League overview: One of the few leagues that didn’t face any changes, the Centennial League is locked and loaded for another strong year. The league includes defending champion Cherry Creek, along with semifinalist Grandview and quarterfinalist Arapahoe. Cherokee Trail had the top offense a year ago, and Eaglecrest gets a boost from the return of former coach Mike Schmitt.
**
Arapahoe
Head coach: Tyler Brayton2021 Record: 9-3 (4-1 Centennial)
Returning All-State Players: Alonzo Ramirez (Honorable Mention)
Coach Tyler Brayton’s Warriors won eight of their first nine games a year ago, eventually reaching the 5A quarterfinals before a loss to Legend. The team graduated two first-team all-state selections on the defensive line among several others. Defensive back Alonzo Ramirez was an honorable mention pick as a junior though, and middle linebacker Thomas Farquhar and free safety Sterling Decosta also had strong junior campaigns.
**
Cherokee Trail
Head coach: Justin Jajczyk
2021 Record: 8-4 (2-3 Centennial)
Returning All-State Players: None
Justin Jajczyk takes over the head coaching job for a Cougars team that went 8-4 and reached the second round of the playoffs. The team moves forward without all-state quarterback Logan Brooke, who threw for more than 3,200 yards and had 36 touchdowns as a senior. The team was hit hard in all areas by graduation and must replace eight starters from the state’s top offense. On defense, safety Kalib Davis had 101 tackles and two interceptions as a junior. At linebacker, Kadin Porter, Brendan Grote and Ellis Williams are back, as is wide receiver Noah Greer. Jajczyk said there will be some impactful underclassmen, especially on defense. Players like Noah Collins, Braden Gustafson, Cade Brook, Kaleb Conger, Nathan Granadino, Chris Holland, Raul Rodriguez, Blake Rodriguez, Marquis Jamison, Braydon Dunne, Eliot Ming, Peyton Summers and Jacob Mathenge are among the up-and-coming Cougars.
**
Cherry Creek
Head coach: Dave Logan
2021 Record: 12-2 (4-1 Centennial)
Returning All-State Players: Blake Purchase, Hank Zilinskas (First Team)
Team Overview: Last year ended with another cherry on top for the Bruins, who captured their third consecutive 5A state championship. Of the team’s five first-team all-state picks, two return for their senior seasons. Outside linebacker Blake Purchase has several Division I offers, and defensive tackle Hank Zilinskas has given a verbal commitment to the University of Colorado. Also back for Cherry Creek are quarterback Christian Hammond, who passed for more than 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns, and leading receiver Ismael Cisse. Middle linebacker Angelo Petrides was the team’s leading tackler and also had five interceptions a year ago, and Aiden Knapke tied with Petrides at five interceptions as a freshman.
Key Game on the Schedule: Grandview
Eaglecrest
Head coach: Mike Schmitt
2021 Record: 1-9 (0-5 Centennial)
Returning All-State Players: None
Eaglecrest received a big boost with the return of longtime coach Mike Schmitt. After a four-year absence, Schmitt returned to take over the program he led from 2009-17 – including a title-game appearance in his last season. The coach returns to a program that struggled a year ago, winning just one game. The Raptors got a great season from running back Diego Cearns a year ago. Cearns rushed for 1,176 yards and five touchdowns as a junior, and also caught 38 passes for 339 yards. Peyton Taylor was another receiver making an impact as a junior, as was Tyson Clark. Other key returners include safety Cam Chapa, defensive back Cory Jackson and lineman Karl Weatherby. Sophomore Xavier Waldron is another name to keep an eye for the Raptors. Schmitt said understanding expectations and dealing with adversity will be important for the program.
**
Grandview
Head coach: Tom Doherty
2021 Record: 10-3 (4-1 Centennial)
Returning All-State Players: Zachary Henning (Honorable Mention)
Grandview won 10 games in Tom Doherty’s first season coaching the squad, reaching the 5A state semifinals before falling to Valor Christian. Liam Szarka finished just shy of 2,000 passing yards in his sophomore season, tossing 14 touchdowns. He also rushed for more than 500 yards and add 10 rushing scores. The offensive line in front of him is experienced, led by all-state tackle Zach Henning. Wyatt Walters and Alex Foxhoven are back with the 6-foot-8 Simon Kibbee at tight end, with the line on the other side just as loaded with Delano Jefferson, Calaeb Renner and Brody Robinson. Momo Wa-Kalunji, Preston Emken and Max Kibbee return at linebacker, with Gipson Leafgreen at safety. Koko Wa-Kalunji will step in at defensive end, and Xavier De Cunha Neto could make some plays at wide receiver. Doherty said keys include the younger skill players doing what they’re capable of, and a young defensive backfield stepping in for the departed seniors.
**
Smoky Hill
Head coach: Brandon Alconcel
2021 Record: 4-7 (1-4 Centennial)
Returning All-State Players: None
Brandon Alconcel is another coach new to the Centennial League, taking over for Tom Thenell. The Buffs won four games a year ago and were just edged in a first-round playoff thriller, falling 52-49 to Rock Canyon. Among the team’s losses to graduation included second-team all-state wide receiver Anthony Harris Jr. Tyliq Bowers returns at quarterback for his senior season after a combined 20 touchdowns a year ago. Troydell Dixon Jr. is back at wide receiver, and a strong defensive group highlighted by linebackers Zachary Brophy, Tristen Littlejohn and Isaac Withers anchor the other side of the ball. Amir Copeland has six sacks as a junior at defensive end.
