Denver Prep

The contenders in the DPL form a line behind George Washington. But Lincoln and Denver North last season celebrated their best seasons in years, and the improvement might continue. The Lancers could be the Patriots' top challenger. George Washington's Joe Harris and Lincoln's Erik Carrasco are the league's biggest impact players.

Denver North

2006: 5-5 Coach: E. Paul Kelly

The Vikings finished second in the DPL, marking their first .500 record in 15 years. Keith Valdez is one of six seniors on the squad. Valdez, a two-way lineman, was a recipient of the Colorado Crush Iron Man Award.

Denver South

2006: 1-9 Coach: Tony Lindsay

Lindsay takes over after a one-win season, and the Rebels should keep the scoreboard operator active. Junior quarterback Derek Robbins is a good fit for the new offense. He has a strong corps of receivers, led by second- team all-city selection Javon Reynolds and Eaglecrest transfer Kenton Harris.

Denver West

2006: 0-10 Coach: Mike Anthony

The Cowboys have a new coach and nine returning starters on offense. They will run a multi-look, West Coast system, with Littleton transfer Prince Stokes competing with Mario Silva at quarterback. Silva, one of the fastest players on the team, might see action at receiver and running back.

George Washington

2006: 6-5 Coach: Steve Finesilver

The defending league champion returns impact players at running back/linebacker Joe Harris (6-foot-3, 215 pounds) and defensive lineman Helios Villanueva (6-1, 303). Samuel Casillas started seven games at quarterback last year. As always, depth is an issue, but the Patriots might have the size this year to slug it out with suburban teams.

Kennedy

2006: 3-7 Coach: Chris Enzminger

A strong offensive backfield with all-city selection Jim Brogden and Steve Green at running back and Oscar Zapata at quarterback figures to be the strength of the Commanders. Zapata played four games last season after transferring from Bear Creek. Kennedy will be fast, but not very big.

Lincoln

2006: 5-5 Coach: Larry Gile

The Lancers finished 2006 with their best record since 1984. They will feature running back Juanito Reyes and quarterback Danny Rodriquez lined up in the I-formation behind huge lineman Erik Carrasco (6-foot-8, 310 pounds). The Lancers shouldn't have a lineman who weighs less than 250 and should be able to push some teams around this year.

Foothills

The Southern part of the state is loaded with experienced quarterbacks. Almost every team in the Foothills has a returning starter at the position. It probably won't change the pecking order, though. This is Pueblo South's territory until someone finally can beat the perennial power.

Air Academy

2006: 5-5 Coach: Mike Hillstrom

The Kadets lost four games by a touchdown or less last season. They will be led by 6-foot-5 quarterback Brennan Price, who led them in rushing last year. Price should have weapons, but the key to the Kadets season will be a young line. Three-year starter Zach Sundgren, at right tackle, will provide valuable experience.

Cañon City

2006: 4-6 Coach: Chris Coppa

The Tigers' strength will be on their lines. On offense, tackles Jeremy Hamilton and Greg Owen started every game last year, along with center Aaron Sanders. As a stout nose tackle on defense, Rico Garcia is a handful to block. Brandon McCain will take over at quarterback after playing defense. Most of the Tigers' skill positions are unproven.

Cheyenne Mountain

2006: 5-5 Coach: Chris Roberts

Roberts, who coached the freshmen last year, will change the offense to a straight T, favoring the run. The Indians have two returning starters on each side of the ball. Senior Mike Roskosh (6-foot-6, 200 pounds) and junior Pete Perdue (5-10, 170) will compete at quarterback, but both will play large roles in the Indians offense, regardless of position. Roskosh has the stronger arm, but Perdue is quick and elusive.

Liberty

2006: 2-8 Coach: Dick Geddes

The Lancers return five starters on offense, including quarterback Markus Warren, who earned second-team all-league honors as a sophomore. They also have a strong stable of running backs with seniors Dan Varner, Brandon Martz and Cecil Taylor. Early success will be a key.

Mesa Ridge

2006: 8-3 Coach: Rob Braaten

The Grizzlies improved from 2-8 in Braaten's first season as head coach and reached the playoffs for the first time. They have 18 seniors returning, including all-league quarterback Marcel Gibbons. Charlie Kazee, an all-league linebacker, is the Grizzlies' top defensive player.

Pueblo Central

2006: 2-8 Coach: Dave Craddock

The Wildcats have finished 2-8 the past two seasons and could improve. Offensive most valuable player Damien Trujillo, a fullback who can run, catch and block, returns along with six other starters to the Wildcats' spread offense. Wide receiver/defensive back Tyshawn Nicholas (6-foot-3, 170 pounds) could lead the league in receptions and interceptions.

Pueblo South

2006: 10-1 Coach: Mark Haerring

After two consecutive unbeaten regular seasons, the Colts reload to defend their league title again. With quarterback Tony Medina returning, the Colts, known for a punishing running game, might mix it up a little more on offense. Class 4A shot put champion Ken Harriman (6-foot-3, 295 pounds) and Matt Valdez (6-3, 245) will anchor the offensive line. The last time Pueblo South missed the playoffs was 1999.

Sierra

2006: 3-7 Coach: Joe Roskam

The Stallions could be the league's most-improved team; they bring back 19 starters after losing four games by two points. At one point last year, they started 11 sophomores. Kelby Dias, a state champion hurdler, could emerge as a dangerous wide receiver in the Stallions' spread offense. Dias played only two games last year after suffering a thumb injury.

Wasson

2006: 8-3 Coach: Harold Brown

The Thunderbirds will try to reach the playoffs for the third consecutive season. They should have the offensive line to continue their dominant running attack, led by all-league lineman Anthony Valdez (6-foot, 320 pounds). The skill positions still are developing. In all, six starters return.

Mountain Plains

The 4A state champion has come from this league the past three seasons. Wheat Ridge came from nowhere to take the crown last year. This season shapes up to be another close call between ThunderRidge, Ralston Valley and Dakota Ridge, with the defending champion Farmers and Standley Lake trying to shake things up.

Arvada

2006: 3-7 Coach: John Hilton

The Reds started 3-0 last year before losing the next seven. With two strong offensive linemen returning, they should match up better in league this year. Junior Hayden Staggs and senior Dennis Stepanich were honorable mention all-leaguers last year. Defensive back Mike Vaughn leads the defense.

Dakota Ridge

2006: 5-5 Coach: Ron Woitalewicz

The Eagles are poised for another run at a state championship after a slight drop-off last season. They bring back a three-year starter at quarterback in Eric Cain, a 500-yard rusher in running back Zach Erfurdt and an all-league tight end in Ty Rosco. The Eagles will mesh a solid senior class with a junior varsity squad that went 10-0.

Golden

2006: 3-7 Coach: Tom Ward

The Demons finished 2006 with six straight losses, which easily can happen to a struggling team in the vicious Mountain Plains. The Demons have good cornerstones on offense with returning all-league players Colin Leffert at running back and tight end Koby Witter. Leffert rushed for 1,228 yards last season. Quarterback Ryan Stokes, who started as a freshman before being injured, also returns.

Green Mountain

2006: 4-6 Coach: Bob Hudson

Hudson coached at Fort Lupton last season. He will have 19 seniors set on returning the Rams back to the league's upper echelon. On offense, the Rams will have a great leader in senior quarterback JoJo Baggett and a speed burner in receiver Ryan McBurney. The defense will switch to a 4-4 alignment, with all-league safety Ryan Garbarino patrolling the backfield.

Ralston Valley

2006: 11-2 Coach: Matt Loyd

The Mustangs, a perennial playoff participant, had perhaps their finest season in 4A, losing to Wheat Ridge in the semifinals. They reload with quarterback Cameron Wright, a first-team all-league choice as a junior, leading the offense. Linebacker Dylan Lambert and defensive lineman Jacob Perry anchor the defense.

Standley Lake

2006: 5-5 Coach: Don Morse

The Gators had a resurgence last season, finishing with their first non-losing record in years. The goal this year is the program's first playoff appearance. The Gators have a strong core returning with top ground gainers Kyle Duron (480 yards, six touchdowns) and Tony Kemper (440, five). Defensive ends Adam Turner and Joe Crandall combined for 10 sacks last season. Overall, six starters return on each side of the ball.

ThunderRidge

2006: 10-2 Coach: Joe Johnson

The Grizzlies, state champions in 2005 and 2006, should contend for another title behind a physical defense. Returning are first-team all-league defenders Will Palamet (defensive back) and Colorado State recruit Zach Tiedgen (defensive line). Junior running back Chris Nwoke will shoulder most of the load on offense. As a sophomore, Nwoke rushed for 1,121 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Wheat Ridge

2006: 13-1 Coach: Reid Kahl

The Farmers had a storybook season as they won the state title in Kahl's first season. Much of their championship team graduated, but the roster isn't bare. Returning are first-team all-league selections in lineman R.J. Trione and defensive back Parker Orms. Safety Mac Land also returns, giving the Farmers one of the most intimidating secondaries in the state.

Northern

It could be argued that the Northern is as tough a league as the Mountain Plains. Loveland, which reached the 4A title game last season, Greeley West and Broomfield are firmly established as perennial powers, and a drop-off is not expected. The lower-tier teams of 2006 should be improved, with Niwot challenging the leaders.

Broomfield

2006: 8-3 Coach: Gary Davies

The Eagles allowed only 12.5 points a game on average last season, and the nucleus of that defense returns with three-year starter Matt Bellengir (6-foot-1, 250 pounds) at nose guard and Nick Zissimos (6-3, 230) at linebacker. Denver South transfer Johnny Hickey adds depth to a defense that returns five starters overall. On offense, Ryland Snow is the No. 1 tailback and guard Matt Mostek leads the line.

Greeley Central

2006: 2-8 Coach: Mike Heatherly

Heatherly has 21 seniors to work with in his second season after having only seven last year. Among those returning are linebacker Kyle Enders, the leading tackler last season, and defensive lineman Jarrod Magnuson, an honorable mention all-league selection. John Sweeney begins his second season at quarterback after passing for 742 yards and nine touchdowns as a junior.

Greeley West

2006: 12-1 Coach: Mark Roggy

The Spartans have gone 21-4 the past two seasons and look rather good again. Quarterback Rex Morgan has yet to lose a league game in two seasons. Defensive end Justin Waterman had 17 sacks last year. Junior linebacker Galvin Miller led the team in tackles as a sophomore, and fullback Andrew Downing is receiving attention from colleges. In short, the Spartans are loaded. Oct. 20 is the showdown with Loveland.

Longmont

2006: 4-6 Coach: Doug Johnson

The Trojans have 14 seniors, many of whom were pushed into action as sophomores. They will try often to get the ball into the hands of playmaker Beau Brittenham, who will play almost every skill position. With Division I prospect Casey Honeycutt (6-foot-3, 280 pounds) and Bob Switzer (5-11, 260), the offensive line should be solid. Jason Spicer, an honorable mention all-leaguer at linebacker, leads the defense.

Loveland

2006: 10-4 Coach: John Poovey

Only two starters return on offense, but they are Division I recruits Collin Klein at quarterback and running back Jesse Lewis. Lewis also is one of the best in the state at returning kickoffs. The Indians defense again should be rugged and physical. Linebackers Travis Nuziard and Heath Stephenson are impact players, and Kodi McPherson had nine sacks last year at defensive end.

Mountain View

2006: 1-9 Coach: Bart Mayes

After playing host to only four home games last season, the Mountain Lions will play seven at Ray Patterson Stadium. Many of their players also are coming of age after a trial-by-fire season. The Lions have an impressive junior class, led by lineman Brett Boyer (6-foot-2, 230 pounds) and linebacker Nick Prins (6-2, 240).

Niwot

2006: 6-4 Coach: Ron Tesone

The Cougars upset Loveland last year, and there could be more big wins in their future. Quarterback Erik Christianson, who was under center for the victory against Loveland, is back, but he is being pressed by junior Cody Lahman. The strength of the defense will be the secondary, with safety Robert Ogez and cornerback Luke Lahman returning. Overall, seven starters return on defense.

Northridge

2006: 7-3 Coach: Jeff Fulton

The Grizzlies are coming off their best season in 4A, having missed the playoffs by one victory. They lost three linebackers to graduation, but with returning starters Tim Saucedo (6-foot-3, 265 pounds), Cameron Williams (6-3, 270) and Dustin Green (5-10, 230), the defensive line will be imposing.

Skyline

2006: 1-9 Coach: Kevin Rice

Rice, formerly at Green Mountain, will try to turn things around after three consecutive 1-9 seasons. There will be drastic changes as the Falcons move to a pro-style offense and a 4-3, cover-2 defense. Quarterback Curt Colburn has looked good in the new offense, and tackle Nate Czapran (6-foot-5, 270 pounds) is attracting attention from Division I programs. The Falcons will try to use running back Cameron Tafoya's speed off the edge.

Thompson Valley

2006: 2-8 Coach: Brian Inman

The Eagles had a rebuilding year after a 10-3 campaign in 2005. With Eric Mestas returning for his second season at quarterback, they will go with a no-huddle offense. Several top defensive players also return. Safety Nate Myers had five interceptions last year and returned two for touchdowns, and linebacker Johnny Ortega led the team in tackles, with 115.

Pikes Peak

This league could be fairly wide open. Co-champions Pine Creek and Fountain-Fort Carson should be tough again, but Pueblo West will be on their heels. The Cyclones might have the league's top offense, led by running back Justin Jackson.

Coronado

2006: 3-7 Coach: Jeremy Kane

Experience will be an issue for the Cougars, who lost 26 seniors to graduation. The two senior captains are quarterback Matt Cobb and lineman Tyler Gniadek, who will provide solid leadership. The Cougars are young but could surprise opponents with their speed.

Fountain-Fort Carson

2006: 10-2 Coach: Mitch Johnson

The league co-champion returns the Pikes Peaks' top linebacking corps, led by Division I prospect Guy Sergent, who made 135 tackles last season. Linebackers Sam Wright and Ethan Wilson also earned all-league honors last year. The offense will be led by Will Paddock, a multiple-threat quarterback who rushed for eight touchdowns and passed for 11 scores last season.

Mitchell

2006: 3-7 Coach: Archie Malloy

The Marauders welcome back seven starters to the defense, including Malcolm Johnson, an all-league selection who led the team in pass breakups. Experience in the secondary will allow the Marauders to play man-to-man coverage. Wide receiver Isaac Davidson is a playmaker on offense who might get Division I looks. Dominique Hagens averaged more than 25 yards a return with one touchdown last year.

Pine Creek

2006: 9-2 Coach: Todd Miller

Miller has taken the Eagles to the playoffs in each of his two seasons as head coach. The Eagles graduated 14 starters but are well-stocked to challenge for the title again. Quarterback Jake Roberson returns after throwing for 22 touchdowns. Grant Jansen is a tenacious defensive end who moved in from Alabama last year.

Pueblo Centennial

2006: 6-4 Coach: Mike Palumbo

The Bulldogs won their final five games last year but graduated 18 seniors. New coach Pal- umbo will install the triple option, with quarter- back Andre Andrini moving up after a strong junior varsity showing. Roger Phenschmid (6-foot-2, 230 pounds) is the Bulldogs' top lineman. The defense will be led by all-league linebacker Michael Bechina (6-0, 200).

Pueblo East

2006: 1-9 Coach: David Ramirez

Ramirez takes over a program that has gone 1-35 since 2003. The Eagles' numbers are improving, and they have an experienced team, led by Division I prospect Nick Taibi. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound junior will play tight end and defensive end. Andrew Galvan started at quarterback last year and will be the leader of Ramirez's ball-control offense.

Pueblo West

2006: 5-5 Coach: Monte Pinkerton

With top running back Justin Jackson and an offensive line that returns intact, the Cyclones are optimistic. Jackson (1,571 yards in 2006) should be among the state's rushing leaders. The Cyclones also have receiver Ryan Wormington, who led the league in receiving last year (597 yards, five touchdowns).

Rampart

2006: 4-6 Coach: Dan Olson

A solid junior class should complement the senior-dominated skill positions for the Rams. Junior lineman Drew Pierce (6-foot-4, 270 pounds) is a standout on both sides of the ball. Junior Devon Mohn inherits his brother Xavier Mohn's position at running back. The Rams closed the season with a momentum-building victory against Pueblo West.

Widefield

2006: 4-6 Coach: Bill Cook

After losing several heartbreakers last season, the Gladiators bring back 17 seniors to try to close the gap. Running back Julien McCollumb and defensive end/tight end Gary Nicholson are getting major-college attention. McCollumb is a slash-type player who drives defenses crazy. He had seven touchdown receptions last year. Zeb Vargas moves from running back to quarterback after averaging 10.2 yards a carry.

Skyline

Monarch has been the Skyline's resident bully for years, but the gap is closing. Cherokee Trail served notice last season that the Cougars are serious challengers, and Littleton nearly upset Monarch. Aurora Central and Brighton also made a run at the playoffs. Come the postseason, the improving strength of the league could help the Coyotes.

Adams City

2006: 1-9 Coach: Israel Tomas

The Eagles have gone through five years of constant change, but in Tomas' second year, the majority of the team returns, many of whom started as sophomores. Leroy Vigil is a four-year starter on the offensive line and also is a good kicker. Raykeat Gentry will play running back and defensive back, where he was honorable mention all-league.

Aurora Central

2006: 6-4 Coach: David Hall

The Trojans will be senior heavy this season as they try to follow up on their breakout year. Replacing a standout quarterback will be a concern, but the Trojans have playmakers on offense. Brock Veasley was an all-league running back who had 1,000 all-purpose yards. Renelson Archelus, the fastest player on the team, had 568 receiving yards and four touchdowns last season.

Brighton

2006: 6-4 Coach: Tom Ritter

Five starters return on each side of the ball for the Bulldogs as they push for their first playoff appearance since 2003. The offensive line should be the team strength. On defense, all-league linebacker Jay Frazier is a solid tackler who runs 4.6 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Brighton plays nonleague games against Dakota Ridge and 5A Denver East.

Cherokee Trail

2006: 9-2 Coach: Monte Thelen

The Cougars reached the playoffs in their first year at 4A. With quarterback Gabe Walsh running the spread offense, they should be tough to defend again, but he will have to find new targets this season. With the entire secondary returning, as well as two all-league linebackers in Beau Schnieder and Jordan Bible, the defense should be sound.

Hinkley

2006: 3-7 Coach: Bob Bozied

The Thunderbirds thrive on special teams, where Justin McCash returned two kicks for touchdowns. McCash also is an all-league defensive back. Size again is a concern, but the team speed is excellent. The T-birds just need to find a way to quickly get the ball in the hands of their playmakers.

Littleton

2006: 8-3 Coach: Chad Koepke

A big senior class graduated, but the Lions do have two returning linemen in center Matt Bogle and guard Derrick Schmitz to anchor the offense. The defense will be led by safety Luke Biewick, an honorable mention all-league selection, and junior defensive end Jack Christoffersen. The Lions should receive a boost from a strong junior varsity program.

Monarch

2006: 11-1 Coach: Phil Bravo

The Coyotes haven't missed the playoffs since 1999. With the talent base returning, that streak likely will continue. The offense will look familiar with running back Cale Soole (1,642 yards, 19 touchdowns), quarterback Derek DiCarlo (nine TD passes) and running back Sean Fox (535 yards). The defense has some hard hitters, led by linebacker Tyler Hamlin, the leading tackler last season. Experience on the lines might be a concern.

Ranum

2006: 3-7 Coach: Matt Brothers

The Raiders might have the biggest offensive line in the league. The lone returning starter is center Tyler Hensel (5-foot-9, 235 pounds), but flanking him are junior tackles Moises Alcala (6-3, 303) and Edgar Marmelejo (6-3, 298). The Raiders need to find a quarterback. In linebacker Alfonso Aragon, the team's leading tackler returns.

Westminster

2006: 3-7 Coach: Harry McCluskey Jr.

New coach McCluskey was a junior on Westy's previous state championship team, in 1978. He vows to open the offense. Steven Rice is the returning quarterback, and he will get an opportunity to show his arm strength. Overall, the Warriors have 18 seniors, and the team strength will be its defensive secondary.

Southwestern

It could be a high-scoring season in the Southwestern, with starting quarterbacks returning to three of four teams. Grand Junction and Montrose have been the league's top dogs the past two years, but with Montrose fielding a younger team, order could change this season. The league also welcomes a new coach in Durango's Kyle Davis, who has a top player in lineman Jake Landers, a Colorado State recruit.

Durango

2006: 5-5 Coach: Kyle Davis

Davis returns to Colorado after numerous coaching stops at the college level around the country. He will install the Navy triple option to the Demons offense, with returning starter Collin O'Bryan already having adapted impressively at quarterback. The Demons will have 10 seniors, with defensive end Will Hunsaker and defensive lineman Jake Landers (6-foot-4, 270 pounds) leading the 4-3 defense.

Grand Junction

2006: 6-3 Coach: Shawn Marsh

The Tigers missed the playoffs last season after reaching the 4A title game in 2005. Another rigorous nonleague schedule should have them ready for their conference slate. Returning starter Ross Koepsel has great confidence and presence as the quarterback, and the Tigers' offensive line goes eight deep. The Tigers will be the biggest team in the league.

Grand Junction Central

2006: 1-9 Coach: Vern McGee

The Warriors will have solid players at the skill positions, but size is a concern. Offensive lineman Travis Elliott (6-foot, 220 pounds) will lead the effort up front. Junior quarterback Clay Kame will put the ball in the hands of running back Nolan Curtis and receiver Ethan Brown to give the Warriors their best offensive punch. The Warriors will face ThunderRidge and Standley Lake outside the league.

Montrose

2006: 9-3 Coach: Todd Casebier

Casebier's first two years at Montrose have resulted in playoff appearances for the Indians, but they have many quality players to replace. They do return quarterback Kirk English, who passed for 1,250 yards as a sophomore and started all 12 games. English thrives on bootleg and play action. His line looks solid, with Spencer Colby (6-foot-2, 215 pounds), Brandon Jones (6-3, 290) and Roy Catlin (5-11, 200) returning. Only three starters return on defense.

2006 playoff results

• First round Monarch 21, Broomfield 14 (OT)

Ralston Valley 21, George Washington 12

Wheat Ridge 33, Wasson 6

Fountain-Fort Carson 28, Littleton 13

Greeley West 35, Mesa Ridge 7

ThunderRidge 28, Pine Creek 14

Montrose 23, Cherokee Trail 21

Loveland 26, Pueblo South 19

• Quarterfinals Ralston Valley 17, Monarch 0

Wheat Ridge 40, Fountain-Fort Carson 9

Greeley West 35, ThunderRidge 19

Loveland 28, Montrose 24

• Semifinals Wheat Ridge 28, Ralston Valley 7

Loveland 28, Greeley West 21 (OT)

• Championship Wheat Ridge 31, Loveland 15

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