Centennial

For the first time in several years, the Centennial looks to be a wide-open affair. Mullen will be seeking a fourth consecutive trip to the state championship game after winning a title in 2004 and runner-up finishes in 2005 and 2006. But the Mustangs were hit hard by graduation, losing 34 seniors, and this might be the season Grandview, Cherry Creek or Overland can take advantage. Grandview returns a solid group, one hoping to atone for a second-round upset loss to Lakewood in the playoffs. Cherry Creek and Overland, which also lost in the second round of state, have the talent to challenge Mullen as well as advance deeper into the playoffs. Fairview and Eaglecrest should be improved, and Boulder and Smoky Hill hope to rebound from disappointing seasons.

Boulder

2006: 2-8 Coach: Spencer Coulter

After consecutive 2-8 seasons, the Panthers appear ready to break out of their slump behind a solid mix of two-way seniors and underclassmen. Linebacker Will Pericak is one of the state's top players, and he has an experienced corps backing him in the secondary. Standouts in the defensive backfield include Matthew Hanson, J.B. Hall, Tad Sober and the coach's son, Kain Coulter. Coulter is in a battle with Hall and Blake Partridge for the quarterback spot, but all three will be on the field all the time. The leaders on the lines will be Chris Jarmon, Nick Chandler and Ben Irvine.

Cherry Creek

2006: 6-5 Coach: Greg Critchett

Depth and game experience, somewhat lacking last season for the Bruins, are abundant. No doubt many are looking to see how quarterback Jack Elway, who missed four games because of injury last season, will fare. Elway should do well behind a solid offensive line bolstered by center David Gaston, as well as Taylor Paxton, John Swinehart and Pete Williams. That front should allow receiver Alex Johnson to have a solid year, too. The defensive secondary will be bolstered by T.J. Schantz — he was the most valuable player of the defense last season as a sophomore — Charlie Zeller, Matt Heppard and Joel Ragsdale.

Eaglecrest

2006: 4-6 Coach: Tom Doherty

Led by Cedric Mauga at nose guard, as well as defensive ends Isaac Okoye and Anthony Owens, the Raptors could have one of the state's finest defensive lines. The offensive front, with Chris Snyder and Josh Grove, figures to be solid as well. Grove and Wes Cordova are expected to stand out at linebacker. Keys offensively figure to be the progress of quarterback Paul Anderson and running back Terrell Thompson, who broke his leg last season and did not play. Steady Cory Clark and sophomore running back Michael Hall carry high expectations.

Fairview

2006: 4-6 Coach: Tom McCartney

It could be an intriguing and competitive season for the Knights. There are a few holes to be filled, especially on the defensive line, which has no returning full-time starters. Quarterback Jay Thompson has developed into an accurate passer, and good things are expected. He also has a solid trio to work with in running backs Mitch Dodge, who is coming off an injury from last season, and Gavin Flaherty and tight end Leo Grachey. The leaders on the offensive line will be Kyle LaMar, who also goes at linebacker, Dan Nepustil and Jake Schalamon. Linebacker Brent Johnson and tackle Scott Orgel will help head the defense.

Grandview

2006: 9-2 Coach: John Schultz

The Wolves figure to challenge behind all-state running back Bo Bolen and the switch of linebacker Davis Burl to running back. Bolen led the state in rushing during the regular season (1,687 yards) and Burl, in only one game, rushed for 135 yards. Much is expected from quarterback Rich Hitz, considered a real scrambler. There is excellent size up front with Scott Sullivan (270 pounds) and Cody Gilmore (265). Linebackers Kyle McCall and T.J. Loken, and defensive backs Matt Tucker and Craig Griffiths, will lead the defense again.

Mullen

2006: 13-1 Coach: Dave Logan

The Mustangs return only three starters on offense and one on defense, the most inexperienced team in Logan's coaching career. The stable still is filled with some fine talent, though. All-state defensive back Nolan Brewster, who has committed to Texas, is considered by many as the finest at his position and is the lone defensive returnee. He will get some help from linebacker Jim Healy. The return of injured running back Jonathan Gaye is a huge plus as well. The offensive line has speed and size, led by returnees Bryce Givens, Alec Johnson and Michael Duncan. Jimmy Miller adds depth to the front line. Kicker Caleb Pavey ranks as one of the state's finest.

Overland

2006: 7-4 Coach: Tony Manfredi

Andrew Sampson, considered one of the top offensive linemen in the state this season, certainly will be a key to success for the Trailblazers. There will be ample help up front from offensive tackle Bobby Brown and defensive tackle Darren Brown. Quarterback Devon Connors, who started last season as a sophomore, has matured greatly and has standout wide receivers in Lance Willis and Brandon Beecher. Both also excel in the defensive backfield; Willis had eight interceptions a year ago. Also, look for linebacker Adam Woehl to make a significant contribution.

Smoky Hill

2006: 2-8 Coach: John Thompson

The Buffs, who started eight sophomores last season, would like to see a little less action from all-league punter/kicker Cody Harter. But when called upon, he is among the best, with three 50-yard-plus field goals last season and a 40-yard-plus average on 52 punts. Robert Felberg and Ethan Myers shared quarterback duties last season, but only one will handle the chores this time. Neither, though, will leave the field. The play of Clinton Smith at running back, who is a fine receiver out of the backfield, will be key. Jack Barteldes and Mike Sellner will be leaders on the lines, and linebacker Tyler Davidson and defensive back Chase Cooper spearhead the defense.

Continental

Douglas County has emerged as one of the state's elite programs. The Huskies, state champions in 2005, should factor again. The biggest surprise last season was Mountain Vista, which made an immediate splash in 5A by advancing to the quarterfinals in its first season in the big-school ranks. Despite what many would consider heavy graduation losses, Douglas County and Mountain Vista still should be among the league favorites. There will be no easy games this season for any team, though. Heritage, Ponderosa, Arapahoe, Highlands Ranch and Rangeview, which had only four seniors last season, appear ready to challenge. And it would be a mistake to overlook Chaparral, Regis or Gateway.

Arapahoe

2006: 5-6 Coach: Mike Campbell

The Warriors appear ready to contend for the league title, with 10 returning starters, led by quarterback Matt Johnson (3,000 career yards passing) and Eric Soehngen, a capable receiver who also was the team's most valuable offensive player in 2006. Bill Mercer averaged 5 yards a carry at running back while gaining 800 yards but played in only six games. Up front, the leader has been tackle Ian Smith. Linebackers Alex Rios, Jake Wilson and Matt Weems (16 sacks the past two seasons) lead a much-improved defense.

Chaparral

2006: 8-4 Coach: John Vogt

The new head coach, from Texas, has high expectations for the Wolverines after a state quarterfinal appearance. Julian Johnson made the switch from the defensive line to running back in the middle of the season and proved to be productive. He could be operating in the backfield with fullback Danny Lanski. There is ample experience on the lines, as well as size, with three-year starter Adam Killip, Jack Harris (6-foot-7, 270 pounds), Danny Volz (6-5, 300) and Shawn Kenny. Johnny Figueroa, T.J. Gallagher and David Zimmerman will anchor the secondary.

Douglas County

2006: 11-2 Coach: Jeff Ketron

The Huskies came within a heartbeat of reaching the final last season, and despite returning only four starters on each side of the ball, they should be formidable again. They ranked No. 1 in the state in defense last season, led by all-state linebacker Nick Hernon and defensive back Tyler Jackson (17 pass breakups, three interceptions and three blocked kicks). Offensively, running backs Ryan Misare (1,943 yards, 27 touchdowns) and Jose Astorga, quarterback Will Arnold and receivers Justin Brown and Jeff Stevens give the squad offensive punch. Center Bobby Acsell will be a leader on the line.

Gateway

2006: 1-9 Coach: Justin Hoffman

Up is the only way to go for the Olympians this season. With a bit more experience and high numbers reporting, marked improvement is expected by Hoffman, an assistant with the program the past 10 years. Quarterback Jack White and running backs Cameron White (no relation) and Justin Freeman, all juniors, will be the keys to offensive success. Expectations also are high for receiver/defensive back DiAngelo Liberatore. Up front, center Jamal Richardson, who handles all snapping chores, and guard Dominique Washington will be leaders. Ashton Campbell is small at 5-foot-5, 150 pounds but is a tenacious leader at linebacker and, pound for pound, is the team's strongest player.

Heritage

2006: 4-6 Coach: Mike Griebel

The senior class members this year were league champions as freshmen, and that's how they would like to go out this season. Running back Ryan Skogg (1,655 yards) was honorable mention all-state last season. He has a fine complement in sophomore quarterback Mitch Greibel, the coach's son. The receiving corps is solid behind Colton Meacham, Brandon Kaufman and Charlie Crouse. Up front, Hayden Wallace will be a leader. Defensively, the Eagles will look to Meacham, linebackers Michael Baird, Jack Blanding and Brad Bieganek and end Justin Herrera. Kicker Kyle Major is among the state's finest, with a 51-yard field goal to his credit.

Highlands Ranch

2006: 6-4 Coach: Darrel Gorham

The Falcons figure they can be in the league race behind a quartet of two-way standouts on the line. The leaders will be team captain Joe Caprioglio, Nick Williams, Jordan Scalbom and Mike Purcell. The defense will be led by linebacker Matt Houston — he also will go at fullback, and he was an honorable mention all-league selection both ways last season — and end Nick Jones. Good things are expected from Scott Britt, an honorable mention all-league defensive back last season who will be calling the signals at quarterback this year.

Mountain Vista

2006: 10-2 Coach: Ric Cash

The Golden Eagles graduated three all-state selections. There still is a lot of talent to go around, though, led by all-league selections Eric Longoria, Patrick Mahnke, Austin Demmel and Brock Stringham. Longoria rushed for 1,600 yards while earning honorable mention all-state honors. Stringham once again will supply leadership on the offensive line, and Mahnke and Demmel will lead a solid defensive unit. Defensive backs Jeff Schoening and Jeff Byrne, and linemen Luke Kancir and Ryan Remaley, figure to make an impact. New starting quarterback Eric Anderson has a fine set of receivers in Adam Paranka and Matt Smith.

Ponderosa

2006: 5-5 Coach: Randy Huff

The Mustangs figure to be markedly improved from last season, thanks in part to linebacker Jon Major and defensive lineman Jake Ottmann. Running back Nate Olson, who rushed for 1,020 yards last season, proved to be effective as a receiver as well (34 catches, 255 yards). He will receive plenty of attention from quarterback Kris Kreymborg, the fastest player on the team, with 4.6 speed in the 40-yard dash. Zach Pella returns to lead the offensive line. The Mustangs will be looking to fraternal twins Luke and Eric Curtis, and Alex Haag and Colton Green, for additional leadership in the secondary.

Rangeview

2006: 2-8 Coach: Dave Gonzales

Experience is abundant, as the Raiders graduated only four seniors. Quarterback M.J. McPeek could blossom with two solid receivers, Kellen McLemore and Dominic Gunn, and two seasoned running backs in Matthew Harrison (1,300 yards last year) and a healthy Bruce Wathour. McLemore was all-league as a kick returner. A shored-up defense should prove to be a key, with the leader being all-league linebacker Chuck Roberts. Dan Duresky, Wathour and McLemore add depth in the secondary. On the line, Greg Collette, Tommy Jeffrey and Marcus Lucas should excel.

Regis

2006: 2-8 Coach: Mike Woolford

The Raiders are inexperienced at the varsity level but have a wealth of seniors ready to make their mark. A key will be how Spencer Jackson responds at quarterback after playing much of his career at linebacker, as well as the improvement of running back Steve McMillon. Wide receiver Dustin Croy was injured last year and could put up fine numbers. Up front, Josh Tremellen, Nick Borz and Jeremy Loftness will be leaders. All-league linebacker Greyson Konkel led the team in tackles last season and will head the defense with linebacker Cory Geeretz. Marques Vieira is the top player in the secondary.

Denver Prep/Southwest

A four-team league is not what Denver East, Fruita Monument, Montbello and Thomas Jefferson desire, but it is what the state has set for them. All four coaches would like to see their schools realigned within the other four leagues next season. On a positive note, though, the league is up for grabs, with all four teams having the talent to win the title. Thomas Jefferson could be considered the early favorite. The Spartans had the only winning record of the four last season and were first-round winners in the playoffs. As with last year, a big issue for each team will be staying injury free. Each squad was beat up a bit by non-league opponents last season, which affected league competition.

Denver East

2006: 5-5 Coach: Ron Woolfork

The Angels are hungry for success. Behind quarterback Josh Russell, who completed 62 percent of his passes last season, and running back/linebacker Korey Ross, it could be a standout year. Good things are expected from wide receiver Tyrone Stevenson and tight end/linebacker Devaughn Thornton. Sophomore Lexington Smith already has drawn a lot of attention after starting all games last season as a two-way tackle. Abram Vera and Josh Taylor are the heart and soul of the defense at linebacker and defensive back, respectively. Jamiko Verner, the backup quarterback, should excel this season at defensive back.

Fruita Monument

2006: 3-6 Coach: Bill Moore

The Wildcats should improve on consecutive three-win seasons, and Moore will look to junior quarterback Brett Nankervis and a bevy of tall, lanky receivers to get rolling. Receivers Dawson Moore, the coach's son, Scott Miller (6-foot-5), Tony Sullivan (6-4) and Luke Davenport (6-3) figure to catch their share of passes. A.J. Martin, who will be starting for a fourth season on the lines, and Alex Rodriguez will be the leaders up front. Jake Andregg will key the defensive secondary.

Montbello

2006: 2-7 Coach: Shawn Feldman

The Warriors could get things turned around this season behind several transfers. There is abundant speed from the likes of three-year starting fullback/linebacker Ryan Long, receiver Marcus Crowder and defensive backs James Johnson and Denzel Williams. Depth is questionable but should be bolstered by transfers Nate Robinson, a tight end from Mullen, quarterback James Johnson (Aurora Central) and running backs Cameron Turner (Cherry Creek) and Savon Cadd (Overland). Holdover Justin Johnson figures to battle James Johnson for the quarterback spot. Up front, the leaders will be Gordon Brown and Marvin Moore.

Thomas Jefferson

2006: 7-4 Coach: Tim Owens

Senior fraternal twins Michael Mankoff at quarterback and Matthew Mankoff at center will be among the keys to success for the Spartans this season. Matthew will be starting for the third year on the offensive line. Heading a strong defense will be linebackers Adam Colen, Ian Squire and Justin Tara and lineman Isaac Moore. Colen was the team's leading tackler last season and Squire was right behind. Tara is the picture of consistency, having never missed a day of practice in his career. Squire, also at fullback, and small but swift Devon Fitzgerald (5-foot-5, 160 pounds) each will see the ball a lot.

Front Range

Legacy has the early nod from the league's coaches, but Rocky Mountain, Poudre and Northglenn are eager for the challenge. Defending league champion Fort Collins was decimated by graduation and might not have the depth to muster a repeat. Yet, no coach will count the Lambkins out of the race. Horizon and Thornton should be improved, but it still might be difficult for the two of them to reach the upper tier of the league. It was a tough go for the Front Range in the playoffs last season; only Fort Collins advanced past the second round. Other than the Lambkins, this is a league in which the aforementioned front-runners retained a majority of their starting players.

Fort Collins

2006: 12-1 Coach: Eric Rice

The Lambkins return only four starters. It is a talented quartet, though, as they all received all-state/all-league honors while helping the team reach the semifinals. There is little doubt defensive back Blake West, considered the team's best hitter, defensive end Chance Crawford and linebacker Tanner Hedstrom are among the state's premier defenders. Cody Donaldson should bolster the secondary, as well as be a go-to guy at receiver. Hedstrom will lead an inexperienced offensive line, and moving Hans Broman from end to running back should prove productive.

Horizon

2006: 3-7 Coach: Frank Ybarra

A winning season appears on the horizon for the Hawks behind quarterback Stephen Castiglione (1,400 yards passing, 450 rushing) and the emergence of running back Dillon Carlson. Carlson did not start until the fourth week last season and steadily improved, rushing for 600 yards. Good things are expected from receivers Jared Cardenas, who was an all-state punter (40.7 average), and 6-foot-7 Josh Bredl. Defensive end Zack Farley (19 sacks in two seasons) and defensive back Jeremy Cook will key the defenders. All-league center T.J. McGough and tackle Clint Pflugrad will anchor the lines.

Legacy

2006: 7-3 Coach: Wayne Voorhees

Although still stocked with underclassmen, this could be a special season for the Lightning, which has eight returning starters. Defensively, all-state junior end Nick Kasa (9 1/2 sacks last season), defensive back Devon Martin (six interceptions) and linebacker John Reffel should excel again. The offense will be in good hands with junior quarterback Luke Bublitz, go-to receiver Travis Sears and all-league linemen Dustin Jenkins at center and tackle Josh Greave. Scooter Fernandez adds depth to the front line.

Northglenn

2006: 5-6 Coach: Mike Marquez

The Norse will have a new look this season with an upgraded passing game behind quarterback John Harshman and receivers Corey Price and Ben Bosunga. But the running game will not go unnoticed. Cory Engel, considered the best athlete in the program, Sal Vargas-Castro and Jake Terada will play key roles carrying the ball. David Vath sets the tone for the defense at linebacker, working with secondary mates Tanner Waite, Zach Chacon, Terada and Engel. The top returnees on the lines are all-leaguer Chase McClure, Ben Carmack and Layne Paintin.

Poudre

2006: 2-8 Coach: Rich Yonker

Experience will be a plus, as eight starters return on both sides of the ball. Still, the Impalas need to develop a bit more depth. Quarterback Jason Haferman (1,531 yards passing, 17 touchdowns) has the confidence in receivers Ben Biggi, who also punts and kicks, Trevor Shaw and Jesse Woodman. The defense should be a strong point with Shaw (the leading tackler who also had five fumble recoveries) returning to lead the forces up front at end. He will be joined by Cody Wiggins, who came on strong after an early-season injury sidelined him four games. Jaime Fulgencio and Brad Donner pace the secondary.

Rocky Mountain

2006: 5-5 Coach: Mark Brook

While the Lobos have an experienced senior class, they still are expected to feel some growing pains, according to Brook. They should be solid offensively behind quarterback Alex Kelly, running back Brett Wagner and a bevy of receivers led by Bryan Peters, Max Musgrave, Michael Liss and Jake Stewart. Peters also is a defender of note who will not leave the field. The major keys will be the offensive and defensive lines, where Colton Harmon, Parker Jolly and Jim Imes will be expected to excel. All-league defensive back Nick Wunsch and linebacker Matt Musgrave are top contributors.

Thornton

2006: 0-10 Coach: Jeff Priestley

The only way for the Trojans to go this season is up, yet they still are lacking game experience. The receiving corps, led by Jose Ortiz and Mike Kelly, and the defensive line are strong points. Huge keys, too, will be how quarterback Anthony Trujillo, the junior varsity signal-caller the past two seasons, and returning starting fullback Anthony Garcia play. Linemen Henry Bernal, Kyle Morehouse and cousins Ruben Ramirez and Jose Ramirez are expected to lead up front. Junior Vince Valdez should turn in a solid season at defensive back.

South Metro

The South Metro again is expected to be a brutal challenge, and no one expects defending state champion Columbine to have an easy path to the league title. The Rebels, who lost only four starters, are considered the favorite by league coaches, though. Pomona has been deemed a close second, with Bear Creek right behind. This is a league where upsets usually abound, and to close the book on Doherty or Palmer (which have two of the premier running backs in the state), Arvada West or Chatfield would be a mistake. Lakewood, the real surprise of the league last season, was hit the hardest by graduation. And while they should be improved, Lewis-Palmer and Sand Creek might find themselves facing long roads to a winning season.

Arvada West

2006: 5-5 Coach: Casey Coons

The Wildcats, hoping to rebound from a subpar season, will field a senior-laden team; they could start 11 seniors on defense. The leaders are linebacker Rocco Delorenze, defensive backs Mike Heagerty and Trevor Toteve, and linemen Chaz Cowell and Albert Dunn, a move-in who played at Centauri last season. Another plus is the return of all-league quarterback Luke Campbell, who also will play defensive back. Other top offensive returnees include running back Kyle Stafford, wide receiver Andrew Steele and an offensive line headed by all-league Tim Ross, Tony Juarez and Sam Rickaby.

Bear Creek

2006: 8-4 Coach: Tom Thenell

The Bears certainly have the talent available to make a run at the league title. At quarterback will be the coach's son, sophomore Zack Thenell. He knows the system and can put the ball in the hands of fleet junior running back Thomas Flanagan and receivers Casey Mills, Dajuan Mack and Ryan Smith. Flanagan is considered by many in the state to be the best in 5A, and great things are expected. The offensive and defensive lines also are stout. The leaders will be all-stater Cameron Browne, Jeremiah Sirles, Paul Cardona and Dillon Heitsmith. Defensively, also look for linebackers Adrian Marquez and Mills and defensive back Kyle Ferguson to have outstanding seasons.

Chatfield

2006: 3-7 Coach: Bret McGatlin

The Chargers might be a year away from being a top contender in the league, but they could surprise some teams this season. Sophomore quarterback Sam Stratton has a year of experience and improved confidence. The coaches also want to see the ball in the hands of senior all-league running back James Skelton and junior Brennan Gallegos. Receivers Scott Kellogg and Jeremy Putka are prime targets for Stratton. All-league linebacker Andy Clements (15 tackles a game) and Chance Mankowski lead the defense. Andrew Pacheco and Tim Torres, who both started both ways last season, will be the leaders on the lines.

Columbine

2006: 13-1 Coach: Andy Lowry

The Rebels still are loaded, having lost only four starters from their championship outfit. Three all-state selections, led by All-Colorado defensive end Curtis Cunningham, tight end Ben Tedford, defensive back Scott Anundsen and a bevy of all-league players, are set to once again lead the way. Included among the all-league standouts is running back/defensive back Jeff Cicchinelli, the most valuable player in the state championship game, end Matt Birkeness, center/linebacker Joe Bieber and running back Chad Korodaj. Linebacker Jacob Wright, who started as a sophomore, is expected to have a monster season.

Doherty

2006: 6-5 Coach: Matt Wibbles

The Spartans have the talent offensively to compete for the league title. The question: Do they have the depth defensively? Running back Darius Turner, a second-team all-state pick, will get the ball about 30 times a game. The Spartans have a capable quarterback in Casey Miller to get the ball to Turner. Three-year starter Zak Ilsa, Kevin Balcerovich, Weston Anderson and tight end V.J. Holmes will be asked to clear the way. Linebackers Jayden Terry and Beau Kelly, and defensive backs Nick Mitchell and Ryan White, will lead the defense.

Lakewood

2006: 7-5 Coach: Mark Robinson

Graduation took a heavy toll on the Tigers, but honorable mention all-state quarterback Lawrence Montoya (1,990 yards passing, 800 rushing) returns to give the offense a spark. His top target should be one of the smallest receivers in the class, Tanner Stansbury (5-foot-6, 145 pounds) and Michael Miller and Dillon Kimber will lead an inexperienced offensive line. The defense, keyed by all-league linebacker Ben Falls and Josh Gonzales, will have to excel early as an inexperienced offense matures.

Lewis-Palmer

2006: 3-7 Coach: Tony Ramunno

The Rangers will be a lot more experienced as they begin their fourth year in 5A, but a middle-of-the-pack finish might be the best they can do this season. The key to success will be a defense led by all-league defensive back Troy Kruger (six interceptions), linebackers Asa Dyer and Luke Perez and defensive end Ted Thompson. Quarterback Cree Clark took his lumps last season, but Ramunno believes he has progressed extremely well and that this could be a breakout year. Perez, who is a fine blocker, also will work at fullback. The leader up front should be center Mike Fisk.

Palmer

2006: 5-5 Coach: Rod Baker

Running back Jon Burnley churned for 1,895 yards and scored 25 touchdowns last season for the Terrors, so look for more this season from the honorable mention all-state pick. The biggest change will be moving wide receiver/defensive back Reggie Jackson to quarterback. That still leaves the receiving corps in good shape, as juniors Maurice Blackledge and Zach Hawkins return.

Terrence Rhodes, the second-leading tackler on the squad, heads a veteran group of defenders from his defensive back slot. He will team with Kyle Knapp. Good things are expected as well from linebackers Jeff Nagle and Cody Ruck, as well as linemen Kyle Fisher and Caleb Whitlock.

Pomona

2006: 7-4 Coach: Jay Madden

There is little doubt among state followers that the Panthers are going to make a serious bid for league and state championship honors. They return eight three-year starters. Included are all-league quarterback Matt Castillo, who is on pace to become a career 3,000-yard passer/runner. Fullback Aaron Romero and junior tailback Donovan Bowens, and receivers Dustin Ebner and Cameron Miles also are very reliable. Talent on the lines is abundant with all-leaguer Cole Carveth and Kyle Taaffe among the headliners. The defense will be keyed by all-leaguers Ryan Novotny and Hayden Hunsucker, as well as Buster Thede, Carveth, Romero and Miles.

Sand Creek

2006: 0-10 Coach: Terry Staggs

It was a tough first year in 5A for the Scorpions, to say the least. Although they should improve with new offensive and defensive schemes, it still could be another long season. There is speed available at the skill positions, where fullback Ray Hatchett and Cyril Borden, a move-in running back from Germany, will play key roles. Braydon Bearnson, a varsity starter for three years at defensive end, and Jordon Williams, starting for the third season at guard, will be leaders on the lines. Shaquille Cooks is the top player in the secondary.

2006 playoff results

• First round Mullen 48, Rangeview 21

Cherry Creek 23, Arvada West 21

Chaparral 35, Eaglecrest 10

Overland 31, Fairview 28

Mountain Vista 57, Horizon 3

Thomas Jefferson 14, Rocky Mountain 10

Douglas County 49, Fruita Monument 14

Arapahoe 10, Highlands Ranch 7

Fort Collins 17, Poudre 14

Doherty 17, Ponderosa 7

Northglenn 16, Legacy 15

Bear Creek 41, Heritage 31

Grandview 49, Boulder 8

Lakewood 42, Palmer 21

Columbine 35, Chatfield 6

Pomona 35, Denver East 27

• Second round

Mullen 49, Cherry Creek 21

Chaparral 14, Overland 10

Mountain Vista 46, Thomas Jefferson 43

Douglas County 30, Arapahoe 9

Fort Collins 49, Doherty 19

Bear Creek 30, Northglenn 6

Lakewood 14, Grandview 7

Columbine 21, Pomona 7

• Quarterfinals

Mullen 41, Chaparral 12

Douglas County 12, Mountain Vista 10

Fort Collins 47, Bear Creek 32

Columbine 50, Lakewood 6

• Semifinals

Mullen 41, Douglas County 38 (OT)

Columbine 20, Fort Collins 0

• Championship

Columbine 13, Mullen 10

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