Mile High Prep Reports Top Returning Defense’s Class 2A

Mile High Prep Reports Top Returning Defense’s Class 2A

Picking the best returning defenses is not an easy task but of course it’s always fun to take a look. I am using PPG given up last year and seeing what teams are returning. This is one of my favorite articles to write and defense usually wins championships. I will release my preseason Class 2A Top 10 tomorrow.

High School	Stats
Rifle HS	Their defense gave up 151 points last year during the spring season in Class 3A. Their defense was a big part of their State Championship run during the spring season. Rifle will return 9 of their top 13 tacklers but only 2 of their top 5. Rifle will have to replace key leadership on defense but look for this defense to be a top 5 defense in Class 2A this season.
Sterling HS	Their defense gave up 86 points last year which was good for 5^th in Class 2A (Fall Season). Sterling returns 8 of their top 13 tacklers from last season. Sterling returns 3 of their top 5 tacklers and should have some solid leadership back to help anchor a tough defense. Sterling will have holes to fill but I think this defense once again helps carry them to a playoff run.
Eaton HS	Their defense gave up 108 points last year which was 10^th best in Class 2A (Fall Season). Eaton will be losing some senior leadership off a State Championship Defense. Eaton returns 7 of their top 13 tacklers including 3 of their top 5 and top two tacklers in Ethan Florez and Morgan Tribbett. Eaton will have holes to fill but leadership won’t be a problem.
Resurrection Christian	Their defense gave up 41 points last year which was the best in Class 2A (Fall Season). Their defense carried them to the Semifinals before falling to eventual State Champions Eaton. Resurrection Christian will have a new head coach, but their defense always seems to be top 5 every year. Resurrection Christian will return 6 of their top 13 tacklers and will be searching for new leaders this season.
Classical Academy	Their defense gave up 67 points last year in Class 3A Springs Season. Classical Academy defense carried them to a runner up finish. TCA will return 8 of their top 13 tacklers including their leading tackler from a year ago Josh Snyder. TCA will have to replace some leadership roles losing 3 of their top 5 tacklers but look for this defense to be a top 10 this year.
La Junta HS	Their defense gave up 145 points last year which was good for 17^th in Class 2A. La Junta will look to improve their defense this season again and hope to return to the playoffs. La Junta will return a good chuck of their starters on defense and this unit should improve this season. I think a top 10 finish for this defense should help them push for the playoffs.
Brush HS	Their defense gave up 51 points last year which was good for 2^nd in Class 2A (Fall Season). Brush did not make the playoffs but look for them to really push especially with a loaded defense coming back. Brush returns 11 of their top 13 tacklers including their top 6 from a year ago. Brush will look for their defense to be top 10 yet again this season.
Severance HS	Their defense gave up 83 points last year which was 4^th in Class 2A (Fall season). Severance is returning their entire starting defense and bring in a defensive minded coach in Jeff Van Winkle. I expect big things from this defense this year and could be top 5 yet again in Class 2A.
Platte Valley HS	Their defense gave up 167 points last year which was good for 21^st in Class 2A (Fall season). Platte Valley will look to improve on their defense from a year ago. Platte Valley returns 7 of their top 13 tacklers including 5 of their top 6 from last season. Leadership will not be a problem for Platte Valley, but they will need to add depth to the defense. I look for Platte Valley to have a bounce back this season and at least be a top 14 defense.
Moffat County HS	Their defense gave up 140 points last year which was good for 15^th in Class 2A (Fall season). Moffat County reached the playoffs last season and will hope to have an improved defense for another playoff push. Moffat County returns 8 of their top 13 tacklers including 3 of their top 5. Moffat County will need depth on defense to really step up and especially in a very tough Western Slope League.
Elizabeth HS	Their defense gave up 141 points last year which was good for 16^th in Class 2A (Fall Season). Elizabeth had a very young defense a season ago and was still in the top 20 in Class 2A. Elizabeth returns 12 of their top 13 tacklers including their top 7 from a year ago. Elizabeth defensively should improve to possibly a top 10 defense.
Alamosa HS	Their defense gave up 149 points last year which was good for 18^th in Class 2A (fall season). Alamosa was outside the top 15 on a defense last year and will look to improve on that this year. Alamosa returns 9 of their top 13 tacklers including 3 of their top 5 and top tackler in Damian Orozco. Alamosa will probably need a top 10 defense to really push for a big playoff run this season.
Pagosa Springs HS	Their defense gave up 82 points last year which was good for 3^rd in Class 2A. Pagosa Springs will have some reloading to do on defense this season losing 9 of their top 13 tacklers but Pagosa Springs has had a top 10 defense for the past few years. Aaron Aucoin and Wil Aucoin return to lead a young defense this season.
Basalt HS	Their defense gave up 89 points last year in Class 3A during the Springs Season. Basalt reached the playoffs during the spring season and will hope to reload their defense for a push this year. Basalt returns 7 of their top 13 tacklers from last year. Leading tacklers Sam Sherry, Trevin Beckman, and Clayton Daniel all return to lead what could be a top 10 defense.
Manitou Springs	Their defense gave up 127 points last year during their State Championship run in Class 2A Springs Season. Manitou Springs will have some key holes to fill on defense but return 6 of their top 13 tacklers. Leadership role will be taken by Parker Salladay and Tate Christian. Manitou Springs will have key holes to fill but should be a top 20 defense this fall.
Defensive Unit Watch List:	Englewood, Woodland Park, Lamar, Bayfield, The Academy, Faith Christian, University, Berthoud