Getting your player ready...
A glance at the Class 4A football teams for the 2014 season.
LEAGUES
Foothills | Longs Peak | Mountain | Northern | Pikes Peak | Plains | Southern
FOOTHILLS
| FALCON FALCONS | |
| Coach: Brian Green, second year | |
| 2013 record: 9-2 | |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 42-41 to Dakota Ridge in 2013 4A first round | |
| MESA RIDGE GRIZZLIES | |
| Coach: Rob Braaten, ninth year | |
| 2013 record: 4-6 | Returning starters: Four offense, four defense |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 38-22 to Denver South in 2012 4A semifinals | |
| Strengths: Solid defensive line; good depth at skill positions | |
| Weaknesses: Getting improved play from offensive line; new players in the secondary. | |
| Players to watch: James Burnett, TE/DE, Sr., 6-2, 205; Michael Camp, Sr., DL, 6-0, 275; Kahlil James, Sr., WR, 6-3, 190; Karlos Logan, Sr., RB, 5-10, 180. | |
| In 2014: After reaching the playoffs in 2012, Mesa Ridge had a down year last season. Said coach Braaten: “I think we’re going to be real competitive. Last year we underachieved a little bit.” | |
| MONTROSE INDIANS | |
| Coach: Todd Casebier, 10th year | |
| 2013 record: 12-2 | Returning starters: Six offense, five defense |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 49-14 to Pine Creek in 2013 4A final | |
| Strengths: Four returning starters on offensive line; strong running game | |
| Weaknesses: Finding new receivers; inexperienced linebackers | |
| Players to watch: Kameron DeVincentis, Sr., QB, 5-8, 160; Nick Foster, Sr., CB/RB, 5-9, 170 ; Mitch Freismuth, Sr., WR/FS, 6-1, 170; Matt Maestas, Sr., OL/DL, 6-1, 250; Mike Rocha, Sr., FB/LB, 6-0, 212. | |
| In 2014: After making a trip to the 4A state finals last season, coach Casebier said he’s hoping his team has an opportunity to repeat some of the same success this year. “I think we’re going to be good. We got a good team and we hope we’re a factor in November,” he said. | |
| SAND CREEK SCORPIONS | |
| Coach: Rod Baker | |
| 2013 record: 6-4 | |
| Last playoff appearance: | |
| VISTA RIDGE WOLVES | |
| Coach: Jerimi Calip, first year | |
| 2013 record: 6-5 | |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 62-28 to Monarch in 2013 4A first round | |
| WIDEFIELD GLADIATORS | |
| Coach: Brett Cottrell, second year | |
| 2013 record: 1-9 | |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 19-13 to Wheat Ridge in 2011 4A first round | |
LONGS PEAK
| BROOMFIELD EAGLES | |
| Coach: Gary Davies, 27th year | |
| 2013 record: 6-4 | |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 33-6 to Loveland in 2013 4A first round | |
| FORT COLLINS LAMBKINS | |
| Coach: Eric Rice, 12th year | |
| 2013 record: 4-6 | |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 42-0 to Ralston Valley in 2012 5A preliminaries | |
| GREELEY CENTRAL WILDCATS | |
| Coach: Mike Heatherly, ninth year | |
| 2013 record: 4-6 | |
| Last playoff appearance: 1999 | |
| MOUNTAIN VIEW MOUNTAIN LIONS | |
| Coach: Bart Mayes, 10th year | |
| 2013 record: 3-6 | |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 34-27 to Kennedy in 2011 3A first round | |
| SILVER CREEK RAPTORS | |
| Coach: Mike Apodaca, 12th year | |
| 2013 record: 10-3 | |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 28-24 to Coronado in 2013 3A final | |
| SKYLINE FALCONS | |
| Coach: Kevin Rice, eighth year | |
| 2013 record: 2-7 | |
| Last playoff appearance: 2001 | |
MOUNTAIN
| AURORA CENTRAL SPARTANS | |
| Coach: Taylor Calvert, third year | |
| 2013 record: 2-8 | Returning starters: Three offense, six defense |
| Last playoff appearance: 1991 | |
| Strengths: Senior captains; defense; pass rush; more numbers this year | |
| Weaknesses: Needs to improve tackling, physicality | |
| Players to watch: Austin Alvarez, So., QB, 5-9, 165; Darius Frimpong, Sr., CB/WR/RB, 5-8, 170; Jevin Jordan, Sr., LB/RB, 5-6, 195; Devonte Phillips, Sr., DB/WR, 5-11, 185; Carleon Zollar, Sr., FB/DT, 5-10, 225. | |
| In 2014: Aurora Central hasn’t won more than two games in a season since 2007, but coach Calvert is hoping his squad will be able to do better this season. “We want to win one more game than we did last year,” he said, “and be a much more competitive team.” | |
| DENVER SOUTH REBELS | |
| Coach: Taylor Calvert, third year | |
| 2013 record: 9-3 | Returning starters: Eight offense, five defense |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 47-27 to Montrose in 2013 4A quarterfinals | |
| Strengths: Entire offensive line returns intact; secondary and defensive line are solid | |
| Weaknesses: Experience with only eight seniors, team mostly consists of sophomores | |
| Players to watch: Marcus Lindsay, So., FB, 5-9, 185; Devante Loggins, Sr., S, 6-0, 170; Patros Mabany, Sr., DE, 6-6, 245; Darian Mion, Sr., DT, 6-1, 310; Surae Poole, Sr., CB, 5-10, 180; Terriek Roberts, Jr., OT, 6-6, 265; Trevonte “Tank” Tasco, Sr., RB, 5-8, 250; Malcolm Wright, Sr., CB, 5-8, 165. | |
| In 2014: With just eight seniors on the roster, coach Tony Lindsay Sr. has a young, inexperienced team. Whether or not the team does well, he said, “It’s just how fast they catch on. They’re good learners. They’re beefy. We got speed and beef. Even though they are young, they’re just really good athletes.” | |
| GEORGE WASHINGTON PATRIOTS | |
| Coach: James Everett, first year | |
| 2013 record: 1-9 | |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 28-24 to Coronado in 2013 3A final | |
| GOLDEN DEMONS | |
| Coach: Jason Neely, second year | |
| 2013 record: 1-9 | Returning starters: Seven offense, five defense |
| Strengths: Linebacker group, led by Cole Graff and Chase Daniels; strong receivers | |
| Weaknesses: Brand-new quarterback; three new starters on offensive line | |
| Players to watch: Bailey Balker, Sr., DE/OT, 6-4, 280; Chase Daniels, Jr., LB, 5-11, 170; Cole Graff, Sr., WR/LB, 6-4, 215; Davis Miller, Sr., WR, 5-6, 150; Duncan Williams, Sr., DE/OT, 6-1, 255. | |
| In 2014: Winning just one game last season, coach Neely said he’s working to keep building improvement with his team. “Somewhere around .500 would be the goal,” Neely said. “We’re really close to turning the corner.” | |
| STANDLEY LAKE GATORS | |
| Coach: Don Morse, 10th year | |
| 2013 record: 8-3 | Returning starters: Six offense, six defense |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 28-15 to Windsor in 2013 4A first round | |
| Strengths: Linebacking corps.; skill positions | |
| Weaknesses: Depth and inexperience on the offensive line | |
| Players to watch: Alex Brown, Sr., OT/DT, 6-2, 230; Dominic Casas, Sr., OT, 6-6, 280; Connor Durant, Sr., WR/FS, 6-2, 190; Grant Gladstone, Sr., DE, 6-2, 215; Jacob Naranjo, Sr., QB, 5-9, 165; John Perez, Sr., FB, 5-11, 245. | |
| In 2014: For the past two years, Standley Lake has made an appearance in the Class 4A playoffs, but falling in the first round both times. Coach Don Morse is keeping his goals simple: Create depth and try and make the postseason again. “Hopefully we’ll get back to the playoffs and win a game,” he said. | |
| WHEAT RIDGE FARMERS | |
| Coach: Dan Reardon, first year | |
| 2013 record: 6-4 | |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 27-14 to Denver South in 2012 4A quarterfinals | |
NORTHERN
| ADAMS CITY EAGLES | |
| Coach: Dan Jajczyk, first year | |
| 2013 record: 0-10 | Returning starters: Four offense, three defense |
| Last playoff appearance: 2005 | |
| Strengths: Strong desire to be successful, hard work ethic | |
| Weaknesses: Young and inexperienced | |
| Players to watch: Raymundo Esparza, Jr., DB/WR, 5-10, 153; Tyler Gallegos, Sr., LB/TE, 6-2, 222; Joseph Gonzalez, Jr., LB/FB, 6-0, 191; Dominic Lovato, Jr., OL, 6-4, 258; Antonio Scott, Jr., RB/DB, 5-10, 159; Abdi Shongolo, Jr., 6-1, 177. | |
| In 2014: A new coaching staff is hoping to turn around the fortunes at Adams City. The team has a 1-39 record in the last four years and coach Jajcyzk is working to instill a competitive nature to the squad. “We’re doing good, the boys are working hard,” he said. | |
| GREELEY WEST SPARTANS | |
| Coach: Jason Renouf, second year | |
| 2013 record: 1-9 | Returning starters: Five offense, seven defense |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 35-0 to Pine Creek in 2011 4A quarterfinals | |
| Strengths: Experience on defense; linebackers solid; pretty good team speed; good work ethic | |
| Weaknesses: Inexperience on offensive and defensive line | |
| Players to watch: Matt Bruning, Sr., Slot-back/DB, 5-11, 180; Alex Delacroix, Sr., LB/TB, 6-1, 205; Zach Lish, Sr., LB/HB, 6-3, 205; Tyler Munson, Sr., OL/DL, 5-11, 266. | |
| In 2014: Coming off a rough year in 2013, coach Jason Renouf said he’s planning on leaning on his experienced defense for the new year. “We’re going to continue to do the same things we did on defense last,” he said, “I thought we came on stronger later in the year.” | |
| LONGMONT TROJANS | |
| Coach: Doug Johnson | |
| 2013 record: 7-3 | |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 38-27 to Pueblo West in 2013 4A first round | |
| LOVELAND INDIANS | |
| Coach: Wayne McGinn | |
| 2013 record: 9-2 | |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 42-8 to Monarch in 2013 4A quarterfinals | |
| THOMPSON VALLEY EAGLES | |
| Coach: Matt Smith, second year | |
| 2013 record: 5-4 | Returning starters: Ran rotation, 17 returning on both sides of the ball |
| Last playoff appearance: 2005 | |
| Strengths: Experience; overall team speed | |
| Weaknesses: Finishing out games | |
| Players to watch: David Eusea, Sr., LB, 5-11, 201; Danny Highland, Sr., OT/DE, 6-3, 236; Gunner Mingle, Jr., S/WR, 5-11, 160; Garrett Smith, Sr., QB, 6-0, 160; Jack Varuska, Sr., WR/OLB, 6-1, 185. | |
| In 2014: After leading Thompson Valley to its first winning record since 2005 last year, coach Matt Smith is looking to build on his success. “We’re looking to make a push into the playoffs,” he said. “We put some time in the offseason to make that happen.” | |
| WINDSOR WIZARDS | |
| Coach: Chris Jones | |
| 2013 record: 9-3 | |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 25-0 to Pine Creek in 2013 4A quarterfinals | |
PIKES PEAK
| AIR ACADEMY KADETS | |
| Coach: Mike Roof, 18th year | |
| 2013 record: 0-10 | Returning starters: Five offense, five defense |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 10-0 to Cherokee Trail in 2007 4A quarterfinals | |
| Strengths: Stronger offensively; passing game with quarterback Adam Brown | |
| Weaknesses: Defense needs to improve | |
| Players to watch: Adam Brown, QB, Sr., 6-2, 185; Mario Hernandez, Sr., G, 6-0, 220; Carmine Naccarelli, Sr., WR, 5-10, 160; Nate Renfrew, Jr., MLB, 6-1, 190; Jake Vargas, WR, Sr., 6-2, 175. | |
| In 2014: Struggling with injuries last season, coach Roof said he’s looking for a turnaround with his squad this season. “We really think we can as many as we lose this year,” he said. “Our preseason schedule will let us get our feet underneath.” | |
| DURANGO DEMONS | |
| Coach: David Vogt | |
| 2013 record: 8-3 | |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 36-26 to Denver South in 2013 4A first round | |
| LIBERTY LANCERS | |
| Coach: Marc Sites, first year | |
| 2013 record: 2-8 | |
| Last playoff appearance: Loss 33-18 to Longmont in 2009 4A first round | |
| PALMER RIDGE BEARS | |
| Coach: Tom Pulford | |
| 2013 record: 5-5 | |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 28-24 to Silver Creek in 2011 3A first round | |
| PINE CREEK EAGLES | |
| Coach: Todd Miller, 10th year | |
| 2013 record: 12-2 | Returning starters: Two offense, eight defense |
| Last playoff appearance: Won 49-14 over Montrose for 2013 4A title | |
| Strengths: Overall team speed, weight-room strong, leadership in key spots | |
| Weaknesses: Mostly new offense, developing an identity | |
| Players to watch: Avery Anderson, Sr., FS, 6-0, 175; JoJo Domann, Ath., Jr., 6-1, 210; Parker Hammond, Sr., OL, 6-4, 250; Josh Klyn, DL/TE, Sr., 6-4, 230; Tommy Lazarro, Sr., QB, 6-4, 210; Sam Long, Sr., OL, 6-3 270; Josh Odom, RB, Sr., 5-10, 215. | |
| In 2014: The Eagles won the Class 4A state title last year, but coach Todd Miller is simply trying to keep his players focused on achieving their best. “Every team in the state that’s their goal,” Miller said. “We’re trying to be the best football team we can be.” | |
| RAMPART RAMS | |
| Coach: Rob Royer | |
| 2013 record: 3-7 | |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 56-20 to Monarch in 2004 4A first round | |
PLAINS
| DAKOTA RIDGE EAGLES | |
| Coach: Ron Woitalewicz, 14th year | |
| 2013 record: 8-4 | Returning starters: Two offense, six defense |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 32-14 to Wheat Ridge in 2010 4A semifinals | |
| Strengths: Big senior class; strong in skill positions | |
| Weaknesses: Replacing starters on offensive line; lack of depth | |
| Players to watch: Adam Clary, Jr., QB, 5-10, 170; Nick Cohn, WR, Sr., 5-11, 165; Brock Howes, Sr., DT, 6-0, 230; Tyler Magana, Sr., LB, 6-0, 190; Jeremy Lujan, Jr., RB, 5-7, 170. | |
| In 2014: Returning an experienced team that includes 24 seniors, coach Ron Woitalewicz is looking to build on the team’s success from last year. “Our goal is to try and get better every week,” he said. | |
| GREEN MOUNTAIN RAMS | |
| Coach: Jared Wallen, second year | |
| 2013 record: 5-5 | |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 27-21 to Pueblo South in 2013 4A quarterfinals | |
| KENNEDY COMMANDERS | |
| Coach: Rich Martinez, eighth year | |
| 2013 record: 0-10 | Returning starters: Ten offense, seven defense |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 47-7 to Palisade in 2011 3A quarterfinals | |
| Strengths: Team commitment to hard work; team speed; young but experienced | |
| Weaknesses: Depth | |
| Players to watch: Erik Crowthers, Sr., WR, 5-9, 165; Carlos Garcia, So., DT, 5-11, 255; Daniel Henriquez, Jr., LB, 5-7, 165; Victor Horta, Jr., QB, 6-1, 165; Rece Krueger, Sr., WR, 6-0, 185; Lorenzo Lopez, So., LB, 6-0, 185; Santana Mejia, Jr., RB, 5-8, 170; Justin Muniz, Jr., Slot back, 5-5, 150; Isiah Pacheco, Jr., DB, 6-0, 160; Gaspar Reza, So., CB, 5-7, 150; Angel Salazar, Sr., OL, 6-3, 260; Elijah Sandoval, Sr., DL, 6-1, 220; Giovanni Torres, Jr., LB, 6-0, 180. | |
| In 2014: The Commanders have struggled the last couple of seasons, winning just one game since 2012, but coach Martinez is optimistic about his team’s chances this year. “We had a pretty successful summer, I’m hoping to contend for the league title,” he said. “Anything less than 6-4 is a disappointment.” | |
| LINCOLN LANCERS | |
| Coach: Jesse Hernandez, fourth year | |
| 2013 record: 2-8 | Returning starters: Six offense, seven defense |
| Last playoff appearance: 1985 | |
| Strengths: Entire backfield returns, stronger at receiving corps | |
| Weaknesses: Inexperience on the offensive line with four new starters | |
| Players to watch: Dominic Aragon, Sr., RB, 5-5, 165; Ethan Christian, Sr., LB/WR, 6-6, 210; Edgar Saenz, Jr., QB, 6-4, 195; Ivan Serrato, Sr., LB/RB, 5-7, 165. | |
| In 2014: Dropping down a class from 5A, coach Jesse Hernandez said he feels confident that his team will be much more competitive this season. “We think we can bring home a winning record this year,” he said. | |
| LITTLETON LIONS | |
| Coach: Kurt Krantz, second year | |
| 2013 record: 4-6 | |
| Last playoff appearance: 2008 | |
| PONDEROSA MUSTANGS | |
| Coach: Jaron Cohen, first year | |
| 2013 record: 6-4 | |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 19-14 to Mesa Ridge in 2012 4A quarterfinals | |
SOUTHERN
| CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN INDIANS | |
| Coach: Willie Roberts, second year | |
| 2013 record: 1-9 | |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 46-17 to Wheat Ridge in 2012 4A first round | |
| CORONADO COUGARS | |
| Coach: Bob Lizarraga, fifth year | |
| 2013 record: 13-1 | Returning starters: Seven offense, five defense |
| Last playoff appearance: Won 28-24 over Silver Creek for 2013 3A title | |
| Strengths: Senior leadership; offensive line experience | |
| Weaknesses: Young in a few spots, including having a freshman and some sophomores playing key roles | |
| Players to watch: Lotoni Afuhaamago, Sr., G, 6-5, 285; Jordan Aikens, Sr., C, 6-2, 220; Devin Baker, Sr., QB, 5-10, 175; Julian Foche, Sr., OT, 6-4, 300; Zeb Foster, Sr., LB/FB, 6-1, 210; Evan Kay, Sr., OL, 6-1, 210; Austin Micci, Sr., RB/S, 5-9, 185. | |
| In 2014: After winning the 3A state title last season, Coronado faces a bigger challenge moving up a class. “To attempt to replicate a year like last year is a rare and difficult task,” coach Lizarraga said. | |
| PALMER TERRORS | |
| Coach: Jeff Priestley, first year | |
| 2013 record: 1-9 | Returning starters: Six offense, three defense |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 37-7 to Chaparral in 2010 5A second round | |
| Strengths: Impressive at the skill positions, strong receivers | |
| Weaknesses: Lack of experience on the line, young players need to develop | |
| Players to watch: Stratton Case, Sr., QB, 6-1, 185; Nathan Courtney, Sr., WR, 6-6, 180; Jordan Harvin, Sr., RB, 5-10, 205; Austin Lopez, Sr., LB/RB, 6-3, 205; Aiden Raider, Sr., LB, 6-0, 210. | |
| In 2014: Coach Jeff Priestley said he enjoys the challenge of trying to turn around a program. The former Fort Lupton coach is taking over a team that has gone 4-26 in the past three years with just one winning season in the last seven. | |
| PUEBLO CENTENNIAL BULLDOGS | |
| Coach: Mike Palumbo, eighth year | |
| 2013 record: 7-3 | Returning starters: Six offense, seven defense |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 19-14 to Greeley West in 2004 4A first round | |
| Strengths: Experienced linebackers, secondary; running backs are strong | |
| Weaknesses: Holes on offensive line; no punter or kicker types on the roster | |
| Players to watch: Kurt Berry, Sr., LB, 5-11, 190; Quincy Kindred, Sr., RB, 5-9, 203; Demetrius Miller, Sr., DL, 5-11, 220; Caleb Miranda, Sr., RB, 5-9, 190; Wyatt Rollins, Sr., LB, 5-11, 220. | |
| In 2014: Coming off of a solid season, coach Palumbo said he knows it’s going to be difficult to be successful in the new year. “We play in one of the toughest 4A leagues in the state, it’s going to be a battle since it’s such a tough league,” he said. | |
| PUEBLO SOUTH COLTS | |
| Coach: Ryan Goddard, fifth year | |
| 2013 record: 11-2 | |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 39-38 to Montrose in 2013 4A semifinals | |
| PUEBLO WEST CYCLONES | |
| Coach: Monte Pinkerton, 10th year | |
| 2013 record: 7-4 | |
| Last playoff appearance: Lost 35-14 to Pine Creek in 2013 4A first round | |
