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.