Foothills

Favorite: Lutheran-Parker

Contenders: Community Christian, Belleview Christian

Top players: Lydia Chubb, Lutheran-Parker, So.; Ella Kerr, Lutheran-Parker, So.; Stephanie Land, Lutheran-Parker, So.; Kelli Wolfe, Community Christian, So.

Outlook: The race for the Foothills crown got a lot more interesting once Rock Canyon, which had been the league’s most dangerous squad during the past two seasons, jumped up to Class 4A. There are several teams hoping to fill that void. Lutheran-Parker brings back 10 starters from a club that won 12 games last season, including standout keeper Stephanie Land.



Mile High

Favorite: Alexander Dawson

Contenders: Heritage Christian, Front Range Christian

Top players: Alyssa Beck, Alexander Dawson, So.; Heather Brast, Heritage Christian, Jr.; Micaela Fachathlaler, Front Range Christian, Jr.; Jessica Hommel, Front Range Christian, Jr.; Amy Laughlin, Heritage Christian, Sr.; Sian Murphy, Alexander Murphy, Jr.; Ellie Peterson, Heritage Christian, Sr.; Olivia Wagner, Alexander Dawson, So.

Outlook: Alexander Dawson has a younger team than last year’s 12- win club, but it should still be very formidable with a strong midfield. Heritage Christian could have seven or eight freshmen playing significant minutes, and their quickness will keep them in the hunt. Front Range Christian won 11 games last season and it returns the core of that squad. Junior forward Micaela Fachathaler should remain one of the biggest scoring threats in the league.



Metro

Favorite: Kent Denver

Contenders: Faith Christian, Colorado Academy

Top players: Jennifer Aragon, Colorado Academy, Jr.; Emily Bechtold, St. Mary’s Academy, So.; Katie Bell, St. Mary’s Academy, Sr.; Sarah Feldmann, Colorado Academy, Sr.; Marsha Harper, Kent Denver, Jr.; Marlena Hartman-Filson, Colorado Academy, So.; Meg Lee, St. Mary’s Academy, So.; Erin McGonagle, Kent Denver, Jr.; Elle Metzger, Holy Family, Sr.; Maya Neam, Holy Family, Jr.; Tracy Rowan, Holy Family, Jr.; Suzanne Stawiarski, Kent Denver, Sr.

Outlook: The Metro League is the undeniable king of 3A, and there are several teams in the league capable of winning it all. Chief among them is defending champion Kent Denver. The Sun Devils have a strong group of juniors leading their charge, including championship game most valuable player Marsha Harper. Runners-up Faith Christian will have to replace All-Colorado forward Marissa Ranberger, but the Eagles still have a lot of talent to throw at opponents. Semifinalists Denver Christian and Colorado Academy are ready to take the next step. St. Mary’s Academy finished in fifth place in league last season and wants to climb even higher behind senior keeper Katie Bell. Holy Family hopes to break into the top half under new coach Joshua Craver, and the Tigers have some talented players to build around.



North

Favorite: Weld Central

Contenders: Estes Park, Academy

Players to watch: Traci Allen, Estes Park, Sr.; Jill Pisprui, Estes Park, Sr.; Alicia Stark, Estes Park, So.

Outlook: With this new region, several teams that have struggled to make the playoffs recently will get a chance to reach the postseason. None of the teams have much of a history of success, so a fresh start will do them all good. Look for Weld Central to be the team to beat, but several other clubs could make a run.



South

Favorite: Fountain Valley

Contender: Rye

Top players: Hannah Cain, Fountain Valley, Jr.; Taylor Good, Pikes Peak Christian, Sr.; Krysta Grimm, Pikes Peak Christian, So.; Wrendy Rayhill, Fountain Valley, So.

Outlook: With only two playoff spots available, there’s very little room for error for these clubs. One of those playoff berths should go to Fountain Valley, which has two all-state players in junior Hannah Cain and sophomore Wrendy Rayhill. The Danes could also be a bigger factor in the postseason. Several other schools could step up to fill the other slot.



Southwest

Favorite: Pagosa Springs

Contenders: Bayfield, Telluride

Top players: Lindsey Chandler, Telluride, Sr.; Mariah Howell, Pagosa Springs, Sr.; Allison Laverty, Pagosa Springs, Sr.; Laurel Reinhardt, Pagosa Springs, Sr.

Outlook: Pagosa Springs brings back an experienced and tough group that ran roughshod through league last year, and the Pirates look to get past the quarterfinals in the postseason.



Tri-Peaks

Favorite: Manitou Springs

Contenders: Classical Academy, St. Mary’s

Top players: Megan Ausec, Manitou Springs, Sr.; Samantha Cardenas, St. Mary’s, Jr.; Jennifer Evans, Classical Academy, Sr.; Jamie Fox, Classical Academy, So.; Steph Friesen, Colorado Springs Christian, Sr.; Rebecca Glisan, Colorado Springs Christian, Jr.; Kaeleigh King, St. Mary’s, Sr.; Jordan Lang, Manitou Springs, Jr.; Julia Saenz, St. Mary’s, Jr.; Wendy Stephens, Classical Academy, Sr.; Katie Thurlby, Manitou Springs, Sr.; Heidi VandeGriend, Colorado Springs Christian, Sr.

Outlook: Manitou Springs has reached the quarterfinals the past three seasons, and the Mustangs look to take the next step this year. Classical Academy is looking to return to the playoffs for the third consecutive season, and senior mid Wendy Stephens (19 goals in 2006) could have a breakout year. Julia Saenz scored a school-record 19 goals last year, and she should have St. Mary’s in the hunt. Colorado Springs Christian upgraded its nonleague schedule as the Lions hope to be a bigger factor in the postseason.



West

Favorite: Basalt

Contenders: Aspen, Coal Ridge

Top players: Emily Birk, Basalt, Sr.; Taylor Buzbee, Aspen, Sr.; Kat Fitzpatrick, Basalt, Jr.; Julie Hassall, Aspen, Jr.; Vanessa Hinojos, Coal Ridge, Sr.; Allyssa Little, Coal Ridge, Jr.; Haley Ortman, Aspen, Sr.; Erica Ruiz, Coal Ridge, So.; Katie Staerkel, Basalt, Sr.; Dayne Toney, Basalt, Jr.

Outlook: Basalt has established itself as one of the top programs in the class, and the Longhorns should remain a factor in the postseason. Basalt has won nine consecutive league titles and until someone knocks off the Longhorns, they remain the team to beat. Aspen finished second in league last season and should remain in the top half of the league. Julia Hassall and Taylor Buzbee will patrol the midfield for the Skiers.

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