CHSAANow

Tag: Golden

  • Arvada West girls hoops defeats Golden in season opener

    ARVADA — Arvada West junior Amanda Neff started right where she left off last season.

    Neff buried a 3-pointer from the corner on the opening offensive possession for the Wildcats on Monday night to start the 2021 girls basketball season for A-West. Neff did a little bit of everything during the 55-21 home victory over Golden, including dishing out some handful of nice assists after she went cold from the floor.

    “I realized I was struggling with shooting,” said Neff, who finished with 11 points. “Instead of forcing it and trying to take it myself I should see the open players and get some easy baskets.”

    Arvada West junior Sydney Trinder (11) goes up strong against Golden senior Maree Lenz (24) during the season opener Monday night. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    It looked easy for the Wildcats at times getting out to a 15-0 lead on the Demons through the first quarter. However, Golden senior Maree Lenz poured in 10 points in the second quarter to trim the Wildcats’ lead to 26-11 at halftime.

    “It wasn’t pretty. Maybe I was expecting too much,” A-West coach Brady Meeks said. “The girls knew I wasn’t pleased with that first half. We have to be more consistent with the little things.”

    A-West’s defense locked down Golden to a tune of just three points in the third quarter and sophomore Ellie Pugliese got rolling with five points in the quarter. In fact, six different A-West players scored in the third quarter to get the Wildcats back on track.

    “There was a change in the energy,” Neff said after halftime when the Wildcats outscored the Demons 17-3 to grab a 43-14 lead going into the final quarter.

    Arvada West had a strong defensive effort against Golden on Monday night. The Wildcats held the Demons to single-digit points in three of four quarters. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    The Wildcats had eight different scorers as A-West continued its trend set last year of having a good balanced scoring attack.

    “What I love about this group is it’s all nine,” Meeks said. “Every single one of these girls have the ability to do things and create things for this team. It’s a very unselfish group.”

    A-West will look to improve on those mistakes made in the opener when the Wildcats host Boulder on Friday, Jan. 29. While Valor Christian and Ralston Valley appear to be the frontrunners in the Class 5A Jeffco League, A-West could be a darkhorse to get into the race for the conference title.

    “We gave a lot of effort and were passionate,” Neff said. “We struggled with some of the easy things like finishing (shots) and rebounding. I think we’ll be looking good this season if we just settle in.”

    Golden has a lot of new facing including first-year coach Jonathon Sena. The Demons have another tough road test against Chatfield coming up on Wednesday, Jan. 27.

  • No. 5 Golden boys hoops grinds out win over Arvada West

    Golden junior Richie Pruett (1) battles with Arvada West sophomore Jasper Padia, left, and senior Cooper Prada (25) during the season opener for both teams Monday night at Arvada West High School. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    ARVADA — Richie Pruett played in a handful of varsity games as a sophomore last season for Golden’s boys basketball team.

    Pruett scored 20 total points last season. He topped that Monday night in the Demons’ season opener pouring in a game-high 23 points as Golden took a 72-63 road victory against Arvada West.

    “He (Pruett) has grown and matured. He has gotten a lot better,” Golden coach Lou Vullo said. “He is totally committed and bought in. He is much improved. There are a lot of guys here that are the exact same way.”

    Golden sophomore Alan Acevedo (right) drives toward the basket during the first half Monday against Arvada West. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    While the Demons graduated eight seniors from last year’s Class 4A Jeffco League championship team, Golden still is held in high regard. Golden was ranked No. 5 in the CHSAANow.com 4A boys basketball preseason poll.

    “We knew going in that we have talent,” Pruett said.

    Some returning talent is sophomore Alan Acevedo, who was an impact player as a freshman last year. Acevedo had a solid game against the Wildcats scoring 19 points despite struggling at the free-throw line going 4-for-10.

    Golden made sure Acevedo had the ball in his hands down the stretch run after A-West cut the Demons’ nearly 20-point lead to single digits in the fourth quarter.

    He (Acevedo) is super crafty and what I’m really proud of him is he worked on his body,” Vullo said. “He has gotten a lot stronger. That is going to help us down the stretch.”

    Sophomore Aliou Diallo also had a nice game with 10 points and junior James Lacey pitched in eight points for the Demons who don’t have a single senior on the squad this year.

    “It was what I expected. A little bit sloppy,” Vullo said. “We are young and inexperienced, but coming out and beating a 5A team that is pretty scrappy is good.”

    Arvada West senior Eli Ross (10) tries to avoid Golden sophomore Alan Acevedo (30) during the first half Monday. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    A-West was led by the trio of Eli Ross, Zion Thomas and Carson Nichols. The three all reached double-figures, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Golden. The Demons were able to keep the Wildcats at arm’s length to close out the victory.

    With the Jeffco Public Heath Department allowing just 50 people in gym due to the COVID pandemic to start the prep basketball season, it was a bit of a surreal atmosphere.

    “With all the summer and fall stuff we did with no fans really prepared us for this,” Pruett said of playing in nearly an empty gym. “At the end it comes down to how we play. Not how the fans would influence how we play.”

    With just 14 regular-season games, Vullo has stressed to his squad that they need to start fast and almost be in mid-season form right now.

    “We want to make sure we stay together, get our practices in and stay healthy,” Pruett said. “We want to finish these six weeks out on top and get ready for playoffs. Get ready for a state run.”

    Golden has its home opener against Thornton on Wednesday night. A-West attempts to get its first victory under its belt when the Wildcats host Boulder on Friday, Jan. 29.

  • 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

  • Jeffco student-athletes ink on first National Letter of Intent Signing Day

    It didn’t looked like a normal National Letter of Intent Signing Day on Wednesday.

    Conifer’s Zack Gacnik
    (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    The current COVID-19 pandemic didn’t allow for the normal signing celebrations across Jeffco during the first of four signing days coming up for the Class of 2021. However, a number of Jeffco Public Schools student-athletes signed on Nov. 11 to continue their college careers.

    Ralston Valley had nine girls sign, highlighted by last year’s Class 5A girls diving state champion Isabel Gregersen. She will dive for Florida State University. Sydney Bevington is taking her basketball talent to Santa Clara University and Jordan West is staying close to home to play softball at Colorado State University.

    Columbine’s Korbe Otis
    (photo provided)

    Columbine’s Korbe Otis, who helped the Rebels to their first state softball title in 2019, officially signed with the University of Louisville.

    The University of Colorado added Conifer’s Zack Gacnik to its roster. Gacnik placed third at the 4A boys cross country state championship last month in Colorado Springs.

    The next National Letter of Intent Signing Day is Dec. 16 and includes the early football signing period.

    Green Mountain High School
    Connor Brauch, diving, University of Cincinnati
    Isaias Estrada, wrestling, University of North Carolina
    KC Ossello, lacrosse, Missouri Western State University

    Ralston Valley High School
    Makena Geist, softball, University of Colorado-Colorado Springs
    Jaiden Geist, softball, Metro State University
    Madison Hauffman, lacrosse, Notre Dame College (Ohio)
    Jordan West, softball, Colorado State University
    Brooklyn Seymour, basketball, Western Colorado University
    Isabel Gregersen, diving, Florida State University
    Megan Jackson, lacrosse, Palm Beach Atlantic University
    Sydney Bevington, basketball, Santa Clara University
    Sydney Metzler, swimming, University of Wyoming

    Golden High School
    Ben Kirschner, lacrosse, University of Massachusetts-Lowell
    Marla Goodspeed, softball, Oregon Tech
    Sydney Benson, volleyball, Mercer
    Maci Jones, soccer, Bentley University
    Hank Ohlen, lacrosse, Belmont Abbey
    Jadyn Goodrich, soccer, University of Denver

    Conifer High School
    Zack Gacnik, cross country, University of Colorado
    Addie Hollander, lacrosse, Franklin & Marshall

    Columbine High School
    Korbe Otis, softball, University of Louisville

    Evergreen High School
    Margo Miller, lacrosse, Cornell University
    Lauren Spence, lacrosse, Loyola University-Maryland
    Madeline Mancini, lacrosse, Notre Dame College
    Jared Stiller, lacrosse, Williams College
    Thomas Schreffler, baseball, Mesa Community College (AZ)
    George Hogan, baseball, Dordt University

    Lakewood High School
    Lila Maddux, swimming, Niagara University (NY)

    Chatfield High School
    Izzy DiNapoli, softball, University of Northern Colorado

    Wheat Ridge High School
    Wes Miller, baseball, Regis University

    Arvada West High School
    Alexis Kilgroe, water polo, Salem International University

  • Photos: 4A No. 1 Dakota Ridge football beats Golden

    Dakota Ridge, No. 1 in 4A football, beat Golden 45-3 on Saturday.

  • No. 1 Dakota Ridge football turns it on in the 2nd half against Golden

    LAKEWOOD — Dakota Ridge senior Max Hart was able to get back into an old position on the football field Saturday afternoon at Jeffco Stadium.

    “I just don’t like being off the field too much,” Hart said. “I love playing offense and defense.”

    The wide receiver hadn’t played cornerback this season, but was pressed into the defensive backfield against Golden. Hart came up big for the lone touchdown in the first half with a 70-yard interception return for a touchdown during Dakota Ridge’s eventual 45-3 victory over Golden.

    Dakota Ridge senior Spencer Hardy (37) closes in on Golden quarterback Joey Mancuso during the first half Saturday at Jeffco Stadium. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    “There was huge pressure up front and that helps out big time,” Hart said. “It makes our job easy when there is pressure up front. The ball was right in my hands and I was gone.”

    The pick-6 by Hart was one of the few things the Eagles — No. 1 in the CHSAANow.com Class 4A football rankings — could celebrate in the first half. Dakota Ridge held just a 11-3 lead over Golden (1-4, 1-3 in 4A Jeffco) at halftime.

    “We haven’t been challenged and I think our kids are complacent. They expect to show up and turn the switch on and off,” Dakota Ridge coach Ron Woitalewicz said. “We just can’t be complacent. It’s going to get tougher from here on out.”

    Dakota Ridge (5-0, 4-0) has outscored its opponents 257-32 through the first five weeks. However, the Eagles know that a first-half effort like Saturday’s could spell doom down the road.

    “We started the game slow. We can’t do that against big teams,” Hart said. “They will put 30 points on us in a blink of an eye.”

    Dakota Ridge did get things going offensively in the second half after turning the ball over three times before halftime. The Eagles took advantage of short fields on three straight possessions to start the second half.

    Quarterback Ben Gultig connected with Hart for a 29-yard touchdown in the first minute of the third quarter. Sophomore Noah Triplett had his first of two touchdown runs midway through the third quarter and Gultig hit senior Luke Loehding for a 2-yard touchdown pass in the final minute of the third quarter to push the Eagles’ lead to 31-3.

    Golden senior Hayden English (25) eyes a loose ball after Dakota Ridge miss played a kickoff in the first quarter Saturday at Jeffco Stadium. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    “We just came out kind of flat,” Dakota Ridge senior linebacker Steve Reyes said. “I knew our defense had to do something because it was a defensive game. We also knew the offense would get going in the second half.”

    The Eagles eventually scored 34 unanswered points and shut out Golden in the second half.

    “When we play aggressive, fly around and tackle we are pretty good,” Woitalewicz said of the Eagles’ defense.

    The Demons shocked the Eagles last year with a 14-0 victory in the regular-season finale for both teams. Golden could only muster up a 29-yard field goal by sophomore Chase Brion offensively against Dakota Ridge.

    Golden hosts Bear Creek (2-3, 2-2) at the North Area Athletic Complex next Friday night.

    Dakota Ridge has one final hurdle to complete its undefeated regular season. The Eagles face rival Chatfield at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, at Trailblazer Stadium. The Chargers (3-2, 3-1) defeated Standley Lake 17-7 on Saturday afternoon at NAAC.

    “We just have to practice every practice like it’s your last. Play every game like it’s your last,” Hart said. “We have really been pounding and focusing on that this year.”

    Dakota Ridge’s defense was dominate against Golden on Saturday afternoon at Jeffco Stadium. The Eagles sacked Golden quarterback Joey Mancuso a number of times. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

  • All-state boys cross country teams for the 2020 season

    The 2020 all-state boys cross country teams are presented by CHSAANow.com, ColoradoPreps.com and MaxPreps.

    These teams were created based upon results at the state meet.

    The athletes who won championships at their classification were named runner of the year.

    [divider]

    Class 2A

    Lotus School for Excellent boys cross country
    (Dan Mohrmann/CHSAANow.com)

    Runner of the year: Kidus Begashaw, Lotus School for Excellence

    Coach of the year: Joe Packard, Heritage Christian

    First Team
    Name Year School
    Kidus Begashaw Senior Lotus School for Excellence
    Dylan Brush Junior St. Mary’s
    Jodzuel Juarez Junior Ellicott
    Jackson Neppl Sophomore St. Mary’s
    Joel Schluessler Senior Peyton
    Nathan Schluessler Sophomore Peyton
    Rosston Sherlock Senior Buena Vista
    Cole Thomas Sophomore Lyons
    Connor Williams Junior Crested Butte
    Micah Zeller Senior Custer County
    Second Team
    Name Year School
    Michael Brophy Junior Thomas Maclaren
    Alex Colby Senior Soroco
    Fabian Jimenez Senior Lake County
    Evan Keys Sophomore Front Range Christian
    Caden Miller Sophomore Rocky Ford
    Jack Nauman Sophomore Heritage Christian
    Jace Peters Sophomore Lake County
    Josh Snyder Freshman Rocky Ford
    Xander Stanton Senior Heritage Christian
    Arjen Wyjna Junior Lyons

    Honorable mention:

    • Matthew Campos, Sophomore, The Vanguard School
    • Lyndon Gotelaere, Sophomore, St. Mary’s
    • Nabil Hassan, Junior, Lotus School for Excellence
    • Luke Hermsen, Junior, Heritage Christian
    • Issac Hutchings, Senior, Buena Vista
    • Aaron Jenkins, Junior, Twin Peaks Charter
    • Josh Kearse, Sophomore, Peyton
    • Ryan O’Loughlin, Sophomore, Heritage Christian
    • Ian Osko, Junior, Thomas Maclaren Charter School
    • Nick Parker, Senior, Lyons
    • Tyler Perry, Junior, Wiggins
    • Vincent Schierenberg, Freshman, Ouray
    • Cory Thomsen, Sophomore, Ouray
    • Jonas Van Zweden, Senior, Golden View Classical
    • Sage Wynja, Freshman, Lyons

    [divider]

    Class 3A

    (Dan Mohrmann/CHSAANow.com)

    Runner of the year: Alex Baca, Gunnison

    Coach of the year: Brett Shanklin, Frontier Academy

    First Team
    Name Year School
    Alex Baca Senior Gunnison
    Sylas Chambers Senior Frontier Academy
    Jack Culp Senior Holy Family
    Abuzaid Fanning Sophomore Frontier Academy
    Logan Gullett Sophomore Eaton
    Gabe Heraty Senior Pagosa Springs
    Henry Ilyasova Junior Manitou Springs
    Joshua Medina Senior Alamosa
    Caden Schweer Freshman Severance
    Benedict Siegel Senior Machebeuf
    Second Team
    Name Year School
    Jacob Crookston Senior Jefferson Academy
    Dylan Dieterle Junior Frontier Academy
    Matthew Edwards Freshman The Classical Academy
    Sebastian Groom Junior Frontier Academy
    Isaac Higareda Sophomore Alamosa
    Jack Lee Junior SkyView Academy
    Jadon Scarpella Senior Liberty Common
    Zeb Shields Senior Bayfield
    Chandler Wilburn Sophomore The Classical Academy
    Elijah Wilcox Junior Salida

    Honorable mention:

    • Noah Baca, Junior, Frontier Academy
    • Lucas Barber, Senior, Liberty Common
    • Sean Beasley, Freshman, Jefferson Academy
    • Nathaniel Brim, Senior, The Classical Academy
    • Branden Davis, Junior, Lamar
    • Andrew Descalzo, Junior, Holy Family
    • Ryan Flaherty, Junior, The Classical Academy
    • Anthony Haberkorn, Sophomore, Holy Family
    • Luke Hixson, Junior, Holy Family
    • Nigel Kangethe, Senior, DSST: Conservatory Green
    • Evan Mills, Junior, Jefferson Academy
    • Will Moore, Junior, The Classical Academy
    • Micah Munoz, Junior, Holy Family
    • Justin Quammen, Senior, Frontier Academy
    • Brennan Stice, Senior, Gunnison

    [divider]

    Class 4A

    Zane Bergen Niwot boys cross country
    (Dan Mohrmann/CHSAANow.com)

    Runner of the year: Zane Bergen, Niwot

    Coach of the year: Kelly Christensen, Niwot

    First Team
    Name Year School
    Zane Bergen Junior Niwot
    Keegan Caldwell Senior Mead
    Zack Gacnik Senior Conifer
    Paul Knight Senior Durango
    Erik Le Roux Junior Cheyenne Mountain
    James Overberg Senior Centaurus
    Scott Prieve Senior Palmer
    Grayden Rauba Senior Niwot
    Jackson Shorten Junior Mountain View
    Curtis Volf Senior Niwot
    Second Team
    Name Year School
    Zinabu Engstrom Junior Coronado
    Knox Exton Junior Cheyenne Mountain
    Joey Hendershot Junior Niwot
    Joaquin Herrera Senior Niwot
    Evan Kraus Sophomore Erie
    Kaden Levings Sophomore Cheyenne Mountain
    Alex Maline Senior Air Academy
    Sullivan Middaugh Junior Battle Mountain
    Bryce Reeburgh Junior Golden
    Charlie Welch Senior George Washington

    Honorable mention:

    • Jake Bach, Sophomore, Palmer Ridge
    • Kyle Berg, Junior, Centaurus
    • Cedar Collins, Junior, Cheyenne Mountain
    • Jonas Graff, Sophomore, Montrose
    • Max Heins, Sophomore, Centaurus
    • Gerasimos Kavvadas, Senior, Thompson Valley
    • Enzo Knapp, Junior, Cheyenne Mountain
    • Land Lambert, Junior, Durango
    • Jordan Leblow, Junior, Central Grand Junction
    • John Mcgill, Junior, Centaurus
    • Porter Middaugh, Freshman, Battle Mountain
    • Evan Moore, Senior, Littleton
    • Nathan Pontious, Junior, Canon City
    • Kailer Smith, Senior, Centaurus
    • Josh Trujillo, Senior, Central Grand Junction

    [divider]

    Class 5A

    (Steve Abeyta)

    Runner of the year: Parker Wolfe, Cherry Creek

    Coach of the year: Jonathan Dalby, Mountain Vista

    First Team
    Name Year School
    Caleb Boutelle Senior Pine Creek
    Ben Conlin Senior Rampart
    Ty Garrett Sophomore Valor Christian
    Lukas Haug Senior Boulder
    Ryan Montera Senior Legacy
    Henry Murphy Senior Fairview
    Jayden Nats Junior Mountain Vista
    Caden Smith Senior Cherokee Trail
    James Thomas Senior Broomfield
    Parker Wolfe Senior Cherry Creek
    Second Team
    Name Year School
    Kien Cogley Junior Fruita Monument
    Peter Fox Senior Grandview
    Dalton Kaines Junior Rocky Mountain
    William Merrick Senior Castle View
    Adugna Moritz Senior Fossil Ridge
    Eric Sankey Junior Fairview
    Robert Scott Senior Rock Canyon
    Jake Sheykhet Senior Grandview
    Harrison Witt Senior Mountain Vista
    McGinley Zastrow Senior Fruita Monument

    Honorable mention:

    • Thomas Alley, Senior, Chaparral
    • Kyle Boe, Senior, Mountain Vista
    • Tanner Brown, Freshman, Chaparral
    • Jack Donze, Senior, Ralston Valley
    • Brennan Draper, Freshman, Chaparral
    • Hal Fotinos, Senior, Castle View
    • Nate Harbert, Junior, Mountain Vista
    • Owen Nolan, Junior, Mountain Vista
    • Adam Parish, Senior, Cherry Creek
    • Tyler Pranno, Junior, Valor Christian
    • James Ramey, Senior, Ralston Valley
    • Ethan Straub, Senior, Dakota Ridge
    • Beau Thomason, Senior, Valor Christian
    • Jacob White, Senior, Dakota Ridge
    • Aaron Yocom, Junior, Mountain Vista

  • New Chatfield quarterback guides Chargers to win over Golden

    LAKEWOOD — Chatfield sophomore Mason Lowe has gone from receiver to running back to quarterback in the span of four weeks.

    Chatfield starting quarterback senior Ethan Delfino suffered an injury late in the game last week against Bear Creek. Chargers’ coach Brett McGatlin called on Lowe to take over the reins at quarterback Friday night at Jeffco Stadium.

    Chatfield senior Jack Gillespie (22) sacks Golden quarterback Joey Mancuso (2) and forces a fumble during the first half Friday night at Jeffco Stadium. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    “He (Lowe) is our best player. He is a special kid and is someone the state is going to know really well over the next couple of years,” McGatlin said of his new quarterback that helped the Chargers to a 37-14 victory over Golden. “He is one of the best athletes in the sophomore class in the state. We taught him quarterback in three days.”

    Lowe had never played quarterback at any level, let alone a Class 4A Jeffco League varsity football game. The sophomore looked comfortable running ‘Wildcat’ for the majority of the snaps and scored on a 1-yard touchdown run just before halftime to put Chatfield up 16-0.

    Lowe went to the air in the second half to extend Chatfield’s lead. He hooked up with fellow sophomore Blake Cowgill for a 7-yard touchdown to open the scoring in the third quarter. Lowe tossed his second touchdown pass of his career midway through the fourth quarter with a 31-yard strike to junior Mason Cowgill.

    “I came in here not expecting to throw too much,” Lowe admitted. “Once I got in the groove I was like, ‘I’ve got this.’ I’ll do whatever it takes to win games.”

    Lowe had 215 yards rushing and 174 yards receiving on the season coming into the game. McGatlin expects to likely use Lowe at quarterback for the final two weeks of the regular season.

    “He truly is a slash,” McGatlin said of Lowe. “He can do it all. It’s going to be fun to watch him the next couple of years.”

    While Lowe might have been the headliner, Chatfield defense actually got things started.

    “Last week I felt like we were a little too unaggressive,” McGatlin admitted. “We built this defense to be aggressive because the type of players we have. We have a lot of players that are young and aggressive.”

    Chatfield junior Elijah Rodriguez (33) closes in for a sack of Golden quarterback Joey Mancuso during the Class 4A Jeffco League game Friday night. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    The Chargers defense put immense pressure on Golden all night, including sacking Golden quarterback Joey Mancuso six times in the first half. Chatfield junior Elijah Rodriguez opened up the scoring with an interception of Mancuso late in the first quarter.

    Rodriguez returned the pick 35 yards to the end zone to give Chatfield (2-2, 2-1 in 4A Jeffco) a 6-0 lead midway through the first quarter.

    “That was crazy. I don’t know what was going on in my head,” Rodriguez said of the pick-6. “I didn’t think I had the ball. It was the best felling in my life.”

    Golden (1-3, 1-2) did prevent the shutout with a nice drive in the fourth quarter. Mancuso hooked up with junior Joshua Torrey to get the Demons down to Chatfield’s 7-yard line. Junior De’Jour DuBois scored on a 7-yard touchdown run on the next play.

    Mancuso had a 12-yard touchdown pass late to senior Andy Toth to close out the scoring.

    “At times late in the second half there were definitely some positive stuff,” Golden coach Jared Yannacito said after the loss. “This is a year where we’ve been tested.”

    Friday night was the first games this season where no spectators were allowed in the stands for prep football games at Jeffco Stadium, Trailblazer Stadium and North Area Athletic Complex.

    “I noticed it in the fourth quarter. I turned around and all that were there was the poms and cheers,” McGatlin said. “I actually went over and talked to them. That’s the first time I’ve done that in my coaching career. I told them I appreciate them being here. It’s weird, but we’ve got to play football. That’s the best part.”

    The Jefferson County Public Health announced new mitigation strategies to curb the current spike of COVID-19 in Jefferson County on Thursday night. The new public health order that went into effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30, prohibits spectators at all high school sporting events, including Colorado High School Activities Association events.

    “It was a new experience for sure,” Yannacito said of the empty stands. “It’s different, but at least the kids are out here and able to compete.”

    Golden is back at Jeffco Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 7. The Demons are scheduled to face undefeated and No. 1 Dakota Ridge (4-0, 3-0). Golden actually upset the Eagles last season in its regular-season finale to help the Demons clinch a postseason berth.

    Chatfield heads to the North Area Athletic Complex to face Standley Lake (3-1, 2-1) next Saturday.

    Golden senior Chance Maccagnan (18) tries to make a juggling catch in front of Chatfield’s sideline Friday night at Jeffco Stadium. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

  • Football roundup: Roosevelt knocks off No. 1 Mead in OT by stopping two-point conversion

    Mead Roosevelt football
    More photos from the game. (Barry Smith)

    Roosevelt defense stepped up in a monster moment on Friday night.

    The fifth-ranked Roughriders, who had battled with Mead all night, held firm on a two-point conversion attempt to knock off the No. 1 team in Class 3A, 21-20.

    Roosevelt got the ball first in overtime, and took just one play to score: Quarterback Brig Hartson found Keaton Kaiser for the score. The extra point was good, and then Mead’s offense took the field.

    Likewise, the Mavericks needed just one play to score, when Brayden Keys dashed in for six. Mead coach Jason Klatt opted to go for the two-point conversion.

    That’s when Roosevelt’s defense stuffed a run up the middle, setting off a celebration in Johnstown.

    Roosevelt opened the game with a touchdown on its first drive, finished off when Brig Hartson found Tucker Peterson for a 19-yard touchdown pass.

    The game stayed 7-0 until the third quarter, when Evan Morris tied the game up for Mead with a 1-yard rushing score.

    Hartson, who ended the game with three touchdown passes, put Roosevelt up 14-7 with a 4-yard touchdown to Jadyn Herrera early in the fourth. But Mead responded quickly with a 74-yard pass from Porter Eastin to Corby Tecu, and the game eventually found its way to overtime.

    Roosevelt is now 2-0, while Mead moves to 1-1.

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    2A: (3) Sterling 14, (5) Eaton 10

    The defending champions built a 14-3 lead at the break, and went on to win.

    The Tigers’ defense had an outstanding game, and even scored a touchdown.

    “It was a tough game, a hard-fought contest,” Sterling coach Rob Busmente told the Colorado Preps Scoreboard Show. “It kind of went back and forth there for a while. Teams were battling and putting together some drives. It was back-and-forth, back-and-forth, and fortunately we were able to make a couple of stops and get a couple of takeaways.”

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    8-man: Haxtun 38, (3) Dayspring Christian 36

    Michael Gerk had four touchdowns, Owen Knode added three, according to KPMX Sports, and Haxtun came away with a monster win for its program.

    The Fightin’ Bulldogs established themselves with a scoring drive right out of the gate.

    “We jumped out pretty quick on a nice, long drive, and our offensive line kind of set the tone,” coach J.D. Stone told the Scoreboard Show.

    Haxtun rebounded from an opening-week loss.

    “We were really disappointed last week,” Stone said. “I think we grew a lot from that loss. The team really came together … and had a great week of practice.”

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    3A: (10) Lutheran 57, (4) Discovery Canyon 17

    The Lions jumped all over the Thunder early and often, leading 28-0 after the first quarter en route to the big win.

    “Putting up the points early got us a lot of confidence,” Lutheran coach Stephen Robbins told the Scoreboard Show. “We just pounded it with tempo, and kept going at it. And our linemen up front. I’ll tell you: It’s one of the best O-line groups I’ve had in a decade. They got hungry and they kept going, and that just kind of propelled us.

    “I think that was the difference-maker, was how we came out of the gate.”

    Robbins said that the win could be “a program-changer.”

    “We felt like last year, we left quite a bit on the field, especially against Discovery Canyon,” Robbins said. “So like I said, it’s a program-changer. Kids believe a little bit more, and it gets the community excited as well.”

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    6-man: (1) Stratton/Liberty 66, (7) Eads 27

    The Knighted Eagles came away with a big top-10 win, but coach Toby Kechter said they lost returning first-team all-state running back Jarret Lichty to an arm injury.

    “We got up 16-0, and our best player, and in my opinion, the best player in the state, Jarret Lichty, he dislocated his elbow and broke his arm. Our young kids stepped up and played awesome the rest of the game. Eads is a high-quality team. Our kids, they played for him. They stepped up and played with all their hearts. It was great to see.”

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    Notables:

    • In a top-10 5A matchup, No. 1 Cherry Creek cruised past No. 10 Cherokee Trail 49-7.
    • In 2A, No. 1 Delta beat No. University 31-21. The game was scheduled at the last minute following COVID-related cancellations.
    • A rare score here: In 4A, Standley Lake beat Golden 3-0.
    • In overtime, Riverdale Ridge beat Niwot 14-7 to pick up the program’s first 3A win.
    • Pueblo Central beat Pueblo Centennial 17-9 to win the 72nd Bell Game.
    • Montrose stopped a two-point conversion attempt in OT to beat Fruita Monument 28-27.
    • With smoke from the Cameron Peak Fire blowing in, the game between Erie and Silver Creek experienced a nearly 40-minute “smoke delay.” Erie went on to win 54-27.
    • In its first varsity season, Severance is now 2-0 following its 54-0 win over Alameda.
    • With its win over Otis on Friday, Weldon Valley put an end to a 15-game losing streak.

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