League overview: The 6-Man Central League provided just one playoff team a year ago and that was Hanover. The Hornets will try to claim the league title and get back to the postseason. They were forced to forfeit their first-round game to Fleming. The makeup of the Central League has been in flux during the offseason as Cripple Creek-Victor, Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind and Edison were all supposed to be in the league, but all three won’t field teams in 2022. That leaves Deer Trail, Kiowa, Manzanola and Miami-Yoder remaining. Hanover went 2-0 last year against teams that are in this league so it’s logical to identify the Hornets as the favorite heading into the year.
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Deer Trail
Head coach: Chris Wehner
2021 Record: 4-3 (1-1 Central League)
Returning All-State Players: None
The Eagles either won big or lost big during the 2021 regular season. Their 4-3 record was definitely a pleasant sight at the end of the year, but they know that they can do more and battle their way into the postseason. Considering the youth on the roster last fall, it wouldn’t be surprise to see this team take a major step forward. Sophomore Kooper Eldringhoff led the team in passing with 333 yards and four touchdowns. He’ll have some of the ground productivity back in fellow sophomore Elvin Castro, who ran for 318 yards and four scores, second on the team in both categories. There will be some senior leadership with Tristen Davidsen and (30 tackles) and TJ Hickey (two interceptions) will also return this season. Deer Trail opens the season on the road when it takes on Flagler on Aug. 26.
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Hanover
Head coach: Luke Decker
2021 Record: 6-5 (2-1 Central League)
Returning All-State Players: None
Hanover looked good through the month of October last season. The Hornets went 4-1 and outscored their opponents 326-142. That stretch was a big reason they got into the 6-Man state tournament and they’ll look at the quality of football they played there as they try to find inspiration for this season. Devin Johnson threw for 744 yards last year and 14 touchdowns. Considering he only had 35 completions all season, that’s not a bad ratio to work with for a senior season. Sophomore David Byers is perhaps one of the best young players in the class as he ran for 423 yards and nine touchdowns in 2021. Tyler Hofmann will provide stability on defense after recording 71 total tackles last year. He also picked off three passes and recovered three fumbles through the course of the season. The Hornets have three 2021 playoff teams on their schedule this year which should make them plenty battle tested.
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Kiowa
Head coach: Rick McKnight
2021 Record: 0-9 (0-3 Central League)
Returning All-State Players: None
Kiowa showed instances where scoring points wasn’t a struggle but as the season went on, the team ran out of momentum. It scored just 30 points in its final six games of the year and the general hope is that the offensive can improve in 2022. Kiowa hasn’t won a game since Oct. 31, 2020 when it beat Deer Trail. As the program looks to find solid ground, it hopes to come away with a few wins this year so that it can get momentum swinging upward.
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Manzanola
Head coach: Anthony Ferraro
2021 Record: Did not field a team
Returning All-State Players: None
After not playing in 2021, Manzanola returns to the gridiron this fall. The Bobcats went 2-4 in 2020 and two of their losses were competitive so there could be some momentum for the team heading into this fall. From that team, Dalton Carroll was a sophomore who stood out as he ran for 351 yards and four touchdowns. He also completed five passes for 54 yards and a touchdown. He was the team’s leading tackler, had one of the Bobcats’ two interceptions on the year and he recorded a staggering five fumbles. If he can improve on his play as an underclassman, he could provide a big spark for Manzanola this season.
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Miami-Yoder
Head coach: Johnathan Whitlock
2021 Record: 1-5
Returning All-State Players: None
A win over Primero in the Buffaloes second game of the season felt like the season was turning. But they suffered four straight losses before having to forfeit to Walsh in what would be their last scheduled game of the 2021 season. Whitlock identifies some key players that will be back this season including Joshua Sumerville, Gavin Howard and James Orosoco. The primary goal for this team in 2022 is to stay together and improve every week.
