Two main reasons can be found why there is no clear cut favorite in Class 3A football this year. Reason number one is that three-time defending state champion Palmer Ridge has moved up to Class 4A and is joined there by regular playoff member Erie. Reason number two involves the loss of key players as almost every returning post-season club lost a high level quarterback to graduation.
Below is the list of quarterbacks that finished up eligibility last Fall:
- Jake Green – Frederick
- Brady Veltien – Mead
- Trey Towndrow – Green Mountain
- JR Hart – Conifer
- Braeden Saya – Roosevelt
- Cam Tucker – Palisade
- Calahan Carter – Holy Family
- Jonak Ikason – Discovery Canyon
- Luke Petit – Pueblo South
- Gavin Mendoza – Erie
In addition, Evergreen’s Griffin Laurentino transferred out of state and Luke McAllister of Palmer Ridge will join his teammates on the 4A level this year.
Because of all those losses, there are quite a few clubs that have thoughts of a playoff berth this year. And as a result, we go a bit deeper with our team capsules in this division. They are listed in alphabetical order below and we’ll have a companion story later today that lays out our selections of playoff teams.
CANON CITY TIGERS: The strength of the Tigers in 2020 could be on the defensive side where Tim Bosse (80 tackles), Tristen Rowe (64) and Dylan O’Rourke (38) all return. On offense, the Tigers are solid on the outside with receivers Seth Newton (40 receptions), Coletin Renn (22) and Josh Rall (16) all return.
CONIFER LOBOS: Noah Wagner is the key returnee as he gained 1,660 yards with 26 TD’s rushing a year ago. He may get even more chances this year as the Lobos must replace outstanding QB J.R. Hart who attempted all but three of the Lobo’s passes a year ago. He totaled 2,489 yards and 28 TD’s. His top three targets who combined for 112 catches and 2,000 yards also graduated. Toby Truby (57) was second in tackles a year ago and should lead the defense this season. He’s joined on that side of the ball by Wagner (46) and Eric Hartness (34) who also picked up two fumbles and two interceptions.
DISCOVERY CANYON THUNDER: In one of the best playoff games in any class last year, the Thunder came up short in overtime to Frederick in the state quarterfinals. The loss was a frustrating way to end an otherwise tremendous season (10-2). Like many in 3A, the Thunder though will feature new faces in almost every position this year. On defense, the top 12 tacklers from last year graduated and on offense, starting QB Jonah Isakson, the top four rushers and top five receivers also finished up their high school careers. Kenneth Paison (242) is the top returning rusher and Xavian Andrews (4) has the most catches of any returnee.
DURANGO DEMONS: With arguably the most returning talent in the division, the Demons must be considered a top title threat. Most of the expectations are based on QB Jordan Woolverton who was involved in 38 TD’s as a junior while compiling 1,941 yards passing and 1,005 rushing. And he has plenty of help coming back as well. Receivers Ben Finnesmith (785 yards / 9 TD’s) and Gage Mestas (626-7) both return while Nate Messier (312 yards) is expected to help fill the role previously held by the graduated Everett Howland. With four starters returning, the offensive line is also intact including center Justin Bates and tackle Ethan Ryan. Eight of the top 10 tacklers from last year also return including Ford Pitts (59), Finnesmith (54), Kyler Reimers (54) and Thomas Barnes (52). Ean Goodwin and Woolverton tied for the team lead with three interceptions apiece and Reimers added four sacks.
EAGLE VALLEY DEVILS: The rebuild continues at a good pace as the Devils are coming off a solid 5-5 season and they return a good list of talent. It starts at QB where Will Geiman is back after throwing for 1,226 yards and nine TD’s as a sophomore. On defense, the trio of Lisandro Aguilar (188 tackles), Tyler Morrison (134) and Branden Vigil (115) made stops all over the field.
EVERGREEN COUGARS: Despite finishing 4-6 last season, the Cougars may have been considered a strong contender for a deep playoff run this year. They return quite a bit of their lineup but the roster took a hit when QB Griffin Laurentino (2,050 yards – 22 TD’s) transferred out of state. That move was made in the summer CHSAA announced the the football season would be delayed. Gavin Garrettson (205 yards) may be the new QB and he will find plenty of help across the board. Carter Cassion (42 catches – 640 yards – 8 TD’s) is back while Noah Martens returns after picking up 487 yards rushing and 324 receiving a year ago. Four of the top five tacklers are back for 2020 including Ben Crosbie (78 tackles – 2 INT’s), John Wagner (66), Martens (64) and Marco Shields (60).
FORT MORGAN MUSTANGS: One of the few teams to return a starting quarterback from last year, the Mustangs may run a good share of their offensive through Briggs Wheatley. He became the starter midway through his sophomore season and finished with 781 yards passing and 734 rushing; combining for 18 touchdowns. Frank Ortega (401 yards) and Cael Langford (214) each scored four touchdowns last season and should anchor the running game this year while Fernando Marquez will be asked to step up to replace graduated receiver Jacob Ortega (33 catches). Up front there are two returnees in Bennie Edwards and Gabe Vickers while Eddie DePriest is an up and comer. Seven starters return on the defensive side with Langord (60) the top returning tackler. Ernie Sandoval had 33 tackles while Marquez had six of the team’s 12 interceptions in 2019.
FREDERICK WARRIORS: The Warriors had a great season where they won 11 games and reached the state semifinals before a frustrating loss to Pueblo South (28-24) ended their season. They lost over 34-hundred yards of offense and 46 TD’s with the graduation of QB Jacob Green. He’s a big hole in a Warriors offense that also graduated their top three receivers. That means they turn to the duo of Dominik Schleif (610 yards rushing) and Tyler Weston (322) to churn out yards on the ground while others develop. Defensively, Christopher Baum (67) is the only returnee from the top 10 tacklers of 2019.
GREEN MOUNTAIN RAMS: A great senior class led Green Mountain to 10 wins and a semifinal appearance in 2019. The tremendous run, which included playoff wins over Erie and Mead, ended with a 42-21 loss to eventual champion Palmer Ridge. That class however has graduated and now the first task is finding a new signal caller to replace three-year starter Trey Towndrow. He totaled over 32-hundred yards and 35 TD’s last season. The Rams also lost their top four rushers, top receiver and seven of the top eight tacklers. On defense, the Rams should get production from Allen Ortiz (78 tackles – 3 INT’s), Jose Cedillo (44 tackles) and Darius Padilla (5 INT’s).
HOLY FAMILY TIGERS: A program that likes to throw the football, the Tigers may turn to the running game a bit more in 2020; at least early in the season. That because their top skill players can be found in the backfield. Trevin Johnson (877 yards) and Matt Mollendor (280) both return and will work behind an offensive line that returns three starters. QB Calahan Carter (2,622 yards / 25 Tds) graduated as did his top three receivers. Johnson (21) leads returnees in that category but is joined by Liam Gray (20) and Brenton Daniels (19). The defense could also be strong as they return seven starters including the top three tacklers; Justin Trostel (88), Benito Hernandez (76) and Brady Samaras (67).
LEWIS PALMER RANGERS: The Rangers won four games a year ago and must replace their starting QB and top three rushers. The top offensive talent returning is Breckin Davis who caught a team best 16 passes in 2019.
LUTHERAN LIONS: The Lions split 10 regular season games in 2019 but a strong schedule got them into the playoffs where they fell to finalist Pueblo South (46-8) in the first round. They too could be rebuilding a bit as they suffered huge graduation losses. The list includes a starting QB, the top three rushers and the top six receivers. On the defensive side, the Lions lost five of their top seven tacklers but Dorian Pacheco returns after leading the team with 116 tackles and 7 sacks as a sophomore. Bryce Johnson registered 64 tackles and the Lions hope to repeat the 34 turnovers the defense forced a year ago.
MEAD MAVERICKS: Following 11 wins and a trip to the state quarterfinals, the Mavericks will feature almost a completely different lineup this year. The offense basically starts over as the starting quarterback, the top rushers, the top four pass catchers and all five offensive lineman graduated. The top returnees are RB’s Brayden Keys (775 yards) and Nathan Bailey (605). They will get plenty of work in the early season but also most of the defensive attention. With six starters back on that side of the ball, the Mavericks may be better defensively out of the gate. Eli Mackey (66) and Corby Tecu (56) were 2-3 in tackles a year ago. Tecu also provided six sacks.
MOUNTAIN VIEW MOUNTAIN LIONS: With so many other teams in the division searching for QB’s, the Mountain Lions could improve on their 3-7 record from a year ago. They return Ben Trubia who threw for 904 yards as a junior. He also welcomes back top targets Daniel Parsek (28 catches) and Franklin Brigham (24). Parsek is also the top returning rusher with 301 yards.
NIWOT COUGARS: Much like Mountain View, the Cougars totaled three wins in 2019 but they’re looking for more in 2020 with the return of QB Ayden Bartko. He threw for 1,538 yards and 13 TD’s as a junior and is back for one more run. Isaac Fisk was second last year in catches (20), receiving yards (347) and TD’s (3). Easton Leatherwood (49) and Cooper Ackerman (49) tied for third in tackles a year ago.
PALISADE BULLDOGS: Despite the graduation of Cam Tucker, we look for the Bulldogs to remain a very physical team that will move the football on the ground. Julio Rodriguez (604 yards) and Franklin Barks (557) combined for eight rushing touchdowns last season and they will work behind an offensive line that returns two starters in Kevin Sjogren and Aaron Harris. Gabe Harrison gained valuable experience at QB last year as he was called upon often when Tucker suffered injuries. Rodriguez (55 tackles), Sjogren (46) and Barks (44) were 3-4-5 in tackles last season. Jayce Bush and Sjogren each recorded two interceptions.
PUEBLO CENTRAL WILDCATS: The Wildcats finished 6-4 and narrowly missed out on a playoff berth. Now the goal is to take the next step and earn a spot in the bracket. They will need newcomers to step in quickly on offense as the top passer, rusher and receiver were all lost to graduation. The offensive line should be solid with four returning starters. The defense welcomes back four starters including Hunter Huffman (36 tackles).
PUEBLO COUNTY HORNETS: The Hornets will look to Chase Hartman as they hope to build on last year’s 3-7 record. Harmtan threw for 799 yards and five touchdowns and added 560 yards with four scores on the ground. Ethan Mauger (17 catches) and Corbin Spear (11) are solid receiving targets as well.
PUEBLO EAST EAGLES: After three state championships and four overall title appearances from 2014-18, the Eagles fell off to a 4-6 record and missed the playoffs in 2019. The club gets back Jaxson Herring at QB. He threw for 520 yards and two scores last year while sharing time with the graduated Jack Helzer (1,195 yards). The top two receivers also graduated including a special talent in Marvin London but top rusher Orly Mondragon (457) returns. On defense, Diego Duarte led the way with 53 tackles and returns in 2020.
PUEBLO SOUTH COLTS: Both losses suffered by the Colts a year ago were against Palmer Ridge including a 35-13 loss in the state championship game. Many key players must be replaced but the running game should be in good hands as George Longoria (1,896 yards / 23 TD’s) is back for his senior season. Three of the top four receivers graduated but Luke Guarienti (20 catches) is back. Jace Bellah is expected to get the nod at QB to replace Logan Petit (2,197 yards / 22 TD’s). He’ll work behind an experienced offensive line that returns Mario Ramirez, Eddie Darnell and Brian Mata. TE Jackson Fair is also back. Bellah (7 INT’s) tops a defense that returns Ramirez on the line, Jordan Estrada at LB and a trio of cornerbacks who started at times in 2019.
RIVERDALE RIDGE RAVENS: A new face to Class 3A, the Ravens went 3-6 in the 2A ranks last season but they return basically their entire roster. We believe this is their first year with a senior class as the new program continues to grow under experienced head coach Wayne Voorhees. QB Aidan Burns is only a sophomore but returns as starter after collecting 1,043 yards through the air last year. He’s joined in the backfield by RB’s Braylon Fenderson (581 yards) and James Bell (409) along with receivers Trey Cummings (19 receptions) and Cayden Mazurek (17). Mazurek also topped the defense with 76 tackles and four interceptions. Elijah Montoya added 72 tackles and Isaac Bonner had 60 stops and four fumble recoveries.
ROOSEVELT ROUGHRIDERS: The Riders ended 2019 at 5-6 with a first round loss to Discovery Canyon (28-11). They suffered a few key losses including the graduation of a starting QB and top rusher. But there is good talent back in many spots including Cooper Walton (477 yards rushing) and Keaton Kaiser (41 catches). Kaiser leads a talented group of receivers that includes four other returnees with at least 10 catches. Among them is Tucker Peterson who caught 18 balls with 11 touchdowns as a freshman. Brig Hartson should replace Braeden Saya at QB. He threw 67 passes with nine touchdowns in a backup role a year ago. Walton is the defensive leader. He finished with 133 tackles last season which was 55 more than any other player on the roster. Clayton Robinson added 84 stops and Hartson 51. Kaiser and Peterson both intercepted two passes.
