League overview: Teams from three leagues – and a newcomer to the CHSAA scene – come together to form a new version of the Patriot League East in 2022. Brush, Sterling and Weld Central are holdovers from the league, with University joining from the Patriot West; Arvada from the Flatirons; and Timnath is playing its first year of varsity. Brush was the 2A state runner-up in 2021.
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Arvada
Head coach: Glemon Allmon
2021 Record: 3-4 (2-3 Flatirons)
Returning All-State Players: None
Arvada went 2-3 in the Flatirons in 2021, but now must take on a league that requires a bit more travel. The Bulldogs did put up some points in bunches last year, and will hope to build off that success this fall.
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Brush
Head coach: Joe Rosenbrock
2021 Record: 10-3 (5-0 Patriot East)
Returning All-State Players: Dominick Ontiveros (First Team), Ty Griffith (Honorable Mention)
Team Overview: A 10-win season that saw a berth in the 2A state championship game has Brush thinking big again in 2022. Even with the graduation of Cesar Hijojos, who rushed for 1,160 yards and 14 touchdowns, the Beetdiggers have senior Ty Griffith (602 yards, nine TDs) in the backfield. Defensive end Kale Stegner had four sacks as a junior, and Dominick Ontiveros was second-team all-state as a lineman.
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Sterling
Head coach: Rob Busmente
2021 Record: 3-6 (3-2 Patriot East)
Returning All-State Players: None
Sterling ended the season with some momentum after being shut out in its first four games of the season. Among the top returners are Nathaniel Whited, who was second in rushing yards and also had two interceptions on defense, and Trever Berg.
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Timnath
Head coach: Jayson Robinson
2021 Record: N/A
Returning All-State Players: N/A
The Cubs are making their varsity debut with CHSAA this fall, starting Aug. 26 against Berthoud. With a roster consisting of only sophomores and freshmen, Timnath will work through its growing pains in a hurry.
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University
Head coach: Casey Doss
2021 Record: 7-5 (2-3 Patriot West)
Returning All-State Players: Kian Baxley (Honorable Mention)
Despite winning only five regular-season games, University advanced to the 2A state semifinals before falling to area rival Eaton 39-24. The team graduated three first-team all-state selections, including quarterback Greg Garza, who accounted for 28 passing touchdowns and 17 rushing scores. Kian Baxley had a strong season defensively as a junior, with 74 tackles and three sacks. Marcus Loma had two interceptions and returns at cornerback.
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Weld Central
Head coach: Harrison Chisum
2021 Record: 2-6-1 (1-4 Patriot East)
Returning All-State Players: None
Weld Central graduated Zayne Stam, who rushed for more than 1,100 yards and 14 touchdowns, earning second-team all-state honors. Among the key returners on defense include senior Bryce Ridens, who had four sacks last fall, and junior Cyler Troutner, who had 53 tackles. As a freshman, Jake Cooper compiled 448 return yards.
