Top 10 teams

1 Palisade: This ranking could be perilous for the Bulldogs, considering they play in the rough-and-tumble Western Slope League.

2 Florence: Senior running back Garrett Wilson will be the cog that makes the Huskies go. And they could go far.

3 Steamboat Springs: One would figure all this team’s playoff experience eventually will pay off with a trip to the championship game.

4 Pueblo County: The Hornets, fresh off a trip to the championship game, remain excited and loaded with talent.

5 Alamosa: Down but certainly not out. Look for the defending champion to retool quickly despite key graduation losses.

6 Rifle: Graduating key players seems to mean nothing to the Bears, as they continue to roll year after year.

7 Berthoud: In the tough-to-forecast Tri-Valley League, the Spartans stand out simply because they won it last season.

8 Englewood: The Pirates appear about even with league rivals Centaurus and Elizabeth, but they get the early nod because of their success last season.

9 Glenwood Springs: Those who doubt this pick haven’t seen quarterback Dakota Stonehouse play.

10 Summit: The Tigers made believers of everyone last season. Can they do it again?

Top players

• Quarterback: Dakota Stonehouse, Glenwood Springs, 6-0, 170, Jr.

• Running back: Mitch Johnson, Elizabeth, 5-9, 170, Sr.

• Receiver: Anthony Baldassari, D’Evelyn, 6-1, 185, Sr.

• Offensive lineman: Tanner Wilcox, Florence, 5-11, 250, Sr.

• Defensive lineman: Patrick Lowder, Englewood, 6-1, 185, Sr.

• Linebacker: Brian Ford, Alamosa, 6-3, 210, Sr.

• Defensive back: Greg Rushing, Fossil Ridge, 6-0, 180, Sr.

• Specialist: Ben DeLine, Steamboat Springs, 6-0, 160, Sr.