Offensive standouts with big play ability dominate the list of Class 5A players who are coming off all-state campaigns in 2016. The list is a long one and includes talents such as Max Borghi (Pomona), Victor Garnes (Eaglecrest), Dimitri Stanley (Cherry Creek) and A Jon Vivens (Mullen) from the first team and Gunnar Gentry (Grandview) and Luke McCaffrey (Valor Christian) from the second squad.
Not to be outdone, the defensive units are represented by Jake Heimlicher of Regis who led Colorado in sacks as a junior.
Below is a quick list and breakdown of the players in Class 5A that return after being named either first or second team all-state in 2016.
FIRST TEAM
Max Borghi — Pomona
- Second on team in rushing with 824 yards despite missing last three games of the season
- Led Mustangs with 15 touchdowns on the ground
- Ran for at least 100 yards in three games with season high 159 yards vs Ralston Valley
- Caught 31 passes for 495 yards and five scores (all second on the squad)
Victor Garnes — Eaglecrest
- Led team with 29 receptions for 546 yards and six touchdowns
- Was third on the Raptors with 647 yards rushing with nine touchdowns
- Led team with seven interceptions and returned three for scores
- Third on defense with 56 tackles including five for loss
- Returned one punt and two kickoffs for touchdowns — scored 21 TD’s overall
Jake Heimlicher — Regis
- Led entire state with 22 sacks — seven more than any other player
- Tied for team lead with three fumble recoveries
- Fourth on the Raiders with 115 tackles
- Second on team with 17 tackles for loss
Dimitri Stanley — Cherry Creek
- Led Bruins with 63 catches for 970 yards
- Caught 13 of the team’s 22 receiving touchdowns
- Led Bruins with 15 overall touchdowns
A Jon Vivens — Mullen
- Led Mustangs with 60 catches and 1,087 yards receiving
- Third on the team with 11 touchdowns scored
- Averaged over 30 yards on both kickoff and punt returns in limited duty
SECOND TEAM
Gunnar Gentry — Grandview
- Caught team best 46 passes for 823 yards and 10 touchdowns
- Tied for team lead with two interceptions
- Totaled at least 100 yards receiving in three games last year — season high 120 vs Boulder
Luke McCaffrey — Valor Christian
- Led state champions with 47 catches for 717 yards and nine scores
- Could play more QB as a junior — completed 5 of 7 passes last season
- Ran for 245 yards and two touchdowns on just 23 attempts
- Intercepted two passes
Barrett Miller — Eaglecrest
- Important member of offensive line for a team that went 11-1 and scored 429 points on the season
