A glance at the Class 3A football teams for the 2014 season.
ARVADA BULLDOGS
Coach: Matt Cisneros, second year, second overall
2013 record: 1-9
Returning starters: Five offense, five defense
Last playoff appearance: 1983
Strengths: Dedication and discipline
Weaknesses: Inexperience
Players to watch: The Arvada coaching staff is working hard to institute a team-first culture, Cisneros said. “It’s not about individuals. It’s about our team. That’s a culture we’ve really tried to build.”
In 2014: Last season was just about laying a foundation for Cisneros, and he has already seen a huge leap in Year 2. The Bulldogs lost their Zero Week game to Mitchell 20-9, but showed signs they will be much improved after a 1-9 finish last year. “Defensively we are playing sound,” Cisneros said. “If we can clean up some of the little things, watch out.”
BERTHOUD SPARTANS
Coach: Troy Diffendaffer, first year, sixth overall
2013 record: 2-7
Returning starters: Eight offense, eight defense
Last playoff appearance: 2009
Strengths: Good experience among upperclassmen
Weaknesses: Learning new systems, new schemes
Players to watch: Cody Braesch, Jr., QB, 6-3, 175; Jackson Hall, Jr., WR, 5-10, 150; Jaimie Gray, Jr., C/LB, 6-0, 225; Chad Ellis, Jr., RB/DB, 5-11, 170; Jimmy Fate, Jr., RB, 5-8, 155
In 2014: After 17 years as the defensive coordinator at the school, Diffendaffer gets his first shot to coach the school he played for. Led by a strong junior class, including two-time state wrestling champion Jimmy Fate, the new coach is hopeful the Spartans can make a playoff push in his first season.
CANON CITY TIGERS
Coach: Tom O’Rourke
2013 record: 6-4
Last playoff appearance: 2012
Editor’s note: Attempts to reach the coach were unsuccessful.
CENTAURUS WARRIORS
Coach: Chad Senseney, 11th year
2013 record: 2-7
Returning starters: Four offense, three defense
Last playoff appearance: 2010
Strengths: Experience on the front lines
Weaknesses: Lack of depth
Players to watch: Mike Devries, Sr., OL/DL, 6-2, 250; Matt Buchler, Sr, RB/DB, 5-6, 165; Coleton Oglesbee, Jr., TE/LB, 5-10, 185; Matt Maierhofer, Sr., C/DL, 6-1, 255
In 2014: Senseney believes he has some of the best playmakers he’s had during his entire career at Centaurus, including tough-to-tackle running back Matt Buchler. The key will be staying healthy, particularly of the offensive front, where the Warriors have skill and experience but limited depth.
CONIFER LOBOS
Coach: Larry Fitzmaurice, 18th year, 28th overall
2013 record: 8-3
Last playoff appearance: 2013, lost 14-12 to Classical Academy in 3A first round
Editor’s note: Attempts to reach the coach were unsuccessful.
D’EVELYN JAGUARS
Coach: Jeremy Bennett, 10th year, 12th overall
2013 record: 6-4
Returning starters: Six offense, six defense
Last playoff appearance: 2011
Strengths: Team speed, fastest Bennett has had at D’Evelyn
Weaknesses: Youth and inexperience
Players to watch: Charlie Davis, Jr., WR/SS, 5-10, 190; Ian Lewis, Sr., RB/S, 6-1, 185; Gabe Muehlbauer, Sr., DE, 6-3, 215; Mike Trimble, Sr., OL/DL 6-0, 220
In 2014: After two straight years of narrowly missing the playoffs, Bennett believes his team is ready to take the next step and compete for a league title. The team is built on speed, including fast and physical defensive end Gabe Muehlbauer. If the four starting sophomores on each side of the ball can produce, the Jaguars could cause problems.
DELTA PANTHERS
Coach: Ben Johnson, sixth year, 21st overall
2013 record: 9-4
Returning starters: Eight offense, five defense
Last playoff appearance: 2013, lost 28-17 to Silver Creek in 3A semifinals
Strengths: Strong senior class, playoff experience
Weaknesses: Depth defensively
Players to watch: Eian Baier, Sr., WR, 6-5, 180; Marcus Garcia, Sr., OL/DL, 6-4, 297; Cade Gafford, Sr., QB, 6-6, 190; Jonny Ponce, Jr., RB, 5-10, 195
In 2014: The Panthers return the bulk of the players who were within one game of reaching the state title game last season. Key among them is 6-foot-6 senior quarterback Cade Gafford, who threw for 2,290 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2013.
DISCOVERY CANYON THUNDER
Coach: Shawn Mitchell
2013 record: 9-2
Last playoff appearance: 2013, lost 47-13 to Pueblo East in 3A first round
Editor’s note: Attempts to reach the coach were unsuccessful.
EAGLE VALLEY DEVILS
Coach: John Ramunno, 33rd year, 33rd overall
2013 record: 5-5
Returning starters: Five on offense, four on defense
Last playoff appearance: 2012
Strengths: Experience in the backfield
Weaknesses: Inexperience on the offensive line
Players to watch: Riley Rowles, Sr., FB, 6-0, 190; Harrison Stevens, Sr., QB, 6-0, 155; Luis Chavez, Sr., LB/RB, 5-10, 175; Xavier Mendoza, Sr., OL/DL, 6-1, 240; Devin Ward, Sr., OL/DE 6-3, 185; Mike Ramunno, Sr., S, 5-8, 155; Christian Aguilar, Sr., RB/CB, 5-9, 160
In 2014: Eagle Valley was 5-5 in a season with a one-point loss on its resume. That near playoff miss gives the Devils, whose 15 returning seniors include talented fullback Riley Rowles and experienced quarterback Harrison Stevens, believe a postseason berth is an attainable goal, even coming out of the difficult Western Slope League.
ELIZABETH CARDINALS
Coach: Chris Cline, 14th year, 17th overall
2013 record: 8-3
Returning starters: Two offense, two defense
Last playoff appearance: 2013, lost 14-13 to Glenwood Springs in 3A first round
Strengths: Our athleticism, particularly at skill positions
Weaknesses: Inexperience on offensive line
Players to watch: Jacob Burgett, Sr., RB/LB, 6-0, 185; Coby Cline, Sr., C/DL 5-10, 265; Aaron Stone, Sr., TE/LB, 6-5, 215
In 2014: The Cardinals had a breakout year in 2013, coming within a point of advancing to the 3A quarterfinals. With only four returning starters, though, Elizabeth must replace a host of departed seniors, particularly on the offensive line, where two-time, all-league player Coby Cline is the only returning starter.
ENGLEWOOD PIRATES
Coach: Jay Graves, fifth year, fifth overall
2013 record: 4-6
Returning starters: Seven on offense, seven on defense
Last playoff appearance: 2010
Strengths: Offensive line
Weaknesses: Depth
Players to watch: Sean Bowering, Sr., QB, 6-2, 220; Nick Bersagel, Sr., RB, 6-2, 185; Kevin Mauler, Jr., LB/OL, 5-7, 185; Kyle Robideau, OL/DL, 6-1, 240; Victor Palestino, Sr., OL/DL, 6-2, 260
In 2014: Englewood must replace two-year starter Isaiah Mestas at quarterback, and Sean Bowering could be the guy for the job. Graves convinced Bowering, a talented basketball player who hadn’t played football since his freshman year, to give the sport another shot as a senior. Bowering impressed during summer passing camps, and could be in for a big year behind the Pirates experienced offensive line.
EVERGREEN COUGARS
Coach: Rob Molholm, sixth year, sixth overall
2013 record: 8-3
Last playoff appearance: 2013, lost 47-14 to Silver Creek in 3A first round
Editor’s note: Attempts to reach the coach were unsuccessful.
FORT LUPTON BLUE DEVILS
Coach: Joseph Herrera, 1st year, 1st overall
2013 record: 5-5 Returning starters: Six offense, six on defense
Last playoff appearance: 2013, lost 49-28 to 2A first round
Strengths: Offensive, defensive lines
Weaknesses: Inexperience at the skill positions
Players to watch: Owen Mellen, Sr., WR/LB, 6-6, 200; Jacob Browne, Sr., OL/DL, 6-1, 250; Sebastien May, Sr., OL/DL 6-2, 230; Jake Mornales, Sr., OL/LB, 6-2, 240
In 2014: Herrera, an assistant at Columbine last season, couldn’t pass up the chance to run a program of his own. He’s been pleased with what he has seen from the Blue Devils in their first fall camp under his watch. “They’re excited,” Herrera said, “because we are pushing them harder than they thought they could go, and they have done pretty well.”
FORT MORGAN MUSTANGS
Coach: Harrison Chisum, seventh year, ninth overall
2013 record: 6-3
Last playoff appearance: 2008
Editor’s note: Attempts to reach the coach were unsuccessful.
FREDERICK WARRIORS
Coach: Thad Lear, 17th year, 17th overall
2013 record: 6-4
Last playoff appearance: 2013, lost 47-13 to Roosevelt in 3A first round
Editor’s note: Attempts to reach the coach were unsuccessful.
GLENWOOD SPRINGS
Coach: Rocky Whitworth
2013: record: 8-4
Last playoff appearance: 2013; lost 13-9 to Delta in 3A quarterfinals
Strengths: Linebacker corps
Weaknesses: Inexperience at offensive skill positions
Players to watch: Everettt Marr, Sr., WR/S, 5-10, 165; Sam Carmer, Sr., LB/C 6-0, 190; Christian Gonzalez, LB/OL 5-10, 220; Dante Sparaco, So., QB, 6-4, 226
In 2014: Whitworth likes the experience of his linebackers, including senior Christian Gonzalez, who had 82 tackles last season. Dante Sparaco, who averaged 9 yards per carry and scored four touchdowns in wildcat packages as a freshman last season, takes over as the starting quarterback.
GRAND JUNCTION CENTRAL WARRIORS
Coach: Shawn Marsh
2013 record: 0-10
Editor’s note: Attempts to reach the coach were unsuccessful.
HARRISON PANTHERS
Coach: Al Melo, eighth year, 12th overall
2013 record: 2-8
Returning starters: Eight offense, seven defense
Last playoff appearance: 2006
Strengths: Running game RB and QB lost in first game
Weaknesses: Depth, must develop skill
Players to watch: Sam Garcia, Jr., QB/DB, 5-10, 165; Daniel Pangelinan, Jr., OL/LB, 5-11, 236; Eric Johnson, Sr., DE/TE, 6-2, 185; Nick Juaquez, Jr., RB/DB, 5-9, 165
In 2014: The Panthers had high hopes going into last season, but when senior quarterback Todd Wall suffered a season-ending injury in the first game of the season, those hopes were dashed. Now, Harrison has a quarterback with experience (Sam Garcia), and a veteran offensive line leading the way.
HOLY FAMILY TIGERS
Coach: Michael Gabriel, seventh year, seventh overall
2013 record: 8-2
Last playoff appearance: 2013, lost 42-41 to Delta in 3A first round
Editor’s note: Attempts to reach the coach were unsuccessful.
LEWIS-PALMER RANGERS
Coach: Dustin Tupper, first year, first overall
2013 record: 4-6
Returning starters: Five offense, five defense
Last playoff appearance: 2011
Strengths: Good size on offensive, defensive lines; attitude
Weaknesses: Inexperience at skill positions
Players to watch: Joseph Scott, Sr., OL/LB, 6-3, 225; Sam Warner, Sr., OL/DL, 6-1, 227; Brad Ellis, Sr., FB/LB, 6-0, 190; Brian Tims, Sr., DB/WR, 6-0, 165
In 2014: The Rangers were left in shock on July 10 when longtime coach Tony Ramunno broke the news he would have to sit out the season due to a heart condition. Tupper, a member of Ramunno’s staff for the past nine seasons, has been pleased with the resiliency the team has showed. “They’re practicing hard and we’re coaching up like our hair is on fire,” Tupper said. “We’re playing this season for Tony.”
LUTHERAN LIONS
Coach: Blair Hubbard, first year, 16th year overall
2013 record: 8-3
Returning starters: eight offense, eight defense
Last playoff appearance: 2013, lost 35-25 to Palisade in 3A first round
Strengths: Strong senior class
Weaknesses: Learning to curve to install offense.
Players to watch: James Willis, Sr., QB, 6-1, 190; Josh Clausen, Sr., WR, 6-4, 205; Jamil Bond, Sr., RB, 6-0, 195 1300 25, Brendan Edgerly, Sr., LB, 6-5, 200 13 sacks.
In 2014: Hubbard takes over at Lutheran after winning three state titles over 15 seasons at 2A Faith Christian. He inherits a strong group of seniors, including the offensive trio of James Willis, Josh Clausen and Jamil Bond that accounted for nearly 5,000 yards of offense last season.
MEAD MAVERICKS
Coach: Jason Klatt, third year, 15th overall
2013 record: 7-2
Returning starters: Five offense, three defense
Last playoff appearance: None
Strengths: Strong leadership
Weaknesses: Depth, inexperience
In 2014: The Mavericks narrowly missed the playoffs last season, beginning the season 7-0 before running into powerhouse programs Silver Creek and Roosevelt. In his third season at the helm, Klatt has begun to see the foundation he and his staff laid begin to take a firm hold.
MITCHELL MARAUDERS
Coach: Archie Malloy
2013 record: 1-9
Editor’s note: Attempts to reach the coach were unsuccessful.
NIWOT COUGARS
Coach: Josh Brewer, 3rd year, 3rd overall
2013 record: 2-7
Returning starters: Three offense, three defense
Last playoff appearance: 2008
Strengths: Size of offensive and defensive lines
Weaknesses: Inexperience, depth
Players to watch: Blake Montgomery, Jr., DE/OL, 6-3, 220; Justin Lee, Sr., QB, 6-3, 175; Mounish Bandi, Sr., C, 6-5, 300; Nick Elrod, Sr., OL, 6-3, 240
In 2014: In his third year at the helm, Brewer has seen an improved attitude and mental approach from a team that could benefit from a drop down to 3A competition from the challenging 4A Northern League. Brewer expects a big season out of senior quarterback Justin Lee.
NORTHRIDGE GRIZZLIES
Coach: Jeff Fulton, 15th year, 15th overall
2013 record: 5-5
Returning starters: Seven offense, six defense
Last playoff appearance: 2012
Strengths: Vertical passing game
Weaknesses: Depth
Players to watch: Jay Frye, Sr., WR, 6-2, 180; Jesse Unruh, Sr., OL, 6-3, 245; Kayson Werner, Sr., WR, 6-1, 170; Brenden Fulton, Sr., QB, 5-9, 175; Willie Castillo, Sr., LB/RB, 5-7, 160
In 2014: The Grizzlies are ready to stretch the field. Fulton believes he has one of the best senior classes he’s had in 15 seasons at Northridge, and with Jay Frye (60 receptions, 986 yards, 12 touchdowns last season) returning, defenses are going to have their hands full trying to slow this team’s vaunted passing attack.
PALISADE BULLDOGS
Coach: Joe Ramunno, 13th year, 29th overall
2013 record: 10-2
Last playoff appearance: 2013, 24-21 loss to The Classical Academy in 3A quarterfinals
Editor’s note: Attempts to reach the coach were unsuccessful.
PUEBLO CENTRAL WILDCATS
Coach: Jeremy Mercer, first year
2013 record: 2-8
Editor’s note: Attempts to reach the coach were unsuccessful.
PUEBLO COUNTY HORNETS
Coach: Scott Egan, second year, second overall
2013 record: 5-5
Last playoff appearance: 2009
Editor’s note: Attempts to reach the coach were unsuccessful.
PUEBLO EAST EAGLES
Coach: David Ramirez
2013 record: 7-5
Last playoff appearance: 2013, lost 34-17 to Silver Creek in 3A quarterfinals
Editor’s note: Attempts to reach the coach were unsuccessful.
RIFLE BEARS
Coach: Damon Wells
2013 record: 8-3
Last playoff appearance: 2013, lost 34-31 to Coronado in 3A first round
Editor’s note: Attempts to reach the coach were unsuccessful.
ROOSEVELT ROUGHRIDERS
Coach: Noland Eastin, fifth year, 16th overall
2013 record: 8-3
Returning starters: One offense, five defense Last playoff appearance: 2013, lost 29-27 to Coronado in 3A quarterfinals
Strengths: Good effort, size
Weaknesses: Inexperience
Players to watch: Nathan Putallaz, Sr., OT, 6-3, 295; Chicco Hernandez, Sr., OL, 6-2, 280; Christian Sanchez, Sr., DL, 6-1, 250; Jesus Castillo, Sr., DL, 6-3, 250; Elijah Derrera, Sr, DB, 5-10, 165; Adrian Pastrana, Sr., DB, 5-11, 165
In 2014: Roosevelt returns only one offensive starter from the team that was within a field goal of advancing to the state semifinals. The Roughriders open with a tough gauntlet of three straight 4A opponents. “We’ll know right out of the gates what kind of team we are,” Eastin said.
SIERRA STALLIONS
Coach: Phil Jackson
2013 record: 2-8
Last playoff appearance: 2008
Editor’s note: Attempts to reach the coach were unsuccessful.
SKYVIEW WOLVERINES
Coach: Bill Nelson
2013 record: 1-9, ninth year, 42nd overall
Returning starters: Six offense, six defense
Last playoff appearance: 2004
Strengths: Talented junior, senior classes; team speed
Weaknesses: Depth, particularly on defense
Players to watch: Brandon Barringer, Sr., QB, 6-1, 215; Joe Herrera, Sr., WR, 5-6, 150; Jacob Finning, Sr., 5-8, 190; Nick Wotten, Sr., RB, 5-10, 170
In 2014: Brandon Barringer had already thrown for more than 800 yards last season when he went down in the third game with an injury. Now Barringer is healthy, and the Wolverines have added talented running back Nick Wotten from Illinois, giving Bill Nelson reason to believe his team can have an explosive offense.
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS SAILORS
Coach: Lonn Clementson, fifth year, fifth overall
2013 record: 4-6
Returning starters: Five offense, four defense
Last playoff appearance: 2009
Strengths: Experienced at quarterback, receiver
Weaknesses: Inexperience on offense, defensive lines
Players to watch: Zach Holm, Jr., QB, 6-0, 206; Mitch McCannon, Sr., 160, 5-8, 160; Jay Crouch, Sr., DE, 6-2, 190.
In 2014: The Sailors began 4-2 last season before running into a gauntlet of the Western Slope’s toughest teams. Clementson believes hist team has responded well to the four-game losing streak that ended last season and, behind experienced junior quarterback Zach Holm, may be ready to put together a winning season.
SUMMIT TIGERS
Coach: Dylan Hollingsworth, 10th year, 10th overall
2013 record: 2-7
Last playoff appearance: 2009
Editor’s note: Attempts to reach the coach were unsuccessful.
THE CLASSICAL ACADEMY TITANS
Coach: David Bervig
2013 record: 10-3
Last playoff appearance: 2013, lost 28-27 to Coronado in 3A semifinals
Editor’s note: Attempts to reach the coach were unsuccessful.
THOMAS JEFFERSON SPARTANS
Coach: Jesus Escobedo, second year, second overall
2013 record: 2-8
Last playoff appearance: 2009
Editor’s note: Attempts to reach the coach were unsuccessful.
VISTA PEAK PREP BISON
Coach: Pat Rock
2013 record: 5-5
Last playoff appearance: None
Editor’s note: Attempts to reach the coach were unsuccessful.
WELD CENTRAL REBELS
Coach: Michael Brown, 11th year, 17th overall
2013 record: 4-5
Last playoff appearance: 2009
Editor’s note: Attempts to reach the coach were unsuccessful.
WOODLAND PARK
Coach: Joe Roskam, fourth season, 15th overall
2013 record: 5-5
Editor’s note: Attempts to reach the coach were unsuccessful.
ERIE TIGERS
Coach: Chris Summers, first year, first year
2013 record: 6-3
Returning starters: Three offense, five defense
Last playoff appearance: 2012
Strengths: Physical strength; “new energy and excitement”
Weaknesses: Small senior class; learning new system takes time
Players to watch: Triston Berringer, Sr., LB/OL, 6-2, 220; Elizah Roper, Sr., LB, 6-1, 210; Wesley Brow, Jr., DE, 6-1, 225; B.J. Jensen, Sr., CB 5-6, 160
In 2014: Summers takes over the Tigers after serving as an assistant at Holy Family the last eight seasons. He has been pleased with the commitment and energy around the program, with players eager to take their spin in Summers’ spread offense. “I like running it because it gets the balls in a lot of our playmakers’ hands,” said Summers, who has lived in Erie the past 12 years. “We have a lot of tough, talented kids in Erie. It’s a focused group of kids.”
