League overview: A few small changes have resulted in the new makeup of the Class 2A Southwest League. Alamosa has departed for the Tri-Peaks and the league adds Delta and North Fork to the mix. Bayfield claimed the league championship in 2021, but adding Delta should result in a competitive race at the top of the league standing this season.
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Bayfield
Head coach: Glenn Wallace
2021 Record: 7-2 (4-0 Southwest)
Returning All-State Players: None
The Wolverines lost a lot with their senior class departing the program, but the expectations for the program remain high coming into the year. Incoming senior Deegan Barnes will likely assume the role of primary ball carrier after playing a secondary role last year. He rushed for 117 yards on 24 carries and scored three touchdowns and those numbers are likely to improve this season. He, Nicholas Twedt and Caden Wood will also make quite the pass catching trio to help with a new quarterback taking control of the offense. The Wolverines open the season against San Juan (Utah) at home.
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Delta
Head coach: Ben Johnson
2021 Record: 9-2 (5-0 Western Slope)
Returning All-State Players: Tucker Johnson (Second Team); Gavin Brewer (Honorable Mention)
It’s hard not to consider the Panthers as the league favorite considering their success over the last several seasons. Sophomore quarterback Ty Reed made a name for himself last year and should build in his 914 passing yards and 13 touchdowns. He gets wide receiver Gavin Brewer back as a viable target. Perhaps more importantly, he has all-state lineman Tucker Johnson back to provide protection. On defense, Clay Sandridge will be a major asset after totaling 72 tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery as a junior. The Panthers open the season at home against University.
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Montezuma-Cortez
Head coach: Ivan Mack
2021 Record: 3-6 (1-3 Southwest)
Returning All-State Players: None
The Panthers came away with a couple of tough wins and weren’t far off from going 3-1 in league play. They’re hoping that those close losses to league opponents can fuel the improvements they’re seeking for the 2022 season. Their non-league schedule includes a couple of out of state teams as well as Rifle.
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Pagosa Springs
Head coach: Nathan Morales
2021 Record: 2-7 (1-3 Southwest)
Returning All-State Players: None
The Pirates took on some tough opponents in 2021 and those non-league games didn’t have the intended result. The team never got comfortable and as a result managed to just beat one Colorado team (Salida) last fall. This year could be very different as running back Gavin Lindahl is back after rushing for 712 yards and eight touchdowns. Aaron Aucoin will also be back under center to give Pagosa senior leadership at the head of the offense. The Pirates once again start the season with a tough non-league opponent as they hit the road to play defending 1A champion Centauri.
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Salida
Head coach: Matt Luttrell
2021 Record: 1-8 (1-3 Southwest)
Returning All-State Players: Drew Johnson (Honorable Mention)
The Spartans are due for a turnaround season and it wouldn’t be a shock to see it happen this fall. Junior Caiven Lake has a good amount of time at quarterback under his belt and after throwing for 557 yards and three scores, should be much more polished this year. Drew Johnson’s 123 tackles earned him all-state honorable mention honors and he should provide a strong leadership presence on defense. Johnson also recovered two fumbles last year and can certainly help his offense out by creating more turnovers. Salida will get its season started with a home game against area rival Buena Vista.
