League overview: This is the newest makeup of what has been designated as a “rebuilding” league. Only the league champion will receive a Class 5A playoff spot making each league game a crucial one across the entire landscape. This is the only league to have that designation this season as 2021 had two Metro Leagues that advanced champions to the state tournament. Five of the six teams competed in one of the two Metro leagues last year with Doherty being the one newcomer.
**
Denver East
Head coach: Stephen Ruempolhamer
2021 Record: 3-7 (2-3 Metro 2)
Returning All-State Players: None
There was a lot of balance in the Angels offense last season in terms of personnel who contributed. That may not be the case this season as Dylan Wigglesworth and Isaiah Davis have both graduated. Senior D’Quan McClennon might be more of a focal point as a result after running for 429 yards and five touchdowns. He also returns with the most tackles of any returning player from last year with 33. A young group of players are going to have to step up to ensure the Angels don’t take a step backward from what they did in 2021.
**
Doherty
Head coach: Dwight Hale
2021 Record: 0-10 (0-5 5A/4A South)
Returning All-State Players: None
This move could be a bit of a blessing in disguise for the Spartans. This is a program that tends to ride the momentum of success so getting into a league that will allow them to be competitive could spark a resurgence of success. Quarterback Kaden Becker showed through the course of the season that he is one of the best competitors in the city, if not the state. He’ll get a lot of rushing help in Marquz Herrera who averaged 4.8 yards per carry while backing up Dylan Mercer. Junior linebacker Mikah Jacobs led the team with 37 tackles and will embrace his leadership role on the defensive side of the ball. The non-league schedule is mostly 4A teams, but the Spartans will play Fountain-Fort Carson in the Shield Game.
**
Mountain Range
Head coach: Todd Riccio
2021 Record: 2-8 (0-5 Metro 1)
Returning All-State Players None
Mountain Range grabbed a couple of early season wins but couldn’t sustain the momentum through the course of its league schedule. They get a couple of contributors back from last year’s team, among them is running back Weston Potter. The senior ran for 317 yards and two touchdowns and will probably have a more significant role in the offense this season. There are some question marks on the defensive side of the ball and one of the big ones involves the transfer of Elijah Toliver to Erie. Devon Meisner is back and recorded two sacks last season. The Mustangs open the 2022 at home against Greeley West.
**
Northglenn
Head coach: Matthew Dean
2021 Record: 2-8 (1-4 Metro 1)
Returning All-State Players: Brian Dykstra (Honorable Mention)
Wins over Thornton and Mountain Range were the highlights of the Norsemen’s season but they’re hoping to see improvement in 2022. A big reason for that is the return of Brian Dykstra who has emerged as a standout receiver in the state. He totaled 651 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. He averaged 18.1 yards per catch and was a bona fide downfield threat in the Metro League. He also led the team in tackles with 85. Linebacker Brock Bucher carved off a team-high three sacks last year and will try to better that effort in 2022.
**
Overland
Head coach: Kyle Reese
2021 Record: 5-5 (4-1 Metro 2)
Returning All-State Players: None
The Trailblazers were one win (or three points, rather) away from the making the postseason as the Metro 2 champion. They took the approach of scheduling tough non-league opponents, hoping to gain a competitive edge and the strategy nearly worked. Komari Owens will be back under center as a senior while Quincey Humphrey will try to add to his sacks total from last season. He started hot with two sacks through the first four games. The tough non-league schedule continues this season as the Trailblazers open the season against Grandview.
**
Westminster
Head coach:CJ Hanna
2021 Record: 5-4 (4-1 Metro 1)
Returning All-State Players: None
A loss to Fort Collin squashed Westminster’s playoff hopes, but the season was an overall success. The Wolves finished with a winning record, something they hadn’t seen since 2018. Senior Anthony Rodriguez will once again be in charge of the offense after throwing for 637 yards and eight touchdowns last year. Quentin Watson was one of three backs to go over 400 rushing yards through the course of the season and he finished the year with a team-high five rushing touchdowns. Xavian Picaso will anchor the front seven of the defense after totaling 62 tackles and grabbing an interception.
