Tag: Eaton

  • The preseason girls basketball rankings are out ahead of the 2021 season

    Sanford Rye girls basketball
    (David Johnson/davidjohnsonphotography.org)

    The preseason girls basketball rankings are led by Grandview (5A), Mullen (4A), University (3A), Rye (2A), and Briggsdale (1A).

    The rankings, voted upon by coaches, are the official polls of the Association. They are a factor in the postseason. During the regular season, the poll will release each Monday.

    Complete rankings are below.

    [divider]

    CHSAANow.com Girls Basketball Polls

    First-place votes are in parentheses.

    Coaches looking to vote should email rcasey@chsaa.org.

    Class 5A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS
    1 Grandview (16) 0-0 342
    2 Valor Christian (7) 0-0 337
    3 Highlands Ranch 0-0 289
    4 Ralston Valley 0-0 270
    5 Cherry Creek (1) 0-0 257
    6 Regis Jesuit 0-0 230
    7 Broomfield 0-0 143
    8 Fossil Ridge 0-0 141
    9 Chaparral 0-0 130
    10 Denver East 0-0 88
    11 Rangeview 0-0 80
    12 Vista PEAK 0-0 76
    13 Arapahoe 0-0 73
    14 Lakewood 0-0 53
    15 Fountain-Fort Carson 0-0 43
    Others receiving votes:
    Fruita Monument 34, Mountain Vista 32, Columbine 29, Denver South 28, ThunderRidge 27, Horizon 26, Cherokee Trail 25, Pueblo West 24, Fairview 24, Eaglecrest 19, Air Academy 13, Castle View 12, Chatfield 11, Doherty 10, Ponderosa 3, Vista Ridge 3, Pine Creek 2, Arvada West 2, Monarch 2, Rocky Mountain 1, Liberty 1
    Class 4A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS
    1 Mullen (15) 0-0 276
    2 Holy Family (2) 0-0 267
    3 Green Mountain 0-0 196
    4 Erie (1) 0-0 185
    5 Berthoud 0-0 158
    6 Sand Creek 0-0 155
    7 George Washington (1) 0-0 150
    8 Falcon 0-0 102
    9 Severance 0-0 78
    10 Sierra 0-0 76
    11 Durango 0-0 75
    12 Evergreen (1) 0-0 69
    13 Canon City 0-0 65
    14 Mead 0-0 63
    15 Thompson Valley 0-0 54
    Others receiving votes:
    Montrose 47, Glenwood Springs 39, Windsor 37, D’Evelyn 28, Lewis-Palmer 22, Northridge 20, Palmer Ridge 18, Northfield 17, Thomas Jefferson 17, Greeley West 17, Golden 16, Centaurus 14, The Classical Academy 13, Pueblo County 13, Grand Junction Central 13, Fort Morgan 11, Alameda 9, Roosevelt 9, Riverdale Ridge 8, Mesa Ridge 8, Pueblo South 8, Aurora Central 6, Littleton 5, Discovery Canyon 5, Coronado 4, Frederick 4, Battle Mountain 4, Conifer 3, Weld Central 2, Harrison 1, Thornton 1
    Class 3A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS
    1 University (3) 0-0 197
    2 Centauri (4) 0-0 184
    3 The Academy (1) 0-0 178
    4 Lutheran (1) 0-0 169
    5 The Vanguard School (2) 0-0 167
    6 Delta 0-0 151
    7 Platte Valley 0-0 133
    8 St. Mary’s (3) 0-0 117
    9 Pagosa Springs 0-0 116
    10 Eaton (1) 0-0 102
    11 Manitou Springs 0-0 87
    12 Brush 0-0 71
    13 Alamosa 0-0 45
    14 St. Mary’s Academy (2) 0-0 43
    15 Moffat County 0-0 41
    Others receiving votes:
    Coal Ridge 28, Faith Christian 26, Sterling 23, Colorado Springs Christian 21, Valley 21, Machebeuf 20, Grand Valley 18, DSST: Byers 17, Manual 14, Bayfield 14, Kent Denver 13, Ellicott 13, The Pinnacle 13, Resurrection Christian 12, Middle Park 11, Florence 10, KIPP Collegiate 7, Jefferson Academy 6, Estes Park 6, Buena Vista 5, Lamar 5, Colorado Academy 4, Strasburg 4, SkyView Academy 4, Liberty Common 2, Bennett 2, Gunnison 2, Peak to Peak 2, La Junta 1, Salida 1, Roaring Fork 1, Stargate School 1
    Class 2A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS
    1 Rye (3) 0-0 206
    2 Limon (7) 0-0 191
    3 Sanford (1) 0-0 189
    4 Holyoke (3) 0-0 170
    5 Wray 0-0 124
    6 Rocky Ford 0-0 122
    7 Ignacio 0-0 121
    8 Del Norte 0-0 117
    9 Meeker 0-0 94
    10 Cedaredge (1) 0-0 78
    11 Yuma 0-0 61
    12 Heritage Christian 0-0 53
    13 Holly 0-0 48
    14 Soroco 0-0 47
    15 Peyton 0-0 41
    Others receiving votes:
    Colorado Springs School 33, Hotchkiss 27, Swink 26, Sedgwick County 25, Plateau Valley 22, Custer County 17, Dawson 16, Denver Christian 15, Fowler 15, Monte Vista 15, Center 14, Hayden 12, Burlington 11, Sargent 10, Swallows Charter 10, Akron 10, Crowley County 9, Calhan 8, Addenbrooke Classical 8, Crested Butte 8, Rangely 8, Trinidad 7, Olathe 6, Hoehne 6, Lotus School for Excellence 5, Byers 4, Dolores Huerta 4, Dayspring Christian 3, Front Range Christian 2, Loveland Classical 1, South Park 1
    Class 1A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS
    1 Briggsdale (12) 0-0 231
    2 Fleming (1) 0-0 226
    3 Sangre de Cristo 0-0 171
    4 South Baca [Campo/Vilas/Pritchett] (2) 0-0 146
    5 McClave 0-0 134
    6 Kit Carson 0-0 133
    7 Lone Star 0-0 129
    8 Cotopaxi (1) 0-0 127
    9 Simla 0-0 107
    10 Flatirons Academy 0-0 96
    11 Springfield 0-0 94
    12 Shining Mountain 0-0 86
    13 Genoa-Hugo 0-0 66
    14 Merino 0-0 63
    15 Elbert (1) 0-0 42
    Others receiving votes:
    Kim/Branson 29, Wiley 25, De Beque 23, Dove Creek 22, Sierra Grande 12, La Veta 11, Longmont Christian 10, Idalia 9, Cheraw 7, Haxtun 7, Liberty/Stratton 6, Granada 6, Mile High Academy 5, Evangelical Christian 4, Kiowa 3, Moffat 2, Prairie 1
  • Cherry Creek, Mead, Lutheran, Limon and Mile High Academy head preseason boys basketball rankings

    Limon Peyton boys basketball
    (David Johnson/davidjohnsonphotography.org)

    The preseason boys basketball rankings are out. Leading the way are Cherry Creek (5A), Mead (4A), Lutheran (3A), Limon (2A), and Mile High Academy (1A).

    The rankings, voted upon by coaches, are the official polls of the Association. They are a factor in the postseason. During the regular season, the poll will release each Monday.

    Complete rankings are below.

    [divider]

    CHSAANow.com Boys Basketball Polls

    First-place votes are in parentheses.

    Coaches looking to vote should email rcasey@chsaa.org.

    Class 5A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS
    1 Cherry Creek (7) 0-0 221
    2 ThunderRidge 0-0 187
    3 Rangeview (4) 0-0 183
    4 Denver East (1) 0-0 172
    5 Regis Jesuit (1) 0-0 170
    6 Valor Christian (4) 0-0 169
    7 Eaglecrest 0-0 136
    8 Mountain Vista 0-0 119
    9 George Washington (1) 0-0 114
    10 Smoky Hill 0-0 105
    11 Chaparral 0-0 102
    12 Fairview 0-0 77
    13 Grandview 0-0 72
    14 Legend 0-0 69
    15 Overland 0-0 43
    Others receiving votes:
    Fossil Ridge 40, Douglas County 40, Ralston Valley 37, Vista PEAK 26, Horizon 25, Boulder 22, Doherty 20, Arapahoe 19, Rock Canyon 19, Columbine 18, Adams City 15, Chatfield 12, Rocky Mountain 6, Pine Creek 5, Mullen 4, Broomfield 4, Rampart 4, Silver Creek 3, Hinkley 3, Dakota Ridge 2, Cherokee Trail 2, Arvada West 2, Brighton 1, Far Northeast Warriors 1
    Class 4A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS
    1 Mead (10) 0-0 238
    2 Lewis-Palmer (4) 0-0 192
    3 Longmont 0-0 169
    4 Windsor (1) 0-0 115
    5 Golden 0-0 111
    6 Evergreen 0-0 109
    7 Montrose (1) 0-0 87
    8 Harrison 0-0 86
    9 Erie 0-0 82
    10 Pueblo Central 0-0 81
    11 Pueblo East 0-0 80
    12 Centaurus 0-0 77
    13 Cheyenne Mountain 0-0 70
    14 Holy Family 0-0 54
    15 Green Mountain 0-0 52
    Others receiving votes:
    Northfield 47, Lincoln 42, Widefield 37, Sand Creek 36, Thomas Jefferson 36, Glenwood Springs 35, Frederick 34, Pueblo Centennial 27, Canon City 24, D’Evelyn 20, The Classical Academy 20, Thompson Valley 19, Wheat Ridge 17, Pueblo South 16, Discovery Canyon 16, Steamboat Springs 14, Mesa Ridge 12, Berthoud 11, Aurora Central 10, Niwot 10, Coronado 9, Riverdale Ridge 9, Eagle Valley 9, Palmer Ridge 9, Palisade 7, Mountain View 7, Mitchell 5, Falcon 4, Roosevelt 4, Sierra 3, Denver North 2, Severance 2, Rifle 2, Durango 1
    Class 3A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS
    1 Lutheran (16) 0-0 321
    2 Faith Christian 0-0 231
    3 Sterling (1) 0-0 223
    4 Manitou Springs 0-0 205
    5 Resurrection Christian (5) 0-0 194
    6 Manual 0-0 182
    7 St. Mary’s 0-0 180
    8 Centauri 0-0 169
    9 Eaton 0-0 161
    10 Coal Ridge 0-0 115
    11 University 0-0 103
    12 Alamosa 0-0 94
    13 Gunnison 0-0 92
    14 DSST: Byers 0-0 76
    15 The Vanguard School (1) 0-0 60
    Others receiving votes:
    Colorado Academy 57, Kent Denver 51, Bishop Machebeuf 46, Highland 40, Strasburg 39, Englewood 38, DSST: Green Valley Ranch 35, Florence 33, Ellicott 26, Colorado Springs Christian 21, Salida 15, Valley 15, Jefferson Academy 14, Middle Park 12, Stargate School 12, KIPP Denver Collegiate 11, DSST: Montview 10, DSST: College View 10, Aspen 10, Moffat County 10, Frontier Academy 9, DSST: Conservatory Green 8, Woodland Park 8, Estes Park 8, James Irwin 5, Grand Valley 4, Roaring Fork 4, Lamar 3, Bruce Randolph 3, Pagosa Springs 2, Banning Lewis 2, The Academy 1, Jefferson 1, Peak to Peak 1
    Class 2A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS
    1 Limon (14) 0-0 252
    2 Yuma (3) 0-0 230
    3 Fowler 0-0 180
    4 Wray 0-0 171
    5 Sanford 0-0 165
    6 Denver Christian 0-0 153
    7 Peyton 0-0 149
    8 Ignacio 0-0 128
    9 Holly 0-0 120
    10 Sedgwick County 0-0 116
    11 Mancos 0-0 114
    12 Crested Butte 0-0 48
    13 Meeker 0-0 32
    14 Holyoke 0-0 29
    15 Vail Mountain 0-0 26
    Others receiving votes:
    Dayspring Christian Academy 23, Heritage Christian 22, Monte Vista 19, Vail Christian 11, Dawson School 10, Wiggins 8, Burlington 6, Crowley County 4, Thomas MacLaren 4, Rangely 3, Rye 3, Cedaredge 2, Hotchkiss 2, Plateau Valley 2, Dolores 2, Olathe 1, South Park 1, Dolores Huerta Prep 1, Sargent 1
    Class 1A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS
    1 Mile High Academy (7) 0-0 228
    2 De Beque (6) 0-0 226
    3 Merino 0-0 157
    4 Kit Carson (2) 0-0 123
    5 Briggsdale 0-0 113
    6 Primero 0-0 102
    7 Genoa-Hugo 0-0 95
    8 Belleview Christian (1) 0-0 89
    9 Sangre de Cristo 0-0 87
    10 Haxtun 0-0 77
    11 Walsh 0-0 69
    12 Evangelical Christian 0-0 68
    13 Granada 0-0 61
    14 Kim/Branson 0-0 59
    15 Ouray (1) 0-0 55
    Others receiving votes:
    Cheraw 46, Denver Jewish Day 42, Cheyenne Wells 41, Simla 41, Eads 34, Edison 32, Fleming 28, Stratton/Liberty 28, Flatirons Academy 23, Denver Waldorf 19, Pikes Peak Christian 17, Springfield 14, Prairie 11, Longmont Christian 11, Sierra Grande 10, Manzanola 8, Front Range Baptist 7, Dove Creek 6, Cotopaxi 6, Wiley 3, Caprock Academy 3, McClave 1
  • All-state football teams for the 2020 season

    The 2020 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.

    Because there will be two football seasons during the 2020-21 school year, this is the all-state football team for Season A. There will be a separate all-state football team released for Season C.

    [divider]

    Class 5A

    Valor Christian Cherry Creek football
    (PaulDiSalvoPhotography.com)

    Player of the year: Myles Purchase, Cherry Creek

    Coach of the year: Dave Logan, Cherry Creek

    First Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Al Ashford III Cherry Creek CB/WR/FS Senior
    James Betschart Legend OL Senior
    Julian Hammond Cherry Creek QB Senior
    Gunnar Helm Cherry Creek TE Senior
    Jake Hives Columbine OL Senior
    Aaron Karas Pomona T Junior
    Nick Lyon Valor Christian T/DT Senior
    Braden Miller Eaglecrest OT Junior
    Liam O’Brien Fairview QB Senior
    Seyi Oladipo Eaglecrest CB Senior
    Boden Page Cherry Creek P Junior
    Grant Page Fairview WR Junior
    Chase Penry Cherry Creek WR Senior
    Jack Pospisil Pomona QB/DB Senior
    Domingo Prince Cherry Creek T/G Senior
    Myles Purchase Cherry Creek CB/RB Senior
    Leslie Richardson III Smoky Hill QB Senior
    Ty Robinson Eaglecrest WR/S Senior
    Gavin Sawchuk Valor Christian RB Junior
    Mukendi Wa-Kalonji Grandview DE Senior
    Arden Walker Cherry Creek DE/LB Senior
    Brayden Wood Fairview DE Senior
    Gus Zilinskas Cherry Creek DT/FB Senior
    Second Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Jackson Anderson Valor Christian C/DE Senior
    Jay Barry Fairview DB Senior
    Austin Brown Ralston Valley T/G Senior
    Seth Cromwell Columbine FB/MLB Junior
    Caden Dollar Fossil Ridge MLB/RB Senior
    Connor Eise Legend RB Senior
    George Fitzpatrick Cherry Creek T/TE Junior
    Elijah Hamilton Valor Christian TE/MLB/TE Senior
    Anthony Harris Jr. Smoky Hill WR Junior
    Sam Krysa Mountain Vista CB/WR Senior
    Isaac Lacy Lakewood DL/OL Senior
    Aidan Lehman Mullen K/P Senior
    Mason Maddox Cherokee Trail DT/G Senior
    Jake Maikkula Valor Christian T/DT Junior
    Malik Majekodunmi Cherry Creek LB/DE Senior
    Brannon McGowan Arapahoe LT/RG Junior
    Justin Michael Poudre T/G/TE Senior
    Jaxon Muma Legend S Senior
    Clay Nanke Regis Jesuit DE/TE Senior
    Jordan Norwood Valor Christian MLB/RB Junior
    Ezekiel Peirce Arapahoe RB/LB/MLB Senior
    James Walker II Cherry Creek RB Senior
    AJ Zamora Pomona RB/LB Senior

    Honorable mention:

    • Tanner Arkin, LB/TE, Fossil Ridge, Senior
    • Spencer Aye, G, Regis Jesuit, Senior
    • Matthew Baer, DE/DT, Regis Jesuit, Senior
    • Mike Beeson, T/LS, Horizon, Senior
    • Jake Berry, OL, Fairview, Senior
    • Charlie Carlston, WR, Ralston Valley, Senior
    • Mason Dickerson, FS, Legacy, Junior
    • David Dody, RB, Regis Jesuit, Senior
    • Jackson Dorr, P, Valor Christian, Senior
    • Stone Fletcher, DT/NG, Horizon, Junior
    • Blake Haggerty, CB/WR, Castle View, Junior
    • Andrew Hale, S/WR, Valor Christian, Junior
    • Evan Harrell, CB/SS, Cherokee Trail, Junior
    • Jaxon Heil, SS/RB, Mullen, Junior
    • Adam Holton, LB/WR, Mountain Vista, Senior
    • JuJu Howard, LB, Pomona, Senior
    • Wesley Jones, K, Columbine, Junior
    • Ryan Kawashima, Cherokee Trail,
    • Cole Kesner, C/DT, Highlands Ranch, Senior
    • Sean Kidd, RB/SB, Rocky Mountain, Senior
    • Tyson Lambert, ILB/TE, ThunderRidge, Senior
    • Tyler Larson, WR, Valor Christian, Senior
    • JP Luketu, RB, Eaglecrest, Senior
    • Connor Mantelli, K/P, Douglas County, Senior
    • Colton Martin, DB, Grandview, Senior
    • Watson McBride, DE/T, Valor Christian, Senior
    • Ren Miller, C/NG, Castle View, Senior
    • Chase Muller, RB/DB, Pomona, Junior
    • JJ Nelson, CB, Chaparral, Senior
    • Cody Pettitt, DE/G, Fossil Ridge, Senior
    • Garrett Quenzer, G, Prairie View, Senior
    • Ryan Randall, DE, Rocky Mountain, Senior
    • Jonah Rubadue, G/DT, Chaparral, Senior
    • Michael Runnels, LB/RB, Arvada West, Sophomore
    • Luke Sandy, TE/OL/DL, Legend, Junior
    • Chris Sarkodie, T, Overland, Senior
    • Kalen Shoemaker, QB, Legend, Senior
    • Braelon Tate, Legacy, Junior
    • Anthony Tocchini, T/C, Regis Jesuit, Senior
    • Chase Tompkins, WR/CB/FS, ThunderRidge, Junior
    • Jarrell Trahan, RB/CB, Highlands Ranch, Senior
    • Nunie Tuitele, DE, Regis Jesuit, Junior
    • Kade Unberhagen, Doherty, Senior
    • Marc Wessbecker, FS/RB, Castle View, Junior
    • Trace Williams-Mitchel, T/DT, Columbine, Junior
    • Hunter Wilson, MLB, Cherokee Trail, Senior
    • Jack Zilligen, LB, Rock Canyon, Senior

    [divider]

    Class 4A

    Loveland Palmer Ridge football
    (PaulDiSalvoPhotography.com)

    Player of the year: Zack Rakowsky, Loveland

    Coach of the year: Jeff Mauck, Loveland

    First Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Colten Brueggeman Montrose OL Senior
    Cale Cormaney Rampart QB/FS Senior
    Conroy raymond Dixon-agnew Loveland T/NG Senior
    Kaden Dudley Palmer Ridge WR/SS Senior
    Hall Edmonds Broomfield MLB/RB Senior
    Matthew Eich Broomfield K/P Senior
    Beau Freyler Pine Creek FS/WR/RB Senior
    Jayden Fuller Fountain-Fort Carson G/DE Senior
    Ben Gultig Dakota Ridge QB Senior
    Jack Hanenburg Ponderosa QB Senior
    Aidan Hockel Loveland G/DE Senior
    Zaine Hood Brighton DT Senior
    Tanner Jolley Fruita Monument DE/T Senior
    Connor Jones Palmer Ridge T/G Junior
    Q Jones Fountain-Fort Carson RB Senior
    Luke McAllister Palmer Ridge QB Senior
    Charlie Offerdahl Dakota Ridge DB/RB/KR Senior
    Cael Porter Ponderosa RB/S Senior
    Zack Rakowsky Loveland QB/S Senior
    Thomas Schneider Fountain-Fort Carson T/DE Senior
    Chase Silva Skyline QB/FS Senior
    Jason Soderlin Dakota Ridge OL Senior
    Joey Treccia Ponderosa G Senior
    Second Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Justice Brashear Broomfield T/G Senior
    Grayden Bridwell Skyline SB/SS Senior
    Are’an Burr Air Academy MLB/LB Senior
    Anthony Costanzo Palmer Ridge FS/WR Junior
    Brayden Dorman Vista Ridge QB Sophomore
    Tai Faavae Fountain-Fort Carson MLB/RB Sophomore
    Terrance Ferguson Heritage WR/TE Senior
    Nico Gagliardi Cheyenne Mountain DE/RB/TE Junior
    Mason Galbreath Dakota Ridge WR Senior
    Spencer Hardy Dakota Ridge DL/FB Senior
    Kevin J allen Broomfield OL/DL Senior
    Cameron Jones Palmer Ridge DE/TE Senior
    Braden Kramer Pine Creek ATH/DL Junior
    Justis Laulu Vista Ridge DT/G Junior
    Ian Loomis Loveland MLB/FB Junior
    Lukas Moran Pueblo West DE Senior
    John Pastore Erie T/DT Junior
    Tilo Pena Dakota Ridge K Senior
    Jadyn Tafoya Loveland ILB/TE/RB Senior
    Armony Trujillo Fruita Monument Junior
    Mason Veve Erie WR/RB Senior
    Conner Waite Windsor ILB/OG/LS Senior
    Jaydon Young Rampart NG/C Senior

    Honorable mention:

    • DJ Allen, WR/DE/TE, Widefield, Junior
    • Oscar Aranday, G/DT, Skyline, Senior
    • Kaden Arrastia, OL, Dakota Ridge, Senior
    • Lamaine Arrington jr, RB/FS, Pueblo West, Junior
    • Claudio Austin, Grand Junction Central, Senior
    • Austin Bierhaus, CB/LB/TE, Loveland, Senior
    • Trent Blundell, RB/DB, Montrose, Senior
    • Jake Boley, OLB, Cheyenne Mountain, Senior
    • Eli Bowman, WR/FS, Brighton, Senior
    • CJ Brown, T/DT, Rampart, Senior
    • Braxton Burrows, WR/LB, Widefield, Senior
    • Yahir Chairez-Salazar, MLB/RB, Greeley Central, Junior
    • JJ Dickerson, K/P, Mesa Ridge, Senior
    • Aiden Gaddis, DT, Longmont, Senior
    • Isacc Gomez, WR/DB, Thornton, Sophomore
    • Jimmy Grace, DL/OL, Monarch, Sophomore
    • Austin Griffin, FB, Montrose, Junior
    • Jack Hanson, K, Cheyenne Mountain, Senior
    • Eric Haslett, MLB/T, Rampart, Senior
    • Espin Hernandez, FB/MLB, Fruita Monument, Senior
    • Joel Hesse, DT/T/DE, Skyline, Senior
    • Daymond Hill Jr., RB, Cheyenne Mountain, Senior
    • Eli Hubert, WR/CB, Silver Creek, Junior
    • thane humiston, RB/DE, Mesa Ridge, Junior
    • Alexis Irizarry, CB/RB, Greeley West, Junior
    • Anthony Jay, G/C, Liberty, Senior
    • Aiden Johnson, HB/LB/SS, Grand Junction, Senior
    • Caleb Johnson, WR, Longmont, Junior
    • Joe Killian, WR/RB/C, Loveland, Senior
    • Mason Lowe, WR, Chatfield, Sophomore
    • Raul Martinez, OL/DL, Montrose, Senior
    • Troy McCarthy, RB/LB, Standley Lake, Senior
    • Mason Micci, RB/DB, Coronado, Senior
    • Carter Motichka, WR, Ponderosa, Senior
    • Branyon Murdock, Pine Creek, Senior
    • Joe Naple, MLB/ATH, Palmer, Junior
    • Keegan Patterson, QB/SS, Longmont, Junior
    • Hunter Peck, ILB/OG/FB, Windsor, Senior
    • Matthew Ramsey, G/LB, Brighton, Senior
    • Marcellus Reed, WR/CB, Palmer Ridge, Senior
    • Ray Salvatore, DE/G, Fountain-Fort Carson, Senior
    • Eric San Souci, OL/DL, Coronado, Senior
    • Christopher Smith, G/DE, Wheat Ridge, Senior
    • Jaden Solano, WR/DB, Broomfield, Senior
    • Philip Sonntag, T/G, Pueblo West, Senior
    • Ryan Toy, OL/DL, Golden, Senior
    • Adrian Valenzuela, RB/CB, Bear Creek, Senior
    • AJ Wheeler, DL/OL, Broomfield, Senior
    • Gavin Whetzal, LB/WR, Pine Creek, Junior
    • Tyson Williams, WB/CB/K, Loveland, Junior

    [divider]

    Class 3A

    Holy Family Durango football
    (Brad Cochi)

    Player of the year: Jordan Woolverton, Durango

    Coach of the year: David Vogt, Durango

    First Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Isaac Abramson Lutheran C/G Senior
    Nathan Bailey Mead RB/LB Senior
    Tommy Brake Roosevelt OL/DL Senior
    Andrew Cole Roosevelt T Senior
    Ben Finneseth Durango WR/SS Senior
    Liam Gray Holy Family K/WR Senior
    Luke Guarienti Pueblo South WR/FS Senior
    Brig Hartson Roosevelt QB/LB Senior
    Trevin Johnson Holy Family RB Senior
    Cord Kringlen Holy Family OL/DL Senior
    George Longoria Pueblo South RB/LB Senior
    Brian Mata Pueblo South T Junior
    Dorian Pacheco Lutheran RB/MLB Junior
    Ford Pitts Durango DE/LB Senior
    Kyler Reimers Durango DE Senior
    Ethan Ryan Durango G/DT Senior
    Kenny Seriani Palisade TE/DE Senior
    Kevin Sjogren Palisade TE/LB/LS Junior
    Noah Wagner Conifer RB/MLB Senior
    Cooper Walton Roosevelt LB/RB Junior
    Brody Welch Holy Family OL/DL Senior
    Briggs Wheatley Fort Morgan QB Junior
    Jordan Woolverton Durango QB/FS Senior
    Second Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Lisandro Aguilar Eagle Valley ILB/FB Senior
    JJ Armstrong Green Mountain T/DT Senior
    Josh Bates Durango C/G Sophomore
    Jace Bellah Pueblo South QB/CB Junior
    Bennie Edwards Fort Morgan G/DT/DT Senior
    Rocco Estes Durango DE Senior
    Gavin Garrettson Mead QB Junior
    Brenden Harding Pueblo East WR/CB/FS Senior
    Chase Hartman Pueblo County QB/SS Senior
    Jake Hatton Lewis-Palmer OL/DL Senior
    Griffin Lauritano Evergreen QB/FS/SS Senior
    Jason Logan Canon City OL/DL Senior
    Noah Martens Evergreen RB/MLB/SS Senior
    Allen Ortiz Green Mountain WR/SS Senior
    Cole Rairick Lutheran T/DE Junior
    Alex Rix Roosevelt C/G Senior
    Devon Scriber Discovery Canyon G/DT Senior
    Hayden Sock Mead RB/CB/P Senior
    Keegan Sterkel Roosevelt RB/CB Senior
    Justin Trostel Holy Family LB Senior
    Gunner Truby Conifer MLB/QB/TE Senior
    Gabe Vickers Fort Morgan G/MLB Senior
    Michael White Holy Family QB Senior

    Honorable mention:

    • Buddy Almintakh, DT/G, Pueblo East, Senior
    • Ayden Bartko, QB, Niwot, Senior
    • Ray Bellotti, DT, Conifer, Senior
    • Connor Clancy, K, Discovery Canyon, Senior
    • Aidan Collins, WR/FS/RB, Summit, Junior
    • Breckin Davis, WR/FS, Lewis-Palmer, Senior
    • Patrick Diem, RB/SS, Northridge, Senior
    • Zach Hansen, Evergreen, Senior
    • Gabe Harrison, QB/DB, Palisade, Senior
    • Clay Heffron, TE/DE/WR, Pueblo Central, Senior
    • Gavin Howes, DE/OT, Pueblo County, Senior
    • Alex Hurr, WR, Mountain View, Senior
    • Marshall Jones, OG/ILB, Battle Mountain, Junior
    • Cameron Kalaf, QB/SB, Summit, Senior
    • Graham Kalaf, G/DL, Summit, Junior
    • Aaron Kness, TE/MLB/LS, Northridge, Senior
    • William Knight, DT, Durango, Junior
    • Cael Langford, RB/MLB, Fort Morgan, Senior
    • Reese Lehman, T/DL, Frederick, Senior
    • John Lopez, RB/FS, Pueblo South, Senior
    • Cayden Mazurek, WR/FS/P, Riverdale Ridge, Senior
    • Elijah Morales, ATH/FS, Battle Mountain, Junior
    • Tyler Morrison, SS/TE, Eagle Valley, Senior
    • Anthony Munoz, DT/G, Roosevelt, Sophomore
    • Seth Newton, WR/DB, Canon City, Senior
    • Kenneth Pasion, QB/SS/RB, Discovery Canyon, Senior
    • Tucker Peterson, WR/FS, Roosevelt, Sophomore
    • Mason Rosser, DT/C, Conifer, Junior
    • Dylan Ruane, FB/MLB, Discovery Canyon, Senior
    • Brady Samaras, LB/FB, Holy Family, Junior
    • Josh Smith, OL/DL, Canon City, Senior
    • Corby Tecu, RB/LB, Mead, Junior
    • Colton Thewes, LB/WR, Lutheran, Senior
    • Jeremiah Vasquez, C/DT, Battle Mountain, Senior
    • John Wagner, T/DE, Evergreen, Senior
    • Craig Wright, WR, Niwot, Junior
    • Devan Zahl, QB/DE, Lewis-Palmer, Junior

    [divider]

    Class 2A

    Eaton Lamar football
    (Lance Wendt/wendt5280.com)

    Player of the year: Zane Rankin, Lamar

    Coach of the year: Zac Lemon, Eaton

    First Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Tanner True Eaton DE/C/G Senior
    Brady Albrandt Sterling DE/TE Senior
    Tanner Applebee Resurrection Christian MLB/RB Senior
    Colbi Braslin Delta WR/DL Senior
    Blake Buxton Lamar WR/CB Senior
    Nolan Bynum Delta QB/SS Senior
    Alex Castaneda Lamar DE/G Senior
    Ryan Dirksen Eaton DE/RB Junior
    Ethan Florez Eaton RB/LB Junior
    Caleb Frink Moffat County RB/SS Senior
    James Goff Delta OL/ILB Senior
    Jeff Gore Valley RB/LB Senior
    Scott Grable Eaton QB Senior
    Justin Hawthorne Resurrection Christian LB/DE Junior
    Devyn Kincade Lamar OL Senior
    Keaton Knaub Sterling DT/TE/DE Senior
    Juan Maravilla Eaton RB/LB Senior
    Kade McDaniel Platte Valley Senior
    Tucker Myers Sterling Senior
    Zane Rankin Lamar QB/CB Senior
    Evan Raymond Pagosa Springs G/DT Senior
    Holden Tatman Resurrection Christian DE Senior
    Alex Vonderharr Woodland Park K/P Junior
    Second Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Peter Bullett Berthoud G/DT Senior
    Kaden Carlson Platte Valley OL Senior
    Bryson Cox Woodland Park TE/DE Senior
    Daniel Cruz Moffat County G/DE Senior
    Luis DeLaTorre Lamar K Senior
    Crosby Edwards Bayfield QB/WR/CB Senior
    Cesar Hinojos Brush FB/DE Junior
    Dylan Jaramillo Fort Lupton C/DT Junior
    Jackson Keil Sterling WR/FS Junior
    Devyn Lauer Platte Valley Junior
    Eddie Lemos Resurrection Christian S/WR Junior
    Mitch Lewis Pagosa Springs WR/SS Senior
    Caden Measner University SB/SS Senior
    Weston Meyer Platte Valley SB/CB Junior
    Jack Myers University T/G Senior
    Salvador Rojas Eaton RB/FS Senior
    Peyton Rose Sterling WR/FS Senior
    Christian Scandrett Resurrection Christian LB/TE Senior
    Corey Scranton Moffat County G/DT Senior
    Brad Self Platte Valley OL Senior
    Bryce Strang University LB/T Senior
    Dylan Tressler Pagosa Springs RB/CB Senior
    Morgan Tribbett Eaton DE Sophomore

    Honorable mention:

    • Damian Antonio Ramos, CB/RB, Lamar, Senior
    • Grant Aucoin, QB/MLB, Pagosa Springs, Senior
    • Wil Aucoin, RB/DE, Pagosa Springs, Junior
    • Shane Bishop, QB, D’Evelyn, Senior
    • Brandon Blanco, MLB, Valley, Senior
    • Brock Burkholder, WR/CB, Sterling, Senior
    • Gage Butler, RB/FS, Eaton, Senior
    • Joseph Campagna, RB/MLB, Moffat County, Senior
    • Ryan Connelley, Elizabeth, Junior
    • Logan Curtis, Platte Valley, Junior
    • Kayden Derbigny, DT/T, Fort Lupton, Sophomore
    • Dylan Evans, LB/RB, Resurrection Christian, Senior
    • Hunter gator Goff, TE/ILB, Delta, Junior
    • AJ Goldfain, MLB/FB, Resurrection Christian, Senior
    • Pedro Gomez, OL, Lamar, Senior
    • Nate Gravagno, WR/LB, Englewood, Senior
    • Logan Hafey, DE/T, Moffat County, Junior
    • Colton Johnson, RB/LB, Delta, Senior
    • Gunner Johnson (labbe), QB/DB, Englewood, Junior
    • Cameron Kirwan, T/DE, Middle Park, Senior
    • Jayden Lawrence, G/C, Elizabeth, Junior
    • Alejandro Maltos-Garcia, QB/SS, Brush, Junior
    • Aidan O’Donnell, WR/FS, Pagosa Springs, Senior
    • Damian Orozco, DE/LB, Alamosa, Junior
    • Sebastian Owens, C/G, Arvada, Senior
    • Jace Perez, WR/CB, Elizabeth, Junior
    • Servando Perez, QB/SS, Valley, Senior
    • Garrett Purman, C/G, Berthoud, Junior
    • Braden Roskam, RB/FS, Woodland Park, Senior
    • Nathan Scharnhorst, QB/FS, Delta, Junior
    • Zayne Stam, Weld Central, Junior
    • Taran Teeter, MLB/FB, Moffat County, Junior
    • Anthony Torrez, RB/MLB, La Junta, Junior
    • Zachary Vaughan, OG/DT, Severance, Junior
    • Kyle Wellen, RB, Brush, Junior

    [divider]

    Class 1A

    (Paul Soriano)

    Player of the year: Kory Tacha, Limon

    Coach of the year: Mike O’Dwyer, Limon

    First Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Alexis Aguilar Wray G/MLB Senior
    Joey Beckner Holyoke DE/T Senior
    Matthias Brown Strasburg MLB/T Junior
    Owen Busetti Florence MLB/RB Senior
    Chance Cannon Limon G Junior
    Mason Claunch Centauri RB/CB Junior
    Tyler Collins Wray QB/FS Senior
    Bijah Cornell Florence TE/DE Senior
    Trystan Graf Strasburg RB/FS Senior
    A.j. Hemphill Strasburg WR/MLB Senior
    Trey Hines Limon QB/CB Junior
    Jeremiah Leeper Limon RB/LB Junior
    Nico Marchitelli Gunnison QB/LB/P Senior
    Christian Matus Hotchkiss OT/DT Senior
    Holden Morgan Highland RB/LB Senior
    Ryan Phelan Meeker QB/DE Senior
    Collin Russell Strasburg QB/CB Senior
    Landon Salmans Wray C/DT Senior
    Kaysen Schmidt Limon DL/OL Senior
    Byron Shawcroft Centauri QB/DE Junior
    Miles Sprague Holyoke QB/LB Junior
    Kory Tacha Limon LB/RB Senior
    Julian Valencia Strasburg K/WR Freshman
    Second Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Junior Arambula Wray SS/WR Senior
    Ky Bandy Limon LB/RB Junior
    Evan Bright Florence OL/LB Senior
    Zach Buhr Centauri RB/LB Junior
    Alex Carr Limon DB/TE Senior
    Rian Chavez Colorado Springs Christian DT/G Senior
    Mac Copeland Bennett RB/MLB Senior
    Juan Cortes Yuma T/DE/DT Senior
    Joe Dunn Colorado Springs Christian RB/SS Senior
    Cobi Garcia Monte Vista MLB/RB Senior
    Jeiven Gonzalez Highland OL/DT Junior
    Traycer Hall Hotchkiss FB/ILB Senior
    Coulson Hollembeak Hotchkiss DE/G Junior
    Brandon Hussey Peyton RB/LB/ILB Senior
    John Jacoby Bennett DT/G/T Senior
    Cooper Main Meeker G/LB Senior
    Carter Neff Hotchkiss C/DE/MLB Junior
    Blaine Peebles Hotchkiss FS/P Junior
    Colton Pettit Highland TE/LB Senior
    Julian Sullivan Florence OL/DL Senior
    Kelton Turner Meeker RB/SS Junior
    Tell Wade Wray OL/DL Sophomore
    Mordecai White Hotchkiss RB/DB Junior

    Honorable mention:

    • Carlos Almeida, TE/DT, Center, Senior
    • Grant Blackmon, T/DT, Platte Canyon, Senior
    • Cooper Brower, C, Rye, Senior
    • Sam Buckhanan, OL/ILB/QB, Gunnison, Junior
    • Adnex Bumba, DE/LB, Jefferson, Senior
    • Shawn Campbell, WR, Ignacio, Junior
    • Yahir Chavez, QB/ATH, Hotchkiss, Senior
    • Colby Clatterbaugh, RB/MLB, Meeker, Senior
    • Zak Cobb, C/DT/ILB, Peyton, Junior
    • Brady Collins, WR/NG, Wray, Sophomore
    • MIke Dean, DT/DE/T, Platte Canyon, Senior
    • Dusty Duran, TE/DE, Monte Vista, Junior
    • Nate Early, WR/DB, Banning Lewis Academy, Junior
    • Zachary Eskelson, OL/DT, Meeker, Junior
    • Dom Felice, TE/DE, Paonia, Senior
    • Parker Franz, OL/LB, Burlington, Senior
    • Severin Grundvig, ILB/RB, Colorado Springs Christian, Senior
    • Gael Guzman, G/DT/K, Bennett, Senior
    • Allen Hardey, FS/SS/QB, Platte Canyon, Junior
    • Baron Holman, WR/CB, Centauri, Junior
    • Cade Killin, DE/T, Holyoke, Junior
    • Fletcher Madrid, Del Norte, Senior
    • Josh Martinez, QB/DB/WR, Florence, Senior
    • Quentin Nolan-Henson, DE/G, Rocky Ford, Senior
    • Tyrese Otero, WR/CB/FS, Monte Vista, Senior
    • Isaac Peerman, Del Norte, Senior
    • Clay Robinson, RB/SS, Yuma, Junior
    • Aidyn Shafer, G/DT, Holyoke, Junior
    • Wyatt Sprague, WR/SS, Holyoke, Freshman
    • Caleb Stockton, Colorado Springs Christian, Senior
    • Jack Swanson, WR/FS, Strasburg, Senior
    • Iley Tuttle, FS/WR/CB, Peyton, Senior
    • Brody Wagner, G/LB, Cedaredge, Senior
    • Evan Walls, G/C/T, Prospect Ridge Academy, Senior
    • Deklan Wilk, LB, Prospect Ridge Academy, Senior
    • Jeremy Woodward, RB/LB, Meeker, Senior

    [divider]

    8-man

    Sedgwick County Sanford football
    (Kevin Prickett/prickettpix.com)

    Player of the year: Kelton Gartrell, Sanford

    Coach of the year: Chris Michel, Sedgwick County

    First Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Derrick Alber Merino DE/SE Junior
    Nolan Carlson Sedgwick County G/DE Junior
    Jared Ehmke Sedgwick County QB Senior
    Trent Elliott Merino RB/MLB Senior
    Kaleb Fowler Sedgwick County Senior
    Andrew Frank Merino CB/RB Senior
    Kelton Gartrell Sanford RB/MLB Junior
    Hayden Gray Dove Creek G/DE Senior
    Omar Guerrero Sanford C/NG Senior
    Terrance Heath Sedgwick County WR/DE Senior
    Fabian Lopez Sedgwick County Senior
    Coletin Mazerall Simla Senior
    Chase Moore Mancos RB Junior
    Gabriel Proctor Fowler LB/OL Senior
    Christian Still Dayspring Christian Academy QB/CB Senior
    Jaciel Villalobos Sedgwick County SS/WR Senior
    Second Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Jhett Alapai Elbert TE/DL Senior
    Jackson Bates Fowler HB/DB Senior
    Mason E hanagan Swink DT/G/FB Senior
    Brandon Eglinton Calhan QB Senior
    Colt Fury Mancos G Senior
    Tate Goddard Sedgwick County MLB/FB Senior
    Andrew Harris Pikes Peak Christian QB/LB/RB Senior
    Josh Holman Sanford QB/LB Junior
    Stephen King Gilpin County RB/QB/S Senior
    Ethan Larsen Sanford WR/DE Junior
    Xavier Livesay Akron FB/DL Junior
    Anthony Lujan Rangely QB/FB/FB Senior
    Matthew Mendoza Swink HB/WR/S Senior
    Brett Price Sanford RB Senior
    Adam Schultz Crowley County Senior
    Ryan Tempel Haxtun OL/DL Senior

    Honorable mention:

    • Nathaniel Aguilar, Crowley County, Senior
    • Hector Almeida, South Park, Senior
    • Braxton Asbell, ATH, Sargent, Senior
    • Braxton Bates, TE/DB, Fowler, Senior
    • Austin Beanland, C/DE, Dove Creek, Senior
    • Blake Boulter, QB/DE/LB, Gilpin County, Senior
    • Jakob Buller, QB/K/P, West Grand, Senior
    • Alejandro Castanon, C/LB, West Grand, Senior
    • Wyatt Cook, FB/LB/DE, Holly, Senior
    • Christian Cova, WR, Mancos, Senior
    • Chorbin Cressler, QB/CB, Dove Creek, Junior
    • Austin Davis, OL/MLB, Rangely, Senior
    • Brody Despard, RB/DB, Byers, Senior
    • Rene Dominguez, RB/KR, West Grand, Senior
    • Dakota Eaton, RB/DT/SE, Holly, Junior
    • Zachery Edwards, RB/LB, Pikes Peak Christian, Senior
    • Jose Garcia, CB/WR, Dolores Huerta Prep, Senior
    • Brayden Glover, RB, Simla, Sophomore
    • Traevin Jones, TE/LB, Caliche, Senior
    • Owen Knode, QB/DB, Haxtun, Junior
    • Hayden Lasley, Springfield, Senior
    • Jacob Martin, CB/WR, Dayspring Christian Academy, Junior
    • Aiden Martinez, McClave, Sophomore
    • Keihlin Myers, QB/QB/QB, Rangely, Junior
    • Vincent Nowicki, RB/WR/LB, Vail Christian, Junior
    • Slater O’Brien, OL/DL, Vail Christian, Senior
    • Grayson Pachner, QB/SE, Akron, Senior
    • Kage Pepper, ATH, Sargent, Senior
    • Monte Pickering, MLB/G, Lyons, Senior
    • Gabe Polley, G, Rangely, Senior
    • Sam Puderbaugh, OL/DL, Norwood, Senior
    • Kevin Rice, DE/G/LB, Swink, Senior
    • Isaiha Rivas, LB, Dolores Huerta Prep, Senior
    • Damian Romero, QB/DB, Fowler, Senior
    • Austin Schake, OG/DE, West Grand, Senior
    • Rylee Smith, TE/DE, Fowler, Senior
    • Cooper Tixier, G/DE, Wiley, Sophomore
    • Tyler Wytulka, QB, Norwood, Senior
    • Cade Zordel, RB/LB, Wiley, Senior

    [divider]

    6-man

    Stratton/Liberty Fleming football
    (Lance Wendt/wendt5280.com)

    Player of the year: Brady Kuntz, Fleming

    Coach of the year: John King, Fleming

    First Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Damien Barnes Eads RB/DE Senior
    Dominic Coleman Granada QB/RB/DB Junior
    Kade Comstock Fleming QB/S Senior
    Alex Cruz Stratton/Liberty FB/DE Sophomore
    Sullivan Farmer Kit Carson Senior
    Chris Goss Fleming LB/RB Senior
    John Hainer Granada FB/NG Sophomore
    Tyler Hase Stratton/Liberty TE/DE Senior
    Brady Kuntz Fleming DE/LB/HB Senior
    Jaret Lichty Stratton/Liberty RB/LB Senior
    Evan Worley Cheyenne Wells Junior
    Arek Wulf Prairie RB/DB/ATH Senior
    Second Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Layne Brown Briggsdale TE/MLB Senior
    Malik Carlson Briggsdale RB/LB Junior
    Daniel Escareno Manzanola DE/QB/TB Junior
    Cordell Garriott North Park Senior
    Preston Hernandez Cheyenne Wells Senior
    Nolan Hill Peetz Senior
    Andy Long Prairie QB/DE/ATH Junior
    Trey Pearce Cheraw DB/QB Senior
    Evan Pieper North Park Junior
    Rogelio Rangel Cheyenne Wells Junior
    Dalton Sweazy Hanover OL/QB/MLB Junior
    Dayne Woodis Deer Trail Junior

    Honorable mention:

    • Gus Andreatta, WR/DE/P, La Veta, Junior
    • Richie Atencio, DL/OT, Sierra Grande, Senior
    • Dillon Ball, Cheyenne Wells, Junior
    • Logan Breyer, TE/DL, Stratton/Liberty, Sophomore
    • Isiah Chairez, LB/RB/ATH, Sierra Grande, Junior
    • Ty Coleman, Cotopaxi, Sophomore
    • Peyton Cranson, Branson/Kim, Sophomore
    • Jonathan De Jesus, RB/LB, Weldon Valley, Senior
    • Yahir Enriquez, Idalia, Junior
    • Junior Flores, RB/LB, Weldon Valley, Senior
    • Samuel Koolstra, RB/LB, Arickaree/Woodlin, Junior
    • Levi Miller, Genoa-Hugo, Senior
    • Wyatt Miller, Genoa-Hugo, Junior
    • Kevin Rodriquez, Walsh, Senior
    • Nick Schroeder, WR/LB, Hi-Plains, Senior
    • Cade Smith, Branson/Kim, Sophomore
    • Porter Spady, RB/LB/K, Eads, Freshman
    • Salvador Vigil, QB/S/LB, Mountain Valley, Senior
    • Tatum White, DB/LB/SB, Cheraw, Junior
  • Photos: Eaton wins 2A football state championship, topping Lamar

    Eaton captured the Class 2A football state championship by beating Lamar 28-21.

  • Here’s what happened during the 1A, 3A and 5A state football championship games

    PUEBLO — The 1A, 3A and 5A state football championships are to be contested on Thursday.

    1A (Limon vs. Strasburg)

    3A (Roosevelt vs. Durango)

    5A (Cherry Creek vs. Valor Christian)

    [divider]

    Live coverage

  • Here’s what happened during the 2A and 4A state football championship games

    PUEBLO — The 2A and 4A state football championships are to be contested on Thursday.

    2A (Eaton vs. Lamar)

    8-man (Sedgwick County vs. Sanford)

    [divider]

    Live coverage

  • Defensive plays put Eaton out of reach of Lamar to claim 2A football title

    PUEBLO — For the entire first half, it felt like both Eaton and Lamar just needed a big play to solidify control of the Class 2A football championship game.

    Nothing came in the first 24 minutes, but Eaton’s Ryan Dircksen opted for two massive plays in the third quarter that quickly gave the Reds control and an eventual 28-21 win to give the team its second-ever state football title.

    Dircksen blocked a punt setting up Tanner True’s one-yard score and on the next possession nearly sacked Lamar quarterback Zane Rankin in the end zone for a safety. He settled for an intentional grounding call, forcing Lamar to punt the ball from its own one. That play was rewarded later when Juan Maravilla scored from five yards out, his second touchdown of the game.

    “That’s how we do it,” Dircksen said. “There are ups and downs all over the place and it’s just about if (the offensive) guys want it or not. We just had to ask what they wanted and that’s what they got.”

    Surrendering 21 points doesn’t exactly scream defensive lockdown, but there is no doubt that Eaton doesn’t have a state championship without big plays on the defensive end. The Reds (4-2 overall) kept Rankin contained to just 28 rushing yards and 70 passing yards in the first half.

    Eaton Lamar football
    More photos from the game. (PaulDiSalvoPhotography.com)

    Eaton was on the board thanks to a Maravilla six-yard touchdown run. But that was the lone score of the first half and Eaton knew that eventually, Rankin would find a way to make his big plays.

    “We were up, barely,” True, the game’s Most Outstanding Player, said. “But it was like that last week and we had some tough plays right before half, we were getting down a bit but we just had to stay positive.”

    Maravilla’s 68 rushing yards and rushing touchdown for the Reds helped set the early tone. That tone carried over in the second half as he rode the emotional momentum that the defense established.

    “Honestly we didn’t make any major adjustments,” Eaton coach Zac Lemon said. “We knew coming into this we just had to do what we do. We weren’t going to do anything crazy or try anything different.”

    Lamar (7-2) got on the board with 1:36 left in the third as Rankin finally found space and broke for a 29-yard touchdown run.

    That seemed to free up Lamar a bit. The next drive, Rankin found Greyden Martinez for a 71-yard touchdown pass to make it a 21-14 game. Blake Buxton then ripped the ball loose from Maravilla on the first play of the next drive, to get the ball back with a chance to tie the game.

    “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous,” Lemon said.

    But the defense again showed up in a big way.

    Brogan Barr ended any hopes Lamar had of pulling even as he picked off Rankin on a long 3rd down play and returned it for a touchdown to once again give the Reds a comfortable lead.

    Rankin added another touchdown pass, this time finding Buxton from 32 yards out, once again getting Lamar within a score. Eaton’s final offensive drive stalled at midfield, giving Lamar one last chance to either extend the game or get a chance to get the win.

    But the game was clinched thanks to a familiar theme. Morgan Tribbett sacked Rankin and knocked the ball loose. Dircksen jumped on top of the ball and held on to it the same way he and his teammates held on to the state championship trophy just a few minutes later.

    Eaton football team champions
    More photos from the game. (PaulDiSalvoPhotography.com)
    Eaton Lamar football
    More photos from the game. (Lance Wendt/wendt5280.com)
  • 2A football championship preview: (5) Eaton and (7) Lamar set for thrilling clash

    (CHSAANow.com)

    At first glance, the Class 2A football championship game between No. 5 Eaton and No. 7 Lamar is an unexpected matchup.

    At least to those who have never seen the teams play. Those that have will certainly argue that the potential for each squad to advance to the finals was thriving since Week 1 of the football season. And even all the way through the playoffs.

    For Lamar (7-1 overall), the success of the season almost felt as if it would go the way of a broken down play when Zane Rankin is handling the ball. There could be cause for concern at any moment and even a scare where things look they’re going off the rails. But the result somehow ends up positive.

    Rankin has been the unquestioned heart of the offense all season and has battled through even the toughest of times. He tossed three interceptions in a game twice, once in a win over Elizabeth and once in Lamar’s loss to Pagosa Springs, its only loss of the season.

    But he’s also thrown for five touchdowns in a game when Lamar beat Trinidad. He also had three 100-yard rushing performances through the course of the year.

    Elizabeth Lamar football
    (Dan Mohrmann/CHSAANow.com)

    He hasn’t been alone as both Damian Ramos and Jesus Reyes have also been essential to the team’s success, even when things looked at times like they weren’t going according to plan.

    “How you overcome adversity, that’s what this team is all about,” Rankin said early in the season. “We can battle through adversity and push through, that’s why this team is so good.”

    To claim a state title, Lamar will have to beat another good team and a team that did what not a lot of people thought could be done.

    Eaton was never scared of Resurrection Christian despite the fact that the Cougars defense hadn’t surrendered a point in the regular season. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around in the semifinal clash, Eaton had scored 27.

    While Ethan Florez had been the standout back for Eaton during the course of the regular season, it was Juan Maravilla stepping up against Rez. He rushed for 165 yards and a touchdown in the win. Short yardage situations were also beneficial considering that quarterback Scott Grable could hand the ball to a tank in Tanner True. True scored two touchdowns on Saturday to help Eaton punch its ticket to championship weekend.

    “The look on the players’ faces, it’s classic. It just brings tears to your eyes. Excited for them, that their hard work is playing off. You just love to see that look on their faces,” Eaton coach Zac Lemon told the Colorado Preps Scoreboard Show on Saturday.

    Eaton’s last state championship came in 2000 when the team beat Roosevelt 21-7 to capture the 2A crown. It’s been a bit longer for Eaton’s opponent. Lamar’s last football title came when it beat Delta for the AA title back in 1961. It last played in the title game in 1963 leaving the program with a prolonged absence when it comes to football success. And absence that the players hope will be erased come Friday.

    Eaton Resurrection Christian football
    (David Johnson/davidjohnsonphotography.org)
  • Photos: No. 5 Eaton stuns No. 1 Resurrection Christian in 2A football semis

    Eaton advanced to the Class 2A football state title game after upsetting top-seeded Resurrection Christian 27-13 on Saturday.

  • Football: The championship matchups are set in all classifications

    (Barry Smith)

    It was semifinal Saturday as all seven classes were in action. That means that each championship matchup has been set up ahead of next week’s Championship Weekend at CSU Pueblo.

    Here is how the day played out.

    Browse a database of state football championship games through history at this link.

    [divider]

    Class 5A

    Bracket

    • Matchup: Cherry Creek vs. Valor Christian
    • Kickoff: 12/5, 6 p.m.

    •••

    (1) Cherry Creek 35, (4) Pomona 7

    Cherry Creek scored on a Hail Mary as the first half ended to turn a one-score game to a 21-7 advantage, and the Bruins’ offense kept it up in the second half as they advanced to a third-straight title game.

    Julian Hammond III threw two touchdowns, and star defensive back/offensive threat Myles Purchase had three touchdowns. Cherry Creek’s Gunnar Helm and Chase Penry each had receiving scores.

    Cherry Creek, the defending champions, will be making its 19th appearance in a state title game, and third straight.

    Find a photo gallery from the game here.

    •••

    (2) Valor Christian 45, (3) Legend 0

    Already up 14-0 after the first quarter, Valor Christian exploded for 31 second-quarter points as the Eagles advanced to the program’s 10th state title game.

    Valor score two rushing touchdowns in the first quarter, including one from Jordan Norwood, and then their special teams (blocked punt return from Mitchell Bigelow) and defense (Luke Meyer’s 17-yard fumble return) added two more scores early in the second.

    Jackson Zimmermann added a receiving score, and Gabe Sawchuk scored on the ground.

    Valor Christian is 8-1-0 in its previous trips to a championship game.

    Find a photo gallery from the game here.

    [divider]

    Class 4A

    Bracket

    • Matchup: Loveland vs. Palmer Ridge
    • Kickoff: 12/4, 6 p.m.

    •••

    (4) Loveland 20, (4) Dakota Ridge 14

    Loveland scored all of its points in the first half, and its defense held firm to secure a second championship game appearance in three years.

    Tyson Williams had a 12-yard rushing touchdown which opened the scoring in the first quarter. After Dakota Ridge took a 7-6 lead, Loveland’s Garrett Harstad scored from 3 yards out.

    Then, in the second quarter, Zack Rakowsky broke off a 73-yard rushing score for Loveland.

    Loveland moves on to make its 15th championship game appearance.

    A complete recap of the game is available here.

    Find a photo gallery from the game here.

    •••

    (2) Palmer Ridge 28, (6) Fountain-Fort Carson 12

    Palmer Ridge is headed to a fourth-consecutive state championship game, but their first in 4A after winning three-straight 3A titles.

    Luke McAllister threw three touchdown passes for the Bears, who led 14-6 at halftime, and then had a touchdown each in the third and fourth quarters.

    Find a photo gallery from the game here.

    [divider]

    Class 3A

    Bracket

    • Matchup: Roosevelt vs. Durango
    • Kickoff: 12/5, 2 p.m.

    •••

    (1) Roosevelt 49, (4) Pueblo South 19

    A tight game through the first two quarters, Roosevelt’s Brig Hartson scored from 6 yards out in the final minute of the first half to put his team up 21-13.

    Pueblo South’s Jace Bellah scored in the third quarter to cut it to 21-19, but Roosevelt close the game with 28 unanswered points.

    This will be Roosevelt’s third championship game appearance, and first since 2015.

    A complete recap of the game is available here.

    Find a photo gallery from the game here.

    •••

    (3) Durango 34, (2) Holy Family 14

    Durango built a 21-0 halftime lead, one it extended to 28-0 early in the third quarter as the Demons flexed their muscle in the win.

    “The kids just executed our game plan perfectly,” Durango coach David Vogt told the Colorado Preps Scoreboard Show. “Our offense just really was rolling.”

    Jordan Woolverton led the way for Durango with two rushing touchdowns, a passing score, and an interception on defense. Gage Mestas had two touchdowns: one receiving, and one rushing. Ben Finneseth also added a 40-yard rushing touchdown.

    It is Durango’s first appearance in a championship game since 1988, and fourth overall. They are 0-3-1 all-time in title games.

    “Every year, that’s our goal: To make it to the state championship,” Vogt said. “To accomplish that, it’s great for everybody who has ever been in the program. Everybody is so happy for the program, and the town is just elated, too.”

    Find a photo gallery from the game here.

    [divider]

    Class 2A

    Bracket

    • Matchup: Eaton vs. Lamar
    • Kickoff: 12/4, 2 p.m.

    •••

    (5) Eaton 27, (1) Resurrection Christian 13

    This will be Eaton’s first appearance in a state championship game since 2003, and the program’s eighth overall. Eaton has won one championship before, in 2000.

    “The look on the players’ faces, it’s classic. It just brings tears to your eyes. Excited for them, that their hard work is playing off. You just love to see that look on their faces,” Eaton coach Zac Lemon told the Scoreboard Show.

    Eaton led 14-7 at the half, and pushed their lead to 27-7 in the fourth quarter.

    “We knew it was going to be a battle in the trenches. It wasn’t easy, but our guys battled,” Lemon said. “We did a little ‘bend, but don’t break.’ Guys played selfless, and excellent.”

    Find a photo gallery from the game here.

    •••

    (7) Lamar 7, (6) Delta 6

    Lamar’s lone score came less than a minute into the second quarter, when Zane Rankin hit Blake Buxton for a 38-yard touchdown. A Luis DeLaTorre extra point immediately after ultimately proved to be the difference in this game.

    “Zane put it right on him for the touchdown,” Lamar coach Jason Tice told the Scoreboard Show.

    The lead held through halftime and into the third quarter when Delta’s Nathan Scharnhorst scored from 6 yards out with 8 minutes remaining in the quarter. The extra point attempt, though, was not good.

    “Our defense stood tall,” Tice said. “The defense really did a nice job today.”

    Lamar will head to a title game for the first time since 1963.

    “We’ve got great kids. This senior class is remarkable. It’s one of the best senior classes I’ve ever been a part of,” Tice said. “These guys just go out there and they play for one another. As a coach, that’s all you can ask for.”

    [divider]

    Class 1A

    Bracket

    • Matchup: Limon vs. Strasburg
    • Kickoff: 12/5, 10 a.m.

    •••

    (1) Limon 24, (4) Wray 14

    The Badgers, two-time defending champions, are headed back to the title game.

    Tied at halftime, Limon took a 14-7 lead with three minutes to play in the third following a long drive.

    “Our kids did a really nice job,” Limon coach Mike O’Dwyer told the Scoreboard Show. “We had talked all week that this game was going to be 3 and 4 and 5 yards, and the team that can sustain that drive and not make mistakes and turn the ball over would win. I really thought our kids did a nice job. We ate up about 8 and a half minutes.”

    The Badgers added a field goal early in the fourth to go ahead 17-7.

    “To make it a two-score game, you felt a little bit more comfortable,” O’Dwyer said.

    Wray cut the lead to 17-14 three minutes later, but Limon sealed the game with a touchdown pass with two minutes remaining.

    “It was a great team effort on the defensive side,” O’Dwyer said.

    Limon has the most championships of any program in the state, with 19. They have been to a title game 27 times before, also the most in the state.

    Find a photo gallery of the game here.

    •••

    (2) Strasburg 27, (6) Centauri 14

    For the fifth-straight year, Strasburg will head to the championship game. The squad has played Limon each of the past two seasons.

    Down 14-0 in the first half, and 14-6 at halftime, Strasburg got a rushing touchdown and a two-point conversion midway through the third quarter to tie things at 14-14. Then, with five minutes to play in the fourth quarter, another rushing score gave Strasburg a 21-14 lead.

    “When we got down 14-0, nothing was working for us offensively. Centauri came out and they were flying around the football,” Strasburg coach Brian Brown told the Scoreboard Show. “We told the boys, ‘We’re not used to this, but we got to keep our composure.’ Our boys, they never seem too worried about what the score is. They just know that if they keep doing the things they do best, good things will happen.”

    They then sealed the game with a pick-6 with three minutes to play.

    Strasburg will be making its seventh appearance in a championship game.

    [divider]

    8-man

    Bracket

    • Matchup: Sedgwick County vs. Sanford
    • Kickoff: 12/3, 6 p.m.

    •••

    (1) Sedgwick County 46, (4) Dove Creek 6

    The Cougars have advanced to their sixth-straight state title game, and are looking to become just the second program to ever win six consecutive championships. Only Limon has done it before, from 1963-68.

    “I think later on down the road, we’ll be able to look back and realize what had happened. Right now, we’re just a one-day-at-a-time team, just like everybody else,” Sedgwick County coach Chris Michel told the Scoreboard Show.

    Sedgwick County scored four times on the ground, once through the air, and also had a 64-yard punt return for a score. The Cougars led 40-6 at halftime.

    “We do a really good job, when we get some momentum, of capitalizing on that,” Michel said.

    •••

    (2) Sanford 16, (6) Merino 14

    This marks the first time in program history that Sanford will play for a state football championship.

    “Beyond excited,” Sanford coach Joe Cary told the Scoreboard Show. “We’re extremely excited to be able to go and do this.”

    Sanford trailed 14-8 at halftime in a physical game. They went ahead 16-14 in the fourth quarter on a speed-option play.

    “The kids never dropped their heads,” Cary said. “Never once did they let the doubt creep in. They just fought and fought.”

    [divider]

    6-man

    Bracket

    • Matchup: Fleming vs. Stratton/Liberty
    • Kickoff: 12/3, 2 p.m.

    •••

    (1) Fleming 52, (4) Granada 46

    It was a shootout back-and-forth kind of game between the two teams that saw a number of lead changes.

    Granada led 46-38 in the fourth quarter, but a long touchdown run cut it to 46-44 for Fleming. The Wildcats then took the lead for good on an 8-yard pass.

    “It was a great game,” Fleming coach John King told the Scoreboard Show.

    Fleming, the defending champion, will head back to the championship game for a second year in a row, and for the seventh time in program history.

    “I’m sure it’s going to be one heck of a test for us again,” King said.

    •••

    (2) Stratton/Liberty 36, (3) Cheyenne Wells 15

    It’ll be a fourth-straight title game appearance for the Knighted Eagles, and a rematch of last year’s title game, won by Fleming.

    Against Cheyenne Wells, Stratton/Liberty trailed 15-14 at halftime. They closed with 22 unanswered points.

    “I thought we just played harder, with more heart, and more urgency, in the second half,” Stratton/Liberty Toby Kechter told the Scoreboard Show. “The second half, we just ran right at them and we finally found some holes.”

    This will be Stratton/Liberty’s 15th championship game in program history.

    “We’re excited. You take away our best player Week 2, and our kids really stepped up,” Kechter said. “They played with a lot of heart and desire and want-to.”