Top Returning Defense’s 6-man
I have decided with 8-Man and 6-Man to not do the offensive lineman. It’s very tough to pick the best returning offensive lineman and in 8-Man and 6-man it’s even harder. I am planning on for Classes 2A thru 6-Man to do Top WR’s, Top returning Tacklers, and most Interceptions. These will all be released next week along with my Preseason Rankings. People always think defense in 6-Man does not matter but I there have been plenty of times were a better defense slows down a top offense.
| High School | Info |
| Kit Carson HS | Their defense gave up 188 points last year which was 2nd best in 6-man. Kit Carson is hoping to repeat as a Top 3 defense and with the talent returning, I see this team doing that. Kit Carson returns leading tackler Cordell Farmer plus 6 of their top 8 tacklers. This team will be looking to make another deep run in the playoffs. |
| Fleming HS | Their defense gave up 308 points last year which was 8th best in 6-man. Fleming could be returning the most talent of any team in 6-man this year. Fleming returns their leading two tacklers Brandon Williams and Chris Goss. Fleming also returns their top 10 tacklers so if this unit comes together watch out for Fleming next year. |
| Stratton/Liberty | Their defense gave up 217 points last year which was 3rd best in 6-man. The defending state champions will have some holes to fill this year. Stratton/Liberty loses their leading tackler and some key leaders on defense. Stratton/Liberty does return two players who will step up and be leaders in Jaret Lichty and Trevor Frank. Stratton/Liberty will need some younger kids to fill holes but expect a tough defense still. |
| Cotopaxi HS | Their defense gave up 314 points last year which was 10th best in 6-man. Cotopaxi took a small step back last year but this year are loaded with talent and are a team to watch. Cotopaxi returns their leading tacklers Zackary Van Esselstine and Frank Ogden. Cotopaxi also returns 7 of their 8 top tacklers. Cotopaxi is looking to recapture the league crown and look for this defense to be lead the way. |
| Genoa-Hugo | Their defense gave up 390 points last year which was 17th best in 6-man. Genoa-Hugo last year had a ton of younger kids playing and a year of experience under their belt should help this team take key steps. Genoa-Hugo returns their leading tacklers Wyatt Miller and Levi Miller. Genoa-Hugo will have to replace two senior leaders from the defense, but they are bringing plenty of experience back for this year. |
| Cheyenne Wells HS | Their defense gave up 339 points last year which was 12th best in 6-man. Cheyenne Wells returns leading tackler Quade Pelton along with 6 of their 8 top tacklers. Look for Cheyenne Wells to improve to a Top 10 defense and push for a deeper run in the playoffs. I see this team taking a big step this year. |
| Prairie HS | Their defense gave up 387 points last year which was 16th best in 6-man. Prairie will have some holes to fill on defense but they have some solid talent coming back. Prairie is losing their leading tackler from last year but look for Carson Holzworth and Garrett Lindell to step up and lead this defense. Prairie also returns 4 of their top 8 tacklers and will need a few players to really step up this year. |
| Mountain Valley/Moffat | Their defense gave up 176 points last year which was best in 6-man. Mountain Valley won their league but were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs and this team is hoping to repeat as league champs and make a deeper run in the playoffs. Their defense will have a few holes to replace but return leading tackler Cedar Ross. Mountain Valley/Moffat also returns 5 of their top 8 tacklers so look for this team to still fight for the league crown. |
| Flagler/Hi Plains | Their defense gave up 476 points last year which was 27th best in 6-man and only 3 other teams gave up more points than Flagler/Hi Plains. Flagler/Hi Plains though is returning a very young team from last year and I expect this team to make strides this year. Flagler/Hi Plains returns their top 3 tacklers Chris Hile, Zayd Banks, and Cody Banks. They do have some holes to fill but return 5 of their 8 top tacklers. I think if Flagler/Hi Plains can improve to a Top 15 defense they could be a big threat this year. |
| North Park HS | Their defense gave up 429 points last year which was 22nd best in 6-man. North Park missed the playoffs last year and were a young team but a solid returning Senior Class should push for a playoff spot. North Park returns their top 3 tacklers plus 6 of their 8 top tacklers. Look for Brock Follett and Destry Schmidt to lead the way for this improved North Park team. |
| Arickaree/Woodlin | Their defense gave up 393 points last year which was 18th best in 6-man. Arickaree/Woodlin did not post stats from last year but are losing 5 seniors in general. Arickaree/Woodlin normally plays tough physical football and their team has a solid group of seniors coming back. Arickaree/Woodlin is a team to watch for with the players coming back. |
| Otis HS | Their defense gave up 538 points last year which was 29th best in 6-man. Only 1 team gave up more points than Otis last year. Otis defensively must improve this year. They are losing their main offensive threats but return their leading tackler Christian Nation. Look for this defense to improve this year. |
| Sierra Grande | Their defense gave up 310 points last year which was 9th best in 6-man. Sierra Grande surprised me with a top 10 defense last year but this unit most continue to improve if they plan to unseat Mountain Valley. Sierra Grande returns their top 3 tacklers Richie Atencio, Lennie Valdez, and Isias Minchaca. Sierra Grande also returns 6 of their 8 top tacklers. |
| Walsh HS | Their defense gave up 240 points last year which was 4th best in 6-man. Walsh once again had a top 5 defense and are hoping to continue the streak. Coy McDonald returns as the leader of the defense and the leading tackler. 5 of the top 8 tacklers also return for Walsh as this team hopes to be a Top 5 defense yet again. |
| Briggsdale HS | Their defense gave up 419 points last year which was 21st best in 6-man. Briggsdale missed the playoffs last year and are hoping to get back with an improved defense this year. Briggsdale has some holes to fill including their top 4 tacklers. Briggsdale does return Coy Cox and Luke Stewart who must step up and lead this defense. Briggsdale will look to improve to a Top 15 defense and make the playoffs. |
| Peetz HS | Their defense gave up 481 points last year which was 28th best in 6-man. Peetz must improve defensively especially with their main offensive threat gone. Look for Cooper White and Sterling Sorensen to step up and lead this defense. |
| Other Defenses to Watch For: | Eads, Idalia, Peetz, La Veta, Granada, Branson/Kim, Manzanola, Deer Trail, Cheraw, Hanover |
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