Colorado

Kent Denver missed the playoffs last year, but the Sun Devils were one of the hottest teams in the state during the last month of the regular season. They could be the team to beat this season if they can avoid the injury bug that has plagued them the past few years. Colorado Springs Christian and Denver Christian grabbed the league's two automatic bids last year and they should remain in the hunt. Platte Canyon quietly has developed into a top team, having nabbed a wild-card berth the past two seasons. Those four teams should battle it out at the top, and Bennett, Sheridan and Clear Creek are looking to make a move.

Bennett

2006: 5-4 Coach: Daryl Beck

The Tigers had a strong start to the 2006 season, winning five of their first six games, only to lose the last three to fall out of the playoff picture. With most of the team returning, Bennett believes it can compete for a playoff spot. Tyler Laducer, Stephen Ronan and Bryson Jordan all should see time in the offensive backfield. They will pace what could be a potent rushing attack.

Clear Creek

2006: 1-7 Coach: Tony Villani

The Golddiggers have won only four games since the 2002 season, so getting a win or two early will be crucial to build confidence. Villani believes the team has the ability to finish above .500 and possibly make a push at a playoff spot. Quarterback Chris Ball has good weapons to work with in Tyler Lewis and Tim Shelton, and Mark Moore will get the bulk of the carries.

Colorado Springs Christian

2006: 8-3 Coach: Paul Passno

The Lions were in the postseason for the third consecutive season and reached the second round before losing to eventual champion Faith Christian. They will have to find a way to replace graduated running back Nathan Walker, who accounted for 2,293 yards and 32 touchdowns rushing last year. Still, Passno believes this is the best set of skill players he has had. Cody Klingenberg will be the featured back; he had more than 500 yards rushing last season despite missing five games.

Denver Christian

2006: 7-4 Coach: Mark Swalley

After a short absence, the Crusaders returned to the postseason last year and reached the quarterfinals behind a stout defense that posted two shutouts and held six opponents to fewer than 10 points. The defense should remain a strong point behind linebackers Chad Colby, Ty Neteland and John Lenderink, but most of the offense graduated. Once the offense finds its rhythm, Denver Christian will be tough to beat.

Kent Denver

2006: 4-5 Coach: Scott Yates

A slow start to the 2006 season cost the Sun Devils a spot in the playoffs, but they did win four of their final five and hope to build upon that momentum. Junior Patrick Murray had more than 800 yards rushing last season and could have a breakout year. Wideout/ defensive back Mike Reilly is a threat on both sides of the ball. With talented skill players and a good group of linebackers, Kent Denver can play with anyone.

Platte Canyon

2006: 6-4 Coach: Mike Schmidt

The Huskies made the playoffs for the second consecutive season, grabbing a wild-card spot, and should remain in the hunt this year. Although they are a little undersized, they have a lot of experience and a lot of speed and know how to get to the postseason. In Michael Pollick, A.J. Melillo and Dillon Whisman, the Huskies have three juniors who should get time carrying the ball.

Sheridan

2006: 2-7 Coach: Matt Sloan

The Rams were stocked with underclassmen last year and took their lumps before closing out the season with a shutout victory. They hope to build upon that, as they return a talented group of skill players including quarterback Aaron Sloan and running back Jose Hernandez. The Rams believe they can be a factor if they can put together a solid group of linemen.

Flatirons

This league has produced the past three state champions and could make it four in a row. Most coaches believe Holy Family has the tools to win it all, and senior quarterback Drew Hawkins could emerge as a major force. Faith Christian was hit hard by graduation, but the defending champ always seems to reload. Erie also lost some key players, but the Tigers are talented enough to get back to the playoffs. Middle Park and Machebeuf are on the rise and could surprise some people.

Erie

2006: 8-2 Coach: Larry Gatrell

The Tigers were the surprise of the league last season, grabbing the second playoff spot and reaching the postseason for the first time in more than a decade. Erie lost a good senior class, though, and will have to rebuild. The Tigers have to replace a three-year starter at quarterback, but they should be able to run the ball behind a strong offensive line. Bubba Baros and Cody Fulton will share carries, and both could put up big numbers.

Faith Christian

2006: 13-0 Coach: Blair Hubbard

Faith Christian was dominant in winning its second state championship in three seasons, crushing its playoff opponents by a combined score of 128-17. The Eagles will have to replace a dozen all-state selections, but they still should have the firepower to make another run at the title. Senior quarterback Seve Carbajal will spearhead the offense, and linebacker Mark Cerf anchors the defense. Faith Christian doesn't have the overwhelming size in the trenches it had the past couple of seasons, but the Eagles still are big for 2A. There is no reason to think they will not contend at season's end.

Holy Family

2006: 9-3 Coach: Jim Bratten

Holy Family was extremely young last season and probably overachieved by reaching the state semifinals. The Tigers return most of their roster and will make a run at reaching the title game for the fourth time in six seasons. Quarterback Drew Hawkins had a productive junior year and could have a breakout season under center. Meanwhile, running back Andy Maul could put up big numbers in the robust offense.

Machebeuf

2006: 3-6 Coach: Tom Tesone

The Buffaloes made some tremendous strides in 2006, winning three games after winning one overall the previous two seasons. Finishing with a winning record is the next step, but that might be difficult in this extremely tough league. Senior Adonis Brown rushed for 1,400 yards last season and is one of the league's top backs, and Jordan Knuntson is a force on the defensive front.

Middle Park

2006: 5-4 Coach: Marc Loberg

The Panthers were 4-1 at one point last season before faltering down the stretch. They have finished with a winning record the past two years, but struggled against the upper-echelon teams in the league. The Panthers have good skill players, including running back Alex Morrow and quarterback Mike Schmidt.

Strasburg

2006: 1-8 Coach: Jeff Giger

The Indians suffered through a one-win season for the second consecutive year, getting shut out five times and reaching double digits in points only twice. Senior running back Craig Furstenau will be key in the effort to be more potent on offense.

The Academy

2006: 0-9 Coach: Seth Replogle

The Wildcats get a new coach and a new look as they switch from the spread offense to a triple-option attack. David Bowen, a first-team all-state selection at wide receiver last year, moves under center and could have another big year. After going winless last season, getting a couple of early victories would build confidence.

Mountain

Buena Vista isn't accustomed to sitting out the postseason, so the Demons are eager to put last year behind them. With a solid group of returning players, Buena Vista is the team the rest of the league will be chasing. The Demons' biggest challenge could come from Monte Vista, which is looking to make a bigger impact in the postseason. Salida and Pagosa Springs have a lot of underclassmen but could develop into contenders.

Bayfield

2006: 1-8 Coach: Marshall Hahn

The Wolverines were young last season and it showed. A year of experience should translate to more wins, but they might still be a year a way from seriously challenging, especially while adjusting to a new coach.

Buena Vista

2006: 6-3 Coach: Bob Marken

The Demons missed the playoffs last season for only the second time in 11 seasons, so getting back to the postseason is the goal. They have a lot of experienced players on both sides of the ball, including twins Jordan and Josh Graff. Cory Orth anchors the lines, and Larson Greenfield could have a big season running the ball.

Centauri

2006: 3-6 Coach: Greg Jones

After posting five wins in each of the previous two seasons, the Falcons took a step back last year. Getting back above .500 and challenging for a playoff spot is the goal. Tate King and Brandon Rogers will anchor the lines as two-way players and Mitchell Polkowske gets the nod at quarterback.

Lake County

2006: No team last season Coach: Rob Paine

The Panthers are starting with a clean slate under a new coach after their season was canceled last year. Several players, such as fullback Charlie Mitchell and quarterback Justin Lopez, played for Buena Vista in 2006. Paine believes it will not take long for his club to get up to speed.

Monte Vista

2006: 7-3 Coach: Jim McCauliffe

A heartbreaking one-point loss to Colorado Springs Christian in the first round of the playoffs has the Pirates hungry for a return trip. It was the third consecutive season they lost in the first round. McCauliffe returns after a one-year hiatus, and he looks to get deeper in the postseason behind a strong group of returnees, including senior running back/linebacker Justin Prieto.

Pagosa Springs

2006: 4-5 Coach: Sean O'Donnell

The Pirates, who missed the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons, will be inexperienced, having lost 18 seniors to graduation. Only four players with significant varsity experience return. O'Donnell believes that once they get a few games in, they can be a factor.

Salida

2006: 8-3 Coach: Phillip Gardunio

The Spartans reached the quarterfinals last season, pounding their way into the playoffs behind a huge line. Most of that line is gone, so the team's strengths are going to be in its skill players such as junior wideout Brett Rankin. The team is extremely young (only three seniors), so it might get better as the season progresses.

Patriot

Two state semifinal teams came from this league, and it could be even stronger this year. From top to bottom, it might be the toughest contingent in the state. Platte Valley, which reached the title game for the first time in school history, has the goods to get back again. Brush has some holes to fill, but the Beetdiggers will be in the mix. Eaton is the popular choice as the team on the rise. Roosevelt is a perennial playoff participant, and University, Weld Central and Yuma all should challenge. The winner of this league will be battle-tested.

Brush

2006: 11-1 Coach: Randy Drietz

The Beetdiggers are stinging from their only loss last season, 7-0 to Faith Christian in the semifinals. Brush lost some key players, and it will be extremely young this year. The Beetdiggers, though, have been a factor in the postseason for six consecutive seasons. Arturo Garcia takes over at quarterback, and he has a good target to work with in Jared Spooner. Rocco Portuese will anchor the lines.

Eaton

2006: 3-6 Coach: Bill Mondt

The Reds struggled to an uncharacteristic losing record last year and missed the playoffs for the first time in a decade. They should rebound and be a factor. Seth Lobato, who helped lead the Reds to the 3A basketball title in March, is back for his second year under center. He has good targets to work with in Lance Korell and Cameron Stewart.

Estes Park

2006: 0-9 Coach: Tiny Koehler

The good news for the Bobcats is that they were young in 2006 and lost only six players to graduation. A strong junior class should help them rebound. The bad news is they are stuck in what is expected to be the toughest league in 2A.

Platte Valley

2006: 11-2 Coach: Michael DeWall

The Broncos earned a berth in the title game for the first time in school history. Platte Valley brings back a lot of players who contributed to that run. Parker Gutterson, who had six interceptions in the playoffs, is one of the best defensive backs in the state, and this season he will be a bigger part of the offense, perhaps taking over at quarterback.

Roosevelt

2006: 4-6 Coach: Ed Eastin

Despite struggling through much of the season with a young squad, the Roughriders made their way back into the postseason for the third year in a row. With a strong group of returning players, they should remain a factor.

University

2006: 4-5 Coach: Hod Soto

The Bulldogs made a major move up last year, increasing their win total from one to four. They will try to continue to build this season.

Weld Central

2006: 4-5 Coach: Mike Brown

The Rebels lost only four players to graduation, so they should have good experience this season. The offensive and defensive lines are anchored by talented seniors Chris Spamer and Zach Wolaver. Brown also might have his quickest set of skill players. Weld Central lost three games in the fourth quarter last year and hopes to turn those into victories this season.

Yuma

2006: 4-5 Coach: Keith Gille

Despite playing up in classification, the Class A-sized Indians were a factor for much of the season and played one of the toughest schedules. The Indians are relatively young, with only six seniors, but they believe they can make a run at the playoffs. Senior Tyler Durland will be a factor on both sides of the ball.

Tri-Peaks

Trinidad won the league title last season, becoming the first team in four seasons besides Lamar to claim the crown. The Miners enter as the team to beat and could make a run at the state championship. Lamar will look to get back on top, and St. Mary's and Manitou Springs also have designs on winning the league.

Classical Academy

2006: 0-9 Coach: Nate Sassaman

The Titans are on a 17-game losing streak, so, obviously, getting a win will be a big deal. To do that, they will have to find some offense. They scored only 58 points in 2006.

Ellicott

2006: 2-7 Coach: Donté Stewart

The Thunderhawks have won only six games in the past three seasons, so the first item on the agenda is overcoming a losing tradition. Ellicott had a strong junior class last year, so posting a few more wins isn't out of the question.

La Junta

2006: 3-6 Coach: Bob Hinkhouse

The Tigers are green in the trenches but have good experience everywhere else. Quarterback Collin Bailey and tailback Daniel Mares will anchor the offense, and Ryan Belew could have a big season catching the ball. If the line play is there, La Junta could contend.

Lamar

2006: 6-4 Coach: Jason Tice

The Savages were edged out of the league title for the first time in five seasons last year, so getting the crown back is the first order of business. To accomplish that, they will have to replace a strong graduated class that included most of the skill-position players.

Manitou Springs

2006: 4-5 Coach: John McGee

McGee takes the reins from George Rykovich, who led the Mustangs for 36 years, and has a club that could contend for a playoff spot. They will switch from the single-wing to a pro-set offense, allowing quarterback Cory Sienknecht to air it out more.

St. Mary's

2006: 4-5 Coach: Matt Walter

The Pirates were in the playoff race until late in the season, and they bring back a good portion of those players. They have been hovering around .500 the past few seasons and need to knock off Lamar or Trinidad to take the next step.

Trinidad

2006: 9-2 Coach: Randy Begano

The Miners made a major move last year, going from three wins in 2005 to nine, a league title and a trip to the quarterfinals. Now they will try to stay on top. Running back Gabe Santistevan rushed for more than 1,400 yards and averaged nine yards a carry last year; he could be even better this year. Gil Martinez anchors the trenches and should be a force on defense. It could be a banner year for the Miners.

Western Slope

The race for the league crown appears to be wide open, because all the teams enter the season with question marks. Roaring Fork historically finishes near the top, and the young Rams are hoping to stay there. Olathe made its way to the postseason a year ago; the Pirates will be in the mix again, despite losing a good senior class. Gunnison also should make a run at the title, and Aspen, Basalt and Hotchkiss could make a major move.

Aspen

2006: 3-6 Coach: Mike Sirko

Sirko, the former Doherty coach, takes over the Skiers and inherits a team moving in the right direction. Aspen increased its win total from one to three last season, a trend it would like to continue.

Basalt

2006: 3-6 Coach: Forrest Grosh

The Longhorns, led by standout linebacker Willie Klein, one of the state's tackling leaders last year, will be tough defensively. The question will be on offense, where they have a lot of holes to fill. Travis D'anna and Klein will see time in the backfield. If the offense jells, the Longhorns could be in the thick of things.

Cedaredge

2006: 1-8 Coach: Eric Hollombeak

The Bruins have struggled recently, winning only four games in the past three seasons. They had trouble scoring points last season, being held to fewer than seven points in five contests.

Coal Ridge

2006: 0-9 Coach: Jim Hoffman

Playing a varsity schedule for the first time last season, the Titans took their lumps. They still will be young (only three seniors on the team) but they should be more competitive. They will have to rely on their speed and athleticism since they don't have a lot of size. The Titans have a good group of backs, including Bradey Gasaway, Josh Alsop and David Anderson.

Gunnison

2006: 7-3 Coach: Dennis Fraser

Fraser, the school's athletic director, takes over as head coach. He has a team that should make a run at the postseason. The Cowboys traditionally are strong defensively and think they can have a powerful offense by the end of the season. Cameron Nicholl returns at quarterback, and Kip Hessner should get the bulk of the carries.

Hotchkiss

2006: 4-5 Coach: Zach Lemon

Former Delta coach Lemon takes over the Bulldogs, and he has a squad he believes can compete for a playoff spot. The team will have a different look, as it will run the triple option on offense, meaning junior tailback Ethan Coe could have a big year. Depth is a question, but if the Bulldogs can stay healthy, they should be a factor.

Olathe

2006: 8-2 Coach: Ryan Corn

The Pirates lost only nine players from their playoff team, but those players went both ways, so there are some holes to fill. Senior Jesus Suarez is one of the top weapons in 2A, having gained more than 1,000 yards as a tailback and having great range as a kicker. If the line develops, Olathe will make another run.

Roaring Fork

2006: 8-2 Coach: Mike Brinson

There are only five seniors on the roster, but a good junior class should allow the Rams to remain near the top. Former defensive end Jake Kinney takes over at quarterback to run the high-octane offense. Despite their youth, the Rams should remain a factor.

2006 playoff results

• First round Brush 43, Olathe 13

Trinidad 26, Roaring Fork 7

C.S. Christian 21, Monte Vista 20

Faith Christian 42, Platte Canyon 7

Holy Family 34, Gunnison 21

Denver Christian 20, Lamar 0

Platte Valley 26, Erie 7

Salida 26, Roosevelt 7

• Quarterfinals Brush 22, Trinidad 0

Faith Christian 38, C.S. Christian 3

Holy Family 27, Denver Christian 12

Platte Valley 35, Salida 0

• Semifinals Faith Christian 7, Brush 0

Platte Valley 39, Holy Family 26

• Championship Faith Christian 41, Platte Valley 7

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