League overview Elbert and South Park depart the 8-Man Central League while Belleview Christian and Gilpin County join the ranks. Byers claimed the league championship in 2021 and was the only team in the league to advance to the state tournament. Front Range Christian and Lyons had winning records last year and will try to maintain that success into a postseason berth.
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Belleview Christian
Head coach: Tony Montiel
2021 Record: Did not field a team
Returning All-State Players: None
The Bruins return to the football field for the first time since 2017. In that season they went 1-5 and winless in league play.
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Byers
Head coach: Casey Pelton
2021 Record: 6-4 (5-0 Central)
Returning All-State Players: None
A tough non-league schedule prepared Byers for its league schedule and the Bulldogs took advantage. The only test they faced was a four-overtime win against Front Range Christian and that was what cleared the way for a playoff berth. They’d love to get there again and several returning juniors could help them do just that. Zach Cary and Ceasar Meza each ran for over 600 yards and they each scored at least seven touchdowns. If they can put together similar (or better) performances this season another playoff appearance could be a forgone conclusion.
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Front Range Christian
Head coach: Paul Lowe
2021 Record: 6-3 (4-1 Central)
Returning All-State Players: Nolan Potts (Honorable Mention)
That same four-overtime game that got Byers into the state tournament is what kept Front Range Christian out. A league championship would have done the job, but the Falcons didn’t do themselves any favors with an overtime loss to Plateau Valley to end the regular season. They’ll try to rectify that heartbreak as senior quarterback Ethan Whatmore returns after throwing for 2,137 yards and 33 touchdowns. Wide receiver Nolan Potts put together an all-state honorable mention nod after catching 40 passes for 1,066 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also grabbed one interception and recovered a fumble on defense.
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Gilpin County
Head coach: Craig Ball
2021 Record: 0-9 (0-6 Northwest)
Returning All-State Players: None
The Eagles come over from the Northwest League and are looking for a reversal of fortunes in 2022. They faced three of their new league opponents last year and were unable to get a win, but they have several experienced players returning this year. Cole Tuttle rushed for 226 yards and three touchdowns and Trey Lindberg led the team in tackles with 73. He racked up three sacks to go with them. If the Eagles can make some headway with the switch in leagues, they could be in the hunt for their first playoff appearance since 2017.
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Justice
Head coach: Nels Thoreson
2021 Record: 2-6 (1-4 Central)
Returning All-State Players: None
This could be a bit of a rebuilding year for the Phoenix. The bulk from the offensive production came from seniors who are now gone from the program. Defensively, Xavier Royval returns after recording 38 tackles and a sack. Non-league opponents for the Phoenix include Elbert, Custer County and Dolores Huerta.
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Lyons
Head coach: Jason Yantzer
2021 Record: 5-4 (3-2 Central)
Returning All-State Players: None
Lyons will enter the season as a bit of a sleeper for the league championship. The only league losses last year came to Byers and Front Range Christian and Yantzer believes his team is better in 2022. “Our kids are all In and they have been going above and beyond to better themselves and the team,” he said. “Our leadership and commitment to our football family will carry us far.” Finn Oetting and Maregu Sullivan combined to rush for over 1,400 yards and they each found the end zone at least 12 times. Miles Dumbauld and Lucas Wilson are other returning players that Yantzer expects to have a big impact and help the Lions have a successful season.
