Central Metro

Many believed the lone playoff team from this league would get hammered early in the playoffs last season. Summit proved to doubters that its 10-0 regular-season record was legitimate when it marched to the state semifinals. Odds are, the lone team that emerges this season will not be taken lightly. Summit again figures to be a contender, though D'Evelyn and upstart Mountain Range easily could enter the mix. Rock Canyon is nearly starting over after graduation but again could become a factor based on the enrollment of the school.

Castle View

2006: 2-8 Coach: Ryan Hollingshead

The Sabercats feel much better about their chances this season than last, when freshmen and sophomores were thrown into the fire in the school's inaugural season. Quarterback L.A. McGee will guide the offense on a team that is markedly quicker than last year and possesses much more solid offensive and defensive lines.

D'Evelyn

2006: 7-3 Coach: Jeremy Bennett

Though the Jaguars will be guided by inexperienced junior quarterback Garret Griffith, look for them to continue to throw. Receivers Anthony Baldassari and Jordan Kehoe combined for more than 100 catches last season and will help ease Griffith's transition. Expect mammoth tight end James Holland to be a factor in the passing game.

Jefferson

2006: 0-10 Coach: Harry Burnham

Burnham takes over a squad trying to erase a dubious stigma: 37 consecutive losses. The Saints came close a few times last year and hope that a number of carry-over players will help end the streak. Players to watch include talented tight end Travis Madrid and the shifty Jacob Chapa, who will move from running back to quarterback.

Mountain Range

2006: 3-7 Coach: Joe Bravo

The Mustangs, another first-year squad last season, appeared a bit ahead of the learning curve and are aiming to compete with the established programs this year. That could happen with the talents of dual-threat quarterback Dylan Buononato and linebacker Ryan Tuley, about whom many opposing coaches have raved.

Prairie View

2006: 1-9 Coach: Rod Dobbs

Like Castle View and Mountain Range, the Thunderhawks were a from-scratch program last year with only freshmen and sophomores. Dobbs, a former Northern Colorado assistant coach and player, believes running back Eddie Powell is an emerging standout and indicated skilled freshman Erik Fritch will make a run at the starting quarterback job.

Rock Canyon

2006: 7-3 Coach: Tom Lynch

The Jaguars' first senior class graduated after last season, and that has left a bit of a void. Only two players who started on offense last season are back — linemen Ed Ferguson and Martin Hughes. The Jaguars, coming off a near miss in qualifying for the playoffs, will try to retool quickly and gear up for a likely move to 4A next season.

Summit

2006: 12-1 Coach: Dylan Hollingsworth

How do the Tigers react to their most successful season in school history? By returning to the postseason, they believe. Many skill position players return from the semifinalist team, but parts of both lines will have to be rebuilt. Linebacker Scott Campbell (107 tackles last season) will anchor a hard-hitting defense.

North Metro

When asked for their pick for league champion this season, nearly every coach in the league mentioned the same three teams: Englewood, Elizabeth and Centaurus. None figures to run away with it, a prospect that could lead to an interesting final few weeks before the postseason. Count on revitalized Conifer to offer a challenge, and Alameda and Evergreen could enter the mix. But it would be surprising if one of the three favorites didn't end up with the title. An interesting tidbit about the league: It is the only one in the classification that did not feature a head-coaching change this season.

Alameda

2006: 5-5 Coach: Ron Johnson

The Pirates have made a habit of finishing in the middle of the pack after posting successive .500 seasons. They hope to tip the scales in a positive way this season. Speedster Nick Nguyen runs a 4.49-second 40-yard dash and will be counted on to be the catalyst. He will see time at quarterback and running back as well as in the defensive backfield.

Centaurus

2006: 5-6 Coach: Chad Senseney

The Warriors hope the big-play ability of Josh Sipes and the both-sides-of-the-ball toughness of Garrett Lanham pay off in victories. Two-way lineman Chris Barron will be watched as much as any player outside the big-school classification. The Warriors are aiming to rebound from a first-round playoff loss to Palisade.

Conifer

2006: 3-7 Coach: Larry Fitzmaurice

The Lobos' record last season should contain an asterisk larger than the one that might accompany Barry Bonds' home run mark. This was a 6-4 team that had to forfeit three games for mistakenly using an ineligible player early in the season. Senior quarterback Jimmy Gorrell will be in charge of helping transform the disappointment into something positive.

Elizabeth

2006: 5-6 Coach: Chris Cline

Running back Mitch Johnson returns with a legitimate shot to break 5,000 rushing yards for his career. He enters the season with well in excess of 3,000 in his three campaigns, including 1,645 last season. The Cardinals hope their team is defined by much more than the shifty Johnson, but they can handle his being the centerpiece of a playoff team.

Englewood

2006: 9-3 Coach: Randy Penn

As usual, the Pirates will use several players on both sides of the ball. Also consistent is the notion that the Pirates should be pretty good. Bryce Penn, the coach's grandson, is one of the sturdiest pound-for-pound runners in the classification, and newly anointed quarterback Jordan Marquez is quick and mobile.

Evergreen

2006: 6-4 Coach: Mike Sellers

Cougars kicker Sean Conaway is a touchback waiting to happen and also has the range to connect on a few eye-opening field goals. What will truly determine the success of the Cougars, though, is their ability to get the ball in the hands of big-play receiver Mike Philbin and put together a solid ground game using more than one back.

Skyview

2006: 3-7 Coach: Bill Nelson

Second-year coach Nelson hopes the familiarity with his system will benefit his players. A large senior class, led by receiver Adam Meis and linebacker Dominic Martinez, shouldn't hurt, either. The Wolverines, though, will have to find a new go-to tailback and patch a few more holes.

South Metro

It is no secret there will be dramatic changes at Florence, Pueblo County and defending champion Alamosa after the loss of several key seniors. What hasn't changed, though, is that those three are still the teams to beat in the league. Make no mistake, Florence and Pueblo County still will run the ball and Alamosa will continue to air it out, it's just that those schools will have several new names performing those duties. Keep an eye on Harrison and Woodland Park: each had coaching changes. Also, don't be surprised if Falcon competes deep into ballgames.

Alamosa

2006: 14-0 Coach: Manny Wasinger

Don't think the Mean Moose will fade into oblivion just because many players from one of the finest-ever 3A squads have moved on. The reserves played big roles as well and learned the team's run-and-gun, shotgun offense that the Mean Moose will continue to employ. Key contributors Cody Yohn and Brian Ford return. Yohn will be the starting tailback.

Falcon

2006: 4-6 Coach: Jason Catron

Some opposing coaches have proclaimed running back Keenen Ballage the fastest player they saw last season, and the 180-pound speed burner is back for one more season. Catron hopes the rest of the Falcons can keep up with Ballage. Vahn Plambeck will serve as Ballage's blocking back while also leading the linebacker corps.

Florence

2006: 10-3 Coach: Mark Buderus

The Huskies are the only team in the classification that plays up, because their projected enrollment of 545 makes them eligible to participate in 2A. As successful as they have been, most opponents wouldn't fret if the Huskies moved down. The winning should continue because the Huskies have a rock-solid offensive line and one of the finest backs in the state in Garrett Wilson.

Harrison

2006: 6-5 Coach: Al Melo

Melo, a transplant from Mojave High School in Bullhead City, Ariz., replaces Shawn Phillips, who took a job at fledgling Discovery Ridge. Melo will look to use the talents of quarterback Demetrius Gilmore, who highlights a solid corps of skill-position players for the sophomore- and junior-heavy Panthers. Harrison sneaked into the playoffs as a wild card last season.

Pueblo County

2006: 11-3 Coach: Jeff Wilson

The Hornets might not immediately be as good as the team that advanced to the state championship game last season, but certainly not as bad as the team that went 1-9 the year before. In fact, with the return of starting quarterback J.T. Greenhood and the potential of running back Joe Pullara, the playoffs seem a reasonable goal.

Ridge View Academy

2006: 2-8 Coach: Roderick Upshaw

The Rams took their lumps in their first season in the league last year, which was to be expected after moving from the Metro League and returning only one starter on each side of the ball. Upshaw, in the second year of his second stint with the Rams, is hoping the experience gained equates into success.

Woodland Park

2006: 3-7 Coach: Brent Cottrell

Cottrell makes a move from 4A Cheyenne Mountain to inherit a squad that has been relatively starved for success since its glory days around the turn of the millennium. Ethan Beaver, a 6-foot-5, 215-pounder, fits the mold of the classification's large tight ends and also will be used as a key blocker for running back Ben Fischer.

Tri-Valley

The finish in this league is tough to predict, because no team jumps out as a head-and-shoulders favorite. Berthoud is coming off a season in which it was undefeated in league play, but the Spartans will have to retool at many key positions, most notably running back. Silver Creek is in the same situation, and playoff squads Sterling, Fort Lupton and Frederick each must work in a new quarterback. Fort Lupton also must adjust to a new coach. Look for upstart Fossil Ridge to make some headway in a year that definitely could harbor some surprises throughout the league.

Berthoud

2006: 10-1 Coach: Dan McGinn

This isn't the same group that ran the table in league play last season, but the Spartans return six starters on offense and three on defense. Jordan Major will call the signals, and Alex Sommers and Taylor Martin will share the ball-carrying duties. The Spartans boast good size on the line, led by 280-pound junior Brad Dick.

Fort Lupton

2006: 6-5 Coach: Mike Muedeking

Muedeking, the offensive coordinator last season, took over the reins when coach Bob Hudson left for Green Mountain. Hudson didn't leave the cupboards bare for his buddy, stocking a team that remains highly enthusiastic after qualifying for the playoffs for the first time in 15 seasons. Junior Tyler Williamson takes over at quarterback.

Fort Morgan

2006: 2-8 Coach: Harrison Chisum

Chisum already was at Fort Morgan as the girls basketball coach before landing the football job this season. He will coach both teams this year, then focus solely on football. His immediate task is to resurrect the Mustangs' tradition of success and will rely on players such as talented receiver Jon Bailey and two-way lineman Kyle Gralus.

Fossil Ridge

2006: 4-6 Coach: Clint Fick

The Sabercats erased the doughnut last season by entering the winning column. Now, they want to qualify for the playoffs. The on-the-rise squad is a defense-first unit led by strong safety Greg Rushing and linebackers Zane Lanter and Troy Teeples. Junior Brian Leistikow could emerge into a dual threat at quarterback.

Frederick

2006: 7-4 Coach: Thad Lear

The Warriors lost 18 seniors from their playoff squad but return 15 letter winners. They are encouraged by the performance of their lower-level squads — the junior varsity went 8-2 and the freshman team 7-3. Senior David Lamb makes the transition to quarterback.

Silver Creek

2006: 6-4 Coach: Mike Apodaca

Graduation hit the Raptors harder than most, but they should remain in contention. Senior Chris Robbie looks to be a huge factor on both sides of the ball, whether it be calling the signals as the quarterback or breaking up passes as a defensive back. Apodaca has specialized in keeping the Raptors in the playoff hunt on a yearly basis.

Sterling

2006: 9-2 Coach: Mark Bauder

Bauder, entering his 23rd year with the Tigers, including seven as head coach, will return only two starters on offense and three on defense. He hopes players learn on the run. Running back Lee Meisner, a solid, 6-foot, 205-pounder, is the most experienced returning skill-position player. Matt Skalla and Pat Nertens, each 230 pounds, give the line some size.

Valley

2006: 3-7 Coach: Ryan Wehrman

Wehrman, who coached at Wiggins for eight years, takes the reins after a one-year stint at Northridge as a defensive backs coach. Quarterback Brandon Contreras will run the show, but the Vikings' strength might be their line, where the bulky Geoff Betz and Ben Dellenbach will be the anchors on both sides of the ball.

Windsor

2006: 1-9 Coach: Chris Jones

To try to recover from last season, the Wizards will lean heavily on team leader Donovan Suman, a fullback/linebacker who is built like a fire hydrant at 5-foot-9, 195 pounds. The linebacker corps, which also includes Nathan Folbrecht, Sam Collentine and Luke Brough, will be the Wizards' strength under the first-year tutelage of Jones.

Western Slope

The toughest top-to-bottom league in the classification might be even more challenging this season. Moffat County coach Kip Hafey estimates up to six teams could challenge for the league title. Usual suspects Palisade, Steamboat Springs and Rifle are among that group, as is Hafey's Bulldogs and Eagle Valley. The sleeper is Glenwood Springs, which many league coaches believe will be a standout program this fall. As if that's not enough, Delta, Montezuma-Cortez and Battle Mountain all figure to be improved; Battle Mountain is led by dynamic running back Ryan Hedrick.

Battle Mountain

2006: 4-6 Coach: Jason Fedlak

Fedlak inherits a team that began to assert itself last season in a league in which it's very difficult to make headway. The Huskies will be buoyed by the return of running back Ryan Hedrick, one of the finest in the classification last season. Todd Walker will call the signals behind a large offensive line guided by 240-pound Billy Shue.

Delta

2006: 3-6 Coach: Kirk McLaughlin

McLaughlin takes over a group that learned a lot as underclassmen. Now a year older and with valuable experience, the Panthers are looking to escape the bottom third of the league. Andrew Aragon and Stephen Vigil are the cornerstones of the line who will look to protect quarterback Kevin Osborne and make room for running back Luke Schmaltz.

Eagle Valley

2006: 3-7 Coach: John Ramunno

The Devils will try to parlay an impressive showing at summer camp into positive results in the challenging league. Running back Nick Whitehead doubles as a do-it-all linebacker who amassed a team-leading 98 tackles last season. Zak Thrall (280 pounds) and Pollo Almaza (240), nicknamed the Spicy Chicken, give the line ample size.

Glenwood Springs

2006: 4-6 Coach: Rocky Whitworth

Many in the league are saying look out for the Demons. Junior quarterback Dakota Stonehouse broke down opposing defenses last season and will have the luxury of having favorite target Alex McPherson back. In addition, 6-foot-5 tight end Donnie Jennert, a transfer from Florida, could emerge as a factor in the passing game.

Moffat County

2006: 5-6 Coach: Kip Hafey

Three-year starter J.T. Haddan returns as the Bulldogs tailback and has added some definition to his 215-pound frame. The 4.0 grade-point average student is beginning to make 1,000-yard seasons a habit. The Bulldogs will try to separate from the middle of the pack in the league, where they have finished the past two seasons. Their above-average size will help.

Montezuma-Cortez

2006: 2-8 Coach: Tom Adair

Despite the record, the Panthers were a team that improved week to week last season. Linebacker Drew Brock returns after racking up a team-most 130 tackles last season. He will team with fellow linebackers Caleb Hollar and Noah Herman. Left-handed junior Logan Case will take over at quarterback, where he got his feet wet last season.

Palisade

2006: 8-4 Coach: John Arledge

The Bulldogs have developed a reputation of being tough and physical, and that will not change. Nor will their penchant for winning. Highly recruited tailback Jesse Kirstatter will carry the load in the running game, and tight end/safety Billy Logsdon figures to make a huge impact on both sides of the ball.

Rifle

2006: 8-4 Coach: Damon Wells

After the past three seasons, which included two appearances in the state championship game and a close loss to eventual champion Alamosa in the quarterfinals last season, the Bears never will be taken lightly. Despite returning only four starters on each side, including two-way lineman Justin Stone, the Bears again will be regarded as a top-notch team.

Steamboat Springs

2006: 10-2 Coach: Aaron Finch

Standout kicker Ben DeLine's booming leg isn't the only reason to watch the Sailors. A team that has made a habit of advancing deep into the playoffs, including a trip to the quarterfinals last season and the semifinals in 2005, also returns bruising running back Jay Hanley, a stout line led by Mac Marsh and multitalented Alex Wood.

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