CHSAANow

Tag: Merino

  • A look at returning volleyball stat leaders in 2019

    Silver Creek volleyball
    (Dan Mohrmann/CHSAANow.com)

    If talent heading into 2019 is being judged on where volleyball players sat on the state stat leaders list, there are high-quality players returning this season.

    The 2018 season saw players at all classifications put up impressive numbers throughout the year and in the case of some categories, overall leaders will be right back on the floor when things get rolling this fall.

    Ahead is a look at some of the players that are looking at putting up solid stats once again when the 2019 Colorado volleyball begins next month.

    [divider]

    Kills

    Silver Creek senior Caitlin Volkmann was a wrecking machine last year. She finished the season with the most kills in the state, recording 552 through the course of the season. She was one of just two players in Colorado to record more than 500 kills in 2018. The other was Fleming’s Whitney Chintala who cleared that mark as a freshman and should be one of the premier hitters in the state.

    Eaglecrest’s Audrey Black led all Class 5A hitters with 442 kills and will be back for the Raptors this season. Lutheran’s Payton Brgoch led all 3A returners with 434 and Lyons’ Taylor Maguire had 481 to top all players returning at 2A.

    Aces

    The ability to score a point without the other team returning a serve can be vital to a team’s success. Pikes Peak Christian’s Kyler Sweat returns in 2019 having dished out 87 aces last year to lead players coming back this season. Dawson’s Angelina Sala was just five behind sweat with 82 aces to top the 2A field and she’ll be back as a junior.

    Fossil Ridge’s Rachel Lambrecht recorded 73 aces, topping returning 5A players. In her first year of varsity volleyball, Lincoln’s Evelyn Montalvo-Lopez was tied for third in all of 4A with 70 aces. She’s hoping she can top the field in 2019 as just a sophomore.

    The same can be said for DSST: College View’s Jandel Bracamontes. Her 80 aces were tied with Eagle Ridge Academy’s Emma Cable for second in all of 3A. Both players will be back and trying to strike off the serve for their teams.

    Blocks

    Ellicott’s Dalton Henderson was a nightmare for hitters trying to attack the net. The now-sophomore ranked second in the entire state with 159 blocks last year topping the list of players coming back this season.

    She edged Horizon’s Lauren Strain who led all 5A returners with 157. If Grandview’s Addison O’Grady and Chaparral’s Julianna Dalton are factored in, 5A sees its top three blockers returning in 2019.

    Alameda’s Felicity Trujillo Maldonado tops the returning 4A players with 112. Woodland Park’s Sarah Garner was right behind her with 111.

    Soroco’s Tyla Johnson led 2A returners with 142 and La Veta’s Desi Ortivez led all of 1A 123 and will return as a senior.

    Digs

    Holy Family’s Peyton Frank doesn’t top the list of returning players with the most digs, she led the entire state in the category last year.

    Merino’s Faith Trenkle tops the field of returning 1A players with 642 and Fleming’s Whitney Chintala was also right there at 639. Both players joined Frank as three of the top four leaders across the state last year.

    Rampart’s Grace Wilkinson is the 5A player coming back with the most kills (497) this fall while Sterling’s Jade Feather (571) holds that honor in 3A.

    Highland’s Alyssa Winter led all 2A players with 552 digs last year and will be back as a senior in 2019.

  • All-state girls basketball teams for the 2018-19 season

    The 2018-19 all-state girls basketball teams are presented by CHSAANow.com, ColoradoPreps.com and MaxPreps.

    These teams were created following a lengthy process which included nominations from leagues, and then a week-long vote of coaches.

    A specific player of the year vote was held in each class, as was a vote for coach of the year.

    [divider]

    Class 5A

    Highlands Ranch Cherry Creek girls basketball
    (Kevin Keyser/KeyserImages.com)

    Player of the year: Jana Van Gytenbeek, Cherry Creek

    Coach of the year: Clint Evans, Cherry Creek

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Francesca Belibi Regis Jesuit Senior PF/SF/C
    Alisha Davis Grandview Senior –
    Kasey Neubert Highlands Ranch Senior PF
    Ashley Steffeck Fossil Ridge Senior PG
    Jana Van Gytenbeek Cherry Creek Junior PG
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Raegan Beers Valor Christian Freshman F/C
    Cali Clark Cherry Creek Junior PF/SF
    Alyssa Jimenez Horizon Senior PG
    Allyah Marlett Grandview Senior SG/PG
    Autumn Watts Highlands Ranch Senior PF/SF/C

    Honorable mention: Dezmonea Antwine, Denver East, Senior; Juanita Aragon, Greeley West, Sophomore; Jennessy Aragon, Adams City, Senior; Jamie Bain, Highlands Ranch, Senior; Lauren Betts, Grandview, Freshman; Angel Broadus, Rangeview, Senior; Victoria Cabrera, Prairie View, Senior; Sanee’ Cates, Palmer, Senior; Sydney Daniels, Dakota Ridge, Senior; Samantha Deem, Horizon, Senior; Lexi Eberhardt, Loveland, Senior; Timiya Guevara, Denver South, Sophomore; Makayla Hemingway, Cherokee Trail, Junior; Shamahra Henderson, Thornton, Junior; Emerson Herrmann, Monarch, Senior; Hollie Hoffman, Windsor, Senior; Amy Holland, Mountain Vista, Junior; Denali Hughes, Vista PEAK Prep, Senior; Seairra Hughes, Vista PEAK Prep, Junior; Kacee Kyle, Cherry Creek, Sophomore; Isabel Layne, Fort Collins, Senior; Kaylah Lewis, Brighton, Senior; Halle Mackiewicz, Legacy, Junior; Lydia Marshall, Liberty, Junior; Brionna McBride, Doherty, Senior; Jada Moore, Regis Jesuit, Junior; Shelby Nichols, Ralston Valley, Senior; Kai Padilla, Northglenn, Senior; Steph Peterson, Broomfield, Senior; Jenna Siebert, Valor Christian, Sophomore; Sydney Speights, Chaparral, Senior; Grace Talbot, Chatfield, Freshman; Avery Vansickle, Regis Jesuit, Sophomore; Samiyah Worrell, Fountain-Fort Carson, Senior.

    [divider]

    Class 4A

    Pueblo South Mullen girls basketball
    (Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)

    Player of the year: Gabi Lucero, Pueblo South

    Coach of the year: Frank Cawley, Mullen

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Kylee Blacksten Air Academy Junior G/G
    Claudia Dillon Evergreen Senior PF/C
    Gabi Lucero Pueblo South Senior C
    Megan Pohs Mullen Sophomore –
    Hannah Simental Pueblo West Junior PG
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Serin Dunne Mesa Ridge Junior PG
    Genevieve Gudino Holy Family Sophomore PG/SG
    Sydney Leeper Berthoud Senior PG/SG
    Ashten Prechtel Discovery Canyon Senior C
    D’nae Wilson Sierra Junior PG

    Honorable mention: RaLeigh Basart, Mountain View, Senior; Autumn Boyles, The Classical Academy, Senior; Kharial Clark, Thomas Jefferson, Senior; Nikki Derrell, Sand Creek, Sophomore; Sydnee Durtsche, Thompson Valley, Junior; Breanna Fowler, Berthoud, Sophomore; Gracie Gallegos, Mullen, Freshman; Ximena Gutierrez, Glenwood Springs, Senior; Courtney Hank, Green Mountain, Sophomore; Naomi Hidalgo, Greeley Central, Senior; Lauren Kia, Erie, Senior; Nicole Levine, Evergreen, Sophomore; Liberty Line, Ponderosa, Sophomore; Jocelyn Marquez, Pueblo Central, Junior; Seneya Martinez, Northridge, Freshman; Erin Mauro, Pueblo County, Junior; Kaitlyn McKenzie, Holy Family, Senior; Kennadie Minerich, Montrose, Junior; Amyah Moore, Harrison, Sophomore; Drea Nelson, Pueblo South, Senior; Ally Nichols, Montrose, Junior; Imani Perez, Mullen, Freshman; Ashayla Powers, Skyline, Junior; Aubree Raimer, Greeley Central, Senior; Aaliyah Ricketts, Widefield, Senior; Daija Robbins, Thomas Jefferson, Senior; Kaydee Sims, Weld Central, Sophomore; Zoe Sims, Air Academy, Senior; Masi Smith, Rifle, Senior; Lexi Szathmary, D’Evelyn, Sophomore; Sophia Trujillo, Skyview, Senior; Maya Whiteside, George Washington, Sophomore.

    [divider]

    Class 3A

    St. Mary's Eaton girls bsaketball
    (David Harvey/ImageProPhotography.com)

    Player of the year: Josephine Howery, St. Mary’s

    Coach of the year: Mike Burkett, St. Mary’s

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Megan Engesser Colorado Springs Christian Senior G
    Seneca Hackley St. Mary’s Junior W/SG
    Josephine Howery St. Mary’s Junior PG/SG/W
    Rachel Ingram Colorado Springs Christian Senior G
    Caileen Sienknecht Manitou Springs Senior G
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Bailie Duncan Eaton Senior SG
    Courtney Freeman Cedaredge Senior –
    Hailey Griego Pagosa Springs Junior P
    Kate Webster Lutheran Senior PG/SF/SG
    Devin Wilson Pagosa Springs Senior G

    Honorable mention: Corrie Anderson, Colorado Springs Christian, Junior; Kinlie Brennise, Moffat County, Senior; Emily Broadhurst, Roaring Fork, Junior; Slyvie Caton, Alamosa, Senior; Samantha Chambers, Ellicott, Senior; Shaya Chenoweth, Grand Valley, Senior; Cydnee Collins, Eagle Ridge Academy, Junior; Catherine Cummings, St. Mary’s, Junior; Mikylah Espinosa, The Academy, Freshman; Faith Fetzer, Platte Valley, Senior; Sara Geddes, Delta, Junior; Alejandra Godina, Salida, Senior; Jadalise Gomez, Riverdale Ridge, Freshman; Lilly Johnson, Englewood, Junior; Lilly Lavier, Alamosa, Junior; Amanda Licht, Kent Denver, Freshman; Adet Malbeny, Bishop Machebeuf, Senior; Madelyn Malm, University, Senior; Natalia Miller-Forrest, SkyView Academy, Senior; Brecken Payne, Lamar, Senior; Elisabeth Perl, Resurrection Christian, Senior; Addie Randel, Eaton, Junior; Stephanie Schultz, Lutheran, Sophomore; Breanna Swann, The Vanguard School, Senior; Izzy Swanson, Liberty Common, Sophomore; Taylor Webster, Lake County, Senior; Melissa Wilson, Centauri, Senior.

    [divider]

    Class 2A

    (Dave Gustafson/Yuma Pioneer)

    Player of the year: Cody Robinson, Yuma

    Coach of the year: Bob Rahm, Yuma

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Chasey Blach Yuma Senior C
    Brianna Denton Swink Senior SG/SF
    Kendra Parra Del Norte Junior SG
    Cody Robinson Yuma Senior SG/PG/PF
    Morgan Smith Wray Senior –
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Kegan Hamacher Simla Senior G/F
    Kyla O’Neal Swink Senior /PG
    Abby Snyder Rocky Ford Sophomore G
    Anna Weisensee Limon Senior –
    Laramie Woods Highland Senior –

    Honorable mention: Sydney Adamson, Rye, Freshman; Kara Amidon, Denver Christian, Junior; Asia Caldon, Sanford, Freshman; Sarah Collins, Heritage Christian, Senior; Kaitlyn Day, Dawson School, Junior; Lainie Dillon, Sargent, Senior; Julia Dinwiddie, Meeker, Junior; Viri Escobar, Yuma, Senior; Paige Finegan, Wiggins, Junior; Sidney Hines, Limon, Junior; Tierra Holland, Swink, Senior; Emma Johnson, Heritage Christian, Junior; Lacie Jones, Del Norte, Senior; Taby Jones, Wray, Sophomore; Toni Lopez, Limon, Junior; Kiela Madrid, Del Norte, Senior; Tatum Majors, Dolores, Senior; Shelby Miller, Peyton, Sophomore; Reagan Nolin, Yuma, Junior; Mackenzie Peterson, Sanford, Junior; Whitney Richardi, Colorado Springs School, Sophomore; Megan Shelton, Meeker, Senior; Taeryn Trumper, Holyoke, Junior; Chloe Veilleux, Soroco, Senior; Elissa Velasquez, Dolores Huerta Prep, Junior.

    [divider]

    Class 1A

    Kit Carson Haxtun girls basketball
    (Dustin Price/DustinPricePhotography.com)

    Player of the year: Tess Hornung, Kit Carson

    Coach of the year: Sara Crawford, Kit Carson

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Tess Hornung Kit Carson Senior PF/SG/SF
    Olivia Isenbart Kit Carson Senior C
    Dawson Knode Haxtun Senior P/G/F
    Jessica Slane Sangre de Cristo Senior –
    McKenzie Smith Kit Carson Senior SG/PG
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Kaylee Corsentino La Veta Senior –
    Hope Davies Cripple Creek-Victor Senior –
    Delaney Eskew South Baca [Campo/Vilas/Pritchett] Junior –
    Kendyl Kirkwood Fleming Sophomore F
    Kylie Krise Briggsdale Freshman G

    Honorable mention: Ally Bartholomew, Cheraw, Senior; Molly Brown, Haxtun, Senior; Claire Carlson, Cotopaxi, Junior; Kylee Christensen, Sangre de Cristo, Sophomore; Abby Corona, Sierra Grande, Senior; Whitney Echols, Longmont Christian, Senior; Lauren Fairchild, Ouray, Senior; Tori Goode, Kim/Branson, Senior; Koylynn Gulliford, Cotopaxi, Sophomore; Alyssa Hammel, Mountain Valley/Moffat, Junior; Grace Hatfield, Dove Creek, Sophomore; Frances Hilliard, Shining Mountain, Sophomore; Shelby Hoffman, Briggsdale, Sophomore; Reyna Isenbart, Kit Carson, Junior; Devynn Johnson, North Park, Senior; Haley Johnson, Kit Carson, Senior; Micah Koolstra, Arickaree/Woodlin, Senior; Kimberlyn Krise, Briggsdale, Junior; Jentry Largent, De Beque, Senior; Graycee Lay, Elbert, Senior; Jenna Lengfelder, Fleming, Senior; Brooke Long, Belleview Christian, Senior; Brianna Martinez, Antonito, Senior; Faith Novess, De Beque, Senior; Jordan Parker, McClave, Senior; Lydia Pejsa-Stegner, Merino, Senior; Ryely Smartt, Genoa-Hugo/Karval, Junior; Marisa Vazquez, Wiley, Senior; Kaylee Wilson, Eads, Senior; Kirsten Wood, Weldon Valley, Senior.

  • All-state boys basketball teams for the 2018-19 season

    The 2018-19 all-state boys basketball teams are presented by CHSAANow.com, ColoradoPreps.com and MaxPreps.

    These teams were created following a lengthy process which included nominations from leagues, and then a week-long vote of coaches.

    A specific player of the year vote was held in each class, as was a vote for coach of the year.

    [divider]

    Class 5A

    Smoky Hill Mountain Vista boys basketball
    (Kevin Keyser/KeyserImages.com)

    Player of the year: Kenny Foster, Smoky Hill

    Coach of the year: Shawn Palmer, Rangeview

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Kenny Foster Smoky Hill Senior G
    Quincey Jewett Rangeview Senior P
    Luke O’Brien Columbine Junior SG
    Dayne Prim Grandview Senior C/F
    Kobe Sanders Chaparral Junior PG/SG
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Daniel Carr Regis Jesuit Senior C
    Jodaun Dotson Rangeview Senior PG/SG
    Austin Holt ThunderRidge Senior PG
    Graham Ike Overland Junior C/PF
    Christopher Speller Rangeview Junior SG

    Honorable mention: Tyce Baldwin, Fossil Ridge, Sophomore; Ian Barnes, Fruita Monument, Junior; Rashon Barron, Fountain-Fort Carson, Senior; Aaron Bokol, Eaglecrest, Senior; Mark Dolan, Fairview, Senior; Jaylen Eikenberg, Rock Canyon, Senior; Ben Grusing, Mountain Vista, Senior; Julian Hammond III, Cherry Creek, Sophomore; Chase Hettinger, Castle View, Senior; Kendale Johnson, George Washington, Sophomore; Grant Karger, Bear Creek, Senior; Keyshawn Maltbia, Fountain-Fort Carson, Junior; Kwane Marble, Denver East, Senior; Bryce Matthews, Chaparral, Senior; Simon May, Mountain Vista, Senior; Caleb McGill, Grandview, Junior; Darien Meyers, Palmer, Senior; Isaac Ondekane, Mullen, Junior; Josh Rogers, Arvada West, Senior; Roger Rosengarten, Valor Christian, Junior; Brayden Schlitt, Brighton, Senior; Andre Sepeda, Greeley West, Senior; Hezekiah Swanson, Overland, Junior; Brendan Temple, Douglas County, Senior.

    [divider]

    Class 4A

    Longmont Lewis-Palmer boys basketball
    (Marlee Smith/CHSAANow.com)

    Player of the year: Joel Scott, Lewis-Palmer

    Coach of the year: Bill Benton, Lewis-Palmer

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Javonte Johnson Cheyenne Mountain Junior SG/SF
    Matthew Ragsdale Lewis-Palmer Senior SG/PG
    Brady Renck Longmont Senior PG
    Mac Riniker Steamboat Springs Senior G/PF/PG
    Joel Scott Lewis-Palmer Senior F/G
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Noah Baca Lewis-Palmer Senior PG/SG
    Tanner Baird Holy Family Senior SG/PG
    Donta Dawson Harrison Sophomore SF/PF
    Kain Medrano Pueblo East Senior G
    Beck Page Longmont Senior SG/SF

    Honorable mention: Kevin Ayon, Glenwood Springs, Senior; Ilja Bubukin, Golden, Senior; Wyatt Buller, Summit, Senior; Sebastian Campbell, Palisade, Senior; Skye Ciccarelli, Woodland Park, Senior; Spencer Conway, Greeley Central, Senior; James Felton, Lincoln, Senior; Ty Foster, Lincoln, Junior; Angel Garcia, Glenwood Springs, Senior; Logan Garcia, Pueblo West, Senior; Taylor Harris, Pueblo West, Junior; Jackson Hayslip, Greeley Central, Senior; Kyle Helbig, Holy Family, Senior; Connor Imus, Montrose, Junior; Adam Jolly, Holy Family, Senior; Owen Koonce, Centaurus, Junior; Griffin Lauritano, Evergreen, Sophomore; Joe Lombardelli, Northridge, Senior; Kevin Loy, Erie, Sophomore; Nico Martin, Pueblo Central, Senior; Blair McVicker, Wheat Ridge, Senior; Gabe Rall, Canon City, Senior; Calvin Seamons, Longmont, Senior; Noah Sena, Weld Central, Junior; Lane Sherwood, Pueblo County, Senior; Kade Walker, The Classical Academy, Junior; Landon Wallace, Conifer, Junior; Jax Wilke, Mead, Senior.

    [divider]

    Class 3A

    MAnual Vanguard boys basketball
    (David Harvey/ImageProPhotography.com)

    Player of the year: Jaedon Bowles, Manual

    Coach of the year: Omar Henry, Manual

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Jaedon Bowles Manual Senior SF/SG
    Dominique Clifford The Vanguard School Junior –
    Seth Fuqua The Vanguard School Senior –
    Jaden Stoffell Manual Junior PG/SG
    Andray Thomas Jr. DSST: Stapleton Senior SG/PG
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Andrew Baier Delta Senior –
    Amerie Collins Bruce Randolph Senior –
    James Doyle Kent Denver Senior –
    Carter Keil Sterling Senior SG/PG
    Matt Thompson Lutheran Senior –

    Honorable mention: John Ames, Delta, Senior; Cordell Baer, Montezuma-Cortez, Senior; Bryson Becker, Platte Valley, Senior; Jonathan Cosme, KIPP Denver Collegiate, Junior; Brenden Crowther, Alamosa, Junior; Damion Daniels, Ridge View Academy, Senior; Davion Davis, Manual, Senior; DeAnte Dennis, Colorado Academy, Senior; Kevin DiMarco, Coal Ridge, Senior; Hayden Farmer, Bayfield, Senior; Jayson Frank, Sterling, Senior; Isaac Gallegos, The Academy, Senior; Martin Garcia, Centauri, Senior; Myles Godina, Salida, Sophomore; Timothy Huston, DSST: Green Valley Ranch, Junior; Reece Johnson, Resurrection Christian, Junior; Elijah Jones, Sheridan, Junior; David Mascarenas, Monte Vista, Senior; Connor Murphy, Moffat County, Senior; Keon Nieto, The Pinnacle, Senior; Jon Nuschy, La Junta, Senior; Jeet Pathak, Lutheran, Senior; Nathaniel Plaisted, James Irwin, Senior; Keyon Prior, Bayfield, Senior; Ivan Quezada, Fort Lupton, Senior; Kurvonte Rice, Jefferson, Senior; Jackson Romero, Resurrection Christian, Junior; Caleb Ruter, Faith Christian, Junior; Colton Shalla, Sterling, Senior; Mason Snarr, Pagosa Springs, Junior; Elijah Thatch, DSST: Byers, Junior; Kyrie Thomas, DSST: Byers, Junior; Kolby Walker, Colorado Springs Christian, Senior; Hunter Wood, Gunnison, Junior.

    [divider]

    Class 2A

    2A state basketball Fowler Yuma
    (Ray Chen/ArrayPhoto.com)

    Player of the year: Jakob Chrisman, Yuma

    Coach of the year: Dave Sheffield, Yuma

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Koby Anderson Highland Senior SF
    Tate Bessire Highland Junior PG/SG
    Jakob Chrisman Yuma Senior C
    Val Leone Fowler Sophomore G/P
    Jarett Rushton Holly Senior –
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Zane Denton Fowler Senior G/P
    Chase McCreath Yuma Junior SF
    Clay Robinson Yuma Freshman G
    Camden Smithburg Limon Sophomore –
    Rhett Tristan Davis Byers Senior PF

    Honorable mention: Josiah Bowsher, Heritage Christian, Senior; Matt Chavez, Colorado Springs School, Senior; Kade Glover, Del Norte, Senior; David Lozano, Paonia, Senior; Brad Mazerall, Simla, Senior; Hayden McCuen, Byers, Senior; Zack McKeever, Vail Christian, Senior; Johnathan Mobbley, Fowler, Junior; Alec Moritz, Vail Christian, Junior; Brigden Parker, Holly, Sophomore; TJ Peter, South Park, Senior; Jakob Peterson, Sanford, Senior; Devin Porres, Center, Junior; Stevenson Reynolds, Plateau Valley, Junior; Michael Rushton, Holly, Senior; Angel Salinas, Dolores Huerta Prep, Senior; Brady Shelley, Byers, Senior; Caden Showalter, Mancos, Junior; Christian Still, Dayspring Christian Academy, Sophomore; Tristen Swagerty, Dolores, Senior; Kory Tacha, Limon, Sophomore; Quamon Williams, Crowley County, Junior.

    [divider]

    Class 1A

    De Beque Sangre de Cristo boys basketball
    (Dustin Price/DustinPricePhotography.com)

    Player of the year: Wes Ryan, De Beque

    Coach of the year: Jake Higuera, De Beque

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Nathan Batt Merino Senior –
    Cole Christensen Sangre de Cristo Junior –
    Joey Gerk Haxtun Senior –
    Brennan Rigsby De Beque Sophomore –
    Wes Ryan De Beque Sophomore –
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Braden Anderson Haxtun Senior –
    Dillon Bumgardner De Beque Senior SG/SF
    Braydan Hekkers Evangelical Christian Senior SF
    Jason Holt Evangelical Christian Junior PG
    Jayden McCombs-Farmer Kit Carson Junior PG/SG

    Honorable mention: Bryce Carlstrom, North Park, Senior; Jade Cass, Prairie, Senior; Antonio Cordova, Primero, Sophomore; Beau Dukes, Springfield, Senior; Blake Essex, Mile High Academy, Sophomore; Casper Freedle, Creede, Senior; Whitt Freeman, Edison, Senior; Cullen Glosson, Otis, Senior; Chance Gulliford, Cotopaxi, Junior; Ty Hunt, Otis, Senior; Devin Littlefield, Prairie, Senior; Bryson Long, Peetz, Senior; Manuel Lopez, Sangre de Cristo, Senior; Ben Miller, Genoa-Hugo/Karval, Senior; Bryar Morgan, Kiowa, Senior; Logan Owen, Belleview Christian, Sophomore; Wyatt Patton, Briggsdale, Junior; Quade Pelton, Cheyenne Wells, Junior; Kevin Ramirez, Arickaree/Woodlin, Senior; Dylan Renquist, Walsh, Junior; Jake Slane, Sangre de Cristo, Senior; Sam Smith, Pikes Peak Christian, Senior; David Snare, Cripple Creek-Victor, Senior; Shadow Varnado, South Baca [Campo/Vilas/Pritchett], Junior; Josiah Vasquez, Cheraw, Senior; Brandt Vos, Cornerstone Christian Academy, Senior; Deric Woods, Front Range Baptist, Senior.

  • All-state football teams for the 2018 season

    The 2018 all-state football teams are presented by CHSAANow.com, ColoradoPreps.com and MaxPreps.

    These teams were created following a lengthy process which included nominations from leagues, and then a vote of head coaches across the state.

    Players were placed onto the first-team, second-team and honorable mention based upon the number of votes they received. In 5A-1A, spots were reserved for linemen and one kicker/punter, while 8-man reserved spots for linemen.

    CHSAA does not determine who makes or doesn’t make the team; they are created from the results of the coaches’ vote.

    [divider]

    Class 5A

    Fairview Horizon football
    (Steve Oathout)

    Player of the year: Aidan Atkinson, Fairview

    Coach of the year: Ed McCaffrey, Valor Christian

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Elijah Anderson-Taylor Eaglecrest Senior LB/RB
    Aidan Atkinson Fairview Junior QB
    Reece Atteberry Eaglecrest Junior OT/DE
    Jordan Billingsley Grandview Senior RB
    Logan DeArment Columbine Senior QB/CB
    Andrew Gentry Columbine Junior G/OT
    Aidan Ikaika Keanaaina Mullen Junior NG/G
    Dylan James Eaglecrest Senior QB/RB
    Austin Johnson Highlands Ranch Senior G/DT
    Spencer Lambert ThunderRidge Senior RB/CB
    Carson Lee Cherry Creek Junior OT/C
    Michael Lynn Cherry Creek Senior OT
    Kiahn Martinez Regis Jesuit Senior RB
    Luke McCaffrey Valor Christian Senior QB
    Barrett Miller Eaglecrest Senior OT/DT
    Alex Padilla Cherry Creek Senior QB
    Alec Pell Cherry Creek Senior FB/RB/LB
    Billy Pospisil Pomona Senior WR/FS
    Cian Quiroga Valor Christian Senior OT/DT
    Brad Roberts Ralston Valley Senior RB/LB
    Roger Rosengarten Valor Christian Junior DT/DE
    Mason Schultz Grandview Senior OL/OC/DL
    Cobi Wood Grandview Senior K
    Ethan Zemla Valor Christian Senior MLB/TE
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Alijah Bates Doherty Senior OT/DE
    Garrett Bishop Pomona Junior OT
    Henry Blackburn Fairview Junior WR/FS
    Carson Brantley Cherry Creek Senior FS/SS
    Cade Bruckman Grandview Junior MLB/FB
    Corbin Curry Columbine Senior  
    Ben Earnest Columbine Senior OL/DL
    Ethan Frasier ThunderRidge Senior MLB
    Matt Greenwald Fairview Senior WR/DB
    Andrew Grout Castle View Senior OT/DL
    Jack Howell Valor Christian Sophomore QB/WR/FS
    Hayden Isenhart Grandview Senior DE/TE
    Austin Jandik Cherokee Trail Junior DL/MLB
    Justin Lohrenz Columbine Junior TE/DE
    Chase Lopez Valor Christian Junior WR/DB/ATH
    Kevin Lukasiewicz Arapahoe Senior QB/P
    Chris McEahern Arvada West Senior WR
    Dylan Morrill Columbine Senior G/DE
    Colten Muller Pomona Senior WR/QB
    Maxwell Nwokeuwu ThunderRidge Senior OL/DL
    Braden Siders Ralston Valley Junior DE
    Jake Steinmetz Boulder Senior CB/WR
    Isaac Townsend Ralston Valley Senior DE/TE

    Honorable mention: JJ Augustus, Eaglecrest, Senior, WR/CB; Tyler Banks, Fairview, Senior, OL/DL; Alex Bishard, Legacy, Senior, G/DT; Grayson Blackmon, Cherry Creek, Junior, DT; Vance Brazile, Cherry Creek, Senior, TE; Manuel Corrales, Westminster, Junior, OL/DL; Brian Crespo, Poudre, Junior, OL; Erik Delgado, Far Northeast Warriors, Senior, K/P; Bryce DesJardins, Fairview, Senior, WR/CB; Elijah Ewing, Denver East, Senior, WR/DB; Aaron Franklin, Denver East, Junior, WR/DB; Ryan Gilmore, ThunderRidge, Senior, QB; Thomas Harries, Ralston Valley, Senior, FS/WR; Zach Heckman, Fossil Ridge, Senior, G/OT; David Hoage, Smoky Hill, Senior, RB/MLB; Pierce Holley, Lakewood, Senior, QB; Cole Jesch, Ralston Valley, Senior, OT/C; Q Jones, Fountain-Fort Carson, Sophomore, RB/FS/SS; Adam Karas, Pomona, Junior, OT; Luke Keefe, Regis Jesuit, Senior, DE/DT; Dakota Key, Legacy, Junior, RB/LB; Casey Knutsen, Fossil Ridge, Senior, SS/RB/P; Colin Lavell, Legend, Senior, OT/G; Ryan Le, Mountain Vista, Senior, G/C; Brady Legault, Arvada West, Senior, G/DT; Devon Lobato, Doherty, Senior, FS; Geno Macias, Regis Jesuit, Senior, LB/SS; JP Martinez, Westminster, Senior, OL/DL; Mikey McClelland, Chaparral, Senior, DT/DE; Raymond Mclaughlin, Fountain-Fort Carson, Senior, C; Kyle Moretti, Pomona, Junior, MLB/FB; Sam Motzkus, ThunderRidge, Senior, DE; Brandy Okeke, Grandview, Senior, DE/LB; Trustin Oliver, Legend, Senior, WR; Lance Opp, Highlands Ranch, Senior, WR/LB; Cole Oster, Castle View, Senior, S/RB; Matt Pando, Northglenn, Senior, C; Dadrian Paris, Horizon, Senior, WR; Cole Parrott, Columbine, Senior, DL/TE/LS; Dayne Prim, Grandview, Senior, WR; Jalon’e Rice, Overland, Senior, WR/CB; Scott Ruckel, ThunderRidge, Senior, WR; Myles Ruiz, Cherokee Trail, Senior, DB/WR; Obasanjo Sanni, Smoky Hill, Junior, RB; Gavin Sawchuk, Valor Christian, Freshman, WR; Ben Schneider, Ralston Valley, Senior, LB/MLB; Liban Shongolo, Adams City, Senior, QB/SS; Malik Sparrow, Cherokee Trail, Senior, RB; Preston Stansel, Boulder, Senior, ATH; Grant Stewartson, Highlands Ranch, Junior, OL/DL; Jack Thiele, Pomona, Senior, SS/CB; Anthony Thomas, Rangeview, Junior, G/DT.

    [divider]

    Class 4A

    Loveland Skyline football
    (David Harvey/ImageProPhotography.com)

    Player of the year: Zach Weinmaster, Loveland

    Coach of the year: Wayne McGinn, Loveland

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Garrett Beckman Greeley West Senior OT/G
    Ryder Blair Ponderosa Senior LB/TE
    Brenden Bower Loveland Senior C/NG
    Travis Bretches Loveland Senior DE/G
    Steven Croell Broomfield Senior QB
    Bryce Delahoy Rampart Senior RB/NG
    Ethan Drewes Skyline Senior MLB/OT/DT
    Chris Eckerman Montrose Senior RB/DB
    Jered Garcia Dakota Ridge Senior RB
    Jeremy Hollingsworth Skyline Senior RB
    Anthony Johnston Chatfield Senior OT/DE
    Kaden Jolley Fruita Monument Senior DE
    Riley Kinney Loveland Senior QB
    Isaiah Meyers Loveland Senior CB/SB
    David Moore III Pine Creek Junior RB/CB
    Cody Rakowsky Loveland Senior RB/CB
    Telvin Townsend Longmont Senior OT/FB
    Ethan Waite Ponderosa Senior DE/FB
    Deonte Washington Vista Ridge Senior DE/LB
    Zach Weinmaster Loveland Senior RB/SS
    Derek West Greeley West Senior RB/SS
    Kyle West Skyline Senior WR/LB
    Charlie Wildermuth Chatfield Senior K/WR
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Cade Balleweg Grand Junction Central Senior WR/RB/ATH
    Hunter Barnes Chatfield Senior RB
    Sean Boylan Loveland Senior MLB/FB
    Ryan Capasso Broomfield Senior LB/OT
    Thomas Ceniceros Montrose Senior DT/OL
    Matthew Eich Broomfield Sophomore K
    Drake Engelking Longmont Senior RB/FB
    Alex France Standley Lake Senior QB/DB
    Travis Heath Fruita Monument Senior OL/DL
    Matthew Heitmann Dakota Ridge Junior OL/DL/LS
    Tanner Hickey Grand Junction Central Senior FS/SS
    Frankie Ingraldi Widefield Senior RB/LB
    Kyle Jameson Pueblo West Senior FS/WR
    Max Lofy Pine Creek Junior ATH
    LaDarius Mays Coronado Junior RB/FS
    Collin Morrison Loveland Senior DE
    Treyton Queen Fruita Monument Senior FB/DE
    Marc Rocha Standley Lake Senior OL/DL
    Ryan Ruger Broomfield Senior G/OT
    Chase Silva Skyline Sophomore QB/FS
    Levi Taylor Ponderosa Senior OT
    Jack Walters Golden Senior WR/FS
    Adam Weaver Pine Creek Senior G/DT

    Honorable mention: Donovan Andrus, Grand Junction, Senior, DE/OG; Cauy Boulden, Montrose, Senior, WR/DB; Andre Brown, Greeley West, Senior, DE; Blake Bucca, Standley Lake, Senior, OL/DL; Ricky Childers, Skyline, Senior, G/NG; Drake Cortez, Brighton, Senior, WR/RB/CB; Oakley Dehning, Longmont, Senior, QB; Michael Deschene, Loveland, Senior, MLB/FB; Sam Dirks, Silver Creek, Senior, DT/DE; Nick Faraca, Centaurus, Junior, QB; Austin Fiala, Monarch, Junior, RB/MLB; Alex Guzman, Bear Creek, Senior, OT; Isaac Hesse, Skyline, Senior, OT/DL; Kevin Hooks, Cheyenne Mountain, Senior, DB/WR; Soren Howard, Wheat Ridge, Senior, OT/DE/TE; Joe Hufford, Ponderosa, Junior, WR/K/Ret.; Christian Jones, Air Academy, Junior, DL/OL; Noah Karwacki, Vista Peak Prep, Senior, K/P; Emmert Kastendieck, Montrose, Junior, RB/CB; Faleao Leatiota, Mesa Ridge, Senior, NG/C; Jacob Lee, Pueblo West, Senior, DL; Max Marsh, Grand Junction Central, Junior, QB; Braden Martinez, Windsor, Senior, LB/DB; Chandler Mason, Pueblo West, Junior, QB/LB/MLB; Nejon McCray, Denver South, Senior, DE/DT; Kolton Miller, Ponderosa, Sophomore, WR/Ret.; Micaylon Moore, Fort Collins, Senior, WR/DB/Ret.; Gianni Palazzo, Heritage, Senior, QB/SB; Joey Piacenza, Greeley West, Senior, TE/LB; Harlan Potts, Hinkley, Senior, MLB/OT; Elias Rolfe, Pine Creek, Junior, DE; Zach Rush, Fruita Monument, Senior, QB/C; Tyler Schemp, Greeley Central, Senior, OL/DL; Joshua Sharpes, Loveland, Senior, OT; Cole Simmons, Montrose, Junior, OL/LB; Chris Smith, Liberty, Senior, TE/LB; Michael Thompson, Aurora Central, Senior, MLB/TE; Andy Vickery, Heritage, Junior, G/NG; Jack Wathen, Skyline, Senior, WR/LB; Cameron White, Rampart, Senior, G/NG; Elijah Williams, Gateway, Senior, LB/WR.

    [divider]

    Class 3A

    Pueblo East Palmer Ridge football
    (Chris Fehrm/Chris Fehrm Photography)

    Player of the year: Ty Evans, Palmer Ridge

    Coach of the year: Al Melo, Harrison

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Griffin Anderson Discovery Canyon Senior K
    Luc Andrada Pueblo East Senior QB/CB
    Jason Bruce Palisade Senior RB/CB
    Gage Clawson Discovery Canyon Junior G/MLB
    Carl Cox Palisade Junior G/ILB
    Aidan Cullen Palmer Ridge Senior DE/OT/ATH
    Jacob Dillon Palmer Ridge Senior DT
    Ty Evans Palmer Ridge Senior QB
    Nathan Hackney Erie Senior DT/G
    Kyle Helbig Holy Family Senior TE/WR/DE
    Daveon Hunter Thomas Jefferson Junior LB/RB
    Mitchell Jefferis Palmer Ridge Senior OC
    Kain Medrano Pueblo East Senior WR/FS
    Jaymeson Nelms Erie Senior DE/TE
    Isaiah Padilla Lewis-Palmer Senior G/DT
    Anthony Roberson II Palmer Ridge Junior CB/SB
    Dominic Robles Pueblo East Senior DT/OT
    Noah Roper Erie Senior RB/FS/CB
    Aumiere Shedrick Harrison Senior RB/DL
    Jaden Sparks Palmer Ridge Senior WR/MLB
    Cameron Tucker Palisade Junior QB/FS
    Evan Walsh Lewis-Palmer Senior RB/CB/Ret.
    Orlando Westbrook-Sanchez III Harrison Senior QB/DB
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Zack Anderson Discovery Canyon Senior QB
    Spencer Brooks Erie Senior OT/LB
    Cody Bruce Palmer Ridge Junior OL/DL
    Braden Christie Pueblo South Senior  
    Julian Custine Erie Senior K/P
    Brennen DiBella Mead Senior OT
    Luke Gair Glenwood Springs Senior SB/SS
    Patrick Gonzales Pueblo East Senior RB/SB/MLB
    JP Hamer Fort Morgan Senior RB
    Isaac Linker Fort Morgan Senior QB/MLB
    Dawson Marcum Durango Senior RB/SS
    Quinn Meinert Green Mountain Junior LB
    Ryan Monteleone Discovery Canyon Senior RB/CB
    Nick Norris Fort Morgan Junior OT
    Jay Olson Mead Senior TE/DE
    Logan Robinson Frederick Senior DE/G
    Jeremiah Runco Pueblo East Senior DT/OT
    Brandon Samora Pueblo East Senior OT/G/DT
    Joel Scott Lewis-Palmer Senior TE/LB
    Keshaun Taylor Thomas Jefferson Junior WR/DB
    Trey Towndrow Green Mountain Junior QB/RB
    Miron Washburn Harrison Senior OL/DL
    Will Woodward Evergreen Senior OL/DL

    Honorable mention: Joseph Alejo, Palisade, Junior, TE/LB; Austin Ban, Steamboat Springs, Senior, RB/LB; Will Banks, Green Mountain, Junior, DE; Cayden Camper, Pueblo County, Senior, K/P; Dante Ciaravola, Frederick, Senior, RB/SB/WR; Zak Cossette, Eagle Valley, 0, RB/MLB; Sebastian Dalton, Holy Family, Senior, DT/RB; Hector Escobar, Battle Mountain, Senior, DT/OT/LS; Ben Haefeli, Evergreen, Senior, FS/RB/CB; Ben Hersam, Mitchell, Senior, RB/MLB; Jahvell Johnson-Humphrey, George Washington, Senior, WR/CB; Marcus Kemm, Skyview, Senior, CB/SB; Michael Kumlin, Kennedy, Senior, LB/TE; Tanner Leise, Mead, Senior, DE; Matt Lyons, Harrison, Senior, OL/LB; Nico Martin, Pueblo Central, Senior, RB/WR; Nathaniel Mesa, Harrison, Senior, OL/DL; Taylor Morgan, Summit, Senior, DT/OT/G; Gabe Morgan, Canon City, Junior, OL/DL; Cameron Nellor, Thompson Valley, Junior, SB/QB/SS; Buddie Niccoli, Pueblo Centennial, Senior, RB/LB; Gavin Orbus, Holy Family, Senior, OL; Dorian Pacheco, Lutheran, Freshman, RB/LB; Grant Pullen, George Washington, Senior, DE/TE; Alex Rodriguez, Glenwood Springs, Senior, G/DT; Caleb Sherrill, Falcon, Senior, LB/RB; Cole Sniff, Pueblo South, Senior, RB/FB; Max Tafoya, Denver North, Senior, OT/DT; Nick Wall, Roosevelt, Senior, WR/CB; Carver Willis, Durango, Junior, OT/DT.

    [divider]

    Class 2A

    La Junta Platte Valley football
    (Lance Wendt/LanceWendt.com)

    Player of the year: Jon Nuschy, La Junta

    Coach of the year: Ty Buderus, La Junta

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Ty Addington La Junta Senior C/DE
    Ty Beaman Berthoud Senior DE/OT
    Vince Deleo Salida Senior MLB/FB/RB
    Isaac Harris Sterling Senior SB/CB
    David Hawkins Bayfield Senior LB/RB
    Kyle Hecker Resurrection Christian Senior OT/MLB
    Noah Hollander Aspen Senior WR/FS
    Gryphin Hooper Platte Valley Junior OT/DE
    Peter Kuppinger Resurrection Christian Senior DE
    David Nagy Faith Christian Senior RB
    Jon Nuschy La Junta Senior QB/SS
    Hunter Paxton Sterling Senior OT/DT
    Alberto Perez Platte Valley Junior TB/LB/K
    Jake Reardon Basalt Senior RB/DB
    Jake Reuss Basalt Senior OL/LB
    Trevor Reuss Basalt Senior QB/LB
    Ernesto Rios Platte Valley Senior TB/LB/P
    Jacob Tafoya La Junta Senior OT/NG
    Jacob Thielen Faith Christian Senior LB/OL
    Tanner Vines Rifle Senior RB/MLB
    Wyatt Warfel Rifle Senior C/DE
    Trevon Wehrman Platte Valley Senior QB
    Zane Zuhlke Resurrection Christian Senior FS/WR
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Jordan Abbott Faith Christian Senior S/WR
    Connor Aragon Pagosa Springs Senior RB/MLB
    Aiden Barrios Delta Senior OL/DL
    Holt Brashears Salida Senior DE/C
    Jake Braun D’Evelyn Junior OT/DE
    Matthew Broughton Montezuma-Cortez Senior FB/LB
    Brendan Bunting Platte Valley Senior WR/DB
    Zach Busmente Sterling Junior MLB/OT
    Ty Garnhart Eaton Senior QB/SS/FS
    Christian Lamb Faith Christian Senior G
    Joey Licht Kent Denver Senior QB/DB
    Isaac Lorenzen Bayfield Senior NG/OT
    Kyle Lueck Resurrection Christian Senior RB/LB
    Armondo Martinez Alamosa Senior G/DE
    Noah Miles D’Evelyn Senior ILB/WR/P
    Keyon Prior Bayfield Senior RB/CB
    Alex Riedel Resurrection Christian Senior LB/RB
    Eli Smith Salida Senior WR/LB
    Reece Ullery Elizabeth Senior RB/FS
    John Van Hattem Resurrection Christian Senior OC
    James Waddles La Junta Senior OT/DE
    Daniel Westbrook Bayfield Senior DE/OT
    Josh Yancey Platte Valley Junior WB/DB

    Honorable mention: Jared Baker, Moffat County, Senior, G/DE; Andrew Borquez, Alameda, Senior, DL/OL; Antonio Chavez, La Junta, Junior, RB/LB; Bryson Cox, Woodland Park, Sophomore, TE/DE; Garrett Craig, The Classical Academy, Senior, OL/DL; Henry Fritzler, Eaton, Senior, DT/G; Hadley Holloway, Bennett, Senior, OT/DT; Dillon Jonsson, Aspen, Senior, OT/DT; Walker Kee, Lamar, Junior; Tyler Kissler, Valley, Senior, CB/WR; Ben Kuhnel, Middle Park, Senior, WR/S/ATH; Dillon Lucas, Prospect Ridge Academy, Senior, RB/LB; John Paul Luebbers, Bishop Machebeuf, Senior, G/DE; Goskany Luquin, Basalt, Senior, DE/OL; Ethan Mackley, Rifle, Junior, G/DE; Ryan Malden, La Junta, Junior, QB/RB; Grady Mandl, The Academy, Senior, WR/CB; Alex Maravilla, Eaton, Senior, MLB/OT; Caleb Miramontes, Delta, Senior, RB/LB; Swayde Noyes, Montezuma-Cortez, Senior, OT/DE; Danny Pelphrey, Berthoud, Senior, WR/DB; Antonio Rivera, Alamosa, Senior, MLB; Riley Romero, La Junta, Senior, WR; Nick Segal, University, Senior, LB/RB; Damian Spell, Coal Ridge, Junior, DT/OG/G; Brady Sullivan, D’Evelyn, Senior, ILB/OG; Angel Villarruel, Englewood, Junior, OL/DL; Mark Walvoord, Kent Denver, Senior, OL/DL; Nick Wellen, Brush, Junior, RB/MLB; Ethan Winden, Weld Central, Senior; Hunter Zentz, Manitou Springs, Senior, WR/CB.

    [divider]

    Class 1A

    (Alan Versaw/stoutroadsportspage.com)

    Player of the year: Cannan Bennett, Limon

    Coach of the year: Mike O’Dwyer, Limon

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    James Amick Meeker Senior DL/OL
    Cannan Bennett Limon Senior QB/LB
    Logan Blevins Platte Canyon Senior OT/DT
    Peyton Brones Colorado Springs Christian Junior MLB/FB
    Owen Busetti Florence Sophomore MLB/RB
    Bennie Chacon Centauri Senior OT/DT
    Adam Chacon Centauri Junior MLB/G
    Tristan Crowther Centauri Senior DE/WR
    Eddie Duron Strasburg Senior G/MLB
    Hauk Hubbard Limon Senior RB/LB
    Chris Lopez Monte Vista Senior OT/DE
    Logan Marx Limon Junior OL/DL
    Greg Olsen Colorado Springs Christian Senior  
    Ryan Phelan Meeker Sophomore QB/DE
    Braden Sandersfeld Limon Senior WR/DB
    JC Spence Strasburg Senior FS/RB
    Kory Tacha Limon Sophomore RB/LB
    Jesus Trejo Holyoke Senior MLB/RB
    Luis Villalpando Meeker Senior LB/K/G
    Trevor Walker Peyton Senior RB/LB
    Wyatt Warren Strasburg Senior MLB/RB
    Braden Witzel Burlington Senior  
    Javier Zamora Limon Senior OL/DL
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Morgan Arnold Limon Senior OL/DL
    Chase Beckner Holyoke 0 DT/G
    Carson Berghuis Wray Junior DE/OT
    Jaykhale Boiter Jefferson Senior NG/G
    Cannon Buford Crowley County Senior OT/NG
    Gabriel Calhoun St. Mary’s Senior ATH
    Joe Dunn Colorado Springs Christian Sophomore  
    Anthony Felice Paonia Senior RB/LB
    Daniel Frates Peyton Senior DT/G
    Jim Gabriel Buena Vista Junior OT/DT
    Lucas Gerding Clear Creek Senior QB/FS/ATH
    Josh Gonzales Peyton Senior RB/FS
    Eli Hanks Meeker Senior RB/LB
    J.D. Hart Peyton Senior WR/CB
    Cade Hillman Wray Senior RB/MLB
    Javier Lancaster Florence Junior OG/NG
    Zach Martin Centauri Senior WR/CB
    Deontay Martinez Centauri Senior C/DE
    Blake Mosenteen Holyoke 0 RB/SS
    Levi Peterson Paonia Junior OT/DE
    Kurvonte Rice Jefferson Senior SB/QB
    Trevor Tinajera Platte Canyon Senior FS/TE
    Kaidon Wenta Monte Vista Junior RB/LB

    Honorable mention: Koby Anderson, Highland, Senior, TE/LB; Lukas Baltzer, Colorado Springs Christian, Senior; Rian Chavez, Colorado Springs Christian, Sophomore, MLB; Bert Chrastil, Estes Park, Senior, RB/LB; Taylor Clark, Grand Valley, Senior, DE/TE; Edward Cruz, Cornerstone Christian Academy, Senior, OL/DL; Adrian Diaz De Leon, The Pinnacle, Senior, RB/LB/SS; Zach Dube, Cornerstone Christian Academy, Senior, QB/DL; Abraham Echauri, Center, Freshman, WR/CB/ATH; Jase Lantto, Peyton, Junior, DL/OL; Carlos Lopez, Center, Senior, OT/DT/FB; Ivan Martinez Pantaleon, The Pinnacle, Senior, OL/DL/K; Jacob Miller, St. Mary’s, Junior, WR/DB; Grey Neal, Paonia, Junior, QB/LB; Jonathan Pena, Grand Valley, Senior, RB/SB/SS; Jared Reynolds, Cedaredge, Senior, LB/QB; Ricardo Rocha, Rocky Ford, Junior, OL/DL; Ben Sanchez, Clear Creek, Senior, WR/DB; Trevor Smith, Strasburg, Junior, C/DT; Logan Stewart, Highland, Senior, QB/DB; Chad Sutherland, Strasburg, Junior, G/DT; Daniel Tena, Burlington, Senior; David Trujillo, Rocky Ford, Senior, WR/DB; Wesley Van Matre, John Mall, Junior, RB/LB; Taj VanderLinde, Cedaredge, Senior, DL/OL; Lane Walter, Crowley County, Senior, DE/G; Malaki Walters, Florence, Senior, LB/OG; Quamon Williams, Crowley County, Junior; Luke Yates, Buena Vista, Junior, WR/FS.

    [divider]

    8-man

    Denver Broncos High School Media Day
    (Gabriel Christus/Denver Broncos)

    Player of the year: Layne Green, Sedgwick County

    Coach of the year: Chris Michel, Sedgwick County

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Eric Alcala Sedgwick County Senior C/DT
    Luis Dominguez West Grand Senior QB/DB
    Quinton Flanscha Fowler Senior RB/CB
    Matt Frank Merino Senior RB/CB
    Layne Green Sedgwick County Senior RB/DE
    Jordan Knight West Grand Senior OG/LB
    Jace Logan Soroco Senior RB/ILB
    Trysten Moltrer Hoehne Senior RB/DB
    Shane Montoya Hoehne Junior OL/DL
    Grady Nielsen Rangely Senior OL/DL
    Derrick Poss Akron Senior RB/LB
    Max Quint Merino Senior OL/DL
    Kyle Rowe Hoehne Senior RB/DE
    Ethan Walter Sedgwick County Senior  
    Hugh Wheatley West Grand Senior WR/DB
    Adam Zink Caliche Senior RB/MLB
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Braxton Asbell Sargent Sophomore OL/DL
    Drew Brannan Rangely Senior QB/DB
    Erick Chaparro Holly Senior RB/ILB/Ret.
    Kobe Davis Holly Senior DE/QB/WR
    Beau Dukes Springfield Senior QB/LB
    Chance Garcia Mancos Senior RB/MLB
    Tommy Harmon Pikes Peak Christian Senior WR/DE/K
    CJ Hoff Front Range Christian Senior WR/DB
    Federico Orozco Hoehne Senior TE/LB
    Marcos Ramirez West Grand Senior OG/DE
    Devin Ramirez Rangely Senior RB/DB/QB
    Austin Stauffer West Grand Senior OG/DE
    Christian Still Dayspring Christian Academy Sophomore QB/CB
    Frank Torrez Sargent Senior ATH
    Justin Traxler Akron Senior QB/S
    Traevonn Walton Caliche Senior NG/G

    Honorable mention: Braden Anderson, Haxtun, Senior, WR/LB; Jayce Bauer, Wiley, Senior, C/DE/FB; Chris Bolt, Pikes Peak Christian, Senior, OL/DT; Riley Clayton, Sangre de Cristo, Senior, TB/LB; Zach Dolan, Vail Christian, Senior; Devon Frazier, Las Animas, Senior, LB/OL/K; Nate Freeman, Plateau Valley, Senior, OL/DL; Will Gabriel, Norwood, Senior, RB/LB; Dalton Gartrell, Sanford, Senior, TE/DE; Austin Green, Dove Creek, Senior, G/DE; Darias Harms, Simla, Junior; Terrance Heath, Sedgwick County, Sophomore, WR/TE/DE; Jaden Hottinger, Akron, Senior, RB/CB; Isaia Jarvis, Pikes Peak Christian, Senior, OL/LB; Stephen King, Gilpin County, Sophomore, QB/CB; Drew Lloyd, Front Range Christian, Senior, TE/DL; Brad Mazerall, Simla, Senior; Sean McKinley, Pikes Peak Christian, Junior, RB/LB; Austin Mclean, Dayspring Christian Academy, Junior, DT/G; Keegan Medina, Del Norte, Senior, QB; Mikey Mikita, Calhan, Senior, RB/LB; Tristan Moore, Rangely, Senior, TE/ILB; Breccen Morelli, Mancos, Junior, QB/DE; Bryar Morgan, Elbert, Senior; Brendyn Nordyke, Holly, Senior, NG/OG/RB; Beau Parker, Sedgwick County, Junior; Franchesco Rivera, Hoehne, Junior, OL/DL; Adam Sapp, Custer County, Senior, OL/DL; Thor Schiffer, Fowler, Junior, RB/OL/DL; Brady Shelley, Byers, Senior, CB/WR; Tyshawn Silva, Justice, Senior, ATH/DB/Ret.; Daigen Springer, South Park, Senior, TB/DB; Eli Suiters, Swink, Junior, DL/TE.

    [divider]

    6-man

    Prairie Peetz football
    (Dustin Price/DustinPricePhotography.com)

    Player of the year: Bryson Long, Peetz

    Coach of the year: Toby Kechter, Stratton/Liberty

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Bryce Carlstrom North Park Senior ATH
    T.J. Conaway Kit Carson Senior  
    Cordell Farmer Kit Carson Junior DE/TE
    Devon Jara Granada Senior QB
    Walter Jordan Prairie Senior  
    Jaret Lichty Stratton/Liberty Sophomore RB/LB
    Tyson Lichty Stratton/Liberty Senior QB/LB
    Bryson Long Peetz Senior RB
    Sam McGinnis Idalia Senior  
    Bryce Miracle Otis Senior RB
    Quade Pelton Cheyenne Wells Junior  
    Ethan Richmond Stratton/Liberty Senior RB/TE/DE
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Tyler Blickem Briggsdale Junior QB
    Chris Bryan Kit Carson Senior  
    Jade Cozart Cheyenne Wells Senior  
    Lucas Hart Cheraw Senior RB/LB
    Duchea High Colorado School for the Deaf Blind Senior QB/S
    Kyle Klann Flagler/Hi-Plains Senior  
    Levi Shean Stratton/Liberty Senior TE/LB
    Steven Tunstall Cotopaxi Senior FB/OL/DE
    Ty Warren La Veta Senior ILB/FB/HB
    Isaih Wellman Mountain Valley Senior DE/RB/LB
    Cooper White Peetz Junior RB
    Eltan Yarger Stratton/Liberty Senior FB/LB

    Honorable mention: Josh Baca, Granada, Senior, RB; Zayd Banks, Flagler/Hi-Plains, Sophomore; Vincent Bauer, Briggsdale, Senior, FS/WR; Axel Escareno, Manzanola, Junior, FS/QB; Brock Follett, North Park, Junior, RB/DE/LB; Isaac Gonzales, La Veta, Junior, DE/TE/WR; Chris Goss, Fleming, Sophomore, DE/WR; David Hammel, Mountain Valley, Senior, LB/TE/DE; Ty Hunt, Otis, Senior, QB/ILB/S; Cesar Iturralde, Branson/Kim, Senior, RB/FS; Dominic Martinez, Manzanola, Senior, MLB/FB; Coy McDonald, Walsh, Junior, ILB/DB/RB; Ambrosio Mondragon, Sierra Grande, Senior, WR/DE; Trey Moore, Prairie, Senior; Walker Morelock, Deer Trail, Junior, LB/RB; Alex Salazar, Walsh, Senior, RB/LB/C; Caleb Scharsch, Sierra Grande, Sophomore, TB/LB; Greg Tidquist, Genoa-Hugo, Senior, QB/S; Zackary Van Esselstine, Cotopaxi, Junior, C/DE; Brandon Williams, Fleming, Junior, RB/MLB.

  • All-state volleyball teams for the 2018 season

    The 2018 all-state volleyball teams are presented by CHSAANow.com, ColoradoPreps.com and MaxPreps.

    These team were created following a lengthy process which included nominations from leagues and then a vote of coaches.

    [divider]

    Class 5A

    (Kevin Keyser/KeyserImages.com)

    Player of the year: Courtney Lane, Valor Christian

    Coach of the year: Kaitlyn Hastings, Valor Christian

    First Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Qairo Bentley Denver East OH/RS Senior
    Sydney Cole Cherokee Trail S Junior
    Courtney Lane Valor Christian OH Senior
    Lorrin Poulter Eaglecrest OH/S Senior
    Lily Thomason Valor Christian OH Senior
    Kira Thomsen Chaparral OH Senior
    Riley Zuhn Fossil Ridge MB/OH Senior
    Second Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Emma Ammerman Chaparral RS/S Junior
    Julianna Dalton Chaparral MH Junior
    Anna Davis Valor Christian MB Junior
    Ally Kennis Windsor MH/OH/OPP Senior
    Elsa Lamphere Grandview OH Junior
    Leanne Lowry Castle View L/OH Junior
    Savannah Spitzer Cherokee Trail MB Senior

    Honorable mention: Chloe Bailey, Senior, ThunderRidge; Audrey Black, Junior, Eaglecrest; Morgan Browne, Senior, Bear Creek; Meme Chhay, Senior, Westminster; Cassie Davis, Junior, Highlands Ranch; Jaeda Davis-Golliher, Junior, Heritage; Ana De Los Santos, Senior, Aurora Central; Charlie Durbin, Senior, Fossil Ridge; Natasha Eberle, Senior, Ralston Valley; Emily Ellis, Senior, Rampart; Kita Elsner, Senior, Liberty; Destiny Gardner, Junior, Grand Junction Central; Ellie Garrett, Junior, Windsor; Kyla Gerson, Senior, Chaparral; Abby Heimlicher, Senior, Chaparral; Myles Hilbert, Senior, Rocky Mountain; Hope Hines, Senior, Doherty; Lexi Hurtado, Senior, Rangeview; Elle Jiron-Bujanda, Junior, Denver South; Erika Jones, Senior, Fort Collins; Annika Larson, Senior, Rocky Mountain; Abi Leitner, Senior, Rock Canyon; Kaylah Lewis, Senior, Brighton; Katelyn McMoore, Junior, Liberty; Mataya Megson, Senior, Fossil Ridge; Meridian Montoya, Senior, Thornton; Savannah Nott, Senior, Pine Creek; Cassie Pyles, Senior, Mountain Vista; Katie Sherman, Senior, Cherry Creek; Riley Simpson, Sophomore, Rampart; Camden Strain, Senior, Horizon; Hope Theander, Senior, Chatfield.

    [divider]

    Class 4A

    (Kevin Keyser/KeyserImages.com)

    Player of the year: McKenna Sciacca, Lewis-Palmer

    Coach of the year: Wade Baxter, Lewis-Palmer

    First Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Taylor Buckley Lewis-Palmer OH Senior
    Claudia Dillon Evergreen OH Senior
    Emma Falk Niwot   Senior
    Kessandra Krutsinger Lewis-Palmer MB Senior
    Madison Schoeder Niwot S Senior
    McKenna Sciacca Lewis-Palmer S Senior
    Ali Travis Holy Family OH Senior
    Second Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Anna Allsberry Steamboat Springs OH Senior
    Gianna Bartalo Lewis-Palmer L Junior
    Sydney Crites Erie OH/RS Senior
    Trinity Jackson Lewis-Palmer OH Senior
    Hannah Pethtel Discovery Canyon S/RS Senior
    Caitlin Volkmann Silver Creek OH Junior
    Annika Wetterstrom Longmont S/RS Senior

    Honorable mention: Mari Benitez, Junior, Pueblo County; Lillian Benway, Senior, Battle Mountain; Kailey Berry, Senior, Berthoud; Madalyn Bigley, Senior, Pueblo Centennial; Hope Borger, Senior, Mead; Kaelen Boyles, Sophomore, The Classical Academy; Quincey Coyle, Freshman, Mead; Logan DeRock, Senior, Roosevelt; Hayley Dillon, Junior, Evergreen; Reagan Emery, Junior, Pueblo West; Ashley Emery, Senior, Glenwood Springs; Peyton Frank, Junior, Holy Family; Sarah Garner, Junior, Woodland Park; Bree Gates, Senior, Eagle Valley; Ellen Goodwin, Senior, Longmont; Allison Groustra, Sophomore, Littleton; Sophia Hoffman, Junior, D’Evelyn; Lyla Hollis, Junior, Air Academy; Megan Hurr, Senior, Mountain View; Mallory Hutchison, Junior, Widefield; Gracey Jarecke, Senior, Thomas Jefferson; Kelsey Kalous, Senior, Fort Morgan; Alicia Lest, Sophomore, Pueblo Central; Alexandra MacAskill, Senior, Palisade; Abbie McCrimmon, Sophomore, Thompson Valley; Makenna Metzger, Senior, Northridge; Savannah Ott, Senior, Green Mountain; Ashten Prechtel, Senior, Discovery Canyon; Aubree Raimer, Senior, Greeley Central; Audrey Richard, Senior, Niwot; Emma Roberts, Senior, Golden; Joviana Romero, Senior, Pueblo East; Becca Rugg, Senior, Coronado; Makenna Sawyer, Senior, Canon City; Megan Sotiroff, Freshman, Silver Creek; Danielle Specht, Senior, Weld Central; Abbey Telesz, Sophomore, Ponderosa; Julia White, Senior, Frederick; Grace Whiting, Sophomore, Pueblo South; Taylor Wiebold, Senior, Ponderosa.

    [divider]

    Class 3A

    Lutheran Colorado Springs Christian volleyball
    (Matt Daniels/mattdanphoto.com)

    Player of the year: Payton Brgoch, Lutheran

    Coach of the year: Alicia Oates, Lutheran

    First Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Payton Brgoch Lutheran MH Junior
    Ryanne Ferro Faith Christian OH/MH Senior
    Mackenzie Harris Eaton OH Senior
    Kennedey Johnson Lutheran S Junior
    Madelyn Malm University MH/OH Senior
    Maddie Uyemura Platte Valley S Senior
    Christa Vogt Colorado Springs Christian MH/RS Senior
    Second Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Sylvie Caton Alamosa OH Senior
    Delaney Eckhardt Valley S/MB Junior
    Megan Engesser Colorado Springs Christian MB/RS/L Senior
    Ashlynn Hainey Englewood S Junior
    Jordan Mobbley Alamosa S Junior
    Kara Morgan Coal Ridge OH Senior
    Giulia Vidossi Manitou Springs OH/MH Senior

    Honorable mention: Cortney Arrasmith, Junior, The Vanguard School; Emma Cable, Junior, Eagle Ridge Academy; Abby Carlson, Senior, Delta; Shaya Chenoweth, Senior, Grand Valley; Jubilee Diamond, Junior, Colorado Springs Christian; Jade Feather, Junior, Sterling; Aliceson Fierro, Senior, Lamar; Kaela France, Sophomore, Ellicott; Courtney Freeman, Senior, Cedaredge; Ailyn Graciano, Senior, DSST: College View; Kristen Hopwood, Senior, The Academy; Quinci Johnson, Senior, Eaton; Jillian Kellick, Sophomore, St. Mary’s; Alexa LaMack, Junior, St. Mary’s; Asofitu Lefano, Junior, James Irwin; Haley Maeurer, Junior, St. Mary’s Academy; Hayden Mayo, Junior, La Junta; Faythe McKellip, Senior, Bennett; Heather Meining, Senior, Valley; Kaitlyn Newbanks, Senior, Resurrection Christian; Allure Padilla, Junior, Faith Christian; Lauryn Parker, Senior, Prospect Ridge Academy; Sammy Phillips, Senior, Middle Park; Lindsey Pratt, Junior, Buena Vista; Kaitlin Reynolds, Junior, Florence; Merrill Rollhaus, Junior, Colorado Academy; Abby Schaefer, Senior, University; Allie Schumacher, Sophomore, Sterling; Claire Smith, Junior, Platte Valley; Morgan Starner, Senior, Stargate School; Teagan Stretton, Junior, Pagosa Springs; Millie Swetkovich, Senior, Eagle Ridge Academy; Alexsei Vierya, Senior, University; Jenna Wise, Junior, Gunnison.

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    Class 2A

    2018 state volleyball day 3
    (Dustin Price/DustinPricePhotography.com)

    Player of the year: Chasey Blach, Yuma

    Coach of the year: Russ Haman, Denver Christian

    First Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Chloe Baker Wiggins S/OPP Senior
    Chasey Blach Yuma MB/OH Senior
    Sarah Evans Vail Mountain OH Senior
    Anna Kaemingk Denver Christian OH Junior
    Kassie Luce Meeker S Senior
    Krissie Luce Meeker OH Senior
    Cody Robinson Yuma OH Senior
    Second Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Kallie Cathcart Holly S/OH Senior
    Kylen Christiansen Lyons S Senior
    Mayson Fago Union Colony Prep OH/OPP Junior
    Olivia Himmel Highland   Senior
    Lacie Jones Del Norte MH/OH Senior
    Taylor Maguire Lyons OH Junior
    Rachel Shaffer Rye OH Senior

    Honorable mention: Hannah Ambler, Senior, Rye; Molly Batts, Senior, South Park; Molly Bigbee, Senior, Colorado Springs School; Carson Collins, Senior, Hotchkiss; Saedee Davis, Junior, Holly; Brianna Denton, Senior, Swink; Emma Desanti, Junior, West Grand; Amanda Dotter, Junior, John Mall; Kylie Drake, Senior, Caprock Academy; Becca Earl, Senior, Byers; Myka Glover, Sophomore, Del Norte; Kegan Hamacher, Senior, Simla; Tanna Hansen, Senior, Wiggins; Taylor Hansen, Senior, Yuma; Sidney Hines, Junior, Limon; Skyler Jones, Senior, Swink; Lila Klinglesmith, Senior, Meeker; Poppy Lightfoot, Senior, Paonia; Keely Long, Senior, Plateau Valley; Tatum Majors, Senior, Dolores; Tiffany Montoya, Senior, Hoehne; Rylee Nickodemus, Senior, Heritage Christian; Reagan Nolin, Junior, Yuma; Kate Pachner, Senior, Akron; Chloe Pesso, Senior, Vail Mountain; Jenna Peters, Senior, Denver Christian; Kiera Porrey, Junior, Dawson School; Tressa Reed, Senior, Fowler; Morgan Rose, Senior, Mancos; Sierra Shambaugh, Senior, Telluride; Skylar Thacker, Senior, Rangely; Jessie Vallejos, Junior, Swallows Charter Academy; Anna Weisensee, Senior, Limon.

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    Class 1A

    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

    Player of the year: Tess Hornung, Kit Carson

    Coach of the year: Penny Isenbart, Kit Carson

    First Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Whitney Chintala Fleming OH Freshman
    Kaylee Corsentino La Veta OH/MH Senior
    Tess Hornung Kit Carson   Senior
    Olivia Isenbart Kit Carson   Senior
    Dawson Knode Haxtun MH Senior
    Desi Ortivez La Veta OH/MB Junior
    Kirsten Wood Weldon Valley S/OPP Senior
    Second Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Kaybree Keating Weldon Valley OH Senior
    Kimberlyn Krise Briggsdale   Junior
    Sydney Reynolds Otis   Senior
    Nya Sciacca La Veta OH/DS/MB Junior
    Jessica Slane Sangre de Cristo OH/MB Senior
    McKenzie Smith Kit Carson   Senior
    Madison Sutter Merino S Sophomore

    Honorable mention: Ava Ahalt, Senior, Denver Waldorf; Makayla Baker, Junior, Prairie; Jordyn Cantu, Sophomore, Sangre de Cristo; Kaci Chadwick, Senior, Cheyenne Wells; Shiann Fritzler, Senior, Walsh; Koylynn Gulliford, Sophomore, Cotopaxi; Tatum Hall, Senior, Springfield; Madilyn Hankins, Senior, Dove Creek; Christa Harvey, Senior, Pikes Peak Christian; Skyler Hawks, Sophomore, Flagler/Hi-Plains; Brooklynn Jones, Senior, Eads; Kendyl Kirkwood, Sophomore, Fleming; Jentry Largent, Senior, De Beque; Taryn Lee, Senior, Elbert; Jenna Lengfelder, Senior, Fleming; Brooke Long, Senior, Belleview Christian; Tycie Lueck, Senior, Stratton/Liberty; Bailey Martell, Junior, Kiowa; Brooke Mertens, Junior, Merino; Makenna Metzler, Senior, Otis; Breea Meyer, Senior, Dove Creek; Kaley Muth, Senior, Evangelical Christian; Faith Novess, Senior, De Beque; Jordan Parker, Senior, McClave; Ryely Smartt, Junior, Genoa-Hugo/Karval; Ruby Valle, Senior, Weldon Valley.

  • Denver Broncos high school football coach of the week: Merino’s Dan Sutter

    (Photo courtesy of Dan Sutter)

    In Dan Sutter’s first year as the head coach of Merino, he made sure turnabout was fair play. A year ago, the Rams entered the 8-man state playoffs as the No. 3 seed and played their first game on their home field.

    They walked off that field in defeat. A 42-32 loss to Soroco ended a hopeful championship run for Marino.

    It’s safe to say the sting has worn off for the players this year. As the No. 15 seed in this year’s bracket, the Rams were more than convincing in a 40-0 over No. 2 Mancos.

    Because Holly also grabbed an upset win over Sargent, the Rams must hit the road again this week but there is certainly reason to believe that traveling isn’t necessarily so bad. A win over the state’s No. 2 seed certainly has a way of boosting some confidence.

    It also has a way of receiving honors. With that win over Mancos, Sutter has been selected as this week’s Denver Broncos high school football coach of the week.

    When informed of the honor, the first thing Sutter wanted to clarify was that he was accepting on behalf of the Merino staff.

    “There is no way we would be in the playoffs if I did not have Nathan Schmidt, Rocky Desanti & Joe Frank on the sidelines with me, period,” he said.

    The Broncos coach of the week is selected in partnership with the Broncos and CHSCA. Find a complete list of winners on this page.

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    Dan Sutter bio

    Years as head coach: 1 (6-4)

    Years at Merino: 1 (6-4)

    Previous stops: Assistant coach Merino (2016-17).

    [divider]

    Question: What made coaching a desirable job for you?

    Sutter: I suppose it’s a corny answer, but it’s true. I love the game of football and I love being around kids. I have three daughters so I get to see a lot of high school volleyball. My wife is the head volleyball coach here at Merino so I get to see a lot of volleyball, but I missed the game of football.

    That’s why I started volunteering a couple of years ago. It was a way to stay involved with the sport and be around the kids as well.

    Question: You guys went through a rough stretch losing four out of five games, including one to Mancos, what was it like watching your boys bounce back and get to the point where you are today?

    Sutter: It’s been very rewarding. I’ll say this, I think a lot of those losses are on me as a rookie head coach. I think we’ve evolved over the season and I was very thankful that we got that win over Sedgwick County a couple of weeks ago so that we could continue on into the playoffs.

    I think if we don’t win that game we don’t make it into the playoffs. I was super proud of the kids for standing tall and coming away with that win.

    Question: Coaches always talk about what can be learned from losses, what did your guys learn in that loss to Mancos that helped generate a different result in that rematch?

    Sutter: I think they learned we were a team of very few kids. We traveled with 16 kids this past weekend to the playoff game. The first loss to Mancos, we lost our starting tailback in the first quarter and we kind of had to shuffle kids around to different positions.

    I think they learned more about every position as the year went on. We dealt with injuries throughout the year, especially through that five-game stretch you mentioned earlier. They learned to play multiple positions and to be mentally strong and mentally tough when the chips were stacked against them.

    Question: What’s the difference between taking a week-to-week approach during the regular season then facing a win or go home situation when you’re in the playoffs?

    Sutter: I’ll be honest, I don’t know that our approach is any different. I think we got to the point that night before we took the field against Sedgwick County that I gave a heartfelt message to the boys before the game to not take anything for granted and it could be their last game.

    You never know when it’s your last game. The next thing you know, you could be a 40-year-old grey-haired guy that’s playing scout team quarterback for his boys at practice wishing he could be out on the field and playing the game.

    I delivered a message there that I think rang through them and they went out and played their hearts out that night. Now, you can see that fire in their eyes every weekend and they know this could be the last game they play.

    Question: Once again a perceived underdog this week, what’s your message to the team as you work to duplicate last week’s success?

    Sutter: Just go out and play to the best of your ability. I know I’m giving you stuff you hear week in and week out at every level, but that’s really all you can do. Just go out and play your best and I truly believed in every game that we played in this year that if we played to the best of our ability we could come out winners.

    We still believe that every week. It’s nothing special. I wish I could give you a special recipe, but that’s it.

    Question: Regardless of the result this week, what can you take away about yourself and about your team after this season?

    Sutter: We’ve learned how to persevere in tough situations. What I’ve learned about myself is that sometimes as a coach this year, you have to call the shots in tough situations. Sometimes you have to take a step back and even if you think you know the answer of how to win a game, but if you’re willing to swallow your pride and see that maybe your game plan was not correct going in and maybe we have to switch it up. I learned how to do that this year for myself.

    As far as my boys, I think they’ve learned that they’re capable of so much more than they believed at the beginning of the season. Now they’re starting to believe a little bit more as each game comes and goes.

  • Photos: Merino volleyball wins 1A’s Region H

    STERLING — Merino volleyball, the third seed out of District 4, beat Fleming (3-2) and Belleview Christian (3-0) to win Class 1A’s Region H on Friday.

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  • Regional volleyball: Here’s who has qualified for the state tournament

    The 2018 regional volleyball tournaments are this week. Teams in each classification are vying for spots in next week’s state tournaments. Find updated results from the regional rounds on these brackets:

    The qualifiers will be seeded into state tournament brackets on Monday. Those brackets will post here on CHSAANow.com. [divider]

    Class 5A state qualifiers

    (@raptorathletics/Twitter)

    Updated 5A brackets

    • Region 1: Chaparral
    • Region 2: Cherokee Trail
    • Region 3: Valor Christian
    • Region 4: Windsor
    • Region 5: Fossil Ridge
    • Region 6: Grandview
    • Region 7: Cherry Creek
    • Region 8: Eaglecrest
    • Region 9: Denver East
    • Region 10: Chatfield
    • Region 11: Rocky Mountain
    • Region 12: Ralston Valley

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    Class 4A state qualifiers

    (@LPHS_Rangers/Twitter)

    Updated 4A brackets

    • Region 1: Lewis-Palmer
    • Region 2: Discovery Canyon
    • Region 3: Niwot
    • Region 4: Longmont
    • Region 5: Mead
    • Region 6: Evergreen
    • Region 7: Silver Creek
    • Region 8: Holy Family
    • Region 9: Palmer Ridge
    • Region 10: Berthoud
    • Region 11: Ponderosa
    • Region 12: Cheyenne Mountain

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    Class 3A state qualifiers

    (@PVHSBroncos/Twitter)

    Updated 3A brackets

    • Region 1: Lutheran
    • Region 2: Alamosa
    • Region 3: University
    • Region 4: Platte Valley
    • Region 5: Sterling
    • Region 6: Valley
    • Region 7: Colorado Springs Christian
    • Region 8: Faith Christian
    • Region 9: Resurrection Christian
    • Region 10: Eaton
    • Region 11: Prospect Ridge Academy
    • Region 12: Bishop Machebeuf

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    Class 2A state qualifiers

    (Courtesy of Holly HS)

    Updated 2A brackets.

    • Region 1: Yuma
    • Region 2: Denver Christian
    • Region 3: Meeker
    • Region 4: Wiggins
    • Region 5: Swink
    • Region 6: Del Norte
    • Region 7: Rye
    • Region 8: Vail Mountain
    • Region 9: Limon
    • Region 10: Lyons
    • Region 11: Byers
    • Region 12: Holly

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    Class 1A state qualifiers

    Merino volleyball
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

    Updated 1A brackets. Note: Four teams will qualify as at-large teams on Monday.

    • Region A: La Veta
    • Region B: Kit Carson
    • Region C: Otis
    • Region D: Weldon Valley
    • Region E: Sangre de Cristo
    • Region F: McClave
    • Region G: Haxtun
    • Region H: Merino

  • Photos: Fleming volleyball claims 1A district 4 championship

    STERLING — In weekend clash of Class 1A volleyball powerhouses, it was Fleming coming away with the 1A District 4 championship on Saturday.

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  • Football roundup: Merino ends Sedgwick County’s 30-game winning streak

    Merino put an end to the longest active football winning streak in the state when the Rams upset No. 1 Sedgwick County 27-24 in an 8-man game on Friday night.

    The win ended Sedgwick County’s winning streak at 30 games, handing the Cougars their first loss since 2016. It was also Sedgwick County’s first in-state loss since 2014, a span of 39 games.

    “To be honest with you, it’s all still kind of a blur, but our defensive performance tonight was excellent,” coach Dan Sutter told the Colorado Preps Scoreboard Show. “We had a lot of kids step up.”

    Sedgwick County (7-1) led the game 14-0, but Merino (5-4) rallied to tie the game at halftime.

    “I think our boys were maybe a little juiced at the beginning, and just maybe wanted to make a play that wasn’t there to make early on,” Sutter said. “So we gave up a couple of early quick scores, but then we settled in. … We took our time trying to chisel our way back into it.”

    Senior Matthew Frank had a pick-six that Sutter called the turning point for Merino.

    “It just changed the complexion of the game,” Sutter said.

    Merino also had a goal-line stop on the 1-yard-line late in the game.

    “It was great,” Sutter said. “I can’t remember exactly every play on the stand, but I guarantee I’m going to go back and look at it tonight before I can sleep.”

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    6-man: (2) Kit Carson 28, (1) Stratton/Liberty 22

    Kit Carson rallied with two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to secure the important win.

    “It was a wild one,” Kit Carson coach Curt Connelley told the Scoreboard Show.

    The final touchdown came with three minutes to play, and had to make a fourth-down stop to hold Stratton/Liberty.

    “We were up with three minutes, and we had to make a stop there, and we got it done,” Connelley said.

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    5A: (5) Grandview 28, (2) Cherry Creek 21 (2 OT)

    Grandview rallied from being down 14-0 in the first half to tie the game at 14, with the second touchdown coming with just over three minutes to play.

    After trading quick touchdowns in the first OT, Grandview won the game in the second overtime by stopping Cherry Creek on its possession.

    “The defense kept us in it,” Grandview coach John Schultz told the Scoreboard Show.

    Grandview had four touchdown passes in the win.

    Schultz pointed to his team’s experience in close games this season as one reason for the win.

    “The kids were down on themselves and upset about their mistakes, but they never lost their cool, and they just kept battling, and the defense stood strong while we got ourselves together,” Schultz said.

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    5A: (10) Smoky Hill 35, Westminster 28

    Smoky Hill is 10-0 for the first time since 1980, and has secured a spot in the 5A playoffs by winning the Metro 10 League.

    In a game that decided the league title, the two teams were tied at 7 early, and then at 14 at halftime. But Smoky Hill grabbed the lead for good with a 56-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, and then held off Westminster in the fourth quarter.

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