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 |
| Delta HS | Their defense gave up 113 points last year which was 4th best in Class 2A. Delta defensively really surprised some teams with a top 5 defense last season. Delta will return 9 of their top 13 tacklers but lose key leadership from last season. Clay Sandridge and Tucker Johnson are key pieces that must step up for Delta this season. Delta should be a top 5 defense again this season. |
| Classical Academy | Their defense gave up 95 points last year which was the best-in-Class 2A. TCA returns 8 of their top 13 tacklers from last season. TCA has plenty of leadership returning as well with 3 of their top 5 tacklers returning. TCA also return 4 of their top 5 TFL. TCA defense will need to anchor this team until a young offensive unit gets going. |
| Eaton HS | Their defense gave up 104 points last year which was 2nd best in Class 2A. Eaton defensively was again a big reason why they won a state championship. Eaton returns 7 of their top 13 tacklers including Ryder True and Morgan Tribbett. Defensive line play is my biggest concern with Eaton returning just 2 of their top 5 TFL. |
| Kent Denver | Their defense gave up 185 points last year which was 10th best in Class 2A. Kent Denver was able to reach the defense last season and a big part was their defense. Kent Denver returns 9 of their top 13 tacklers including 3 of their top 5. Kent Denver biggest concern is return just 1 of their top 5 TFL leaders. Kent Denver will need their defense to anchor this team until the very young offense gets going. |
| Florence HS | Their defense gave up 78 points last year which was the best-in-Class 1A. Florence makes the jump into Class 2A this season. Florence will return 7 of their top 13 tacklers. Florence will have some key pieces to replace from last season but with key leadership from Lincoln Nix and Ryan Howard back they should be a top 5 defense yet again. |
| Englewood HS | Their defense gave up 208 points last year which was 14th best in Class 2A. Englewood was very young last season. Englewood lose just 3 seniors from last years top 15 defense. Englewood as mentioned returns 10 of their top 13 tackles but leadership must be replaced. Englewood could be a top 5 defense and a playoff team but improvement from their youth is key. |
| Faith Christian | Their defense gave up 214 points last year which was 18th best in Class 2A. Faith Christian missed the playoffs last season, and their defense must improve this season if they plan to reach the playoffs this year. Faith Christian will return 9 of their top 13 tacklers. Key leadership was lost to graduation but look for new leadership to rise up. |
| Moffat County HS | Their defense gave up 121 points last year which was 5th best in Class 2A. Moffat County will have some key holes to fill but have the leadership back to be a top 10 defense again. Moffat County returns 6 of their top 13 tacklers including 3 of their top 5 from last season. Leadership won’t be the issue with Moffat County it’s depth and who steps up this season for Moffat County. |
| The Academy | Their defense gave up 220 points last year which was 22nd best in Class 2A. The Academy did not make the playoffs and for them to reach the playoffs their defense must improve. The Academy returns 8 of their top 13 tacklers including key leadership in Corbin Miller and J Donahue. The Academy could be a top 12 defense this season but must improve from a season ago. |
| Alamosa HS | Their defense gave up 195 points last year which was 13th best in Class 2A. Alamosa will have some key holes to fill this season on defense. Alamosa will return 6 of their top 13 tacklers but only 2 of their top 5. Alamosa will be looking for leaders to step up this season. Brant Jackson, Kade Jones, and Cody Lopez are a few names to keep an eye on as the season progresses. |
| Platte Valley HS | Their defense gave up 209 points last year which was 16th best in Class 2A. Platte Valley reached the playoffs a season ago with a young offense and experience defense and the roles could be switched this season. Platte Valley returns 6 of their top 13 tackles and only 1 of their top 5. The defense line for Platte Valley will be a strength. Platte Valley will be looking for leadership and if this defense can stay in the top 14, they should reach the playoffs. |
| Woodland Park HS | Their defense gave up 219 points last year which was 21st best in Class 2A. Woodland Park missed the playoffs, and their defense must improve heading into the season. Woodland Park will return 10 of their top 13 tackles including 3 of their top 5. The defensive line and secondary also mostly return and this unit for Woodland Park should improve heading into the upcoming season. This unit will be very important if Woodland Park wants to return to the Playoffs. |
| D’Evelyn HS | Their defense gave up 253 points last year which was 25th best in Class 2A. D’Evelyn like many towards the bottom of this list must improve defensively if they plan on making a push for the playoffs. D’Evelyn will return 10 of their top 13 tacklers including their top 4 tacklers from last season. D’Evelyn must improve to a top 14 defense if they plan on a playoff push. |
| La Junta HS | Their defense gave up 260 points last year which was 26th best in Class 2A. La Junta last season was carried by their offense and must see their defense improve this season. La Junta will return 8 of their top 13 tacklers including 4 of their top 5. If La Junta defense can continue to improve look for them to reach the playoffs again this season. |
| Pagosa Springs HS | Their defense gave up 332 points last year which was 37th best in Class 2A. I know most people probably think I am crazy putting them on this list, but this was an extremely young unit last season. Pagosa Springs returns 10 of their top 13 tacklers including their top 4 tacklers from last year. Pagosa Springs also returns their top TFL leaders, Sack Leaders, and key secondary pieces. I do think Pagosa Springs can improve to a top 16 defense if their players developed over the summer. |
| Basalt HS | Their defense gave up 219 point last year which was 20th best in Class 2A. Basalt will have a few holes to fill but return key pieces. Basalt returns 6 of their top 13 tackles including 2 of their top 5. Depth will need to step up for Basalt to make a run to the playoffs this season. |
| Defensive Unit Watch List: | Bayfield, Elizabeth, Arvada, Brush, University, Manitou Springs, Rifle, Middle Park, Basalt, Bennett, Lamar |
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