The list of returnees in Class 3A are dominated by quarterbacks such as Ty Evans of Palmer Ridge, Stone Samaras of Holy Family and Derrick Smashum of Vista Peak but despite big numbers, none of the three were named to the all-state first team. That list is very short and includes only two players in Nathan Mackey of Mead and Trey McBride of Fort Morgan. Both are coming off tremendous junior campaigns.
Below is a quick list and breakdown of the players in Class 3A that return after being named either first or second team all-state in 2016.
FIRST TEAM
Nathan Mackey — Mead
- Top returning rusher in the state in any class with 1,781 yards as a junior
- Rushed for at least 100 yards in 10 of 12 games
- Second on team with 13 rushing touchdowns
- Second on team with 25 catches for 432 yards and five touchdowns
Trey McBride — Fort Morgan
- Led Mustangs with 32 catches for 751 yards and 11 scores
- Rest of the team totaled 23 catches for 337 yards and five touchdowns
- Led team with 124 tackles including 30 for loss
- Led team with 7.5 sacks and tied for second with two interceptions
SECOND TEAM
Ty Evans — Palmer Ridge
- Top returning passer in Class 3A with 3,130 yards last season
- Threw for 30 touchdowns with only five interceptions in 328 attempts
- Completed only six of 10 attempts as a freshman for 31 yards and a score
- Has committed to the University of Arkansas
Austin Hassler — Longmont
- Second on Trojans defense with 96 tackles
- Led team with 13 tackles for loss
- Third on team with 2.5 sacks and first on club with two caused fumbles
- Tied for team in interceptions with three
Gavin Maestas — Durango
- Led Demons with 32 catches for 626 yards and eight touchdowns
- Led defense with 6 interceptions and returned two for scores
- Fifth on team with 59 tackles
- Averaged 33 yards on four punt returns including a touchdown
Stone Samaras — Holy Family
- Threw for 2,974 yards and 33 touchdowns as a sophomore
- Enters junior season with 3,369 career passing yards and 39 touchdowns
- Completed 175 passes in 292 attempts
- Second on team with 202 yards rushing with seven touchdowns
Derrick Smashum — Vista Peak
- Threw for 2,889 yards and 40 touchdowns as a junior last year
- Begins senior season with 5,206 yards passing and 65 touchdowns
- Threw for at least 200 yards in nine of 10 games last season
- Career best 458 yards and six touchdowns came against in-city rival Gateway in week four
Seth Willden — Holy Family
- Anchor of an offensive line that helped create 3,094 yards passing and 2,563 yards rushing last season
