2A League Breakdowns and League Predictions
Colorado League
With all the changes in 2A this year it really shakes up all the leagues and changes some of the landscape of 2A. The Colorado League adds 2 teams from 3A those teams are Elizabeth and Englewood neither of them are powerhouses from the past few season and combine for only 3 wins last year. I was able to pull the roster from all the teams but Sheridan and Ridgeview Academy but they were not big factors in last year’s league race. I still have Sheridan finishing last but I am not sure on Ridgeview and will just have to wait for a few weeks to play out. Englewood lost 8 seniors from last year including their starting QB and most of their defensive players. Last year they went 1-9 and feel they may slightly improve that this year but I still see them being in the bottom half of the league. The main three I have competing in the top of the league are Kent Denver, Machbeuf, and Elizabeth but mainly the first two. Elizabeth is coming of a 2-8 record in 3A and lost their starting QB, RB, and most of their LB core they also lost 11 seniors. I feel with the move down from 3A to 2A they will finish more around the .500 mark and if everything clicks maybe compete for the league title. Machbeuf I feel could be a dark horse this year in 2A they only lost 7 seniors from last year and return most of their skill players and are one of the few teams in the league returning their starting QB. Leadership is a big key and they look to have that this year. They went 4-5 last year and I believe will be in the league race and should make the playoffs they have more experience returning than most teams in the League. The favorite still to win the Colorado League will be Kent Denver. They were hurt by graduation losing 16 seniors which included their starting QB and RB plus a ton from their offensive and defensive lines. They will look to the returning starters to be leaders for them and will need their new starting QB to step in big for them.
League Champs: Kent Denver
Playoff teams: Kent Denver, Machbeuf, and maybe Elizabeth
Flatirons League
The Flatirons League is newly created with 2 3A school dropping to 2A and adding Denver West. The two 3A schools that dropped are Arvada and D’Evelyn. Arvada is not a powerhouse team when it comes to football but D’Evelyn is a playoff team from last year and brings a pass happy offense to the 2A ranks. I will get started with the schools who I think won’t have a chance at the playoffs or the league championship. At an early look this looks to be a two team race but with limited information on one school we could have a dark horse. Arvada went 1-9 last year in 3A and lost 6 seniors. They did lose most of their offensive line but return their starting QB. I don’t think they will finish last in the league this year but they won’t be fighting for a playoff spot or contending for a league title even with their move from 3A to 2A. Denver West was hurt badly by graduation losing a stunning 23 seniors if that is correct. They went 2-7 and lost just about everything from the senior class. This will definitely be a rebuilding year for this program and could see them finishing last. Jefferson lost 7 seniors and went 1-8 last year. I didn’t have too much information on this team but I don’t imagine them making a huge jump but I feel they should beat Denver West and maybe Arvada. Middle Park is the team that I have little to no information on. They lost 8 seniors and their starting QB but besides that I have limited information. They went 5-4 last year and missed the playoffs after a late season run. They could be a dark horse in the league this year but with the amount of information I have I can’t make any claims. They open the season this week against Aspen. The two teams I feel will compete for the league crown are D’Evelyn and Faith Christian. Faith Christian lost 12 seniors and lost their main RB but return their starting QB and most of their offensive and defensive lines. They went 6-4 last year and made it to the playoffs. QB play was a big problem last year for this team so they will be looking to improve in that area. With a talented offensive line returning they should be in contention for the league title and should make the playoffs. The favorite to win the league this year is D’Evelyn. They are dropping from 3A to 2A and went 7-4 and made the playoffs. They lost 10 seniors and the biggest lose will be their 3000 yard starting QB. D’Evelyn loves to throw the ball so having a new QB step up will be very important to how this team will do this year. If their QB can step up they should be scary when it comes playoff time. Most 2A schools don’t face a passing attack of the caliber of D’Evelyn.
League Champ: D’Evelyn
Playoffs: D’Evelyn and Faith Christian
Patriot-West
The very loaded Patriot League from last year was split into two and both are still very good leagues. The Patriot West keeps old time Patriot teams Eaton and University while adding Academy, Pinnacle, Prospect Ridge, and Resurrection Christian. Prospect Ridge is a brand new Varsity team. They played JV all last year and will start their program with 17 juniors. I don’t have much more information on this team but it will be interesting to see how this team adjusts to playing at the varsity level. The league I feel can go many different ways. I feel that the only team that won’t compete for the league title is University. University went 1-8 last year and lost 5 seniors but lost their QB but feel they are still a few years out from competing. Another team that could not compete for a league title is Pinnacle. Pinnacle is one of the few teams not returning a QB. They lost 7 seniors which included their starting RB and QB but they do return most of their offensive line. They went 3-6 last year and should improve on that but don’t think it will be for a league title. The three schools who I feel will compete for the league title are Eaton, Resurrection Christian, and The Academy all three were playoff teams from a year ago. Academy I think will finish third in the league and will be fighting to get into the playoffs. They lost 10 seniors which included most of their offensive line and their main running back. They are returning their starting QB and most of the skill players around him. Academy went 7-3 and made the playoffs but will need to build on last season if they want to make it into the playoffs again. In second place I think it will be Eaton. They lost 14 seniors which included most of their offensive line and their main running backs. They do return a talented QB and most of his skill players. Eaton went 6-5 last year and made it to the playoffs. With leadership returning Eaton should be in prime position to compete for the title and make the playoffs again. The league favorite I feel is Resurrection Christian who is moving from 1A to 2A but are bringing a very talented team with them. They lost 11 seniors most of them where WR’s which could hurt in their pass happy offense. They do return their starting QB and most of their offensive line which will be key in the jump from 1A to 2A. There could be a slight learning curve for Resurrection Christian but they did beat 2A power Platte Valley last year so they should come in and compete right away. They will lean on their experience this year and should win the league title.
League Champs: Resurrection Christian
Playoffs: Resurrection Christian, Eaton, and maybe The Academy
Patriot-East
When the league was split into two the majority of the old Patriot League stayed in this half of the league. There are two new teams added to the mix Fort Lupton and Weld Central who are both dropping from 3A to 2A. This League looks to be one of the toughest league this year. With perennial powerhouses Brush and Platte Valley and up and coming Sterling plus adding in two new schools this looks to be a great race for the league title. The one school who was hit hard by graduation who I think won’t be in the running this year is Valley. Valley lost 17 seniors which includes their starting QB and RB as well as most of their skill position. They do return their offensive line but there are plenty of holes to be filled. Valley will look to rebuild their skill position and possibly see them in a year or two be dangerous. The next biggest mystery is going to be Fort Lupton in 3A last year they went 1-9 and also lost 10 seniors which includes their QB and main RB. Fort Lupton may be a year or two away from contending for the league title but they will win more than 1 game this year. The last 4 teams to be talked about are Brush, Platte Valley, Sterling, and Weld Central all four will be contenders for the Playoffs and the league title. All four have lost a ton of talent which will make this race so great. We will start with Brush. Brush went 7-4 last year and made the playoffs. They had to rebuild their offense last year after losing their QB the year before. They are losing 11 seniors which includes most of their offensive line and their QB. The backup QB did see plenty of action last year which will help prepare him for this year and they also return their main RB which will be helpful. Brush must rebuild their offensive line to compete this year because of their run heavy offense. Weld Central is new to 2A after dropping from 3A. They were hit hard by graduation losing 12 seniors. Most of their offensive and defensive line was lost to graduation but they are returning their QB and RB which will be helpful for this young offensive line. Weld Central is in a similar boat to Brush if they can rebuild their offensive lines they will be very dangerous. Weld Central opens up the campaign this week as well when they face off against Alameda who is moving from 2A to 3A. I believe the league title race will come down to Sterling and Platte Valley. Picking the favorite in this is going to be tough. Sterling I believe will finish in second place. Sterling lost 11 seniors which included their QB but their back up saw a ton of action and also lost 3 of their starting offensive lineman. They are returning their main RB and a levy of leaders on the defensive side of the ball. Sterling will lean heavy on the ground game till they fill more comfortable with their QB but I feel they will transition just fine and finish in second place. They open the season this weekend against Resurrection Christian who is favored to win the West Patriot league. The league favorites once again are Platte Valley. They never seem to have to rebuild but just reload and will need to do the same again this year. Platte Valley lost 12 seniors which included their offensive line and their starting QB. They do return their main running back which will be leaned on early till the new QB and young offensive line get their feet on the ground.
League Champs: Platte Valley
Playoffs: Platte Valley, Sterling, Brush, and maybe Weld Central
Tri-Peaks
The Tri-Peaks nearly held for from the new reorganization. They added Salida and The Classical Academy to their league. The Tri-Peaks should be another really competitive league with Classical Academy dropping from 3A to 2A and of course the main powers in the league returning some very talented teams. We will start with Manitou Springs. Manitou lost 17 seniors of their team last year which included most of their offense and defensive line and their main running back. They went 3-7 last year and will be looking to rebuild this year. I don’t see them as a threat for the title or playoff spot. Next up is Salida they are moving from 1A to 2A this year. Salida went 3-6 last year in 1A and lost 6 seniors. Salida is about 1 to 2 years away from turning their program around. They have a very talented sophomore and freshman class and will be a threat when they become upper classman. Salida opens the year against Summit this week. There are four schools that I feel are going to be the threat for the league title and playoff spots. The first of which is The Classical Academy. TCA lost a ton of players to graduation and where hit the hardest out of any program in this league if not all of 2A. They lost 27 seniors which included most of their starters. They will be rebuilding this year but will still be very competitive. They went 8-4 and made the playoffs in 3A. I don’t expect TCA to win league but if their underclass men step up they could be dangerous. Lamar also was hit hard by graduation they lost 14 seniors which included their starting QB and RB. They are returning most of their offensive and defensive line which will be a big help for their young backfield. Lamar will need better play from their defense as well this year if they plan on getting back into the playoffs. I see them at least challenging for a playoff spot. Florence I feel will finish second this year in the Tri-Peaks. Florence lost 13 seniors most of which were on the defensive side of the ball. They return nearly everyone on the offensive side and will lean on their rushing attack to keep control of the game. They went 4-5 last year and missed the playoffs. For Florence to get back into the playoffs and challenge for a league title they must rebuild their defense. Florence opens their campaign against Alamosa this week. The hand down league favorite and possibly state champion contender is La Junta. They lost 3 seniors granted they lost their starting QB. They are a run first offense and return nearly every starter on both side of the ball. They will need to find a replacement for the QB if they plan on meeting these high expectation. La Junta defense was one of the best in the state last year and should be again this year as well. I see them winning the league this year and pushing for a state title.
League Champs: La Junta
Playoffs: Florence
Western Slope
The Western Slope League is the old Western Slope North League. They only added Steamboat Springs who is dropping for 3A to 2A. The Western Slope league might be one of the weaker leagues in terms of teams making the playoffs. This could be a little different this year as there are 3 teams that could challenge for a playoff spot. I will start with who I think will be no contenders. Aspen lost 10 seniors including their RB and most of their defensive playmakers. They do return their QB but after a 2-7 season last year it may be a few years before they make the playoffs. Roaring Fork was hit the hardest in the Western Slope league by graduation. Roaring Fork lost 17 seniors from a 4-5 team. They lost most of their offensive and defensive lines as well as their RB. They do return their QB but I don’t think they will challenge for a league title or playoff spot this year. Steamboat is the last team I feel won’t challenge for the league crown. They lost 10 seniors most of which were skill players including their QB and main RB’s. They do return their offensive and defensive lines. They went 4-6 in 3A last year and will need to replace their QB and RB to challenge for the league title. They are about a year out from contending for a league title. Steamboat opens this year against Battle Mountain this week. The three teams that could challenge for the league title and possibly a playoff spot are Basalt, Moffat County, and Coal Ridge. Coal Ridge lost 7 seniors three of which were offensive lineman so that will be the biggest need to fill. They return their starting QB and will lean on his experience to guide his team. They must play better on defense if they want to compete for a league title. The team I think that will finish in second will be Basalt. They lost 6 seniors most of which were defensive lineman. Their return their QB and RB and most of their offensive lineman. They will challenge Moffat County for the league title and could possibly grab a playoff spot. Basalt opens their year off against Rifle this week. They have a ton of experience and must lean on that to challenge for it. The league favorite is Moffat County. They lost 13 seniors to graduation but return their starting QB and RB. They must replace their offensive and defensive line starters that were lost. If they can do that will should be able to grab the league crown again. League Champ: Moffat County
Playoffs: Moffat County, Basalt, and maybe Coal Ridge
Intermountain
The Intermountain League is the Old Western Slope South. They add Delta to the league who is dropping from 3A to 2A. This should be a very competitive league this year and should be a two team race for the league title with a third possibly sneaking into the fray. Montezuma-Cortez went 2-7 last year and could possibly be looking at the same thing again this year. They lost 6 seniors which included their starting QB. They do return most of their offensive lineman. Their defense will need to improve if they plan on competing in the league. Alamosa was the dark horse last year grabbing the second automatic spot and making the playoffs with a 4-6 record. This year I see the same if not worse win total but this year I don’t think they sneak into the playoffs. They lost 9 seniors which included their starting QB, RB and 3 of their offensive lineman. They will need some players to step up this year but I don’t see them grabbing a playoff spot. Pagosa Springs went 1-8 last year and should improve on their record this year. They lost 6 seniors most of them offensive lineman but return key contributors on defense and their QB and RB from last year. They may win more games but I don’t think they will make the playoffs. Here is my dark horse for the playoffs and perhaps challenge for the league title and that is Gunnison. They lost 12 seniors which included their starting RB but return their offensive and defensive line as well as their QB. Gunnison always finds a way to get into the mix for the playoffs and this year won’t be any different. They must avoid losing the bad games this year like last year they cannot afford to lose to Alamosa or any other bottom teams. The two teams to watch out for are Bayfield and Delta these teams are not only favorites to win the league but possibly a state championship. Bayfield is coming of a great season going 12-0 and winning the State Championship. They have a long road ahead to defend that title. They must replace their star running back from last year and also replace their starting QB who opened up the passing game more last year. What Bayfield does have going for them is they return great defensive players to help the offense until they get their feet on the ground. Bayfield must find answers on the offensive side of the ball if they plan to repeat as Champions and win league. Challenging Bayfield will be Delta. Delta is moving from 3A to 2A and they went 11-2 and made a nice run in the playoff before losing to Roosevelt in the Semi Finals. Delta lost 10 seniors 3 of which were offensive lineman and their starting running back. They did return their QB and their second leading rusher. They will need to readjust their offensive and defensive line but they will be a tough team to beat this year. Bayfield and Delta should both easily make the playoffs and both should compete for State.
League Champs: Bayfield
Playoffs: Bayfield, Delta and Maybe Gunnison
MileHigh Prep Report 