Top Returning Defense’s Class 1A
Picking the best returning defenses was much easier than the Offensive Line. I am using PPG given up last year and also seeing what teams are returning. I am also planning on releasing my full Class 1A Rankings before moving into the 8-Man position group. I will post a complete overview of my rankings once all 4 classes are done. After my rankings are completed I will also do a league by league breakdown later in August.
| High School | Stats |
| Limon HS | Their defense gave up just 95 points last year which was 4th best in Class 1A. Limon is returning top 4 tacklers and plenty of depth on their defense. Limon also returns their top pass rusher and Limon defense will be looking to be one of the best defenses in 1A. |
| Meeker HS | Their defense gave up just 87 points last year which was 3rd best in Class 1A. Meeker is losing a ton of talent on the offensive side of the ball but defensively they are returning their 4 of their top 5 tacklers and plenty of depth. Meeker does lose their top pass rusher but have two very capable pass rushers behind him. Meeker defense will have to carry them early on. |
| Yuma HS | Their defense gave up 171 points last year which was 10th best in Class 1A. Yuma like I have mentioned lost just 4 seniors. Their defense will be returning their top 3 tacklers and plenty of experience. Yuma will need their defense to keep improving to make a playoff run. |
| Centauri HS | Their defense gave up 75 points last year which was 2nd best in Class 1A. Centauri is losing some big pieces to their defense but return their top two tacklers. I believe with the experience Centauri is returning that their defense will be needed to carry them until their offense gets going. |
| Peyton HS | Their defense gave up 64 points last year which was the Best in Class 1A. Peyton is losing 3 of their top 5 tacklers but have plenty of depth and experience to replace those players. Mclarty will have to lead this defense again to get their younger players up to speed. |
| Crowley County HS | Their defense gave up 105 points last year which was good for 5th best in Class 1A. Crowley County is losing their top tackler but return 3 of their top 5. Crowley County also has tons of depth returning in what should be a solid defense for Crowley County. Crowley County will need someone to step up and be the leader on defense. |
| Wray HS | Their defense gave up 205 points last year which was good for 16th best in Class 1A. Wray will need their defense to move into the Top 10 to really have a shot at the league title. Wray loses 4 seniors in total, one who was the #2 tacklers. Wray returns plenty of experience and will need to come together as a group. |
| Burlington HS | Their defense gave up 198 points last year which was good for 14th best in Class 1A. Burlington will also need their defense to improve this year if they want the league title or the state championship. Burlington offense will be very solid but could come down to their defense stepping up. Burlington will have to find some senior leaders after losing 3 of their top 5 tacklers. |
| Olathe HS | Their defense gave up 232 points last year which was good for 26th in Class 1A. Olathe took a step in the right direction going 4-5 but their defense could be the factor on how good they will be this year. Olathe stopped updating stats after game 4 but from what I see they will be returning nearly their entire defense. Olathe could be a team to watch for in the Western Slope if their defense steps up this year. |
| Grand Valley HS | Their defense gave up 214 point last year which was 18th best in Class 1A. Grand Valley took a step back last year going 2-7 but their defense could be a huge bright spot this year. Grand Valley may need their defense to carry them early on until their offense can figure out some of the kinks. |
| Strasburg HS | Their defense gave up 157 point last year which was 9th best in Class 1A. Strasburg played solid defense all year but in the State Championship it was outstanding holding Centauri to just 7 points. Strasburg is losing some key pieces from their State Championship defense but are returning some key leaders. Including their top 2 tacklers from last year. |
| Paonia HS | Their defense gave up 133 points last year which was good for 7th best in Class 1A. Paonia will be returning some experience but depth could be an issue for Paonia. Paonia returns 3 of their top 5 tacklers but are losing a lot of depth to graduation. Paonia will be dependent on players stepping up to have a strong defense. |
| Buena Vista HS | Their defense gave up 220 points last year which was good for 20th best defense in Class 1A. Buena Vista is hoping to get back to their dominate football of 3 years ago and getting their defense going in the right direction will be key. Buena Vista loses some key pieces and will need their younger players to step up. |
| Cornerstone Christian | Their defense gave up 228 points last year which was 23rd in Class 1A. Cornerstone Christian is looking to take a huge step this year with a very good senior class. Cornerstone Christian will need their defense to improve to a Top 10 defense if they plan on making a run in the playoffs. |
| Highland HS | Their defense gave up 240 point last year which was 27th best in Class 1A. Highland defense was mostly juniors and sophomore last year which was good experience for this team. Highland much improve their defense this year if they plan on making the playoffs again. |
| Other Defenses to Watch For: | Colorado Springs Christian, Platte Canyon, Wiggins, Manual, Holyoke, Monte Vista, Trinidad, Florence, Cedaredge, and Rocky Ford |
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