, 275; A.J. Vinci, Jr., FB-LB, 5-10, 180. In 2012: They are going through a rough patch right now with upperclassmen and after years of dominating, the Bolts took their lumps last season. It came together late in the season, and if they can build on that confidence, they can certainly build on that.

SALIDA SPARTANS Coach: Phil Gardunio 2011 record: 1-9 in 2A Returning starters: Five offense, five defense Last playoff appearance: 2009 Strengths: The skill positions are good. Weakness: It’s a slow developing offensive line and there are some questions with depth. Players to watch: Brandon Coleman, Sr., FB-LB, 5-11, 165; Alec Coscarella, Jr., QB-DB, 5-8, 155. In 2012: “This is a good time for us to move to 1A,” Gardunio said. “It’s just what the doctor ordered.” The Spartans have a new school and a new field that have brought new life to a program that will certainly not go 1-9 again.

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Western Slope League

CEDAREDGE BRUINS Coach: Brandon Milholland 2011 record: 4-6 in 2A Returning starters: Eight offense, eight defense Last playoff appearance: 2002 Strengths: Speed and experience. Weakness: Size. “Up front is going to be a struggle,” Milholland said. Players to watch: Dante Markley, Sr., QB-DB, 6-0, 170; Dustin Stracener, Sr., OL-LB, 5-11, 190; Cade Wasser, Sr., WR-DB, 5-11, 150; Carter Wasser, Sr., FB-LB, 6-2, 205. In 2012: “I feel pretty comfortable with these kids, it’s scary almost,” Milholland said. They are not a shoe in in this league, but the talent is there for them to be really good and end there 10 year playoff drought.

HOTCHKISS BULLDOGS Coach: Zac Lemon 2011 record: 11-1 Returning starters: Five offense, six defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 47-19 to Wiggins in the semifinals Strengths: Line play, experience (15 seniors) and size. Weakness: Defensive backs and wide receivers are all new. Players to watch: Conner Beard, Sr., TE-DE, 6-2, 230; Jacobe Galley, Sr., RB-LB, 6-1, 180; Josh Hardin, Sr., QB, 6-4, 200; Zack Taylor, Sr., OL-DL, 5-10, 220; Brayden Wilson, Sr., OL-DL, 6-0, 210. In 2012: “It has to be this year,” Lemon said. Most of the senior class knows and understands that they have to more, if they don’t they will be disappointed.

LAKE COUNTY PANTHERS Coach: Steve Craiglow 2011 record: 2-7 Returning starters: Seven offense, seven defense Last playoff appearance: 1990 Strengths: The quarterback has “a freaking cannon,” Craiglow said. Plus he has tall targets with some speed. Weakness: Lacking in size. Players to watch: Tyler Koucherick, Sr., TE-DE, 6-3, 200; Brandon Leverett, Sr., WR-LB, 6-2, 180; Gavin Mendoza, Jr., OL-DL, 5-11, 215; Robert Montoya, Sr., RB-DB-Ret., 5-9, 145; Ryan Osborn, Sr., QB-LB, 5-9, 160. In 2012: The Panthers are always intriguing, but Leadville is known more for producing long distance runners than it is football players. Eligibility issues always tend to creep into the mix here, but the discipline – lead by Osborn, who is in the Navy Seal training program – is finally there.

MEEKER COWBOYS Coach: Ron DuPree 2011 record: 1-7 Returning starters: Eight offense, eight defense Last playoff appearance: 2009 Strengths: Quicker and stronger than they were last year, “but we still have a long way to go,” said DuPree, with his deep Texas twang. Weakness: Still a young group that started five freshman a season ago. Players to watch: Sebastian Clark, Jr., RB-DB, 5-8, 141; J.C. Henderson, Jr., FB, 5-8, 135; Ricky Jeffrey, Jr., DL, 5-11, 252; Raul Lopez, So., WR, 5-8, 165; Dillon Mobley, Jr., QB, 6-0, 160; Joe Newman, So., C, 6-6, 242; Fernando Olivas, Jr., DL, 6-0, 190; Jake Phelan, So., QB-DB, 5-10, 150; Scott Smith, Sr., WR-DE, 6-2, 172. In 2012: “We always like to think we are a game away not a year away,” DuPree said.

PAONIA EAGLES Coach: Scott Rienks 2011 record: 5-4 Returning starters: Three offense, three defense Last playoff appearance: 2010 Strengths: It’s a disciplined and knowledgeable group that has played a lot of football. Weakness: Depth, they lost a big group of seniors. Players to watch: Will Austin, Jr., RB-LB, 6-2, 170; Tony Darling, Jr., OL-DL, 6-3, 270; Tyler Jackson, Jr., RB-DB, 5-9, 160; Taylor Katzer, Sr., WR-DB, 5-11, 160; Tyler Kendall, Sr., WR-LB, 6-0,185. In 2012: The Eagles are highly thought of in a league that got even tougher after the realignment. They will be in the mix after Hotchkiss in this league.

ROARING FORK RAMS Coach: Tory Jenson 2011 record: 3-7 in 2A Returning starters: Six offense, six defense Last playoff appearance: 2006 Strengths: Size. Weakness: Just the number of kids out. Players to watch: Brandon Cruz, Sr., OL-LB, 6-2, 240; Trae Moxley, Sr., TE-DT, 6-6, 265; Nate Nieslanik, Jr., RB-LB, 6-1, 170; Tanner Nieslanik, Jr., QB-LB, 5-9, 150; Mike Skinner, Sr., WR-DB, 5-10, 155. In 2012: They have the talent and decent kids but they have some serious holes to fill. “Thank God, we are playing in 1A,” Jenson said. The Rams are learning on the fly.