The 2016 CHSAA boys soccer tournament begins Thursday on pitches across the state. The Denver Post breaks down everything you need to know about the chase for the 5A state championship:
THE FAVORITES: No. 1 Denver East (15-0) and No. 2 Boulder (15-0) are the only undefeated teams in the tournament, and each has proven capable of playing with the bullseye on its back… Kirk Bast’s Angels are paced by the three-headed offensive monster of Sam Carson, Max Gottesfeld and Eli Miller, and 11 of the team’s wins have come by two goals or more… Hardy Kalisher’s Panthers emerged victorious in an array of arduous Front Range League matches during the last month of the regular season, so expect senior Blaise Werner (13 goals) and Boulder to be ready for any team that comes its way.
THE CONTENDERS: No. 3 Cherry Creek, No. 4 Broomfield, No. 5 Fairview and No. 6 Arapahoe all have the talent and experience to derail either the Angels or the Panthers’ dream for a perfect season… The Bruins (11-4) played the toughest schedule in 5A and haven’t lost to a Colorado team this season, and junior Rykar Kimura is one of the most consistent keepers in the state… The Eagles (12-2-1) are the two-time defending state champions, and senior striker Armando Ocampo along with junior keeper Jose Ogaz have the ability to lead BHS to a three-peat… The Knights (12-3) are led by senior striker Ryan Houseman and are itching for another crack at their elite Front Range League foes… Mark Hampshire’s Warriors (11-4) have garnered goals from 15 different players this season and have scored 17 times in the three games leading into the tournament.
THE DARKHORSES: No. 7 Grandview, No. 10 Mountain Vista and No. 11 Rangeview all have the potential to play spoiler, especially in the latter rounds of the tournament… The Wolves (11-2-2) are catalyzed by sophomore sensation Raymond Jackson… The Golden Eagles (9-4-2) made a state finals run as a 28 seed last fall, so expect junior forward Jake Edmonds, senior midfielder Chase Pacheco and Mountain Vista to be ready again this year… The Raiders (12-2-1) were EMAC champions and are an athletic side as epitomized by senior Jalen Sanchez.
OTHER PLAYERS TO WATCH: No. 18 Vista Ridge (9-6) senior striker Joel Walker leads 5A in goals (20) and points (50)… No. 13 Legacy (10-4-1) striker Tajon Buchanan ranks right behind Walker in goals (19) and points (46), and the senior has another capable forward to compliment him in Bradon O’Connor… No. 23 Bear Creek (10-5) junior midfielder Erik Plascencia is tied for first in the state with 14 assists as the Bears look to upset Mountain Vista in the opening round… No. 20 Arvada West senior keeper Brandon Sheldon is tied for first in 5A with a 0.4 goals against average for an underrated Wildcats team.
