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Team-by-team capsules previewing the 2012 high school football season in Class 2A.

Sort by league: Colorado | Flatirons | Northern | Patriot | Tri-Peaks

Other classes: | | | | | |

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Colorado League

BENNETT Coach: Rick Jacoby, fifth year, 2011 record: 9-3 Returning starters: 6 offense, 7 defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 35-7 to Florence in 2A quarterfinals Strengths: Solid core at skill positions; team speed, workable size Weaknesses: Both lines need to solidify Players to watch: Andrew Beam, Sr., G-DT, 5-10, 210; Caleb Copeland, Sr., RB-MLB, 5-11, 190; Kory Hudson, Jr., FB-LB, 6-0, 195; Josh Miller, Sr., QB, 6-0, 145; Vince Moquis, Jr., TE-DE, 5-10, 185; Tommy Timtorri, RB-DB, 6-1, 180; Corby Wyett, Sr., DL-T, 6-2, 245. In 2012: In perhaps Colorado’s deepest classification, Jacoby said “it will be typical 2A football. Once we find our identity with our front five and get it all pieced together, and barring injury, we’ll be a playoff team. It’s coming together.”

DENVER WEST Coach: Leon Garcia, third year, 2011 record: 2-8 Returning starters: 7 offense, 7 defense Last playoff appearance: 1995 Strengths: Numbers getting better; front walls getting stronger, too Weaknesses: Skill positions inexperienced and West doesn’t have that many of them Players to watch: Brandon Arnold, Jr., RB, 5-9,, 170; Richard Garcia, So., OL-DL, 6-0, 210; Dylan Hoffman, Jr., QB-LB, 5-8, 185; Hugo Ramirez, Sr., C-LB, 5-8, 205; Alonzo Rodriguez, Sr., TE-LB, 6-1, 195; Aquain Wright, Sr., T-DT,, 6-3, 285. In 2012: The climb continues and Garcia said Cowboys “have a promising schedule and I think we’ll be all right.”

KENT DENVER Coach: Scott Yates, 32nd year 2011 record: 11-2 Returning starters: 7 offense, 7 defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 52-35 to Florence in 2A semifinals Strengths: Strong corps of rushers; program numbers strong, including with freshman Weaknesses: Talent in second-teamers, but Yates just doesn’t know how it will respond when tested Players to watch: Brian Boatman, Sr., TE-DE, 6-3, 218; Lamin Cobb, Sr., OL-DT, 6-0, 265; Zack Davis, Sr., C, 5-10,. 265; Jaden Franklin, So., RB, 5-10,170; Charlie Lippitt, Sr., WR-DB, 5-11, 170; Brannon Jones, Sr., LB, 6-2, 205; Matt Jones, Sr., LB, 6-3, 195; Jake Michaelson, Sr., T-DT, 6-1, 240; Matt Pettyjohn, Sr., WR-DB, 6-0, 170; Chantz Tanner, Sr., G-MLB, 6-2, 225. In 2012: The Sun Devils have material, just not lots of it. “If we stay healthy, I think we can be as good as there is out there.

MANUAL Coach: Doug Clinkscales, 4th season 2011 record: 2-8 Returning starters: 7 offense, 6 defense Last playoff appearance: 1997 Strengths: Returning front-liners who saw significant time last year; more team speed Weaknesses: Transfers and ineligibility problems have hurt the lines, where the ‘Bolts remain small Players to watch: Trevon Hall, Jr., QB-LB, 6-2, 174; Jeffrey Wadsworth, Jr., FB-LB, 5-10, 220; Cevonn Watkins, Sr., OLO-DL, 5-9, 240. In 2012: Clinkscales said the ‘Bolts have improvd, “but we’ll be finding out as we go along. This year will be a combination of running and passing, and, hopefully, we can exploit where our opponents are weak.”

MIDDLE PARK Coach: Troy Schmidt, fourth year 2011 record: 7-3 Returning starters: 6 offense, 5 defense Last playoff appearance: 2010 Strengths: Returning lineman should give the Panthers more opportunity. Weaknesses: Overall numbers are low – just 25 players out during preseason drills Players to watch: Nick Brynoff, Sr., G, 5-11, 180; Kane Hutchinson, Sr., T, 6-6, 280; Connor Jennings, Sr., FB-LB, 6-4, 195. In 2012: Jacoby said the Panthers “scared some people last year, but we’re just so thin that we’ll find out as we go.

SHERIDAN Coach: Zeric Martinez, first year 2011 record: 6-4 Returning starters: 2 offense, 2 defense Last playoff appearance: 1991 Strengths: Most offensive line starters and backups return Weaknesses: Rams sport only have nine seniors and only one played a year ago; questions at quarterback Players to watch: Nikko Barella, Sr., T-NG, 5-8, 255; Omar Gallegos, Sr., QB-RB, 5-6, 130; Jayce Montoya, Jr., C-DT, 5-9, 220; Kyle Taylor, Jr., RB, 5-8, 150. In 2012: Despite numbers’ woes, Martinez said his guys “have some athleticism and material on the lines, but need to develop a quarterback.”

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Flatirons League

THE ACADEMY Coach: Park Vogel, first year 2011 record: 9-3 Returning starters: Five offense, five defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 43-13 to Olathe in 2A preliminaries Strengths: Returnees dot the front walls Weaknesses: Youth abounds; replacing quarterback prving challenging Players to watch: Grant Abrahamson, Jr., OL-DL, 5-10, 275; Ricky Emerson, Sr., T-LB, 5-10, 240; Anthony Ramirez, Jr., RB, 5-9, 165; Joey Rey, Jr., TE, 5-10, 190. In 2012: Vogel foresees a good opportunity “to do well and we play Eaton and Florence right away. We’re looking to go to the playoffs again.”

FAITH CHRISTIAN Coach: Blair Hubbard, 14th year 2011 record: 9-3 Returning starters: 2 offense, 3 defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 31-22 to Kent Denver in 2A preliminaries Strengths: Lines appear stout with good size Weaknesses: Eagles will operate with a new skill corps Players to watch: Alex Albright, Sr., FB-FS, 6-2, 175; Grant Black, Jr., DT, 6-3, 260; Grayson Bundick, Sr., QB, 6-0, 210; Danny Langewisch, So., LB, 5-11, 185; Josh Mihalcin, Jr., G, 6-0, 225; Brandyn Thompson, Jr., DE, 6-2, 185. In 2012: Unusually, the Eagles have a small senior class, onoy eight 12th-graders. “At this point, it’s a mystery,” Hubbard said. “We’ll just have to see how the kids respond and how we improve.”

KIPP DENVER COLLEGIATE Coach: Jeff Alexander, first year 2011 record: First varsity season Returning starters: N/A Last playoff appearance: Never qualified Strengths: Lots of size up front. Weaknesses: No experience and lots of unknown Players to watch: Azeriel Alcala, So., QB, 6-3, 180; Ricardo Astorga, Jr., WR-RB, 6-0, 170; Luis Gameros, Jr., OL, 6-3, 275; Antonio Loera, Sr., WR-DB, 5-10, 165; Emmanuel Torres, Sr., OL, 6-6, 315. In 2012: Program is just entering its history, but Alexander remains upbeat. “We’re fielding a team that’s impressive,” the coach said.

BISHOP MACHEBEUF Coach: Kevin McGinty 2011 record: 3-7 <!–Returning starters: Unavailable–> Last playoff appearance: 2010 Note: Coach did not return phone calls Weaknesses:

THE PINNACLE Coach: Eric Hahn 2011 record: 0-10 <!–Returning starters: Unavailable–> Last playoff appearance: never qualified Note: Coach did not return phone calls

RIDGE VIEW ACADEMY Coach: Jason Lane 2011 record: 1-9 <!–Returning starters: Unavailable–> Last playoff appearance: Never qualified Note: Coach did not return phone calls

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Northern League

<!– –> ASPEN Coach: Mike Sirko 2011 record: 7-4 <!–Returning starters:–> Last playoff appearance: 2011 (Lost to Eaton in first round, 48-20) Strengths: Weakness: Players to watch: Note: Coach Sirko could not be reached for comment.

BASALT Coach: Carl Frerichs 2011 record: 6-4 Returning starters: Three offense, four defense Last playoff appearance: 2010 Strengths: Special teams, behind the leg of senior kicker Bertilio Garcia, will be of particular strength. Garcia, a Division I-type recruit, kicked a 57-yard field goal last season. The defense, which has given up just 17.7 points per game each of the last two seasons, should also be strong again this year. Weakness: Numbers are down, so an injury could hurt. “If we can stay healthy,” Frerichs says, “we can compete with anybody.” Players to watch: Bertilio Garcia, K, Sr.; Jonny Medrano, RB/LB, Sr.; Hayden Quintana, OL/DL, Sr.; Fabian Martinez, OL/DL, Sr.; Austin Schneider, WR/LB, Sr.; Dennis Andrade, DB/WR, Sr.; Matt Williams, QB/LB, Jr.; Cody Banc, RB/LB, Jr. In 2012: The Longhorns narrowly missed out on the playoffs last season, and aren’t planning on doing it again this year. “We should be right there with the top teams in our league,” Frerichs says.

BAYFIELD Coach: Gary Heide 2011 record: 12-1 Returning starters: Five offense, four defense Last playoff appearance: 2011 (Lost to Florence in title game, 34-0) Strengths: The Wolverines return four of their five offensive lineman, so it will be a good unit. There’s also decent depth at the skill positions, and an overflowing of confidence from last year’s title game appearance. Weakness: Overall, team size isn’t great. Also, there’s not much depth on the line after the returning starters. The team will also be adding in a few new wrinkles on offense, which “needs time to play itself out,” Heide says. Players to watch: Austin McMenimen, OL, Sr.; Nate Goddard, OL, Sr.; Kevin Donahue, OL, Sr.; Jon Roberts, OL, Sr.; TJ Pazell, RB, Sr.; Allec Rodriguez, RB, Sr. In 2012: Former coach Marshall Hahn moved to northwest Arkansas in the offseason, and has been replaced by Heide, a 20-year coaching veteran who most recently headed a team in Minnesota. The Wolverines have made three consecutive postseason trips, so expectations remain high. “We go into every game expecting to win,” Heide says. “We expect to get to the playoffs, and then at that point, it’s just a one game tournament. Anything can happen at that time.”

COAL RIDGE Coach: Kyle Sager 2011 record: 4-6 Returning starters: Four offense, five defense. Last playoff appearance: 2010 Strengths: Things are always easier when everyone’s on the same page, and the first-year coach Sager says, “The kids are buying into the team philosophy.” Weakness: There’s a lot of youth on the team, especially up front. The sophomores and juniors playing there will need to come along quickly. Players to watch: Cole Zywiec, FB/LB, Sr.; Chris Contreras, S/RB, Jr.; Michael Shaw, LB/RB, Sr.; Austin Reed, OL/DL, Sr.; Nelson Bell, LB/C, Jr. In 2012: Sager, a former lineman at the University of San Diego, was hired in May. He had been a junior varsity coach in Arizona. He’s made a list for his new players of things he’d like to accomplish, and says that “these kids are hungry to do things that have never been done.” Things like hosting a home playoff game.

<!– –> GRAND VALLEY Coach: Mike Johnson 2011 record: 4-6 <!–Returning starters:–> Last playoff appearance: 2008 Strengths: Weakness: Players to watch: Note: Coach Johnson could not be reached for comment.

<!– –> GUNNISON Coach: Bob Howard 2011 record: 4-6 <!–Returning starters:–> Last playoff appearance: 2007 Strengths: Weakness: Players to watch: Note: Coach Howard could not be reached for comment.

<!– –> OLATHE Coach: Ryan Corn 2011 record: 8-4 <!–Returning starters:–> Last playoff appearance: 2011 (Lost to Brush in quarterfinals, 23-12) Strengths: Weakness: Players to watch: Note: Coach Corn could not be reached for comment.

PAGOSA SPRINGS Coach: Olin Garrison 2011 record: 7-3 Returning starters: Five offense, four defense Last playoff appearance: 2011 (Lost to Kent Denver in first round, 48-6) Strengths: Most of the returners on offense are along the line, so it should be a good unit. Weakness: The Pirates need to replace a starting quarterback and wideout. Also, the defense isn’t as strong as it’s been in past year. “We have to evolve there,” Garrison says. Players to watch: Clay Ross, TE/FB, Sr.; Cody Couch, OL, Jr.; Creede Wiley, C, Jr.; Keith Archuleta, WB, Sr.; Chase Patane, FB, So. In 2012: With a new league, opponents are something of an unknown. “I don’t really know what they have coming back,” Garrison says. But he thinks his team will be competitive.

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Patriot League

BRUSH Coach: Randy Dreitz, 13th year 2011 record: 12-1 Returning starters: 3 offense, 3 defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 21-19 to Bayfield in 2A semifinals Strengths: Returning quarterback; offensive line coming around; experience in back of defense Weaknesses: Beetdiggers are younger than usual; inexperience may show in first few weeks Players to watch: Randy Baker, Jr., WR-LB, 6-0, 175; Kyle Rosenbrock, So., RB-LB, 6-0, 190; Maverick Seewald, Jr., T-DT, 6-3, 250; Mitch Torhmolen, Sr., QB, 6-2, 195. In 2012: On the heels of a semifinals showing, Dreitz said he expects “a learning curve,” and hopes to early jitters being handled early.

EATON Coach: Bill Mondt, 19th year 2011 record: 8-3 Returning starters: Five offense, five defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 15-14 to Bayfield in 2A’s quarterfinals Strengths: Good speed and skill; nice size Weaknesses: Lines will be learning on the fly. Players to watch: Austin Ekeler, Sr., RB-Ret., 5-8, 175; Trent Sieg, Sr., TE-OLB, 6-4, 240. In 2012: The skill is there for the Reds, who hope to quickly overcome their spottiness in the lines.

FORT LUPTON Coach: Jeff Priestley, second year 2011 record: 1-9 Returning starters: 5 offense, 4 defense Last playoff appearance: 2007 Strengths: Better speed; returning skill Weaknesses: Lines looking for sturdy candidates Players to watch: Zach Boyd, Sr., QB, 6-5, 187; Logan Fern, Sr., RB, 5-9, 160; Marcus Lenox, Sr., DB, 5-10, 170; Jeff Merritt, Jr., QB, 5-11, 146; Brody Nelson, Sr., TE, 6-4, 200; Jalen Vasquez, Jr., Flanker, 6-1, 175; D.J. Vurciaga, Jr., LB, 5-11, 190; Angelo Zito, Sr., OL,-DL 5-8, 265. In 2011: Blue Devils have to start picking it up and Priestley said they’re “hungry and heading the right way.”

PLATTE VALLEY Coach: Troy Hoffman, third year 2011 record: 6-5 Returning starters: 6 offense, 7 defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 35-7 to Faith Christian in 2A prelimjinaries Strengths: Improved skill and speed; linebackers and defenders on the perimeter Weaknesses: Offensive line accepting applications; depth has yet to be identified Players to watch: Adam Bethel, Sr., RB, 6-0, 170; Caleb Creech, Jr., LB-RB, 6-0, 185; Brandon Gehring, Sr., C, 5-11, 230; Dillon Joens, Sr., OL-DL, 6-4, 220; Cameron Maxey, Jr., DB-WR, 6-2, 155; Raul Rios, Sr., DL, 6-3, 270. In 2012: Hoffman said he likes “our tools and I believe we can compete in every game, but we have to figure out a way to be in the mix.”

STERLING Coach: Mark Bauder, 13th year 2011 record: 4-6 Returning starters: Five offense, six defense Last playoff appearance: 2008 Strengths: Both fronts have know-how Weaknesses: Candidates for secondary still campaigning Players to watch: Connor Carey, Sr., WR-LB, 6-4, 180; Brendan Diaz, Sr., QB-S, 6-0, 170; Lyle Koch, Sr., OL-NG, 6-0, 260; Cody Lechman, Sr., RB-OLB, 6-1, 210; Matt McNear, Sr., T-DE, 6-4, 220. In 2012: Tigers have moved down a class and Bauder is seeking three more dependable linemen. “We’ve got to bring more kids along,” he said.

STRASBURG Coach: Jeff Geiger, seventh year 2011 record: 6-5 Returning starters: Six offense, six defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 27-21 to Bayfield in 2A preliminaries Strengths: Skill appears to be there for Indians Weaknesses: Nearly half of the roster is manned by sophomores Players to watch: Spencer Blauw, Sr., RB-ILB, 5-11, 185; Roice Hanks, Jr., G-DE, 6-2, 220; Glenn Wallace, Sr., QB, 6-0, 170; Dugan Werner, Sr., TE-DE, 6-7, 220. In 2012: Geiger likes his first-teamers, but worries beyond that – so many of his players are about the age of a new driver. But he plans to hand them the keys.

UNIVERSITY Coach: Tom Grasmick, fourth year 2011 record: 5-5 Returning starters: 5 offense, 5 defense Last playoff appearance: 1985, Strengths: Quarterback will be a three-year starter; improve dleadership Weaknesses: Numbers are there for the lines, but experience isn’t Players to watch: Isaac Chavez, So., OL-DL, 6-4, 300; James Medina, Sr., WR-DB, 6-1, 160; Tanner Sparks, Sr., QB, 6-1, 165; Tad Strohauer, Jr., RB-LB, 5-10, 175. In 2012: Grasmick is motivated. “We’re in the toughest league from top to bottom and we need to push over that hump and realize that we can compete with the likes of our conference. Now’s the time to take the next step.”

VALLEY Coach: Ryan Wehrman, sixth year 2011 record: 6-4 Returning starters: 7 offense, 6 defense Last playoff appearance: 2005 Strengths: Size; depth on lines; bigger senior class Weaknesses: Secondary concerns; speed’s only fair Players to watch: Drew Hubbard, Jr., RB-SS, 6-1, 175; Roman Marfil, Sr., DB-RB, 5-9, 170; Roy Mendez, Sr., OL-DL, 6-0, 245; Isaiah Nevarez, Sr., OL-DE, 6-1, 190. In 2012: Vikings are confident they can be legitimate players within the class. “We’re feeling good about it,” Wehrman said.

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Tri-Peaks League

ALAMOSA Coach: Al Ford 2011 record: 4-6 Returning starters: Six offense, seven defense Last playoff appearance: 2006 Strengths: Senior class; quarterback Weakness: Questions about power rushing game; Mean Moose also need to be more stout up front on defense Players to watch: Jake Heaton, Sr., Slot-DB, 5-9, 150; Alec Higel, Sr., T-MLB, 6-2, 230; Nick Jones, Sr., DE, 5-11, 220; Cole Kelley, Sr., DB, 6-1, 160; Zach Meyer, Sr., QB, 6-3, 200; Kurt Schiffer, Sr., T-OLB, 5-11, 180 In 2012: Alamosa should be good on defense, Ford said, “if our line comes through, but we still need an identity on offense.”

DOLORES HUERTA Coach: Victor Quintana 2011 record: Played junior varsity Returning starters: Unavailable Last playoff appearance: Never qualified Strengths: Offensive line has some girth; speed is developing Weakness: Scorpions heading into new territory; leaders welcome Players to watch: Race Gilman, Jr., C-DT, 6-3, 310; Jared Maestas, Jr., RB-DB, 5-6, 145; Kevin Steele, Sr., OLB-FB, 6-1, 200. In 2012: Quintana, heading a group into its first foray of varsity, said he’s stressing fundamentals and basics. “It’s what we have to do,” he said.

FLORENCE Coach: Mark Buderus 2011 record: 13-1 Returning starters: Five offense, three defense Last playoff appearance: 2011 (Won state championship over Bayfield, 34-0) Strengths: The Huskies have speed and athleticism up and down the roster. Weakness: Florence lost 15 seniors off of the state championship team, so experience and leadership will be in short supply early. Players to watch: Johnnie Krien, TB, Jr.; Cody Friend, OL, Sr.; Clay Masar, LB, Jr.; Conner Ward, OL, Sr.; Scott Sandoval, LB/DE/FB, Sr. In 2012: “We’ve got to find some leaders,” Buderus says. “I think that’s a big thing.” A few kids have stepped up in camp, but the coach says that will be a big factor in the team’s success. “We want to be competitive, and I think we can be competitive,” he says.

LA JUNTA Coach: Clint Buderus 2011 record: 6-4 Returning starters: Nine offense, nine defense Last playoff appearance: 2003 Strengths: The Savages have experience up and down the roster, with a number of kids that have played big roles for the past two or three seasons. “They’ve all started for so long,” Buderus says. Weakness: Depth. Players to watch: Taylor Maik, FB/MLB, Sr., 6-0, 180; Tanner Cox, TB/OLB, Sr., 5-9, 175; Joel Johnson, WR/S, Sr., 5-11, 175; Trey Honey, TE/LB, Sr., 5-10, 185; Dillon Eveatt, OL/LB, Sr., 6-0, 200 In 2012: The experience mentioned above has matured from season’s past. “We’ve taken our lumps, and they’ve finally grown up,” Buderus says. If the pieces come together, and La Junta stays healthy, the playoffs are within reach.

<!– –> LAMAR Coach: Jason Tice 2011 record: 6-5 <!–Returning starters:–> Last playoff appearance: 2011 (Lost to Brush in first round, 41-12) Strengths: Weakness: Players to watch: Note: Coach Tice could not be reached for comment.

<!– –> MANITOU SPRINGS Coach: Danny Gieck 2011 record: 1-8 <!–Returning starters:–> Last playoff appearance: 2008 Strengths: Weakness: Players to watch: Note: Coach Gieck could not be reached for comment.

ST. MARY’S Coach: Nic Olney 2011 record: 6-4 Returning starters: Five offense, four defense Last playoff appearance: 2005 Strengths: Logan Elliot, the team’s quarterback, is entering his third year as the starter. “The offense definitely runs around him,” Olney says. Both lines are solid — the best, Olney says, he’s had in his three years as coach. The linebackers should be strong, and the Pirates have good senior leadership. Weakness: St. Mary’s has 46 kids on its entire roster. “Anytime you’re dealing with 46 kids and you play against Florence and Trinidad and Lamar, depth is our biggest weakness,” Olney says. Players to watch: Logan Elliot, QB/S, Sr.; Cannon Wille, TE/LB, Sr.; Colten Wolf, LB, Sr.; Curtis Torrence, OL/DL, Sr.; Eric Sangueza, RB, Sr. In 2012: St. Mary’s went 1-9 two seasons ago, so the progress is evident. Last year was the school’s first winning season in seven years. Olney looks to have this team continue the momentum in his third season. “The ultimate goal is to be able to compete with the entire league,” he says. “I think we should be able to do that.”

TRINIDAD Coach: Randy Begano 2011 record: 8-3 Returning starters: Six offense, six defense Last playoff appearance: 2011 (Lost to Bennett in first round, 42-38) Strengths: With 18 combined returning starters, “I think we have a good core coming back,” Begano says. Weakness: Even with all of the experience back, they’ll need to fill some holes on both sides of the field, especially on the lines. Players to watch: Chris DeAngelis, RB/LB, Sr., 5-11, 180; Eric Lopez, TE/FB/LB Jr., 5-10, 235; Nick Paradiso, Jr, OL/DL, 6-1, 280; Brian Shaw, Sr., C/DE, 6-0, 250; Dante Begano, Jr., QB/LB, 6-1, 180 In 2012: Trinidad should be in the playoff spot, though it will need to bring new players up to speed quickly.