MileHigh Prep Report Preseason Rankings Class 2A

4346

MileHigh Prep Report Preseason Rankings Class 2A

For Class 2A I really think it’s wide open this year. Each team has plenty of positives and negatives, but I expect a very competitive 2A season this year!

Note: I am just going to quickly give the rankings and a quick breakdown of what they are returning. Next week I will go league by league and breakdown each league!

Class 2A

Rank	Team	Notes
#1	La Junta HS Defending State Champions	La Junta loses some talent from last year’s state championship team but have plenty coming back. La Junta offensively will hurt with the loss of Jon Nuschy but look for their run heavy attack to still be able to churn out yards. Defensively La Junta return 7 of their top 11 tacklers so look for this unit to carry them yet again.
#2	Faith Christian HS Made the playoffs, lost in Semifinals.	Faith Christian does lose some talent on the offensive side mainly at the RB position. Faith Christian also loses some depth on the offensive line, but they always seem to produce solid offensive linemen. Faith Christian does return their starting QB of 4 years which is a huge advantage. Defensively Faith Christian returns 8 of their top 11 tacklers and this unit could challenge for a Top 3 defense.
#3	Delta HS Made the playoffs, lost in first round.	Delta loses just 5 seniors from last year’s 6-4 team. Delta though is losing 3 offensive linemen some a few holes to fill on the line. Delta though is returning some key pieces with QB Nolan Bynum returning and RB Cody Suave. Delta defensively will lose their top 2 tacklers but bring a ton of depth and talent back. This defensive unit may be key to the kind of season Delta has this year.
#4	Platte Valley HS Made the playoffs, Runner-Up	Platte Valley is losing a very good senior class but a trip to the state championship and coming up just short should have this team motivated for another run. Platte Valley is losing key players at QB, RB, and WR but are losing just 2 offensive linemen. Platte Valley will look to Josh Yancey to pick up the pace on the ground and possibly Kade McDaniel at the QB spot. Defensively Platte Valley has plenty of talent coming back returning 8 of their 11 top tacklers and is the reason they are ranked #4 to start the year.
#5	Aspen HS Made the playoffs, lost in the first round	Aspen qualified for the playoffs last year and really surprised a few teams with how much they improved. Aspen does lost a big senior class of 10 but return player of the year Candidate Tyler Ward along with his favorite target Max Ufkes. Aspen also returns their leading rusher in Trey Fabrocini. Aspen also is returning 3 of their 5 starting offensive line and this could be a team to watch. Defensively I am not 100% sure what Aspen is losing and is probably the reason I took a cautious approach and ranked them at #5.
#6	Resurrection Christian Made the playoffs, lost in the Semifinals	Resurrection Christian loses a good senior Class that lost just 1 game in 2018. I don’t think you will see Resurrection Christian rebuilding this year with a very talented Sophomore and Freshman class coming back. Offensively look for Buck Coors to lead the offense and defensively look for Tanner Applebee to lead the way for a young Resurrection Christian team.
#7	Rifle HS Made the playoffs, lost in the quarterfinals	Rifle loses some key pieces from last year’s team. A big piece to replace will be leading 2A rusher Tanner Vines. Look for Levi Warfel to fill the hole at RB. Rifle does have a few linemen to replace as well but plenty of talent is coming back. Defensively Rifle is losing senior leadership but have plenty of depth coming back to fill the holes.
#8	Englewood Missed the playoffs, went 7-2 last year	Englewood missed the playoffs last year but went 7-2. The reason for missing the playoffs was a weak schedule and losing to Denver North and Kent Denver. Englewood this year will hope to a make a run for a playoff spot and they have plenty of talent to do so. The offense is returning QB Mason Robertson and his favorite WR targets. Englewood will have to find a replacement at RB. Defensively this unit will be tough with their top 5 tacklers returning and 9 of their 11 top tacklers returning.
#9	Lamar Missed the Playoffs, went 4-5 last year	Lamar, I think could be a dark horse in 2A. Lamar ended the season winning back to back games and ending Elizabeth hopes of making the playoffs beating them 33-28. Lamar played La Junta tough last year as well losing 34-21. Lamar has plenty of skill players returning including QB Zane Ranking and RB Walker Kee. Lamar must have players step up on the offensive line though. Defensively Lamar returns their top two tacklers but need replace some leadership lost. Lamar returns a very talented sophomore class and if they can grow moving into their Junior year this could be a tough team.
#10	D’Evelyn Made the playoffs, lost in first round	D’Evelyn rounds out the Top 10 this year. D’Evelyn loses a big and tough senior class but D’Evelyn will not be rebuilding but reloading heading into 2019. D’Evelyn has some key pieces to replace especially at QB but look for Shane Bishop to step up and lead this offense. Defensively D’Evelyn will have a couple holes losing their leading two tacklers but D’Evelyn is returning 4 of their top 6 tacklers and 8 of their 11 top tacklers. D’Evelyn defense must lead this year until a young offense gets some key experience.
#11	Eaton Made the playoffs, lost in the first round	Eaton was a bit of a surprise last year making the playoffs especially after losing a talented senior class. Eaton once again is losing a solid senior class but have some talent coming back to keep them in the top 10. Offensively Scott Grable returns at QB as does their #2 rusher Gage Butler. Offensive linemen will have to step up this year for this team. Defensively Eaton has a few holes to fill especially leadership, but I still see Eaton as being a tough team.
#12	Salida Made the playoffs, lost in the quarterfinals	Salida continued their improvement going 9-2 last year but are losing a very good senior class. Salida though I think has enough talent for one more deep run this year. Salida returns QB Zayne Walker 2 or 3 starters of the offensive line. Salida will have to find help at RB but offensively they unit should still produce. Defensively Salida has some key pieces to replace losing their top 5 tacklers. Salida will be looking for some leaders on defense as Salida try’s to gear up for one last big run.
#13	Sterling Missed the playoffs, went 5-4 last year	Offensively watch out for Sterling. This teams returns starting QB Brock Shalla plus their #2 rusher from a year ago. Some holes on the offensive line must be replaced as well. Sterling defensively also has a few holes to fill but return their leading tackler from a year ago. Sterling also returns 5 of their top 11 tacklers and some younger players must step up next year.
#14	Machebeuf Missed the playoffs, went 5-4 last year	Another Darkhorse could be Machebeuf. Machebeuf loses just 4 seniors from last year’s team but are losing 3 starters on the offensive line. A good returning senior class though should be able to step up and fill holes left on the offensive line. Machebeuf will be returning starting QB Ryan Schmitt and starting RB Darius Richards. Offensively watch out for Machebeuf next year. Defensively Machebeuf will also be tough returning 8 of their 11 top tacklers but leadership will be key to this unit.
#15	The Classical Academy Missed the playoffs, went 4-5 last year	TCA had a bit of a down year last year and missed the playoffs for the first time since dropping to 2A. TCA will look to rebound this year and push for a playoff spot. TCA has some holes to fill on the offensive line but a solid returning Senior Class will fill those holes. TCA must also find a leader at QB but I expect this team offensively to be better. Defensively TCA loses some talent but look for Cale Palmer and Blake Branch to lead this unit.
#16	Kent Denver Made the Playoffs, lost in first round	Kent Denver rounds out the Top 16. Kent Denver is a traditional powerhouse but are losing a great senior class including their starting QB, RB, and 4 of their 5 starters on the offensive line. Kent Denver will be younger next year with just 7 seniors coming back. The returning Sophomores and Freshman will have to quickly get up to speed but I see Kent Denver having a bit of a down year this year.
	Other Teams to Watch
	Alamosa Made the Playoffs, lost in first round	A new coach could help inspire this offense, but 19 seniors are graduating including key pieces at QB, RB and offensive line. Alamosa must find some key replacements which kept them just outside the Top 15.
	Berthoud Made the Playoffs, lost in first round	Berthoud has plenty of holes on offense to fill. Berthoud is losing a good senior class and must fill with the upcoming players. I am not 100% sure on Berthoud which is why I kept them out of the Top 16.
	Pagosa Springs Missed the playoffs, went 3-6 last year	Pagosa Springs missed the playoffs last year and lose their starting QB and two starters on the offensive line. Pagosa Springs could move into the Top 16 very quickly with a solid Senior class returning. QB is key for this double wing attack so find a solid QB could be the key for Pagosa Springs.
	Bayfield Made the Playoffs, lost in quarterfinals	Bayfield losses another good senior class and I think will be rebuilding a bit more this year. I still put them in teams to watch due to great Coaching. Bayfield will have plenty of holes to fill this year.
	Bennett Missed the playoffs, went 5-4 last year	Bennett moved up to 2A last year and missed the playoffs. Bennett was still able to win 5 games last year and are hoping to get back to the playoffs this year. Bennett returns leading rusher Mac Copeland but have holes to fill on the offensive line. Bennett also returns some key players on defense, but I think Bennett is a year out from the playoffs.
	Middle Park Missed the playoffs, went 5-4 last year	Middle Park loses just 5 seniors from last year’s 5-4 team. They lose two offensive linemen and their leading rusher. Middle Park does return their starting QB Gabe Loberg and the core of the offensive line. Middle Park defensively also returns some talent as they push for a playoff spot.
	University Missed the playoffs, went 5-4 last year	University just missed out on the playoffs last year and are hoping to take the next step and make the playoffs. University returns their Starting QB and RB but key pieces on the offensive line must be filled. Defensively some leadership must be found.
	Basalt Made the playoffs, lost in quarterfinals	Basalt had a great year last year but lose a good senior class. Gone are both the starting QB and RB. Also gone are 3 of 4 starters on the offensive line. Basalt may be rebuilding a bit this year, but good coaching and this team could be a huge threat come next year.
	Brush Missed the playoffs, went 4-5 last year	Brush will lose some talent on the offensive line but return their starting QB plus RB Nick Wellen. Brush will need to find some leadership on defense as well.