Arkansas Valley

Granada is the early favorite and should be in contention for consecutive state titles, something the school never has achieved. The rest of the division is filled with fairly inexperienced teams, with the exception of Springfield. The Longhorns should lead the charge for the second spot in the playoff race. If McClave can find an offensive rhythm and Holly can build around its top player, the two teams can be dark horses for the playoffs.

Granada

2006: 13-0 Coach: Manuel Gonzales

The Bobcats boast immense talent. With quarterback Tyndan Marquez, newly converted running back Tyson Thrall and end Dustin Bohlander, they shouldn't have a problem finding the end zone. Marquez (nine interceptions) and Thrall (109 tackles) are top defenders as well.

Holly

2006: 2-6 Coach: Tom Grasmick

Nolan Thompson is a threat running the ball at quarterback (1,195 yards rushing). If the senior can get some help on the receiving end, the Wildcats can have a highly potent offensive attack. The defense also will need to make improvements, but like the offense, depth is an issue.

McClave

2006: 5-4 Coach: Casey Coulter

The Cardinals just missed out on the playoffs last season. Unfortunately, the offensive weapons are lacking, and so is the defense. Ethan Williams is a grinder at fullback and linebacker. Gage Coen (10 receptions, 258 yards) can be a dangerous wide receiver if junior quarterback Mike Weber can get him the ball.

Springfield

2006: 6-4 Coach: Richard Hargrove

The Longhorns will be a load to handle on offense. Dexter McKinley (1,420 yards) is one of the top running backs in 8-Man. If the offensive line is solidified, the senior should cause havoc for defenses. If Cody Kirk is healthy, the quarterback position is set.

Walsh

2006: 0-8 Coach: Ronny Tate

The Eagles' fall from grace got a little uglier last season. They scored only 62 points while giving up 380. The team is inexperienced and might not be ready to be truly competitive for the next season or two.

Wiley

2006: 6-4 Coach: Greg Spitzer

The Panthers tailed off from their 2005 record of 9-1 but still found themselves in the playoffs. They lost a wealth of offensive talent, including their starting quarterback. Paul Tyler anchors the lines.

Black Forest

Elbert dominated the division, thanks to some pretty weak competition. Whether the field has risen is yet to be seen, but if there is a year to do it, this might be it. The only other team to finish with a .500 record, Pikes Peak Christian, has the best opportunity to push the Bulldogs.

Colorado Deaf & Blind

2006: 2-7 Coach: Joe Sisneros

The Bulldogs will have to move the ball better if they are to compete in the league. The talent and athleticism, but not the experience, were there last season. With some seasoning added to the equation, the offense could get back on track. Dale Lawson and Nicholas Elstad form a dangerous backfield.

Elbert

2006: 8-2 Coach: Shawn Graves

A 4-0 record in league play went a long way to propelling the Bulldogs to the top of the division. Much of the offensive output has graduated, though. Andrew Harris leads the defense.

Kiowa

2006: 1-7 Coach: Richard Schubauer

A difficult season in 2006 might foretell hope for the still-young Indians. The team was packed with youth in its first season in 8-Man. Quarterback Cody Campbell, only a sophomore, will have three seniors to work with, including fullback Tommy Carroll.

Lutheran-Parker

2006: 1-8 Coach: Matt Hill

The Lions, another young team coming off a tough season, have a long way to go before they can become legitimate contenders. But there is promise. They have enough athleticism to get by: Christian Parkinson can stretch the field at wide receiver, and his brother Cory will get a shot at quarterback.

Pikes Peak Christian

2006: 5-4 Coach: Gary Geiger

The Eagles were competitive despite some inconsistent and injury-riddled quarterback play. Their hopes will hinge on the play of senior Spencer Goudeau, who is an asset at linebacker but also took snaps at quarterback last season. Tyler Thorne is a versatile running back, and Travis Stevens is a top-flight tight end.

Central

Nederland should challenge Silver State for the Central title. While Nederland lost critical offensive performers, it still could put up ample points. Silver State has the best backfield in the league but will need to replace most of its offensive line. The rest of the league is young but could provide a surprise or two.

Gilpin County

2006: 1-7 Coach: Ryan Witzel

The Eagles seem to be stuck in neutral. Graduation loses will affect the team, but so will the lack of numbers. If they can find traction, they might improve their win total.

Maranatha Christian

2006: 4-5 Coach: Daniel Ducey

The Crusaders will have to replace some skill players. If they can do that, competing in the league shouldn't be difficult. Adam Helvia is the visible team leader. He will prove to be a valuable asset at fullback.

Nederland

2006: 6-3 Coach: Aaron Jones

The offense was a surprise to many within the Central last season. Wide receiver Dan Brokos caught 49 passes for 1,060 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Panthers went 5-1 in league play. Should the offense maintain the same production, expect another strong season.

North Park

2006: 5-4 Coach: Toby Sanchez

Mainstay coach Steve Beck retired, and the Wildcats will have to overcome their inexperienced roster. With a new coach, they will either find new life or find themselves stagnant at .500. Coby Corkle makes the switch from offensive line to quarterback, which the senior welcomes.

Silver State

2006: 8-1 Coach: Joe Achenbach

Joey Achenbach (1,564 yards) is one of the classification's best running backs and forms a potent tandem with quarterback Brandon Hellwig (1,106 yards passing, 13 touchdowns). With the offensive line in flux, the Patriots' numbers might be down, but the effectiveness of the two cannot be held in check for long.

Vail Christian

2006: 2-6 Coach: Tim Pierson

The Saints defense was a sore spot last season, and losing a lot of size to graduation will not help matters. At linebacker, Chase Gruber is the bright spot of the defense, and he isn't a bad receiver either, averaging 20.5 yards a catch.

Victory Christian

2006: 2-6 Coach: Truman Abbott

The Conquerors (formerly Christian Fellowship), another young squad with a long way to go, will rely on versatile Wayne Anderson to carry the team. Anderson will play every position on offense, including quarterback.

I-70

Stratton is the powerhouse, but Flagler is not too far behind. While Stratton has to replace some key offensive components, Flagler will need to develop some defensive talent. Still, expect a tough two-team race. Cheyenne Wells and Genoa-Hugo are not as talented, but at the same time, they are not too far behind. Expect Cheyenne Wells to be in line for a playoff spot and Genoa-Hugo to continue to improve.

Cheyenne Wells

2006: 5-5 Coach: Nathan Trice

The Tigers had an up-and-down season, including a four-game winning streak. It ended in a 62-6 loss to Merino in the first round of the playoffs. Jacob Putnam returns at running back and linebacker (60 tackles).

Flagler

2006: 7-2 Coach: Brandon Borich

The Panthers seem to be in contention every season. Bryant Elrick was a revelation at quarterback last year, and the junior is primed for a breakout season. Luke Loutzenheiser (357 yards receiving) again should be Elrick's favorite target. Senior Zeth Daniel has been as consistent as it gets at fullback.

Genoa-Hugo

2006: 3-5 Coach: Mike Clark

Five starters return for the Pirates, who have a good balance of size and speed. Chase Toft is a big, physical quarterback who doubles as a defensive end. Running back Dustin Stum, one of the few seniors, did not play last season but has shown good speed while competing in track.

Justice

2006: 1-7 Coach: T.J. Cole

Wide receiver Anthony Chiles will miss the first week or two this season because of a knee injury, which should put a damper on the Phoenix's offensive plans. To make things even more interesting, freshman Hasan Alday will start at quarterback.

Simla

2006: 4-5 Coach: Shane Zimmerman

A disappointing season was capped off by a shoulder injury to standout running back Jake Toney. The Cubs get a healthy Toney back, as well as four seniors to fill out the ranks. Notable among them is Nate Landry, who will anchor the offensive line.

Stratton

2006: 10-2 Coach: Dave Gottman

On paper, the Eagles look to have offensive problems, but that might not be the case. Phillip May is considered by some to be equal to the departed Todd May at quarterback. J.C. Ely is an outstanding offensive lineman. The defense will remain a big part of the team, as it is each year.

Mountain

Sangre de Cristo is the class of the Mountain contingent. If the Thunderbirds can stay consistent and score like they did last season (42.3 points a game), it should not be difficult to repeat as league champions. La Veta should have a say in the outcome, though. With the first solid senior class in some time, the Redskins could shock many teams with their newfound confidence and athleticism.

Antonito

2006: 0-7 Coach: Aaron Abeyta

Could things be looking up for the Trojans? The team was stockpiled with freshmen last season, and it showed. Another year of experience might add up to more wins.

Cotopaxi

2006: 4-4 Coach: Tony Marchase

It could be an interesting season for the Pirates. Losing 11 seniors hurts, especially since that gutted much of the offense. But A.J. Donovan returns at quarterback. The senior has been known for putting up big numbers. If he can shoulder the load, the Pirates should succeed.

La Veta

2006: 3-5 Coach: Don Price

The Redskins are on the rise. Many of the seniors have started since they were freshmen. Quarterback Colton Taylor has been a constant on offense. Shane Brownley and Bryan Andretta are big and quick targets who will help the offense spread the ball around.

Mountain Valley

2006: 4-4 Coach: Will Shellabarger

The Indians usually contend with anyone, but last season, they struggled against teams that had a record of .500 or better (0-4). Like many of the classification's teams, graduation might scuttle their success.

Sangre de Cristo

2006: 8-2 Coach: Buddy Anderson

The Thunderbirds easily should find themselves back in the hunt for the league title. Jed Larsen is the league's best quarterback and also a top player at defensive back. Rusty Witherspoon presents good size and is a load on the defensive front.

Sierra Grande

2006: No team last season Coach: Brandon Mizokami

The Panthers could not gather the numbers to field a team last season. Assuming the roster fills out, they possess a lone senior, center/nose guard Ernie Pacheco. Brian Torr assumes the quarterback role.

Plains

The Plains usually is the most competitive league in 8-Man. As always, the Haxtun-Merino rivalry is the most heated. While Haxtun is rebuilding, Merino appears as solid as usual. Dayspring Christian appears to be a team on the rise and with the kind of speed that can create mismatches with any team. With a year of Plains division experience, Longmont Christian should be much improved.

Caliche

2006: 3-5 Coach: Paul Zink

The Buffaloes have drawn a big turnout for the team, and it couldn't come at a better time, as the Plains is set to be a dogfight. Derek Weingardt is the team's best offensive threat. Robbie Hendrix is a load at fullback. If the Buffaloes want to compete, the backfield needs to churn out yards.

Dayspring Christian

2006: 5-4 Coach: Mick Holmes

The Eagles put some fear into their Plains competitors last season. They nearly upset Stratton in the first round of the playoffs. With perhaps the best speed in the classification, they should be more than just spoilers. Luke Greener, a four-year starter at quarterback, is an athlete to watch.

Haxtun

2006: 8-3 Coach: David Shafer

The Bulldogs are in a rebuilding year. But for them, rebuilding doesn't quite mean the same turmoil as it does for other teams. Matt Ramirez is a versatile athlete and will take his shot at quarterback. Kendall Kroger rounds out the backfield at running back. The team is young but still dangerous.

Longmont Christian

2006: 4-4 Coach: Jerry Martin

The move to the Plains League proved difficult but rewarding for the Warriors. Zach Lynch (903 yards total offense) will try to return them to the playoffs. Quarterback Jon Dick (1,014 yards passing, 514 yards rushing), took his lumps last season in the defensive-minded Plains but should be the better for it.

Merino

2006: 7-2 Coach: John Barber

The Rams return a good starting quarterback in Ethan Kurtzer and the usual cast of solid contributors. The Rams will be filled with underclassmen, but that hasn't stopped them from competing. With Barber at the helm, it's a given that the team will be well-coached and well-prepared.

Sedgwick County

2006: 7-2 Coach: Dennis Hill

The Cougars excelled in their first season as a combined team (Revere and Julesburg high schools). They also boast some of the classification's best talent. Keith Pocock, Brady Sanchez and Lance Woltemath form a formidable force on both sides of the ball. Woltemath will make the move to quarterback and should thrive.

Southern

Hoehne and Fowler looked primed to compete once more for the Southern title, but with Hoehne suffering an injury to a key player, the race for the title should go through Fowler once again. The Grizzlies' running game will be a chore to stop for most teams. Swink suffered a rare down season, but if the young talent can take the next step, the Lions can find themselves back in the playoff picture. As long as the defense holds up, Swink stands a chance.

Fowler

2006: 8-1 Coach: John Ayers

Steven Carpenter (1,322 yards rushing) was one of the top rushers in the league last season, so expect more big results from him. Much is expected of Cory Smith, a hard-hitting two-way player. The Grizzlies will have to run the ball well to keep Hoehne off their backs.

Hanover

2006: 2-5 Coach: Erik Pierson

Inexperience plagued the Hornets last season in their first action as a sanctioned team in the classification. While a year's worth of playing will benefit them, it remains to be seen whether the chemistry and knowledge has helped.

Hoehne

2006: 8-2 Coach: Bob Schafer

Quarterback Kyle Navarette suffered a broken wrist a week before practice. The senior will miss four to six weeks, which will deal a big early blow to the Farmers. Kurtis Paradisa's performance will be critical. Paradisa is a hard-nosed runner (675 rushing yards) and he will need to step up to keep the Farmers afloat.

Manzanola

2006: 3-6 Coach: Steve Bauserman

The Bobcats have a plethora of senior leadership. If the talent plays to its level, then they could make a push for a playoff spot.

Swink

2006: 2-7 Coach: James Von Feldt

The Lions dealt with inexperience last season. The team still is filled with underclassmen, but it gained some seasoning a year ago. Tim Jacob, the team leader in tackles and rushing yards, is the most experienced and talented player on the roster. Sophomore Brock Miller takes the reins at quarterback.

Western

Division champion Dove Creek and Nucla tore through the field with offense last season and made big impressions on the 8-Man landscape. Changes might be on the horizon, though. Dove Creek lost 10 seniors to graduation, and Nucla might have to deal with the loss of its top player to off-field problems. But the rest of the division might not be able to capitalize on those shortcomings. Plateau Valley's running game should improve the team's win total, though, and thrust the Cowboys into competition.

Dove Creek

2006: 10-1 Coach: Ken Soper

A lot of the explosion is gone for the Bulldogs. That doesn't mean they can't compete, though. Braiden Banks is a strong foundation on the offensive and defensive lines. Justin Guynes is only a sophomore but should be one of the quickest backs in the classification.

Norwood

2006: 2-6 Coach: Tom LaFrambois

A young squad will benefit from a veteran senior quarterback. Jesse Efurd is a big, strong quarterback who could give teams problems passing and running. If the Mavericks can give him some help, they can improve their league standing.

Nucla

2006: 9-3 Coach: Tom Helmbrecht

The Mustangs lost a large chunk of their offensive production with the graduation of Daniel Herron. Brandon Galarza looked to figure prominently in the offensive and defensive game plans, but academic problems might sideline the senior until halfway through the season. Still, the Mustangs offense always hums if the pieces fall into place.

Plateau Valley

2006: 4-6 Coach: Dave Bristol

The Cowboys drastically improved their offense a season ago. Landey Coon gets his shot at running back this season. Coon rushed for a season-high 88 yards against Cotopaxi to help propel the Cowboys to the playoffs.

Independent

Resurrection Christian

2006: 2-5 Coach: Ron Mondt

The Cougars play a tough schedule, highlighted by a contest against Sedgwick County. Boasting running back Casey Welzig, they should be competitive. He rushed for more than 500 yards last season despite only playing in four games as a junior.

Rocky Mountain Lutheran

2006: No team last season Coach: John Barenz

This will be the first year the Eagles compete in 8-Man. Junior Alex Rice and sophomore Cameron Johnston lead the team. Rice will play tailback, and Johnson will head the defensive line. Experience is a question mark.

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