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Team-by-team capsules previewing the 2012 high school football season in Class 1A 8-man.

Sort by league: East (Central) | East (Blake Forest) | North (Plains) | North (I-25) | South (Arkansas Valley) | South (Southern) | West (Mountain) | West (Western)

Other classes: | | | | | |

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East Conference (Central Division)

HAYDEN Coach: Shawn Baumgartner 2011 record: 5-5 in Class 1A Returning starters: 9 offense, 8 defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 35-6 in the Class 1A first round Strengths: A huge senior class (17) brings plenty of experience. Weakness: Adapting to the 8-man game. Players to watch: Mark Doolin, Sr., QB-LB, 6-, 175; Jordon Ferrier, Sr., E-DB, 5-10, 155; Jake Hockett, Sr., OL-LB, 5-10, 170. In 2012: If ever there was a good year for a team to drop down and try to adapt to a new game, this is it for the Tigers. The football smarts are there and Baumgartner is a good coach. The Tigers are indeed a favorite to win the whole thing this year.

RANGELY Coach: Paul Fortunato 2011 record: 2-6 in Class 1A Returning starters: Five offense, five defense Last playoff appearance: 2003 Strengths: Speed. Weakness: Size. Players to watch: Chaz Byerly, Sr., RB-DB, 5-10, 175; Gabe Garcia, Sr., OL-DL, 6-0, 215; Toby Gasper, Sr., QB-LB, 5-10, 200. In 2012: The Panthers have a chance dropping down and like Hayden, will be learning on the fly.

SOROCO Coach: David Bruner 2011 record: 6-3 Returning starters: Four offense, four defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 55-14 to Haxtun in the cross-divisional round Strengths: Skill positions. Weakness: Replacing their entire offensive line. Players to watch: A.J. Anderson, Sr., E-DB, 6-0, 160; Ryan Jeep, Jr., E-DE, 6-6, 240; Ian Palyo, Jr., RB-DL, 5-8, 225; Nic Paxton, Sr., QB-DB, 6-0, 165. In 2012: There are a lot of question marks surrounding the Rams, especially in a new-look/tougher league alignment. That said, the Rams are always pretty tough, especially at home in Oak Creek.

SOUTH PARK Coach: Kevin Lane 2011 record: 2-6 Returning starters: Four offense, four defense Last playoff appearance: 2001 Strengths: “Our defense will be tough,” Lane said. Weakness: Extremely young. Players to watch: Tony Lane, Sr., QB-DE, 6-3, 200; Jacob Weiss, So., E-DE, 5-11, 170. In 2012: In Leadville, the are more known for breeding cross country runners and not so much football players. “That’s the story of our lives up here,” Lane said. The Burros just need to survive with just kids out … that in itself could be tough.

VAIL CHRISTIAN Coach: Tim Pierson 2011 record: 5-4 Returning starters: Seven offense, four defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 42-12 to Merino in the cross-divisional round Strengths: Hard working team. Weakness: Depth … just 15 kids out. Players to watch: Mack Cooper, Sr., RB-DB, 5-8, 150; Austin Ellsworth, Sr., QB-DB, 5-9, 140; Tyler Turfe, Sr., OL-DL, 6-0, 200. In 2012: It’s been a struggle for some time in Edwards, where the Saints have been stuck in the old-Central Division. Pierson’s group will need to stay healthy to compete in this new look league.

WEST GRAND Coach: Chris Brown 2011 record: 7-2 Returning starters: Three offense, five defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 28-8 to Caliche in the cross-divisional round Strengths: The success of having a winning program the last several years. Weakness: Replacing a ton – nine seniors and seven move outs – including a do-everything quarterback. Players to watch: Reno Davidson, Jr., OL-LB, 5-11, 165; Casey Gore, Jr., E-DB, 6-1, 150; Kiley O’Brien, Sr., E-DB, 5-9, 170; Leo Pesch, Jr., RB-DL, 6-0, 170; Nick Ritschard, Jr., QB-DB, 6-1, 170; Derrin Weaver, Sr., OL-DL, 5-9, 165. In 2012: The Mustangs have been waiting a long time to get out of the old-Central and are excited about the opportunity for better competition in the new-look league.

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East Conference (Black Forest Division)

ELBERT Coach: Shawn Graves 2011 record: 9-2 Returning starters: Six offense, six defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 32-26 to Simla in quarterfinals Strengths: Lots of experience coming back and some good size in the middle. “This might be the fastest team I’ve ever had,” Graves said. “This is as good a roster as I’ve had in years.”. Weakness: Not a ton of depth – 19 kids out. Players to watch: Roger Carlson, Sr., E-DB, 6-2, 180; Dakota Hedger, E-DL, 6-0, 175; Bryce Hutchens, Sr., RB-DB, 5-11, 165; Blake Nicholas, Sr., QB-DB, 5-11, 160; Noah Schafer, Jr., OL-DL, 5-11, 220; Al Zelney, RB-LB, 5-11, 170. In 2012: They’ve got the most coming back in this league – including playoff nemesis Simla – and feel very confident, especially if they stay healthy.

GENOA-HUGO/KARVAL Coach: Kenny Book 2011 record: 3-6 Returning starters: Four offense, four defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 47-2 to Kiowa in the cross-divisional round Strengths: Two honorable mention all-conference players back from a season ago. Weakness: “We just don’t have a lot of kids,” said Book, who will have 10 on his roster. Players to watch: Zach Bray, Sr., Util., 6-2, 185; Tyler Hendricks, Sr., FB-LB, 5-9, 165; Jacob Piper, Sr., QB-DB, 6-1, 180. In 2012: It is imperative that this team stays healthy to try and compete in a tough division.

KIOWA Coach: Mark Clemmons 2011 record: 5-4 Returning starters: Four offense, six defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 60-21 to Hoehne in the first round Strengths: Team speed. Weakness: Size and depth is always an issue. Players to watch: Jordan Gabehart, Sr., C/FB-LB, 5-11, 180; Cole Hoffman, Sr., OL-DL, 6-0, 225; Joe Jantz, Sr., RB-DB, 5-7, 165. In 2012: It’s a good senior class that leads a 28-man roster that feels like it has a chance to hang against Elbert and Simla in this league. Keep an eye on the Indians’ passing game, which could put up big numbers.

MIAMI-YODER Coach: Mike Lopour 2011 record: 0-9 Returning starters: Four offense, four defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 53-0 to Simla in the cross-divisional round Strengths: Speed. “We are really fast,” said Lopour, a first year coach. “But we are not as big as I would like.” Weakness: Size. Players to watch: Kurt Baumann, Sr., E-DL, 6-1, 195; Sean Engstrom, Sr., RB-DB, 5-11, 150; Michael McBride, Sr., RB-LB, 5-11, 190. In 2012: In June, the Buffs simply went back to the basics. Lopour is the third coach in three years and hopes to surprise some teams with his groups football savvy.

PIKES PEAK CHRISTIAN Coach: Doug Miller 2011 record: 4-5 Returning starters: Four offense, four defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 72-20 to Eads in 6-man conference crossover Strengths: Strength and speed has drastically improved. Weakness: Learning the 8-man game. Players to watch: Wade Crews, Jr., RB-DB, 5-9, 185; Nathan Harris, Sr., QB-DB, 6-3, 180. In 2012: The Eagles are still building this thing, and making the jump to 8-man slightly staggers their progression. That said, they hope to surprise a few teams along the way this season.

SIMLA Coach: Shane Zimmerman 2011 record: 11-1 Returning starters: Two offense, two defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 31-0 to Dayspring Christian in semifinals Strengths: Young, but with plenty of potential to grow. Weakness: Young, but with plenty of potential to make mistakes. Players to watch: Damian Bell, Jr., RB-LB, 5-10, 175; Dustin Campbell, Sr., RB-DL, 6-0, 185; Cody Norris, So., QB-DB, 6-1, 170. In 2012: Young, but still dangerous in this league. Consistency early on will go a long way in showing off the talent that Zimerman knows is there.

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North Conference (Plains Division)

AKRON Coach: Brian Christensen 2011 record: 8-3 Returning starters: Seven offense, six defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 15-8 to Lyons in the 1A quarterfinals Strengths: Good size, speed and experience. Weakness: Not a lot of depth after the first unit. Of the 22 on the roster, 10 are freshmen. Players to watch: Garrett Basler, Jr., E-LB, 6-0, 200; Reed Christensen, Sr., OL-DL, 6-2, 290; Jared Clarkson, So., QB-DB, 5-10, 145; Levi Hottinger, Jr., RB-LB, 5-10, 160; Jessie Lewis, Sr., OL-DL, 5-11, 170; Holden Ramey, Jr., OL-DL, 5-11, 290; Riley Samber, So., RB-LB, 6-3, 230; Austin Spear, Sr., RB-DB, 6-1, 180. In 2012: It will be a modified single-wing that take up the 8-man game. In Akron: “At first they were worried, but everybody understand that the numbers dictated the move, and now they are excited about it.” The Rams will find out what they are made of early on against the likes of Granada, Fowler and Dayspring Christian.

CALICHE Coach: Paul Zink 2011 record: 5-5 Returning starters: Three offense, three defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 34-0 to Simla in the first round Strengths: Speed. Weakness: Filling in a lot of holes on the offensive line. Players to watch: Mitch Davison, Jr., QB-DB, 5-10, 165; Chase Debus, Jr., RB-LB, 6-0, 155; Jerrod Thompson, Jr., OL-DL, 6-2, 190; Jared Wagner, Sr., OL-DL, 6-4, 390. In 2012: The goal for the Buffs if to find a way to finish in the top four of this league to have a chance to go to the state tournament with a young and talented group.

DAYSPRING CHRISTIAN Coach: Mick Holmes 2011 record: 13-0 Returning starters: Two offense, three defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, beat Hoehne 29-22 in the championship game Strengths: Good center and really good skill kids … see Ben Sanderford. Weakness: Young and inexperienced and they are not that big. Players to watch: Ben Sanderford, Sr., RB-DB, 5-10, 160; Josh Urwiller, Sr., OL-LB, 5-11, 165; C.J. Welch, Sr., Sr., C-DL, 5-6, 175; Josh Wiseman, Sr., OL-DL, 6-0, 190. In 2012: The past is the past, and Holmes is good about letting his latest version know that. Establishing a new identity is a must and the learning curve must happen quickly is the Eagles want to repeat.

HAXTUN Coach: Rod Workman 2011 record: 7-3 Returning starters: Six offense, six defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 35-0 to Springfield in the first round Strengths: Speed. Weakness: Replacing the lines. Players to watch: Coach Workman did not wish to single out any of his players. In 2012: The Fightin’ Bulldogs have nine seniors and are a year removed from a big turnaround season. If they can survive arguably the best league in the state – regardledd of classification – then they can make some noise in the playoffs.

MERINO Coach: Marlan Tramp 2011 record: 6-4 Returning starters: offense, defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 37-14 to Fowler in the first round Strengths: Defense. Weakness: Young and inexperienced. Players to watch: Josh Barker, Sr., RB-DB, 5-8, 160; Leon Johnson, Jr., E-DB, 6-0, 150. In 2012: It’s all about making these kids grow and progress and play a good brand of Merino football, that has been the bench-mark for more than a decade in 8-man. “It’s not going to be an easy road, but we will be prepared,” Tramp said.

SEDGWICK COUNTY Coach: Todd Harrington 2011 record: 4-4 Returning starters: Two offense, three defense Last playoff appearance: 2010 Strengths: Defense and the running game. Weakness: Young and inexperienced line play. “We are down 20 pound there from last season,” said Harrington, who takes over for longtime coach Dave Rice. Players to watch: Chase Dunker, Jr., QB-DB, 5-10, 160; Seth Harrington, Jr., RB-LB, 5-8, 150; Jacob Kline, Sr., OL-DL, 5-10, 200; Kolby Stortenbecker, Sr., RB-LB, 5-10, 150. In 2012: Goal, like all the teams not named Akron or Dayspring in this league, is to somehow get into the top four and go from there.

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North Conference (I-25 Division)

BELLEVIEW CHRISTIAN Coach: Todd Daniels 2011 record: First year of play Returning starters: None Last playoff appearance: Never qualified Strengths: Skill players on offense. Weakness: Football knowledge. Players to watch: Jared Brown, Jr., RB-LB, 5-10, 175; Ian Hendricks, Jr., E-LB, 6-0, 190. In 2012: Daniels took over and started new programs at nearby Ranum and Westminster, now takes on his biggest challenge, starting the first ever Bruins program. “Our expectation is to compete and we have a duty to compete for Christ,” Daniels said. “If you play 100 percent, the wins will come.”.

GILPIN COUNTY Coach: Eric Goodlett 2011 record: 1-6 Returning starters: Three offense, three defense Last playoff appearance: 1994 Strengths: “The team in general,” said Goodlett, whose got 12 kids out and plenty more coming down the pipeline. Weakness: Inexperience. Players to watch: Coach Goodlett is sticking with the team theme. In 2012: “I’d like to be .500,” Goodlett said, “We are coming!” The Eagles are in a league were they can compete with the freshman – including their captain – core. Goodlett is building it.

JUSTICE Coach: T.J. Cole 2011 record: 1-4 Returning starters: Four offense, four defense Last playoff appearance: 2010 Strengths: Strong quarterback with plenty of targets. Defensive backfield. Weakness: Youth. Players to watch: Michael Chunn, Sr., Util-LB, 5-11, 185; Ray Gonzalez, Sr., RB/E-DB, 5-9, 170; Juan Pablo Quintana, So., QB-DB, 5-8, 165; Isaiah Silva, Sr., FB/E-DE, 5-10, 185. In 2012: The Phoenix are always unpredictable. Cole, who also coaches a local junior college team, has a young team with promise.

LONGMONT CHRISTIAN Coach: Jerry Martin 2011 record: 1-6 Returning starters: Five offense, five defense Last playoff appearance: 2009 Strengths: The Warriors have some depth with eight seniors, who have all played three season in the Plains League. Weakness: Not a lot of size and the injury bug has already bitten all-conference player James Dick. Players to watch: Caleb Flowers, Sr., OL-LB, 6-0, 175; David Petty, Sr., OL-DL, 6-2, 210; Michael Rampson, Sr., QB-DB, 5-11, 165; Aaron Rodarte, Sr., RB-DB, 5-11, 165. In 2012: The players are really excited to be a a new league where they have a chance to win some games. The approach will obviously be a little different as league favorites.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN LUTHERAN Coach: Josh Glowicki 2011 record: 2-7 Returning starters: Four offense, four defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 64-0 to Stratton in cross-divisional round Strengths: Line play. Weakness: Offensive and defensive backfields. Players to watch: Kendrick Hill, Sr., OL-LB, 6-1, 195; Levie Hill, Jr., QB-DB, 6-0, 160. In 2012: The goal for the Eagles is to gain some positive momentum and build on those strengths.

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South Conference (Arkansas Valley Division)

CHEYENNE WELLS Coach: Sam Mitchek 2011 record: 0-9 Returning starters: Six offense, six defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 51-0 to Elbert in the cross-divisional round Strengths: Running back stable. Weakness: Inexperience on the line and pass coverage. Players to watch: Truitt Box, Sr., RB-LB, 6-1, 235; Armando Labato, Sr., FB-DL, 6-1, 210; Matt Sanders, Jr., QB-DB, 6-0, 180. In 2012: Despite a winless season in 2011, a new coach and a move to an even tougher league; the Tigers believe they will be a contender in the rough-and-tumble Arkansas Valley.

GRANADA Coach: Manuel Gonzales 2011 record: 5-4 Returning starters: Seven offense, seven defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 24-22 to Fowler in the cross-divisional round Strengths: Experience, loaded with seniors and they have plenty of good size and speed. Weakness: Quarterback. Players to watch: Dillon Bohlander, Sr., OL-DL, 5-11, 190; Tanner Grasmick, Sr., DE, 6-0, 185; Chase Holdan, Sr., OL-DL, 5-10, 185; Colby Palmer, Sr., E-DB, 5-10, 165; Coy Palmer, So., QB-DB, 5-9, 155; Saul Pizarro, Sr., RB-LB, 5-9, 155; Sam Rink, Sr., C-DL, 5-11, 220; Chris Vega, E-DB, 6-0, 170. In 2012: The Bobcats are good, especially up front where Gonzales demands a lot of his line play. This team has a chance to send him out a winner.

HOLLY Coach: Scott Hodgson 2011 record: 3-6 Returning starters: Six offense, six defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 65-0 to Hoehne is the cross-divisional round Strengths: Youthful with experience. Weakness: “We are hurting a little bit in the speed department,” Hodgson said. Players to watch: Jason Barth, Jr., RB-DB, 5-8, 155; Porter Salisbury, Sr., E-LB, 5-11, 170; Lane Salzbrenner, Jr., C-LB, 6-0, 210. In 2012: Interest is high for the first time in a while, and the Wildcats scored a big Zero Week victory over Sangre de Cristo that will boost even more confidence. “We have the opportunity to sneak into the playoffs, that’s the goal,” Hodgson said. “Going to Hoehne isn’t a lot of fun.”.

SPRINGFIELD Coach: J.J. Quick 2011 record: 9-2 Returning starters: Two offense, two defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 21-6 to Dayspring Christian in quarterfinals Strengths: Linebackers. Weakness: Ends and they are a little low on numbers. Players to watch: Chase Krinard, Sr., E-DB, 5-7, 145; J.J. Loflin, Jr., FB-LB, 5-11, 225; Dallas Reynolds, Sr., OL-DL, 6-1, 260. In 2012: The Longhorns physical style of play has translated into wins recently and despite the big number of losses to graduation, first year coach Quick should have them right back in the mix.

WALSH Coach: Ronny Tate 2011 record: 9-2 Returning starters: Four offense, five defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 29-28 to Norwood in quarterfinals Strengths: Team speed is always a strength for the Eagles. Weakness: Developing on side of the offensive line. Players to watch: Coach Tate never singles out his players. In 2012: The Eagles arguably have one of the best players in the state in Terrell Stafford and will be right back in the mix of a hotly contested three-team race. These guys are good.

WILEY Coach: Brock Shalberg 2011 record: 0-8 Returning starters: Six offense, six defense Last playoff appearance: 2006 Strengths: Seven seniors have the bar set high. Weakness: Seven freshmen don’t provide a ton of depth, especially on the line. Players to watch: Josh Madaris, Sr., RB-LB, 5-10, 175; Zane Tempel, Sr., FB-LB, 6-2, 230; Keaton Turner, Sr., OL-DL, 5-9, 160; Kody Wallace, Sr., QB-DL, 6-3, 175. In 2012: The Panthers are eager to be competitive again and change the losing culture of the program. The senior class has certainly taken their knocks, but are also eager to turn this thing around.

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South Conference (Southern Division)

CRIPPLE-CREEK VICTOR Coach: Jim Bertrand 2011 record: 1-8 Returning starters: Nine offense, nine defense Last playoff appearance: 1991 Strengths: Moving down to 8-man, experience and the numbers are up. Weakness: Quarterback and inconsistency of their depth. Players to watch: Cale Brown, Sr., QB-DB, 5-9, 180; Chris Irelan, Sr., E-DB, 6-1, 160. In 2012: “This is the start of a new era,” said Bertrand, who is more than happy to not have 1A powers like Limon and Burlington on the schedule anymore. “We might still take some lumps.” The Pioneers are still young and this is a good opportunity to set a pattern for the future.

FOWLER Coach: John Ayers 2011 record: 9-2 Returning starters: Five offense, five defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 14-6 to Hoehne in the quarterfinals Strengths: Numbers (32) and overall team speed. “We are faster than we have ever been,” Ayers said. Weakness: Depth. “We jut don’t have a lot of varsity experience,” said Ayers, who has 23 freshmen and sophomores among his 32 players on the roster. Players to watch: Andrew Brame, Sr., OL-DL, 6-3, 200; Jeremy Burke, Sr., QB-DB, 5-10, 150; Chnce Chambers, Sr., OL-DL, 5-9, 185; Luke Holmquist, Sr., OL-DL, 5-11, 180; Dakota Parker, Sr., RB-DB, 5-10, 160. In 2012: The Grizzlies will miss a couple of key skill position players, but the work ethic is always good and these guys have a legitimate shot at the title.

HOEHNE Coach: Bob Schafer 2011 record: 12-1 Returning starters: Four offense, four defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 29-22 to Dayspring Christian in the championship game Strengths: Two of the three offensive linemen return, combine that with two good end’s and the front line is solid. Weakness: “Depth, more than anything,” Schafer said. Players to watch: Todd Arnhold, Sr., E-DE, 5-8, 190; Derrick Cordova, Sr., E-DB, 6-3, 170; Cody Howard, Sr., RB-DB, 6-0, 165; Brandon Segura, Sr., E-DE, 6-2, 190. In 2012: The Farmers are motivated by what they call a “dose of reality” in last years title game. That “any given day” philosophy and attitue has truly humbled them and they are ready to go.

MANZANOLA Coach: James Lopez 2011 record: 3-5 Returning starters: Three offense, three defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 43-13 to Springfield in the cross-divisional round Strengths: “It’s tough to tell early on,” said Lopez, who has the smallest school in the classification. Weakness: “We just don’t have the numbers to compete,” Lopez said. Players to watch: Alan Peil, Sr., FB-LB, 5-11, 230; Tyler Stover, Jr., QB-LB, 5-9, 180; Isaac Torres, Jr., RB-LB, 5-10 160. In 2012: Despite pleas to play 6-man, where they would have a chance to be competitive, the school board will have nothing of it. Lopez is the right man for the job though and brings a positive attitude to every aspect of coaching the Bobcats and knows this season could be a struggle.

MCCLAVE Coach: Shawn Randel 2011 record: 1-7 Returning starters: Eight offense, eight defense Last playoff appearance: 2008 Strengths: They have a lot of kids that have played a lot of football. Weakness: The Cardinals need to figure out how to win and size. “We are not that big,” Randel said. Players to watch: Cody Canfield, Sr., E-DE, 6-5, 195; Dillan Kelley, Sr., RB-LB, 5-10, 150. In 2012: A move out of the Arkansas Valley give the Cardinals hope to compete. This group, which has won one game in the last two seasons, is committed to winning and trying to turn this thing around.

SWINK Coach: Mark Henson 2011 record: 5-4 Returning starters: Five offense, six defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 46-0 to Walsh in the cross-divisional round Strengths: The Lions never have ineligible kids. “These are smart, disciplined and tough farm kids,” Henson said. Weakness: New coach and a new system. Players to watch: Blake Denton, So., FB-LB, 5-7, 140; Cole Grenard, Jr., E-LB/DL, 6-0, 150; Anthony Mendoza, Sr., C-DL, 5-8, 165; Wyatt Mills, Sr., OL-DL, 5-10, 165; Leo Rocha, Sr., RB-DB, 5-5, 140. In 2012: The Lions have league tough guys Hoehne and Fowler on the schedule late in the season which bodes well. It will give them time to adjust to Henson’s new schemes.

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West Conference (Mountain Division)

ANTONITO Coach: Aaron Abeyta 2011 record: 2-5 Returning starters: Six offense, six defense Last playoff appearance: 2010 Strengths: Fast, skinny and mature. Weakness: “They’ve only watched other kids win,” Abeyta said. “They need to develop their own culture.”. Players to watch: Julio Alcala, Jr., RB-DB, 5-11, 160; Alfred Mondragon, Sr., OL-LB, 5-6, 150; Jeff Mondragon, Sr., OL-LB, 5-11, 160. In 2012: They have had good teams in the past and Abeyta is hopeful this group has the ability to turn things around quickly in a league that is up for grabs.

LA VETA Coach: Ron Ortivez 2011 record: 5-4 Returning starters: Six offense, six defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 49-6 to Dove Creek in the cross-divisional round Strengths: Quick. Weakness: Depth. Players to watch: W.D. Arnold, Jr., RB-LB, 5-8, 150; Tyler Duzenack, Sr., OL-DL, 6-1, 195; Eric Griego, Sr., OL-DL, 6-0, 175; Dylan Sporcich, Sr., RB-DB, 5-10, 160; Austen VanLue, Sr., C-DL, 6-1, 188; Blake Warren, Jr., QB-DB, 6-3, 160. In 2012: One of many who are in the mix of this deep league.

SANFORD Coach: Rhett Larsen 2011 record: 6-4 Returning starters: Three offense, three defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 48-8 to Walsh in the first round Strengths: The core players are very experienced. Weakness: Lack of overall experience (no seniors) and numbers are down. Players to watch: Kevin Crowder, Jr., FB-DL, 5-11, 175; Calder Larsen, Jr., RB-LB, 6-0, 175. In 2012: “It’s a well balanced league, that is open for the taking,” Coach Larsen said. The Indians are young, but they have established themselves as the team to be feared in this league.

SANGRE DE CRISTO Coach: Buddy Anderson 2011 record: 6-4 Returning starters: Three offense, two defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 53-0 to Norwood in the first round Strengths: “Team moral is high considering the cards we’ve been dealt,” said an upbeat Anderson. Weakness: Size, speed, depth, experience. “There is not a whole lot there,” Andersons said. Players to watch: Coach Anderson didn’t want to mention anybody this season. In 2012: “If we can compete,” Anderson said, “then we can build on it.”

SARGENT Coach: Trevan Pepper 2011 record: 5-5 in Class 1A Returning starters: 7 offense, 7 defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 47-8 to Hotchkiss in 1A first round Strengths: The senior class is full of four year letter winners. Weakness: Learning the 8-man game and the the new teams in the league. Players to watch: Colton Cooley, Sr., FB-LB, 5-10, 220; Austin Dillon, Sr., QB, 6-2, 160; Scott Dillon, Sr., RB-LB, 6-0, 155. In 2012: The Farmers are eager to make some noise right off the bat after dropping down in classification.

SIERRA GRANDE Coach: Tomas Maestas 2011 record: 3-6 Returning starters: Three offense, three defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 50-0 to Norwood in the cross-divisional round Strengths: Passing game and the defensive line. Weakness: Offensive line and secondary. Players to watch: Adam Gomez, Jr., E-LB, 6-4, 210; Tomas Vigil, Sr., OL-DL, 6-3, 195. In 2012: The Panthers should be a middle-of-the-pack team in this league. “We are right about were we need to be,” said Maestas, who starts his first season.

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West Conference (Western Division)

DOVE CREEK Coach: Shane Baughman 2011 record: 6-4 Returning starters: Four offense, five defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 32-6 to Elbert in the first round Strengths: Defense, quickness on the team and an all-conference quarterback add depth. Weakness: “The line is a little untested,” said Baughman, who coached the Bulldogs to a state wrestling title. Players to watch: Cole Baughman, Sr., RB-LB, 5-8, 140; Tyler Ebberts, Sr., E-LB/DL, 5-10, 160; Clancy Kafka, Sr., RB-DL, 5-9, 195; Dalton Randolph, Sr., QB-LB, 5-9, 165. In 2012: “We are just going about our business,” said Baughman, who takes over for longtime coach Ken Soper, who was publicly dismissed as coach over the summer. “It’s about the kids, not whose coaching them.” The community is behind Baughman, who is understandibly ready for the season to get started.

MANCOS Coach: Adam Priestley 2011 record: 3-5 Returning starters: Two offense, two defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 46-6 to Sangre de Cristo in the cross-divisional round Strengths: Running backs have some speed. Weakness: No size and they are young. Players to watch: Brandon Hood-Farley, So., E-DL, 6-0, 160; Ty Koppenhafer, Jr., OL-DL, 5-10, 175; Branson Mitchell, Sr., RB-LB, 6-0, 200. In 2012: The Blue Jays will be in good shape in this suddenly upended league. Probably a middle of the pack team.

NORWOOD Coach: Brandon Alexander 2011 record: 10-2 Returning starters: Four offense, four defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 40-24 to Hoehne in the semifinals Strengths: Defensive front is really quick and the offense is still clicking. Weakness: Defensive backs. Players to watch: Brad Campbell, Sr., RB-DB, 5-8, 150; Blayde Harrigan, Jr., OL-DL, 5-10, 210; Morgan Rummel, Jr., QB, 6-0, 145. In 2012: This is not the same Mavericks team that has been a regular in the final four the last few seasons. But winning is something they have become used to and this year should be no different, just not as dominant.

NUCLA Coach: Kelly Arnold 2011 record: 1-5 Returning starters: Six offense, six defense Last playoff appearance: 2009 Strengths: A lot of seniors that have plenty of experience under their belts. Weakness: Lack of numbers and no junior class. Players to watch: Keenan Brune, Sr., Util., 6-2, 250; Seldon Riddle, Sr., RB-DL, 6-3, 200; Trey Sickels, Sr., QB-LB, 6-1, 165. In 2012: Last year was a learning season and the Mustangs didn’t have much success. Knowing that, Arnold and his team took things a little more serious over the summer and hopefully it shows.

PLATEAU VALLEY Coach: Dave Bristol 2011 record: 1-7 Returning starters: Three offense, two defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 48-0 to Sanford in the cross-divisional round Strengths: Senior leadership. Weakness: “We are clearly very inexperienced,” said Bristol, who of his eight starters – four of them are freshmen or sophomores. Players to watch: West Castro, Sr., QB/RB-DB, 6-1, 150; Fernando Enriquez, Sr., OL-DL, 6-1, 235. In 2012: “We are a work in progress,” said Bristol, who knows in this league that may be good enough to compete. “At least we are not in survival mode like we were the last few years.”