8-Man League Breakdown & Predictions (Northwest, Plains, Southern)
I have decided to only do 3 leagues at a time instead of the full 6 leagues. I am going to breakdown the league then at the end predict my champion and playoff contenders. I know these articles are a bit lengthy, but I try and mention every team.
Northwest League
The Northwest League was very competitive once again with three teams qualifying for the playoffs and 4 teams all with records over .500. The Northwest League in general lost some very talented seniors and seeing what teams adjust will be interesting. Gilpin County went 0-9 and 0-5 in league last year. Gilpin County struggled last year after losing a solid senior class but with just 4 seniors graduating this team should improve this year. The offensive line should remain in tact and Gilpin County can go in two different directions at QB. Gilpin County could go with Stephen King, but he also ran the ball well or Gilpin County can go with Blake Boulter. It will be interesting to see what Gilpin County does on the offensive side of the ball. Defensively Gilpin County return 9 of their 11 top tacklers but lose 2 of their top 3. Stephen King will return to lead the defense along with Blake Boulter. Gilpin County should improve this year. Hayden went 3-6 last year and 1-5 in league. Hayden is losing 5 seniors from last years team, but their offensive line will remain intact. Most of the players graduating were in the skill position area. Hayden will return QB Reese Kern who must improve this year. A new rusher will be needed for Hayden this year. Defensively Hayden did not post stats but at a minimum they will return 6 of their 11 top tacklers. Leadership will be the biggest thing Hayden must replace. Plateau Valley went 2-7 and 2-4 in league last year. Plateau Valley struggled a bit last year and will be losing 10 seniors from last years team. Possibly two starters on the offensive line will be graduating along with their starting QB and RB. Plateau Valley could be in a bit of rebuilding mode this year. Defensively Plateau Valley will be returning 5 of their top 11 tacklers. I think Plateau Valley could struggle a bit this year but look for them in 2020 with a big group of younger kids playing. Soroco went 6-3 and 3-3 in league last year but missed the playoffs. Soroco will only be losing 4 seniors to graduation but lose a huge leader in Jace Logan. The offensive line for Soroco should remain mostly in tact with just 1 graduating. Tristan Singer and Christian Kovach will anchor this offensive line. QB Tyler Wixom will return for his junior year and will have to have a bigger year. The big loss on offense will be Jace Logan graduating and taking 2500 yards rushing with him. Look for Jesse Koler and Kody Logan to fill in at RB this year. Soroco Defensively will return 8 of their 11 top tacklers but lose their top 3 tacklers and leadership. Soroco will need Kody Logan and Nick Estes to really step up on defense this year. Soroco may take a slight step back this year but with a lot of returning leadership they still could compete for a top 3 spot in league. Vail Christian went 7-3 last year and 4-2 in league last year. Vail Christian moved back into the 8-man ranks and right away jumped into the top of the league. Vail Christian made the playoffs last year but fell in the first round. Vail Christian is losing 8 seniors from last year’s team of 20 but have 23 on their roster this year. The offensive line could be losing just 1 or 2 starters from the line and look for Micah Sharpe and John Pavelich to step up and lead this offensive line. Jamison Lee returns at QB and as the leading rusher. Chris Cappel is the top RB and returns for Vail Christian. This team will have to find depth behind these two rushers, but the offense will have some fire power back. Vail Christian should compete for a top 3 spot again this year but must find a couple replacements on the offensive line and on defense. Rangely went 9-2 last year and 5-1 in league to qualify for the playoffs. Rangely reached the quarterfinals before falling in that round. Rangely is losing a big senior class of 10 and taking some key pieces to that team. The offensive line could possibly be losing 3 or 4 starters and may be a new group taking over this year. Del Garner, Hunter Hanvey, and Dalton Dembowski are the 3 senior linemen who must step up this year for Rangely. At QB Rangely will have to replace their starter and look for a battle between Keihlin Myers and Anthony Lujan. The RB position will lose their #1 rusher but return #2 rusher Tytus Coombs who will have to really step up this year. Defensively a new group of players will also have to step up with just 3 of their 11 top tacklers returning. Anthony Lujan and Tytus Coombs will be the most experience returners and will have to help lead an inexperience defense. Rangely I think stay competitive this year and still compete for a top 4 spot in league. West Grand went 10-1 last year and 6-0 in league to qualify for the playoffs and win the Northwest League. West Grand got to the quarterfinals before falling by 1. West Grand is losing a good senior class of 7 taking leadership and plenty of talent. The offensive line for West Grand will have to replace at least 3 starters on the line. Ashton Williams, Josiah McDonald, and Collin Warren will be looked upon to step up on the offensive line this year and those three all have plenty of size to take over on the line. West Grand Offense will have a huge hole to fill with do it all QB Luis Dominguez graduating but look for Jakob Buller or Jesus Dominguez to take over at QB. Rene Dominguez played well at RB last year and will take a bigger role this year. Look for Buller, Jesus Dominguez, and Rene Dominguez to all have bigger roles in the offense this year. Defensively West Grand returns 6 of their 11 top tacklers but lose their top 3 tacklers including Jordan Knight who had 156 tackles. Alejandro Castanon and Marcus Sanchez will both need to step up this year to lead this defense. West Grand I think will still be the favorite in Northwest League and I think will still be a very good team this year. After looking over everything my predictions for league are: 1st West Grand, 2nd Vail Christian, 3rd Rangely, 4th Soroco, 5th Gilpin County
My predictions for the Northwest League
League Champion: West Grand
Playoff Contenders: West Grand, Vail Christian, Rangely, Soroco
Dark Horse: Soroco (Soroco lose just 4 seniors but can they replace Jace Logan. Soroco could improve this year but will need a few players to really step up.)
Player of the League: QB Jamison Lee Vail Christian
Others to watch for: RB Tytus Coombs Rangely, RB Rene Dominguez West Grand, QB Tyler Wixom Soroco, QB/RB Blake Boulter Gilpin County, QB/RB Stephen King Gilpin County, RB Kody Logan Soroco, RB/QB Jesus Dominguez, Alejandro Castanon West Grand, DL Logan Butterfield Plateau Valley, RB/LB Anthony Lujan Rangely
Plains League
The Plains League is home of your 4-time defending state champions and usually one of the tougher leagues in all of 8-man. The Plains League once again will be extremely tough, and we will have to see which team can rise and challenge Sedgwick County. Byers is in their second year of playing 8-man football and they were thrown to the wolves of the plains league. Byers won their two non-league games against Calhan and Front Range Christian but once inside league play things changed. Byers heading into year two will have to replace 9 seniors from last year. At least 4 offensive linemen are graduating along with #1 rusher Rhett Davis. Byers will return both QB’s from last year Ty Miller and Caden Eymann along with #2 rusher Caleb Morris. Defensively Byers returns 5 of their 11 top tacklers but lose valuable senior leadership. Brody Despard and Ty Miller will have to step up and lead the defense. Byers now knows what it will take to compete in the Plains league and see how they play in year two. Haxtun went 3-6 last year and 1-5 in league. I expected Haxtun last year to be in the Top 3 or 4 of the league and fight for a playoff spot but they came up just short in a few games. Haxtun this year will be losing 11 seniors and most played critical roles. Haxtun is losing possibly 3 offensive linemen, their starting QB and top 3 rushers. Haxtun will have some offensive linemen returning in Jacob Walker and Brandon Durbin. At QB Haxtun did give sometime to Owen Knode and this will help them this year. Defensively Haxtun returns just 3 of their top 11 tacklers. A lot of leadership graduated from Haxtun and could be a bit of a rebuilding year for Haxtun. Dayspring Christian went 4-5 last year and 4-2 in league to grab a playoff spot. Dayspring Christian missed the playoffs two years ago and took a step in the right direction getting into the playoffs last year. Dayspring Christian is losing 7 seniors from last years team. The offensive line is losing possibly two starters. Seth Wilkinson and Austin Mclean will be the anchors on the offensive line this year. At QB Christian Still returns for his junior year and this will be his third year starting. Last year Still threw for 1783 yards and 15 TDs but threw 12 INTs. The RB position will need a new starter and look for Caden Bonnell to fill that hole. Defensively Dayspring Christian returns 7 of their 11 top tacklers. Leading tackler Austin Mclean and #3 tackler Caden Bonnell return for Dayspring Christian and should help this defense improve. Dayspring Christian will have a new head coach, but I expect this team to make strides this year and push for a Top 3 spot. Akron went 5-5 last year and 3-3 in league and made the playoffs. Akron is losing a good senior class of 7 and taking some key players including at least 2 starters on the offensive line. Orian Wagers will be the lone returning senior offensive linemen this year. Akron at the skill positions was hit hard losing their QB and top 3 rushers. I am not sure what Akron will be doing at most of these positions, but this group will be rebuilding this year. Defensively Akron returns 5 of their 11 top tacklers. Xavier Livesay and Kacyn Kessinger are the two players who will be considered leaders next year. I think Akron will take a step back this year, but I think in 2020 we will see Akron competing for a top spot again. Merino went 7-5 last year and 3-3 in league. Merino had their back against the wall last year needing to upset Sedgwick County to get into the playoffs and they were able to pull off the upset to get into the playoffs. Merino then used the momentum to reach the semifinals before falling to Sedgwick County. Merino will be losing 6 seniors from last year’s team. The offensive line is possibly losing 3 starters. Cody Legg will be the lone senior on the line so look for Jake Hettinger, Kody Clouse, and Peyton Nichols to step into starting positions. QB Cade Conger returns for his senior year. Conger threw for 756 yards and 6 TDs but also threw 7 INTs. Conger also ran for another 704 yards and is a big part of this offense. At RB Merino will have to replace their #1 rusher but look for Trent Elliott to step into that role along with Ezra Eckland. Merino defensively returns 6 of their 11 top tacklers. Trent Elliot lead Merino in tackles a year ago and expect him and Andrew Frank to really step up as leaders this year. Merino does lose some key offensive linemen, but I think return plenty of talent to really push Sedgwick County and push for a playoff spot. Caliche went 8-3 last year and 5-1 in league to finish second in league. Caliche also made the playoffs but lost to Sedgwick County in the quarterfinals 28-16. Caliche will be losing 10 seniors from last years team and some key pieces. Caliche on the offensive line will be replacing all their starters from a year ago. Look for Caliche to move some players around to get the best offensive line together. I could see players like Correy Derr, Nevada Mitchell, and Brandon Hill all taking big roles this year. Caliche offensive is run heavy offense so losing RB Adam Zink is a big loss. Look for QB/RB Dylan Huss and Ezekiel Johnson to really have big roles for Caliche this year. Defensively Caliche is returning a lot of talent with 7 of their 11 top tacklers returning. Caliche will have to replace their leading tackler and leader Adam Zink. Dylan Huss, Ezekiel Johnson, and Correy Derr will become the senior leaders for Caliche this year. Caliche defensively will be extremely tough but my big concern if their offensive line. If Caliche gets their offensive line together watch out for Caliche. Sedgwick County went 11-1 last year and 5-1 in league but were the Plains League Champions and the 4-time state champions. Sedgwick County will be going for the first ever 5-time state champions in 8-man. Sedgwick County will have some key pieces to fill to do that task including 7 seniors. The offensive line could possibly be losing 2 or 3 starters. The upcoming senior linemen will be Fabian Lopez and Allan Ramirez along with some upcoming juniors will have to fill the holes on the offensive line. A new QB will be needed for Sedgwick County and that QB will be Jared Ehmke. The RB position will also need a new top rusher with Layne Green graduating. Beau Parker will fill that holes along with Brody Parker. The unit to really watch for Sedgwick County will be their defense. Sedgwick County returns 7 of their 11 top tacklers but losing leaders like Green, Alcala, and Walter won’t be easy to replace. I do look for Dalton Carlson and Beau Parker to really step up this year and lead this defense. Carlson and Parker were also the top two tacklers a year ago. Sedgwick County will be the favorite to win the plains league and repeat as state champions. Sedgco will have their work cut out for them losing key pieces on their offensive line. I think their defense will help carry this team. After looking over everything my predictions for league are: 1st Sedgwick County, 2nd Merino, 3rd Caliche, 4th Dayspring Christian, 5th Akron
My predictions for the Plains League
League Champion: Sedgwick County
Playoff Contenders: Sedgwick County, Merino, Caliche, Dayspring Christian
Dark Horse: Dayspring Christian (Dayspring Christian is returning a lot of talent and experience, but can they push Sedgwick County or Merino for a Top 2 spot?)
Player of the League: RB/LB Beau Parker Sedgwick County
Others to watch for: QB Cade Conger Merino, RB/LB Trent Elliott Merino, QB Jared Ehmke Sedgwick County, QB/RB Dylan Huss Caliche, QB Christian Still Dayspring Christian, QB Ty Miller Byers, QB Owen Knode Haxtun, DL Austin Mclean Dayspring Christian, DL Xavier Livesay Akron, Dalton Carlson Sedgwick County, Ezekiel Johnson Caliche
Southern League
The Southern League had two teams qualify for the playoffs a year ago and possibly could repeat that feat again this year. 4 teams look to be main competitors this year and we will see how the league turns out. Miami-Yoder went 0-9 last year and 0-7 in league. Miami-Yoder had just 5 seniors on last year team and just 7 upperclassmen in general. This year look for a young team to try and right the ship for Miami-Yoder. We will keep an eye on this team, but I am thinking more of 2020 or 2021 before they can really compete. Miami-Yoder posted no stats last year. Swink went 2-7 last year and 1-5 in league. Swink is hoping to right the ship this year. Swink last winning season was in 2011 and was also the last time Swink qualified for the playoffs. Swink will be losing just 2 seniors from last years team and they were a DL/OL and DB/QB. Swink should improve this year especially with some of the size of the upcoming juniors. Swink will be returning their QB from last year Chad Martin but seeing his improvement will be huge. RB Matthew Mendoza and Noah Zumwalt also return for Swink and these two will be called upon to carry the load. Defensively Swink returns all 11 top tacklers. Eli Suiters and Noah Zumwalt were your leading tacklers a year ago. Swink I think looks poised to make a run for a league title, but their offense must improve, and their defense cannot give up over 400 points this year. It could be a year before Swink make a big run, but I see this team competing for a league crown this year. Custer County went 5-4 last year and 2-3 in league to finish 4th. Custer County took big steps this year but are hoping this year to make the playoffs. Custer County will have to replace 8 seniors from last years team. Possibly 3 starters on the offensive line are gone. Christian Taylor is the lone senior returning offensive linemen so finding other replacements will be key for Custer County. Custer County also is losing their QB and top rusher. Cole Budds should fill the RB hole but at QB look for Ben Penkoff to possibly fill the hole. Defensively Custer County returns 6 of their 11 top tacklers. 3 of the top 5 tacklers all graduate but Cole Budds and Tyler Camper both return to help lead this defense. Custer County has some holes on the offensive line that concern me, but Custer County does have some talent coming back. Calhan went 4-5 last year and 3-2 in league in their first year back of having a program. Calhan is hoping in year two to make a run for the playoffs but replacing 9 seniors will be tough for Calhan. The offensive line could possibly be losing 3 or 4 starters. Shannon Greer, Dalton Parks, Justin Tatman and Christian Fanitia, will be the senior linemen this year and must step up. Calhan will also return QB Brandon Eglinton who threw for 260 yards and we shall see how he progresses. The #1 rusher will be graduating but look for Gage Alexander to step into the #1 rusher spot. Defensively Calhan returns 5 of their top 11 tacklers but just 2 of the top 5. Gage Alexander will be tasked with becoming the leader of this defense. Calhan is returning some talent, but can they improve enough to challenge for the league crown. Simla went 7-2 last year and 4-1 in league and made the playoffs. Simla is hoping to make a bigger run this year but losing 5 seniors will hurt a bit. Simla could be returning their entire offensive line. Gaige Ashmore looks to anchor this offensive line. Simla will be searching for a new QB but look for Cole Mazerall to compete for the starting spot. RB Darius Harms will be back for his senior year and he will be called upon early to carry the load. Defensively Simla returns 7 of their top 11 tacklers but are losing 4 of their top 5 tacklers. Darius Harms will be the leader on the defensive side of the ball as well, but this group will have to quickly come together. Simla should be good once again a few holes on the offensive line and QB could hurt early on but I think the running game and defense should help this team early on as well. Pikes Peak Christian had a good season last year going 10-2 and winning the Southern league. Pikes Peak Christian also reached the semifinals before falling to Hoehne. Pikes Peak Christian is hoping to improve once again this year. Pikes Peak Christian is losing 7 seniors from last years team. The offensive line could be losing 2 possibly 3 starters to graduation. Ryan Glaze, Ben Kopriva, and Joshua Proctor will need to step up this year on the offensive line. Pikes Peak Christian will return QB Jackson Thorne who threw for 813 yards 20 TDs and just 6 INTs. Pikes Peak Christian also return #1 rusher Hudson Grant and #2 rusher Sean McKinley. Defensively Pikes Peak Christian returns 7 of their top 11 tacklers. Their top two tacklers return, and they are Andrew Harris and Hudson Grant. Pikes Peak Christian does lose offensive linemen and could hurt this offense until a few players really step up. I think defensively this unit will be very tough once again and I would say Pikes Peak Christian is the early favorite to win the Southern League. After looking over everything my predictions for league are: 1st Pikes Peak Christian, 2nd Simla, 3rd Calhan, 4th Swink
My predictions for the Southern League
League Champion: Pikes Peak Christian
Playoff Contenders: Pikes Peak Christian, Simla, Calhan, Swink
Dark Horse: Swink (Swink returns a ton of talent from last year but can this team start putting it together and challenge for a Top 2 or 3 spot in league. We will see how Swink progresses this year.)
Player of the League: RB/LB Hudson Grant Pikes Peak Christian
Others to watch for: RB Darias Harms, QB Jackson Thorne Pikes Peak Christian, RB Matthew Mendoza Swink, QB Brandon Eglinton Calhan, RB Sean McKinley Pikes Peak Christian, RB Gage Alexander Calhan, QB Chad Martin Swink, RB/LB Cole Budds Custer County, DL Eli Suiters Swink, LB Andrew Harris Pikes Peak Christian
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