The usual suspects make this
year’s preseason top ten in 5A football. Columbine is a solid favorite, but
repeating is tough, especially with Douglas County, Mullen and Pomona all with
title hopes of their own.
1.Columbine
The Rebels are loaded, with
numerous returning starters from last year’s state championship team. With that said, they are embarking on
one of the toughest feats in any sport which is the title repeat. If any team can handle having the target
on their back it is Columbine.
Colorado bound DT Curtis Cunningham leads the D, while the offense
returns all three running backs.
2.Douglas County
Last season Douglas County came
up just short of the title game as they lost to Mullen in the semifinals in what
was one of the most exciting games of the year. Three year starters Tyler Jackson, Ryan Misare and Nick Hernon would like to hoist the 5A championship trophy one more
time.
3.Mullen
With the graduation on numerous
D1 performers, the Mullen offensive line and All-League defender Nolan Brewster
will be asked to hold the fort while new skill players mature. If runner Jonathan Gaye finds his stride
early watch out.
4.Pomona
The Panthers return top players
at every position and should benefit from the multiple three year starters all
over the roster.
5.Mountain Vista
All-League RB Eric Longoria will
help buy time for new QB Eric Anderson as he learns the position. A defense with multiple playmakers
including LB Austin Demmel and Colorado bound safety Patrick Mahnke should
supply the O with good field position.
6.Grandview
The Wolves will follow their
formula of tough D and running the ball.
Bo Bolen returns as one of 5As top backs. Grandview fans are looking forward
seeing what 6-2 205 pound speed merchant Davis Burl can do with a full
season.
7.Bear Creek
The offense highlighted by young
runner Tommy Flanagan and QB Zach Thenell should put up points. What makes the Bears scary this season
is a defense that should make some stops.
8.Overland
Big Andrew Sampson will hold the
offensive line so versatile QB Devon Connors can find ways to get the ball to
Brandon Beecher and Lance Willis.
9.Legacy
The young lighting squad returns
key people in all the right places especially on defense, where young sack
specialist Nick Kasa teams with hard hitting safety Devon Martin and linebacker
John Reffel to form a solid core.
QB Luke Bublitz has the skill set to be very good and if he is, Legacy
could be trouble come playoffs.
10.Cherry Creek
This could be Jack Elway’s year
to shine with a solid offensive line in front of him, good health and the
world’s best QB coach working with him every day.
Each week, during the season,
PrepColorado will rank the top ten in 4A and 5A football as well as post power
rankings combining all classifications.