It’s called Class 2A for the spring season but it consists mainly of 1A teams from the 2019 season. Buena Vista and Flatirons Academy step forward as likely conference champions with many other teams hoping to gain more wins to build confidence and excitement within their program.
Games start this weekend and each team can play up to six regular season games. Eight clubs will advance to the playoffs.
Feature photo is from the 2017 Roaring Football team from their Facebook page. They will return to varsity football for the first time in three years this Spring.
EAST
FLATIRONS ACADEMY (6-4): The Bison were a Class 1A playoff team in 2019 and nearly upset Centauri in the first round (28-21). Now they look to build on that post-season experience with a strong showing in the Spring. Jacob Dube is the top offensive threat as he lead team in passing (737) and rushing yards (680). He scored nine TDs in each capacity. Deverick Dow (443 yards rushing) and Trenton Rowan (18 receptions) are other weapons on that side of the ball. On defense, Matt Berggren paced the Bison with 92 tackles and he returns along with Trevor Ryan who was second with 88.
ESTES PARK (4-5): The spring season marks a good opportunity for the Bobcats to earn a playoff berth. The offense should be in good shape as Collin Reetz (1,079 yards – 8 TDs) returns at quarterback along with running backs Elijah Kitchen (561 yards) and Cole Wallace (549). Five seniors also return outside who combined for 94 receptions in 2019. On defense, Brandon Kossuth is the leader as he recorded 52 stops in his junior season.
MANUAL (4-6): A rebuild will be needed offensively as the Thunderbolts graduated a starting quarterback, the top three rushers and top two receivers. Defensively, they’ll be led by Caleb Barnes and Everett White. Both were top five in tackles with 41 and 28 respectively in 2019.
RIDGEVIEW ACADEMY (3-6): The Rams of course deal with a completely new roster almost every year and won’t publicize names or statistics due to privacy rules within the facility.
CLEAR CREEK (3-6): Freshman played key roles offensively in 2019 so those players are now a year and half stronger and wiser. Bode Baker had a solid freshman campaign taking snaps; throwing for 947 yards and 10 scores. The staff hopes he can trim down the 18 interceptions as well. Evan Brandt was second in rushing with 150 yards as a freshman and should get more attempts in the Spring. The top two receivers numbers wise graduated but that may mean more chances for Jett Howard who caught nine passes his junior season. Caden Vogt led the ‘Diggers with 85 tackles as a sophomore. Brandt was third with 65.
SHERIDAN (4-5): Two names to watch for with the Rams are Kevin Trejo and Randy Valdez. Trejo attempted 32 passes as a junior and is the likely starter for 2021. Trejo and Valdez were also among the six rushers that gained between 100-250 yards a year ago; the other four graduated. On defense, Trejo was the top tackler (66) and Valdez (60) second.
WEST
GRAND VALLEY (2-7): There’s a good chance that Cardinals improve on the win total from 2019, even with a shortened spring regular season. That optimism is based on the return of at least five players who made solid contributions in the last season. Emilio Garcia led the team with 378 yards rushing as a sophomore and was also the top passing target with 11 receptions. Hector Delacruz and Steven Hicks both saw time at QB and both could take some snaps again this year. On defense, Rance Beck (76) and Caleb Frink (73) were one-two in tackles and both return this season.
ELLICOTT (0-9): The Thunderhawks did not report any statistics to MaxPreps during the 2019 season but hope to bounce back from a tough campaign.
BUENA VISTA (6-4): Based on the amount of quality returnees, the Demons were the logical choice as the preseason number one team in the divison. The running game will be in good shape with the return of Brandan Cattell (608 yards) and Jacob Phelps (548). Tucker Storms and Luke Reavis each caught 22 passes and combined for six touchdowns. They both return. One question mark offensively is at QB where the Demons must find a successor to Kik Molitor who threw for 1,080 yards and 11 scores as a senior. On defense, four of the top six tacklers return in Seth Moss (55), Reavis (43), Storms (37) and Ethan Flavin (37).
ST MARYS (2-7): Many new faces will need to step forward if the Pirates are to challenge for a playoff spot. Lost to graduation are the top two rushers, the top three receivers and top six tacklers. They can, however start to build an offense around QB Caleb Pepper. He compiled 421 yards and four touchdowns passing as a freshman and is back to direct the offense. Landon Kane (24) and Lucas Novak (22) combined for 46 tackles defensively.
MANITOU SPRINGS (2-8): The single wing attack should be ready for better numbers as the top three rushers, Tate Christian, Dylan Jardin and Ethan Boren all return. They combined for six touchdowns and each ran for between 175 and 294 yards. Parker Salladay and Christian also tied for the team lead in tackles with 25 and both are back for their junior season.
ROARING FORK: The Rams have not played a varsity football game since suffering through a winless season in 2017. They’ve spent the past couple of years rebuilding the program on the junior varsity level and will return to varsity action this spring. The JV club went 4-2 in 2019 with wins over Meeker, Hotchkiss and Grand Valley. They also split two matchups with Aspen and fell to Basalt.
