Top 10 teams

1 Akron: A lightning-fast defensive unit has the Rams looking down on everyone else.

2 Burlington: Odds are the Cougars will be South Central League champs at season’s end.

3 Lyons: The Lions have the experience for a possible championship follow-up.

4 Hayden: With Coy Letlow in charge, the Tigers are the best in the west.

5 Limon: Smaller classes have the Badgers worried about depth, but the first-string talent is there.

6 Byers: A good offensive line hopes to provide time for a pass-happy Bulldogs offense to find success.

7 Grand Valley: The Cardinals are talented across the board and should challenge in the Western Slope race.

8 Sanford: The Indians, the scrappiest team in the classification, have earned respect around the state.

9 Custer County: The Bobcats aim to change the dubious fortunes of Santa Fe League teams come playoff time.

10 Wray: League road games at Akron and Lyons will be stern tests for the Eagles.

Top players

• Quarterback: Aaron Orr, Wray, 6-1, 180, Sr.

• Running back: Coy Letlow, Hayden, 6-0, 185, Sr.

• Receiver: Eric Steitz, Byers, 5-9, 150, Sr.

• Offensive lineman: Kasey Martin, Byers, 6-3, 245, Sr.

• Defensive lineman: Trent Campbell, Akron, 6-0, 180, Sr.

• Linebacker: Mick Strand, Akron, 6-1, 205, Sr.

• Defensive back: Tyler Jensen, Grand Valley, 6-2, 175, Sr.

• Specialist: Logan Riffey, Dolores, 6-0, 205, Sr.