A new feature of the Colorado Preps preseason coverage for football will involve interviews with coaches throughout the state. This story will detail our coverage in Class 3A as we’ll update with interviews as we visit with coaches in the division. So check back daily as we update with new interviews over the preseason.
To access the interviews, simply click on the play button below the coach of your choice.
DURANGO: Todd Casebier
The veteran coach is beginning his third football season in the past 12 months. He guided Castle View in the 5A ranks last Fall and then led Rifle to the 3A state championship during the most recent spring season. Now this Fall, he will direct the Durango program as the Demons are coming off the 3A state crown last Fall.
ROOSEVELT – Lane Wasinger
The Riders got very close to the championship last Fall as they pushed Durango for a full 48 minutes in the state finals. With a very strong nucleus from that group returning, Roosevelt again has very high expectations for the 2021 campaign.
FREDERICK – Travis Peeples
Two years ago the Warriors were one play away from a state championship appearance and during last year’s COVID season, the Warriors stumbled to a 1-5 record playing mostly underclassmen. That year though could help this year as the group is one year older and stronger and more experienced. A playoff berth is on their mind.
GREEN MOUNTAIN – Jesse German
2020 saw a quick start to the season where the Rams won their first three games before they lost most of their roster to quarantine for the second half of the season. The silver lining from the 3-4 season was the chance for young players to gain experience ahead of this 2021 season.
PUEBLO SOUTH – Ryan Goddard
The Colts reached the state semifinals in Class 3A before a loss to Roosevelt their COVID shortened season. Tradition will carry the Colts early on as several newcomers will step into major roles as the season moves along.
PALISADE – Joe Ramunmo
The Bulldogs were the odd team in the condensed 3A playoff bracket last season but still managed to finish at 4-2. A perennial contender from the Western Slope, they are again favored for a league championship and playoff berth.
DISCOVERY CANYON – Shawn Mitchell
The Thunder experienced a rare season where they missed the playoffs but like almost every club across the state, the lineup changed from week to week. They expect to be in the league title chase once again but must first deal with a very rugged non-league slate.
THOMAS JEFFERSON – Mike Griebel
The Spartans rolled to the Class 4A spring championship with an exciting win over Gateway. That success has resulted in more numbers and more confidence in a program that should again battle for a deep playoff run in Class 3A.
FORT MORGAN – Ty Davies
The Mustangs were one of the eight teams that qualified for the 3A playoffs last year and just missed a state semifinal appearance when Roosevelt booted a last second field goal for 17-16 win. Those two will meet again late in the season and it could determine the league championship but first up is a very tough non-conference slate.
LUTHERAN – Stephen Robbins
2020 marked another playoff run for the Lions and since they return virtually their entire offense, another playoff run is expected. The non-conference schedule begins with a trip to Missouri and ends with a challenge against 4A Heritage. Those two games should prep them for the conference slate which includes the likes of Evergreen, Conifer and Green Mountain.
BATTLE MOUNTAIN – Jim Schuppler
The Huskies played a very difficult schedule in 2020 but picked up wins in their last three and now they look to build on that to start the 2021 campaign. They’ll rely on several new faces on the offensive side but the defense welcomes back many key contributors.
