Top 10 team

1 ThunderRidge: The Grizzlies shoot for a third title in four years behind a brick-wall defense.

2 Loveland: Last year’s runner-up returns with a lineup loaded with impact players.

3 Dakota Ridge: A veteran Eagles offense is ready to take on the bruising defenses of the Mountain Plains.

4 Ralston Valley: The Mustangs might be defending a state title if it weren’t for Wheat Ridge.

5 Greeley West: The Spartans haven’t lost a Northern League game since 2004.

6 Monarch: Workhorse Cale Soole might be the Coyotes’ next 2,000-yard rusher.

7 Pueblo South: Southern Colorado’s best shot at a title remains the perennially powerful Colts.

8 Broomfield: The Eagles have acclimated well to the rugged Northern League.

9 Fountain-Fort Carson: Aptly named linebacker Guy Sergent leads the Trojans’ march to the playoffs.

10 Grand Junction: The Tigers will test themselves with a challenging nonleague schedule.

Top players

• Quarterback: Gabe Walsh, Cherokee Trail, 6-1, 205, Sr.

• Running back: Cale Soole, Monarch, 5-11, 185, Sr.

• Receiver: Isaac Davidson, Mitchell, 6-2, 185, Sr.

• Offensive lineman: Jake Landers, Durango, 6-4, 270, Sr.

• Defensive lineman: Zach Tiedgen, ThunderRidge, 6-5, 225, Sr.

• Linebacker: Guy Sergent, Fountain-Fort Carson, 6-2, 205, Sr.

• Defensive back: Parker Orms, Wheat Ridge, 5-10, 180, Jr.

• Specialist: Jesse Lewis, Loveland, 5-7, 171, Sr.