Cherry Creek is the defending Class 5A state champion and the Bruins is favored to repeat as the 2020 season is slated to open later this week. Our 5A preview gives a brief capsule on every team in the division.
Eight teams will qualify for the playoffs and league champions are not guaranteed a berth in the bracket. Qualifiers will be selected based on a formula mixing RPI with polls from CHSAA, Packard and MaxPreps. We’ll post a companion story later today on our pre-season selections for the eight playoff clubs.
NORTH
FAIRVIEW KNIGHTS: The Knights (10-2) were bounced from the playoffs by Cherry Creek (42-28) a year ago. Record setting QB Aidan Atkinson (4,162 yards – 52 TDs) graduated and the reigns of the offense may be turned over to Liam O’Brien. He completed 27 of 45 attempts for 379 yards with four scores in limited duty a year ago. Grant Page led the Knights with 76 catches for 1,250 yards as a sophomore and will continue to be the top target. Other returnees outside include David Howlett and Dillon Tarves who both caught 27 passes. Tarves is also the top returning rusher with 666 yards on just 82 attempts. Two of the top three tacklers return in Brayden Wood (116) and Liam Huber (83).
FOSSIL RIDGE SABERCATS: After starting 2-1 last season, the Sabercats dropped their final seven so they look to head in the other direction to start 2020. Chris Bowerfind (559 yards rushing) is the top offensive returnee as they must replace the starting QB and entire receiving group. Caden Dollar (113) and Dillon Parker (72) were 1-2 in tackles a year ago and both return for their senior year.
HORIZON HAWKS: The Hawks (4-6) doubled up their win total from 2018 and look to keep the momentum going in a shortened 2020 season. They have a good crew coming back headed up by junior QB Xavier Harris who threw for 1,003 yards and nine TDs last season. Zachary Yoder (359) tops a list of five returning players with at least 100 yards rushing plus the top two receivers are back. Vincent Miller (25) and Liam Francis (18) combined for 43 catches. Aidan Buzzard (63) and Xavier Barber (63) tied for second in tackles last season while Gavin Dotson (3) and Miller (2) combined for five interceptions.
LEGACY LIGHTNING: Despite just three wins last season, a tough schedule pushed the Lightning into the 24-team playoff bracket where they nearly upset Eaglecrest (34-31) in the opening round. Adarius Edwards was limited to eight games at QB but still totaled 1,207 yards and 10 TD’s in his sophomore campaign. Jaiden Peterson (64 catches) should again be his top target along with Cole Walker (35). 1,000-yard rusher Dakota Key graduated but Braelon Tate (512) returns. Three juniors, Michael McCarty (55), Mason Dickerson (48) and Blake Roberts (39), all return after finishing in the top five of tackles a year ago. Roberts and Dickerson each picked off two passes as well.
POUDRE IMPALAS: The Impalas (3-7) closed out a tough season by beating Fossil Ridge (41-0) in their 2019 regular season finale. More rebuilding could be in the offering this year as the starting QB, top receiver and top three rushers graduated. Duante Davis, with 29 receptions and 3 TDs, is the top offensive returnee. Caleb Schmutzler led the Impalas with 79 tackles last season and is back to lead that group.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN LOBOS: The Lobos worked to a five hundred record last year (5-5) but then came up short to Legend (35-23) in the playoffs. A tough loss for the Lobos came with the out of state transfer of QB Giles Pooler who threw for 1,719 yards a year ago. All four leading receivers also graduated leaving much of the offense burden to Sean Kidd (881 yards); the leading rusher from a year ago. Daniel Kelly led the Lobos with 69 tackles and return this year along with Brodey Kling (53) and Kyle Patten (50) who were third and fourth.
PRAIRIE VIEW THUNDERHAWKS: Competing in the developmental league the last couple of years, the Thunderhawks have done a good job of getting the program pointed in the right direction. They recorded seven wins last year and finished with six straight wins. Moving to the North will create a more difficult schedule but the Hawks are better prepared this year than a few years ago. Malachi Cordova (596 yards – 4 TDs) and Larenz Lovelace (487-6) are back to anchor the running game which generated 264 yards a game a year ago. Defensively, the leaders should be Noah Leckemby (56) and Cordova (50) who finished in the top five in tackles a year ago.
JEFFCO
ARVADA WEST WILDCATS: Nowhere to go but up for the Wildcats who suffered through a winless 2019 but playing in the rugged Jeffco will again prove difficult. QB Evan Hurlburt (1,158 yards) returns along with leading receiver Ean Lee (29 catches). Wyatt Bloomquist (45 tackles) and Mason Hagel-Pitt (35) were defensive leaders as sophomores and should improve those numbers this year.
COLUMBINE REBELS: The tradition rich Rebels (11-3) made it all the way to the state championship game where they lost to Cherry Creek 35-10. Along the way, they ousted Smoky Hill, Valor Christian and Ralston Valley. The starting QB, top four rushers and top five receivers all graduated but the Rebels always reload rather than rebuild. Seth Cromwell led the defense with 98 tackles as a sophomore and he’s the centerpiece to build around on that side of the ball.
LAKEWOOD TIGERS: A hot 4-0 start turned into a 5-5 season and a first round playoff loss to ThunderRidge (17-6) last year. Defense should be a strength as the top six tacklers return for their senior years. Garrett McConnell (104) led that group followed by Luke Hittle (95), Addison Reddinger (92), Nolan Hoeffner (62), Barrett Jensen (54) and Tyson Pallat (53). The Tigers used three quarterbacks a year ago and all three return after combining for 1,360 yards and 12 TD passes.
MULLEN MUSTANGS: It’s been a tough start for new coach Jeremy Bennett as the Mustangs will not be able to play their first game of the season due to COVID. The Mustangs (4-7) were senior laden a year ago so many new faces will also need to step up. Jaxon Heil (83) led the team in tackles last year but the eight of the next nine names on that list all graduated. On offense, CJ Smith (311 yards rushing) is the top returning threat.
POMONA PANTHERS: Regardless of the regular season record, we’ve learned never to count out the Panthers come playoff time. A young Panthers offense went 6-4 in 2019 but still reached the state semifinals with playoff wins over Legend and Regis. They also pushed eventual state champion Cherry Creek in the semis before falling 14-7. QB Brady Ritzmann (1,614 yards – 18 TDs) returns to lead the offense which also features Ben Cruz (547) and Dominick Nichols (512) in the ground game. Jack Pospisil (53 receptions), one the top receivers in Colorado, is also back as the Panthers should make another playoff push. Chase Muller (62) is the only returnee among the top five tacklers on last year’s squad.
RALSTON VALLEY MUSTANGS: 2019 was quite the run for the Mustangs who won their first 12 games before a tough 29-15 playoff loss to Columbine ended their season. Last year’s roster was filled up by senior so there are many holes to fill this year including at QB where Walker Brickle threw for 2,397 yards and 34 scores. The top rusher and top four receivers also graduated. Tyler Roybal (437 yards) returns at running back while Devin McNearny (19 catches) is back on the outside. A key addition is transfer Rocco Tate who comes to the Mustangs from 4A Wheat Ridge where he gained 694 yards rushing with eight scores a year ago. On defense, top tackler Will Lester (105) is back along with Parks Jones (47) and Zach Friedman (38). Jones also added five sacks.
SOUTH
CHAPARRAL WOLVERINES: The Wolverines won just two games last season but both wins came in the final month so there is a bit of momentum from the late push. Building blocks include QB Kylan Wilson (239 yards passing), RB Christien Manning (243 yards rushing), receiver Josh Covak (31 catches) and defenders Gabe Minty (53) and JJ Nelson (45) who combined for 98 tackles.
DOHERTY SPARTANS: The Spartans (3-8) won their final two regular season games last year to sneak into the playoffs where they fell to Highlands Ranch in round one. QB Brody Gish shared time as a junior last year and managed 785 yards and 2 TDs in seven games. Daymond Hill is also back after leading the Spartans with 858 yards rushing while Kade Unberhagen returns after grabbing 32 passes last season. Carter Furbush (31) is the top returning tackler and ended up fifth on the team a year ago.
DOUGLAS COUNTY HUSKIES: Unless they pick up another game in the next day or so, the Huskies (2-8) have just five regular season games on the slate. They’re now scheduled to face Pine Creek for their opener on October 17th. Antwaun Jackson had a very good sophomore season; throwing for 1,224 yards and should be the starter at QB. He returns along with receivers Tucker Moore (21 receptions) and Keenan Rhoads (12). Jake Gadeken is also back for his senior season after pacing the Huskies with 68 tackles a year ago.
LEGEND TITANS: Things appear to be on the upswing for Legend as they jumped from five wins in 2018 to nine in 2019. They also won a playoff game; topping Rocky Mountain 35-23 before falling to Pomona in round two. Another successful year is expected this year as the Titans return QB Kalen Shoemaker (1,659 yards – 10 TDs), RB Connor Elise (1,017 yards – 15 TDs), and receiver Blake Doud (39 receptions – 4 TDs). Coach Monte Thelen does have some questions on defense however as seven of the top 10 tacklers in 2019 were seniors. Returnees include JT Axelrod (59), Mello Castro (53) and Tafari Shambe (33).
PINE CREEK EAGLES: The Eagles will compete in this conference for the regular season but drop into the 4A ranks for the post-season. They’re the defending state champions in that class and have won four titles overall since 2011. We previewed them in-depth in our Class 4A report.
REGIS RAIDERS: It will be difficult for the Raiders to surpass last year’s run as they won their first 11 games before being eliminated by tradition rich Pomona in the post-season. The offense took a major hit as junior QB Nicco Marchiol transferred out of state. He finished 2019 with 2,552 yards and 27 TD passes. They also lost to transfer two starting offensive line and RB David Dody (1,202 yards) who moved over to Arapahoe. Underclassmen took four of the top five spots in tackles a year ago so that group should be solid. Bryan Mottram (123) is the leader and is joined by Matthew Baer (91), Clay Nanke (89) and Dallas Macias (63). Baer also registered 12.5 sacks while Macias and Pyreese Miller both intercepted three passes last year.
DOUGLAS COUNTY
CASTLE VIEW SABERCATS: After going 1-9 in 2018, the Sabercats have won 14 games over the past two years and with a solid base of returnees on both sides of the ball, they should get a few more this year. Ezekiel Peirce (868 yards) and Zane Wodark (799) combined for 14 TDs last year and they return to anchor the ground game. Wodark is also the top returnee in receptions with 18. QB Johnny Columbi (843 yards passing) is also back for his senior year. On defense, Jers Anderson (64) was second in tackles; Beto Ledezma (56) fourth and Blake Haggerty fifth. Micah Nanninga collected 6.5 sacks as a junior.
HIGHLANDS RANCH FALCONS: Overall, the Falcons finished 5-7 but among the wins was a post-season victory over Doherty (59-7) in round one. They suffered a tough blow in the summer with the transfer of Division 1 signed QB Jake Rubley (1,767 yards) who transferred to Iowa to finish his high school career. If a new QB develops, he will have some weapons to share the ball with in RB Dylan Gurule (734 yards) and receivers Jade Arroyo (25 receptions), Josh Lindahl (23) and Jarrell Trahan (13). Trane Richmond (76 tackles), Caden Lyon (70), Tanner Ludwig (64) and Jake McBride (52) return defensively.
MOUNTAIN VISTA GOLDEN EAGLES: A playoff win over Mullen (24-16) was the 2019 highlight for the Golden Eagles as they closed a 4-8 season. The offense will have to rebuild a bit as the starting QB, top three rushers and top receiver all graduated. That leaves receivers Adam Holton (14-295 yards) and Sam Krysa (12-139) as the top returning threats. Jacob Coers intercepted three passes and returns to help the defensive effort.
ROCK CANYON JAGUARS: 2019 resulted in just one win for the Jaguars but they return a solid senior group offensively that could get them more wins this season. QB Anthony Dellano is the triggerman as he led the Jags in rushing (712) and passing (403). RB Brendan Biondino (634) returns as does Van Schield who picked up 271 yards rushing and led the team with 20 catches. Gianni Bonnici (67) led the team in tackles last year and has since graduated but the remaining 27 players who recorded a stop in 2019 all return. Leading that group is Jack Zilligen (60), Sean Hicks (53) and Sam Anderson (52).
THUNDERRIDGE GRIZZLIES: The 2019 resume included six regular season wins and a playoff victory over Lakewood (17-6). This year, the Grizzlies may look to Lucas Fish for offensive leadership as he was second in rushing yards a year ago (647) but the top returnee. He’s also the top returning receiver with 16 catches. The defense got plenty of production from Tyson Lambert (129 tackles) a year ago and he’s back for a senior season.
VALOR CHRISTIAN EAGLES: With eight state championships since 2009, the Eagles are always a championship threat and 2020 will be no different. Gavin Sawchuk is the offensive anchor after gaining 1,786 yards with 23 TDs on the ground as a sophomore. Returning receivers are led by Tyler Lawson with 16 catches for 317 yards and 2 scores. The top six tacklers in 2019 were all underclassmen and all are expected to return. Eli Miller (82) topped the chart followed by Elijah Hamilton (81), Howell (65), Jordan Norwood (62), Griffin Meier (41) and Zaire Jackson (38).
CENTENNIAL
ARAPAHOE WARRIORS: The Warriors went 6-4 in the regular season and then split two playoff contests; beating Castle View 17-7 and falling to Ralston Valley 42-21. There are major holes to fill on offense as they return just 119 yards passing, 10 yards on the ground and 15 yards receiving. No defensive stats were reported to MaxPreps last season.
CHEROKEE TRAIL COUGARS: The Cougars came with three points of reaching the state quarterfinals last year as they lost a narrow 36-34 decision to Fairview in round two. They could make another playoff run with the return of QB Jayden Lavigne (1,124 yards – 10 TDs), RB Nathan Gaye (734 yards), WR Samuel Hart (31 catches – 7 TDs) and WR Jack Pierce (28 catches). The defense suffered many more losses to graduation as Hunter Wilson (57) is the lone returnee among the top seven tacklers.
CHERRY CREEK BRUINS: Widely considered as the favorite to repeat in 2020, the Bruins return a good share of their roster from last year’s 14-0 ballclub. QB Julian Hammond finished the championship run with 2,354 yards and 28 TDs passing and is back to direct an offense that also includes James Walker (874 yards rushing – 36 catches), Chase Penry (53 receptions) and Gunnar Helm (25 receptions). On defense, the top three tacklers who combined for 312 stops graduated but Gus Zilinkas (72), Enock Woolfolk (65), Arden Walker (59) and Marcus Alexander (58) all return.
EAGLECREST RAPTORS: A very good 9-4 record and two playoff wins for the Raptors in 2019. In the post-season, they also avenged a regular season loss to Grandview by beating the Wolves 28-21 in round two. The season ended the next week with a 42-14 setback to Ralston Valley. QB Max Marsh has graduated after leading the offense with nearly 36-hundred yards and 24 TDs on the season. Also lost to graduation was top rusher David Creal (992) and top receiver Jalen Stewart (51 receptions -7 TDs). Ty Robinson, who caught 35 passes a year ago, is the top returnee on offense. Seyi Oladipo, Devin Sepulveda and Mohammed Zuraigat is a nice defensive trio.
GRANDVIEW WOLVES: 2019 (8-4) was another stellar season for the Wolves who won at least eight games for a sixth straight season. Leading rusher Noah Schmidt (1,815 yards) was lost to an out-of-state transfer but QB Jacob Burr returns. He was second in rushing yards (571) and led the team in passing (1,058) and was involved in 23 TDs for the season. Noah Salazar (11) and Spencer Schwartz (10) combined for 21 catches and 309 yards a year ago. On defense, the duo of Colton Martin (65) and Malique Singleton (63) return after finishing 2-3 in tackles last season.
SMOKY HILL BUFFALOES: After running through the Metro 10 with 18 consecutive wins over the last two years, the Buffs are back in their old home of the Centennial league. That of course represents a major step in scheduling and a strong challenge for the vastly improved program. QB Leslie Richardson is the key. He threw for 2,858 yards and 28 scores last season. He may need to be even better this year as the Buffs graduated Obasanjo Sanni (1,603 yards rushing – 29 TDs) from the running game. Alec Pinkowski (26 receptions) is the top returning receiver. On defense, Max Zueger (76) was second in tackles last year and Kamari Lewis-Stallworth (67) was fourth.
OVERLAND TRAIL BLAZERS: The Blazers won just three games a year ago and were scheduled to compete in a developmental league in 2020 but the change in schedule and decision to play in the spring leaves them in the rugged Centennial. Kamari Brown (28 receptions) and Ismael Chase (26) will return to lead the offense and Dionte Jamesion (31) is the top returning tackler.
