League overview: Half of the Southern 1 League remains intact as Palmer Ridge, Vista Ridge and Air Academy welcome in Cheyenne Mountain and Rampart. Gone is defending champion Montrose, who claimed the league title with a thrilling win over Palmer Ridge. The Bears are looking to get back on track by claiming another league crown and getting into the hunt for their fourth state championship in program history. It’ll be a monumental task as Vista Ridge should be greatly improved with a very talented senior class coming back.
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Air Academy
Head coach: Scott Grinde
2021 Record: 3-7 (0-5 Southern 1)
Returning All-State Players: Sam Beers (Honorable Mention)
Having a player like Sam Beers will definitely make the Kadets a team that no one should ignore. The senior back ran for 1,162 yards and 16 touchdowns last year and has been one of the top Class 4A backs in the state since he was a freshman. He’ll be the catalyst of the offense and has the benefit of getting starting quarterback Braden Dougherty back with him. Dougherty threw for 728 yards and 10 touchdowns. He doesn’t need gaudy numbers as long as Beers is in the backfield. Joey McLaughlin will be a two-way threat for the Kadets. He’s a good receiver and contributed on defense with an interception. The Kadets have a non-league schedule filled with Colorado Springs area teams and are looking for some key wins before they head into league play.
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Cheyenne Mountain
Head coach: Jay Saravis
2021 Record: 8-3 (4-1 I-25)
Returning All-State Players: None
The Red-Tailed Hawks spent a few years in the I-25 League to help rebuild the program. After winning the league and making the playoffs last season, they’re in a traditional league against familiar rivals. One thing going against them is the graduation of key contributors to last year’s success so in order to have another good season “Players have to step up and replace those positions of last year’s graduating class,” Saravis said. Junior quarterback Bruce Archambault will take on a huge leadership role as a result of that theory. He threw for 1,255 yards and 20 touchdowns last year. Zach Johnson will take over primary ball carrying duties after rushing for 709 yards and eight touchdowns in a secondary role last season. The Hawks see some tough programs in non-league play. They open against Pueblo East and will see Denver south before jumping into league play.
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Palmer Ridge
Head coach: Mike Armentrout
2021 Record: 10-2 (4-1 Southern 1)
Returning All-State Players: Jackson St. Aubyn (Honorable Mention)
Last year was a bit of an anomaly for the Bears. An unexpected loss to Montrose let a league championship slip away and a more stunning loss to Erie in the 4A playoffs kept them out of the semifinals where they have been a staple for several years now. Junior quarterback Derek Hester should look more polished and experienced after throwing for 2,345 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2021. Nathaniel Robinson is in line to replace Connor Cook as the primary running back after rushing for 514 yards and five touchdowns in just seven games last season. If last year’s outcome was a regression for the Bears, it certainly doesn’t look like it will be long-lived.
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Rampart
Head coach: Rob Royer
2021 Record: 2-8 (1-4 Southern 2)
Returning All-State Players: None
It’s a bit of a throwback for the Rams as they welcome Rob Royer back as head coach. Royer departed to coach at the Air Force Academy Prep School where he learned his heart truly lies with high school athletics. He has a big task ahead of him as the Rams are coming off a down season and are now in a tougher league. Braden Sears is back at quarterback after throwing for 383 yards and three touchdowns. Leading rusher Logan Candelaria graduated from the program so there are a couple questions at running back. Rampart has traditionally been a running team under Royer and that trend should continue with his return. The Rams get a big defensive boost with the return of Juan Ramirez, who led the team with 89 total tackles.
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Vista Ridge
Head coach: Mike Vrana
2021 Record: 7-4 (3-2 Southern 1)
Returning All-State Players: Brayden Dorman, Brandon Hills (Second Team)
All eyes will be on the Wolves offense this season. Brayden Dorman is one of the most highly-touted quarterbacks in recent memory and the University of Arizona commit plans on putting on a show in 2022. He threw for 2,765 yards and 30 touchdowns last year and what will help him improve those numbers is that Brandon Hills is also back. The Washington State commit had 69 receptions for 1,069 and 13 touchdowns. The Wolves have certainly been trending up as both Dorman and Hills have gotten better over the last few seasons and their senior years should provide fans loads of entertainment. Vista Ridge is looking to test itself against some top-notch teams as they take on Legend and Pine Creek early in the season.
