League overview: The I-25 League has more teams in it than any other league in the state. This is the 4A version of the rebuilding league and only the league champion will advance to the postseason. Cheyenne Mountain earned that honor in 2021 but because of the success and the growth of the program, it has been taken out of this league.
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Centaurus
Head coach: Andy Hampton
2021 Record: 4-6 (2-3 Metro 2)
Returning All-State Players: None
The Warriors will see some familiar opponents this year as Thornton and Gateway remain on the schedule. Junior Chance Wood will get a full shot at quarterback after throwing for 946 yards and four touchdowns as a sophomore. Ben Mischke could have a breakout season after rushing for 688 yards and four scores as just a sophomore. The Warriors will get Boulder, Mountain Rage and Monarch in non-league play to start their season.
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Gateway
Head coach: Rico McCoy
2021 Record: 0-8 (0-5 Metro 2)
Returning All-State Players: None
Former University of Northern Colorado coach Earnest Collins couldn’t turn around the fortunes for the Olympians. New coach Rico McCoy has a big task ahead of him but will do everything possible to build a foundation for this struggling program. Gateway opens its season at home against Northridge.
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Hinkley
Head coach: Dennis York
2021 Record: 0-9 (0-5 Metro 2)
Returning All-State Players: None
This young roster couldn’t keep up with the pace that some of the Thunderbirds opponents played with during the 2021 season. Wondame Davis Jr. received valuable experience at the quarterback positon and should be a player that will benefit greatly in this new league. Week 1 will be a battle of Aurora Public Schools and Denver Public Schools as Hinkley takes on George Washington.
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Liberty
Head coach: Erick Gossage
2021 Record: 0-10 (0-5 I-25)
Returning All-State Players: None
The Lancers remain in the I-25 League after going winless in 2021. In games against Air Academy, Coronado, Thornton and Palmer, they showed the ability to generate some offense, but it was enough to get them in the win column. Junior running back Chris Hunter will see an increased role on offense after running for 362 yards on just 70 carries last season. Perhaps a low-key benefit for Gossage heading into the year is a roster filled with young kids that he can help buy into building a culture for Liberty football.
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Palmer
Head coach: Nick Urbaniak
2021 Record: 2-8 (1-4 I-25)
Returning All-State Players: None
The Terrors bookended their season with wins and at the end of both games were very encouraged with the overall results. They suffered some significant senior losses but also have a lot o young players that flashed potential last season. As a freshman, quarterback Thomas Pickern threw for 927 yards and six touchdowns. Senior Kyron Spotville has a chance to emerge as the primary receiving threat after hauling in 17 catches for 250 yards. Defensively, William Trechter recorded 53 tackles and recovered a fumble. He’ll likely be the tone setter on that side of the ball.
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Thornton
Head coach: Nick Trombetta
2021 Record: 4-6 (2-3 I-25)
Returning All-State Players: None
A four-win season gives Trombetta hope that the Trojans can compete for the league championship this fall. He has a good core of returning players that figure to contribute on both sides of the ball, among them are Isacc Gomez, Alfredo Castillo, Caleb Gutierrez-Paz, Adan Lucero, Armando Morga and Alex Garcia-Debaca. Thornton will stand apart from a lot of teams this fall as they hired a female special teams coordinator. Shira Spielman is the first female assistant football coach in district history and her knowledge of the game brings a new level of excitement to the program.
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Widefield
Head coach: Shane Zimmerman
2021 Record: 4-5 (4-1 I-25)
Returning All-State Players: None
Perhaps no team needed a win in 2021 more than the Gladiators. And they ended up getting four and were wone win away from getting a playoff berth which would’ve been a huge boost for the program. Zimmerman is thrilled to get back senior quarterback Gabe Sagura who will provide steady leadership while commanding the offense. Running back Braydon Demattos-Burrows should generate plenty of offense on the ground after rushing for 467 yards and five touchdowns. This is a group of kids that can help keep Widefield competitive in league play which could get the team into the state tournament. “Senior leadership and an abundance of skill players (are our advantage),” Zimmerman said. “Like all teams, we have to but into the system.”
