| FOOTHILLS |
| CAÑON CITY TIGERS |
| Coach: Tom O’Rourke |
2012 record: 7-4 |
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| Last playoff appearance: Lost 41-7 to Vista Ridge in 4A first round |
| Editor’s note: Coach did not return phone calls |
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| CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN INDIANS |
| Coach: Willie Roberts, first year |
2012 record: 7-4 |
Returning starters: Six on offense, four on defense |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 46-17 to Wheat Ridge in 4A first round |
| Strengths: Solid front seven; quarterback is a dual threat; offensive and defensive line play |
| Weaknesses: Lack of experience; less explosive playmakers than last year |
| Players to watch: Mitchell Guhl, Sr., QB, 5-10, 185; Josh Jarboe, Sr., OL, 6-2, 265; Zach Owen, Sr., DL, 6-4, 225; Nathan Resty, Jr., WR, 6-3, 170. |
| In 2013: First-year head coach Willie Roberts takes over a Indians team that looks much different from last year. While last year’s team had more explosive skill players, this year’s squad is more focused on the line play, led by offensive lineman Josh Jarboe and defensive lineman Zac Owen. Nathan Resty, a junior receiver recruited from the basketball team, will provide quarterback Mitchell Guhl a big target this season. |
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| MESA RIDGE GRIZZLIES |
| Coach: Rob Braaten, eighth year |
2012 record: 9-4 |
Returning starters: One offense, five defense |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 38-22 to Denver South in 4A semifinals |
| Strengths: Running game; athleticism; defense |
| Weaknesses: Inexperience |
| Players to watch: Elijah Garcia, Sr., RB/LB, 6-2, 190; Elijah Gilbert, Sr., RB/DB, 5-7, 140; Tremell Stanley, Sr., RB/LB, 5-8, 190. |
| In 2013: The Grizzlies made it all the way to the 4A semifinals last year, but will face an uphill battle to rebuild after graduating 18 seniors. The offense returns just one starter, senior running back Tremell Stanley, who carried for 1,132 yards and scored 13 touchdowns last year. Mesa Ridge will see where they stand starting week one in their season opener when they face Denver South, the team that eliminated them from the playoffs in 2012. |
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| PALMER RIDGE BEARS |
| Coach: Tom Pulford |
2012 record: 2-8 |
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| Last playoff appearance: Lost 28-24 to Silver Creek in 2011 3A first round |
| Editor’s note: Coach did not return phone calls |
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| PUEBLO CENTENNIAL BULLDOGS |
| Coach: Mike Palumbo |
2012 record: 3-7 |
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| Last playoff appearance: Lost 19-14 to Greeley West in 2004 4A first round |
| Editor’s note: Coach did not return phone calls |
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| PUEBLO SOUTH COLTS |
| Coach: Ryan Goddard, fourth year |
2012 record: 1-9 |
Returning starters: Seven on offense, six on defense |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 37-22 to Dakota Ridge in 2008 4A first round |
| Strengths: Linebacker corps; a lot of starting experience |
| Weaknesses: Defense needs to improve around linebackers |
| Players to watch: Nathan Izze, Jr., QB, 5-11, 190; Garrett Krage, Sr., RB/LB, 6-2, 200; Cody Kraus, Sr., OL/LB, 6-2, 240; Isiah Placeo, Sr., OL/LB, 6-0, 250. |
| In 2013: After just racking up one win last year, Pueblo South enters 2013 with an older, more experienced squad. The team’s three starting linebackers – Cody Kraus, Garrett Krage and Isiah Placeo – are the heart of the defense. The offense sees the return of its leading rushers and receivers, which should give junior quarterback Nathan Izze plenty of weapons. |
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| PUEBLO WEST CYCLONES |
| Coach: Monte Pinkerton |
2012 record: 12-1 |
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| Last playoff appearance: Lost 14-6 to Monarch in 4A semifinals |
| Editor’s note: Coach did not return phone calls |
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| WIDEFIELD GLADIATORS |
| Coach: Brent Cottrell |
2012 record: 3-7 |
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| Last playoff appearance: Lost 19-13 to Wheat Ridge in 2011 4A first round |
| Editor’s note: Coach did not return phone calls |
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| MOUNTAIN |
| BROOMFIELD EAGLES |
| Coach: Gary Davies, 26th year |
2012 record: 8-3 |
Returning starters: Two offense, two defense |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 20-12 to Windsor in 4A first round |
| Strengths: Defense |
| Weaknesses: Lack of experience |
| Players to watch: Cooper Gardner, Jr., DL, 6-1, 240; Alec McLain, Sr., QB, 6-4, 190; Blake Whitsell, Jr., DL, 6-3, 265; Michael Wristen, Sr., TE/LB, 6-4, 215. |
| In 2013: Coach Gary Davies is entering the 2013 season with a large squad – 91 players across his JV and varsity teams – but it’s one that doesn’t have much experience. With only four starters returning, Davies is taking a baptism-by-fire approach to getting his younger players prepared. The team doesn’t have as many experienced or impact players as it did last year. The Eagles’ strength resides in the defense, led by senior linebacker Michael Wristen. |
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| GEORGE WASHINGTON PATRIOTS |
| Coach: Fred Harris Jr., fourth year |
2012 record: 3-7 |
Returning starters: Seven offense, six defense |
| Strengths: Seniors provide improved leadership |
| Weaknesses: Depth; inexperience |
| Players to watch: Joel Archuleta, Sr., C/DE, 6-0, 210; Jordan Ariel, Sr., OL/DB, 5-10, 205; Daniel Bush, Jr., WR/DB, 5-8, 145; Adedoyn Jibowu, Sr., WR/S, 6-2, 180; Adrian King, So., LB, 6-1, 210. |
| In 2013: Coach Fred Davis enters the 2013 season with a small, inexperienced team – just 45 players on his roster, with 15 never having played organized ball before. However, this year’s roster includes more seniors, who are expected to step up into stronger leadership roles. |
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| GOLDEN DEMONS |
| Coach: Jason Neely, first year |
2012 record: 1-9 |
Returning starters: Three offense, four defense |
| Strengths: Our ability to throw the ball; linebacking core |
| Weaknesses: Taking care of the football – had a ton of turnovers; limit the big plays on defense |
| Players to watch: Bailey Bowker, Jr., OT, 6-3, 280; Brandon Gardner, Sr., FS, 6-0, 160; Cole Greff, Jr., LB, 6-3, 205; Jack McCormick, Sr., QB, 6-0, 170; Devin Rothrock, Jr., RB/LB, 6-0, 187. |
| In 2013: It’s been a rough few years for the Demons. Last year, the team finished 1-9 – with the one victory coming from a forfeit – and were outscored by their opponents by an average of 42-8. In his first year as head coach, Jason Neely hopes to revitalize the program. Neely is building his defense around junior linebackers Devin Rothrock and Cole Greff. |
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| MONARCH COYOTES |
| Coach: Phil Bravo, 16th year |
2012 record: 12-1 |
Returning starters: Four offense, eight defense |
| Last playoff appearance: Won 17-14 over Denver South in 4A championship |
| Strengths: Experienced defense; athleticism with offensive skill players |
| Weaknesses: Lack of depth across the board |
| Players to watch: Ethan Marks, Sr., 5-11, 190; Jay MacIntyre, Sr., QB, 5-11, 185; Peter Mitchell, Sr., LB, 6-2, 210; Kody Mommearts, Sr., OT, 6-7, 270; Johnny Pham, Sr., DL, 6-4, 250; Kidd Soole, Jr., RB/S, 6-0, 185. |
| In 2013: The Coyotes may be the defending 4A champions, but coach Phil Bravo said he told his team to set aside any expectations from last year and establish a clean slate for the new season. Ethan Marks, The Denver Post’s 2012 4A Player of the Year, returns to lead the offense, which will be bolstered with the arrival of athletic quarterback Jay MacIntyre, son of University of Colorado coach Mike MacIntyre. The defense largely remains intact from the 2012 team and Bravo said he is excited by the experience they bring. |
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| MONTBELLO WARRIORS |
| Coach: John Trahan |
2012 record: 4-6 |
Returning starters: Ten offense, nine defense |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 33-14 to Grandview in 2005 5A first round |
| Strengths: Experience; passing game |
| Weaknesses: Tough schedule |
| Players to watch: Gerardo Barraza, Sr., LB, 5-8, 210; Jante Gadson, Sr., WR, 5-6, 140; Dion Ham, Sr., DT, 6-0, 270; Marquille Jones, Sr., WR, 5-10, 161; Alex Palomino, Sr., DT, 5-5, 205; A.J. Thompson, Sr., QB, 6-1, 175; Giovanni Torres, Sr., LB, 5-7, 165. |
| In 2013: This is one of the top teams Montbello has fielded in years, according to coach John Trahan. With 19 returning starters, experience is the biggest strength for the Warriors. Senior wide receiver Marquille Jones, a 2012 Class 4A all-state honorable mention, leads the offense, which returns with all but one of its starters from last season. |
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| STANDLEY LAKE GATORS |
| Coach: Don Morse, ninth year |
2012 record: 7-4 |
Returning starters: Nine offense, six defense |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 26-21 to Denver South in 4A first round |
| Strengths: Team speed; offensive line experience |
| Weaknesses: No depth; lack of experience on linebacking core |
| Players to watch: Jordan Downing, Sr., RB/LB, 5-11, 240; Conner Durant, Jr., WR/FS, 6-3, 185; Matt Fujinami, Sr., WR/DB, 6-2, 175; Trey Jarvis, Sr., WR/DB, 6-3, 235. |
| In 2013: After losing by just five points to the Class 4A runner-up Denver South Rebels in the playoffs last season, the Gators are looking to build upon their foundation. With 15 returning starters, experience is one of keys to the team’s potential success. Coach Don Morse said he believes this is one of the fastest teams in the state. |
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| NORTHERN |
| GREELEY CENTRAL WILDCATS |
| Coach: Mike Heatherly, eighth year |
2012 record: 2-8 |
Returning starters: Nine offense, six defense |
| Last playoff appearance: 1999 |
| Strengths: A little better experience; diverse running attack |
| Weaknesses: Quarterback situation still up in the air |
| Players to watch: Zach Coch, Jr., QB, 5-11, 170; Andrue Cotto, Sr., OL/DL, 6-1, 225; James Desmond, Jr., WR/DB, 5-8, 165; Brenden Gallegos, Sr., RB, 5-10, 185; Brady Guyette, Sr., QB, 5-10, 175; Travis Lechman, Sr., RB, 5-9, 180; Christian Malendez, Sr., RB/DL, 5-9, 230. |
| In 2013: With 15 returning starters, the Wildcats are hoping experience will be a driving factor to helping them improve from last year’s 2-8 record. The quarterback situation is up in the air, but coach Mike Heatherly said the role will go to whoever has the hot hand – whether it’s junior Zach Coch or senior Brady Guyette. |
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| GREELEY WEST SPARTANS |
| Coach: Jason Renouf, first year |
2012 record: 3-7 |
2012 record: 3-7 |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 35-0 to Pine Creek in 2011 4A quarterfinals |
| Strengths: Line play; good team cohesion |
| Weaknesses: New quarterback with limited varsity experience; learning curve for new playbook |
| Players to watch: Walker Brown, Sr., C/DT, 5-11, 216; Michael Caro, Sr., OT, 5-11, 274; Alex Delacroix, TB/LB, Jr., 6-0, 205; Brian Halsey, Sr., OT, 6-0, 242; Dominick Ibarra, Sr., DT, 6-1, 240; Leo Salcido, Sr., DE, 6-1, 250. |
| In 2013: New head coach Jason Renouf is looking to bring the Spartans back to prominence after a disappointing 2012 season. The strength of this team resides in the offensive and defensive lines, which are filled with plenty of experienced seniors. |
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| LONGMONT TROJANS |
| Coach: Doug Johnson |
2012 record: 6-4 |
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| Last playoff appearance: Lost 42-16 to Castle View in 2011 4A semifinals |
| Editor’s note: Coach did not return phone calls |
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| LOVELAND INDIANS |
| Coach: Wayne McGinn |
2012 record: 6-5 |
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| Last playoff appearance: Lost 35-10 to Pueblo West in 4A first round |
| Editor’s note: Coach did not return phone calls |
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| MOUNTAIN VIEW MOUNTAIN LIONS |
| Coach: Bart Mayes, ninth year |
2012 record: 6-4 |
Returning starters: Five offense, three defense |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 34-27 to Kennedy in 2011 3A first round |
| Strengths: Quarterback position; three returning starters on offensive line; linebacker corp |
| Weaknesses: Inexperienced secondary; starting a large number of sophomores |
| Players to watch: Adam Baumann, Jr., QB, 6-0, 180; Hezekiah Fisher, Sr., LB, 5-10; Mike Mansfield, Jr., LB, 6-1, 185; Cam Nichols, Sr., OT, 6-2, 275; Jose Salgado, Sr., FS, 6-1, 170. |
| In 2013: After losing most of its starters from last year, Mountain View enters the 2013 season with a younger, less experienced team. The offense is led by senior tackle Cam Nichols, who leads three returning starters on the line. With only three returning starters on defense, coach Bart Mayes said he’s expecting a “big learning curve” with the underclassmen who are starting. |
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| NIWOT COUGARS |
| Coach: Josh Brewer, second year |
2012 record: 2-8 |
Returning starters: Six offense, four defense |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 21-14 to Montrose in 2008 4A first round |
| Strengths: Passing game; improved defense |
| Weaknesses: Tough schedule, depth |
| Players to watch: Sean Larson, Sr., OL, 6-5, 240; Justin Lee, Jr., WR/DB, 6-3, 180; Brian Meek, Sr., QB, 6-0, 185; Elijah Noterman, Sr., DB, 5-9, 170; Jessie Slepicka, Sr., WR, 6-0, 165. |
| In 2013: After a disappointing 2-8 record last year, Coach Josh Brewer enters the new season with optimism. The strength of the offense, led by senior quarterback Brian Meek, resides in its passing game, something Brewer said “is as good as anyone in the state.” The defense is improved and has added size with a few additions from the basketball team. Even with the improvements, the Cougars face a tough battle ahead with a schedule that includes five playoff teams from 2012. |
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| THOMPSON VALLEY EAGLES |
| Coach: Matt Smith, first year |
2012 record: 5-5 |
Returning starters: Six offense, four defense |
| Last playoff appearance: 2005 |
| Strengths: Strong junior class; solid defense; passing game |
| Weaknesses: Inexperience, size on the line; working to cut back on turnovers |
| Players to watch: David Eusea, Jr., LB, 5-8, 185; Aiden Gipson, Sr., SS, 6-0, 175; Drew Minser, Sr., WR, 6-1, 165; Garrett Smith, Jr., QB, 6-0, 160; Jack Varuska, Jr., CB, 5-11, 155. |
| In 2013: Thompson Valley enters this season with a younger core group after the graduation of 22 seniors. First-year head coach Matt Smith said he hopes to build on last year’s record. The team’s strength is in its receiving corps, featuring senior wide receiver Drew Minser. |
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| WINDSOR WIZARDS |
| Coach: Chris Jones |
2012 record: 10-2 |
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| Last playoff appearance: Lost 50-27 to Pueblo West in 4A quarterfinals |
| Editor’s note: Coach did not return phone calls |
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| PIKES PEAK |
| AIR ACADEMY KADETS |
| Coach: Mike Roof, 17th year |
2012 record: 2-8 |
Returning starters: Five offense, five defense |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 10-0 to Cherokee Trail in 2007 4A quarterfinals |
| Strengths: Offensive line |
| Weaknesses: Defense needs to improve; more consistent ground game |
| Players to watch: Adam Brown, Jr., QB, 6-2, 180; Justin Ptrfah, Sr., OL/DL, 6-1, 255; Tony Thomas, Sr., CB, 5-9, 165; Jake Vargas, Jr., WR, 6-2, 180; Nick Waldron, Sr., OL/DL, 6-2, 215. |
| In 2013: Coach Mike Roof may be entering his 17th season as head coach of Air Academy, but this is his first since 1997. Roof takes over a team that gave up an average of 36.8 points last season, while only putting up about 12 on the board. Improving the defense is among his top priorities. |
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| FALCON FALCONS |
| Coach: Brian Green and Terry Poirier, first year |
2012 record: 7-4 |
Returning starters: Five offense, six defense |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 24-14 to Monarch in 4A first round |
| Strengths: Defense; team speed; linebacking corp; running game |
| Weaknesses: Depth at certain positions; coaches behind the curve on knowing the opponents |
| Players to watch: Kalen Ballage, Sr., RB/LB, 6-2½, 230; Justin Barron, Sr., LB/P/K, 6-0, 205; Josiah Hall, Jr., TE/DE, 6-3, 230; Devon Martinez, Sr., OL/DL, 5-10, 210. |
| In 2013: Coaches Brian Green and Terry Poirier may be in their first year at Falcon, but the two have coaching together for the last decade. The offense is led by Kalen Ballage, a bruising 230-pound senior running back, who offers both size and power. |
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| LIBERTY LANCERS |
| Coach: Clarence Vaughn, first year |
2012 record: 4-6 |
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| Last playoff appearance: Loss 33-18 to Longmont in 2009 4A first round |
| Editor’s note: Coach did not return phone calls |
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| PINE CREEK EAGLES |
| Coach: Todd Miller |
2012 record: 4-6 |
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| Last playoff appearance: Lost 66-10 to Valor Christian in 2011 4A championship |
| Editor’s note: Coach did not return phone calls |
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| PONDEROSA MUSTANGS |
| Coach: Jamie Woodruff, 15th season |
2012 record: 11-1 |
Returning starters: Five offense, five defense |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 19-14 to Mesa Ridge in 4A quarterfinals |
| Strengths: Experience; senior leadership; commitment to weight room |
| Weaknesses: Depth; no varsity experience at quarterback position |
| Players to watch: Colton Carr, Sr., K, 5-10, 155; Kelton Good, Sr., LB, 5-8, 160; Adam Lange, Sr., LB, 5-10, 190; James Maxie, Jr., S, RB/S, 6-1, 185; Zach Smith, Sr., OT, 6-4, 220; Dylan Spradling, Sr., RB/WR/DB, 6-0, 170; Mitchell Taylor, Sr., LB, 6-0, 190; OJ Thompson, Sr., DT/FB, 6-2, 220; Cody Wilson, Sr., C, 6-4, 260. |
| In 2013: After losing in the quarterfinals of the playoffs last year, Ponderosa returns with a senior-heavy team with a chip on its shoulder. Seniors Wilson, Spradling, Lange, Good and Gable set the tone of toughness and leadership for the team. Coach Woodruff said this is the tallest team he has ever had. |
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| RAMPART RAMS |
| Coach: JJ Owens, third year |
2012 record: 3-7 |
Returning starters: Seven on offense, six on defense |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 56-20 to Monarch in 2004 4A first round |
| Strengths: Passing game; tall receivers |
| Weaknesses: Lack of depth; a little small on the offensive line |
| Players to watch: Ryan Ciesla, Sr., WR, 6-4, 185; Chris Grall, Sr., DL, 6-2, 240; Cameron Hacker, Sr., QB, 6-3, 205; Clayton Hacker, So., WR, 6-4, 185; Quincy Marshall, Jr., RB, 6-1, 205; Donovan Oldham, Jr., WR, 6-4, 185; Joey Ruscio, Jr., DL, 6-4, 270; Noah Taylor, Jr., S, 6-1, 180; Jose Toledo, Sr., DE, 6-1, 210; Abbi Young, Jr., WR, 6-1, 205. |
| In 2013: A year older and more experienced, the Rampart Rams are hoping to make some waves in the new season. The team’s receivers are among the tallest in the state, including sophomore Clayton Hacker and junior Donovan Oldham, who are 6-feet-4. “We can throw the ball all over the yard,” coach JJ Owens said. |
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| SAND CREEK SCORPIONS |
| Coach: Rod Baker |
2012 record: 4-6 |
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| Editor’s note: Coach did not return phone calls |
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| VISTA RIDGE WOLVES |
| Coach: Les Johnson, second year |
2012 record: 10-2 |
Returning starters: Six offense, seven defense |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 28-21 to Monarch in 4A quarterfinals |
| Strengths: Improved offensive line |
| Weaknesses: Lack of experience; incredibly young team |
| Players to watch: Tyler Hunt, Jr., LB, 6-0, 220; Dedrick Lee, Sr., TB, 5-6, 160; Austin Mildbrandt, Sr., WR, 5-11, 180; Jaelyn Penn Jr., RB/LB, 6-0, 195; Joseph Saling, Jr., RB/LB, 6-0, 190. |
| In 2013: After finishing 10-2 before losing to Monarch in the 4A quarterfinals, the Wolves are looking to build upon what they did last year. The biggest challenge is the lack of experience on this team after a large number of seniors graduated last May. |
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| PLAINS |
| DAKOTA RIDGE EAGLES |
| Coach: Ron Woitalewicz, 13th year |
2012 record: 6-4 |
Returning starters: Seven offense, eight defense |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 32-14 to Wheat Ridge in 2010 4A semifinals |
| Strengths: Experience; leadership; four returning starting offensive linemen |
| Weaknesses: Consistency |
| Players to watch: Dillon DeLauro, Sr., WR, 5-8, 155; Mike DeLeon, Sr., DB, 5-7, 150; Brock Howes, Jr., DE, 5-11, 220; Aaron Nelson, Sr., RB, 5-9, 180; Brant Seeley, Sr., C, 6-2, 280. |
| In 2013: After starting the season 4-1 last year, the Eagles fell off during the second half and just missed out on the playoffs. Coach Ron Woitalewicz believes his team feels they have something to prove. With 15 returning starters and 27 seniors, the squad is filled with experience. The offense is led by senior running back Aaron Nelson, who should be comfortable running behind four returning starters on the offensive line, anchored by senior center Brant Seeley. |
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| DENVER SOUTH REBELS |
| Coach: Tony Lindsay Sr., seventh year |
2012 record: 12-2 |
Returning starters: Four offense, four defense |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 17-14 to Monarch in 4A championship |
| Strengths: Strong ground attack; solid linebacker core |
| Weaknesses: Lack of experience |
| Players to watch: Johnny Coleman, Sr., LB, 5-11, 200; Shun Johnson, Sr., CB, 6-0, 175; Zach Lindsay, Sr., RB/LB, 5-10, 190; Darian Mion, Sr., DT, 6-3, 315; Trevonte “Tank” Tasco, Jr., RB, 5-7, 255; Mike Williams, Sr., OT/DT, 6-5, 325. |
| In 2013: Coach Tony Lindsay Sr. lost most of the senior-heavy starting lineup from last year, which included 10 who are now playing on the collegiate level, who helped carry the Rebels to the 4A championship game. That said, he said he is excited by the talent of the underclassmen coming in, including a “strong, strong freshman class.” The offense, led by backfield duo Zach Lindsay and Trevonte “Tank” Tasco, is the team’s strength, providing a mix of speed and power. |
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| GREEN MOUNTAIN RAMS |
| Coach: Tom Ward |
2012 record: 7-4 |
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| Last playoff appearance: Lost 35-7 to Ponderosa in 4A first round |
| Editor’s note: Coach did not return phone calls |
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| KENNEDY COMMANDERS |
| Coach: Rich Martinez, seventh year |
2012 record: 1-9 |
Returning starters: Three offense, two defense |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 47-7 to Palisade in 2011 3A quarterfinals |
| Strengths: Kicking game |
| Weaknesses: Undersized; young; lack of depth |
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Players to watch: Marcus Bobian, So., LB, 5-7, 160; Erik Crowthers, Jr., WR/DB, 5-7, 160; Nick Garcia, Jr., G/LB, 5-10, 225; Daniel Henriquez, So., FB/LB, 5-7, 165; Victor Horta, So., QB, 6-1, 170; Rece Krueger, Jr., DB, 6-0, 185; Lorenzo Lopez, Fr., FB/LB, 6-0, 190; Santana Mejia, So., RB, 5-8, 165; Devin Wagner, Sr., K, 6-2, 215.
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| In 2013: After compiling an 11-1 record in 2011, the Commanders finished with just one win last season. This year, coach Rich Martinez has a “sophomore-dominated” team and said he plans on starting eight or nine from the class of 2016, as well as a few freshmen. One, fullback and linebacker Lorenzo Lopez, has the size and skills to make an immediate impact. Newcomer Devin Wagner, an addition from the soccer team, has a monster leg and will provide a lift on special teams, Martinez added. |
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| LITTLETON LIONS |
| Coach: Kurt Krantz, first year |
2012 record: 2-8 |
Returning starters: Three offense, five defense |
| Last playoff appearance: 2008 |
| Strengths: Good group of seniors |
| Weaknesses: Depth |
| Players to watch: Austin Bieber, Sr., TE/LB, 6-4, 185; Wyatt Keasling, Sr., G/LB, 6-0, 185; Sean Malloy, Sr., OL/DL, 6-3, 260; Nick McNamee, Sr., QB/S, 6-0, 175; Austin Sonju, Sr., RB/LB, 5-8, 185. |
| In 2013: A new year brings a new coaching staff and a new system to Littleton. Coach Kurt Krantz, who was the defensive line coach at Mullen last year, is looking to turn around a program that has produced only five wins in the past three seasons. Krantz plans to employ more of a ground game in the Lions’ offense, led by senior running back Austin Sonju, who tallied 1,189 yards last year. |
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| WHEAT RIDGE FARMERS |
| Coach: Reid Kahl |
2012 record: 10-2 |
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| Last playoff appearance: Lost 27-14 to Denver South in 4A quarterfinals |
| Editor’s note: Coach did not return phone calls |
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| SOUTHWEST |
| DURANGO DEMONS |
| Coach: David Vogt, first year |
2012 record: 4-6 |
Returning starters: Four offense, four defense |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 33-7 to Pine Creek in 2009 4A first round |
| Strengths: Ground game; fast tempo; leadership |
| Weaknesses: Depth at certain positions; offensive and defensive lines |
| Players to watch: Daniel Gustavson, Sr., DE, 6-2, 225; Caleb Lloyd, Sr., LB, 5-11, 195; Isaia Mayberry, Sr., LB, 6-1, 205; Jeremy Szura, Sr., QB, 5-9, 185; Tyler Worley, Sr., RB, 5-9, 185. |
| In 2013: Head coach David Vogt wants to take it back to the basics in his first year. With new offense and defense formations, Vogt said the team’s main focus is to work on fundamentals. With 14 seniors returning, the squad has solid leadership. The offense revolves around the running game, led by running back Tyler Worley and quarterback Jeremy Szura. |
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| GRAND JUNCTION CENTRAL WARRIORS |
| Coach: Shawn Marsh |
2012 record: 0-10 |
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| Last playoff appearance: Lost 32-29 to Green Mountain in 2004 4A first round |
| Editor’s note: Coach did not return phone calls |
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| MONTROSE INDIANS |
| Coach: Todd Casebier, ninth year |
2012 record: 7-4 |
Returning starters: Seven offense, eight defense |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 35-14 to Mesa Ridge in 4A first round |
| Strengths: Experience; running game |
| Weaknesses: Schedule is difficult |
| Players to watch: Conner Lawson, Sr., OL, 5-10, 200; Pete Shearer, Sr., LB, 6-0, 185; Alan Tieme, Sr., OL, 6-1, 240; Angelo Youngren, Sr., RB, 5-9, 185. |
| In 2013: After being eliminated from the first round of the playoffs for the last two years, the Indians are returning with a number of starters who are aiming to get over the hump. Led by senior running back Angelo Youngren, the Southwestern League’s offensive player of the year in 2012, the team looks poised to battle for another league championship. |
