8-Man Football League Predictions (Plains, Central, Six County, Ark Valley)
We move into the 8-man ranks and I will give my league predictions. I will be doing 8-Man and 6-Man different than 1A and 2A because Kerry Sherman did a full break down of each team, that article is posted below. I am splitting 8-Man into two articles. For this article I will explain why I am doing my predictions. Also, at the end I have the 16 teams I think will make the playoffs.
8-Man Season Preview Article:
Plains Conference
1. Haxtun
2. Akron
3. Merino
4. Dayspring Christian
5. Sedgwick County
6. Caliche
One of the toughest leagues if not the toughest league in 8-Man is League Four. All 6 teams have a shot at making the playoffs, but I think at most only 4 or 5 will get in. That means some great games once this league moves into league play. Haxtun is my preseason pick to win the Plains League. Haxtun had their hopes of back-to-back titles dashed in the semifinals and revenge is on the mind. Haxtun returns some key pieces on offense with QB Ryland Wolff back along with #2 & #3 RBs Kailin Kelley and Grant Statz. The offensive weapons plus returning 7 of their top 10 tacklers is the reason I am going with Haxtun to win the Plains League. Akron is my pick to finish in second place. Akron has the skill players to rival Haxtun with QB Ryan McCaffrey and RB Anderson Filla. The main question mark for Akron on offense is their offensive line since at least 2 starters graduated. Akron also has a very solid defense returning and will make them a tough opponent for any team. Merino is my pick to finish in 3rd place. Merino will have some holes to fill on the offensive side of the ball losing their top two RBs from last season but return QB Coen Schmidt and at least 2 starters on the offensive line. Merino defensively returns 6 of their top 10 tacklers. Merino with all that is returning should easily be a playoff contender, but the main question is can they push Haxtun for the league crown? Dayspring Christian is my pick to finish in 4th. Dayspring Christian had some inexperience last season, but they were still able to reach the playoffs. DSC should build off last season and look for them to be a league title contender and team that could make a deep playoff run. DSC returns QB Isaiah Bryant and RB Elijah Fusco. Offensively Dayspring Christian should be able to contend with the top 3 teams in the league. The reason I have them in fourth is their defense. DSC returns just 5 of their top 10 tacklers. They also lose their top tackler from last season. Sedgwick County is my pick for 5th place but my dark horse pick to be a playoff contender and push the top teams in league. Sedgwick County had a rough 2-7 season but don’t expect the same this season as they return a young but experienced roster. Sedgwick County had growing pains last season, but it will pay off this season. Sedgwick County is also well coached so look for a breakout year this season. Caliche rounds out the Plains league, but I think still could be a playoff contender if things fall right. Caliche will have some retooling to do on offense losing their main offensive weapon but, I expect this group to still be tough. Defensively Caliche returns 8 of their top 10 tacklers and this is the unit to watch. If Caliche can anchor down on defense they could push the top teams in this league.
My predictions for the Plains League
League Champion: Haxtun
Playoff Contenders: Haxtun, Akron, Merino, Dayspring Christian, Sedgwick County, Caliche
Dark Horse: Sedgwick County (Are they ready to jump back into the top of the Plains)
Player of the League: QB Ryland Wolff Jr. Haxtun
Others to watch for: Kailin Kelley Sr. Haxtun, Keegan Colglazier Sr. Haxtun, Grant Statz Jr. Haxtun, Ryan McCaffrey Sr. Akron, Anderson Filla Jr. Akron, Brock Swedlund Sr. Akron, Coen Schmidt Jr. Merino, Kaden Piel Sr. Merino, Isaiah Bryant Sr. Dayspring Christian, Elijah Fusco Sr. Dayspring Christian, Cleb Kayl Sr. Dayspring Christian, Jaxson Carlson Sr. Sedgwick County, Brady Mollendor Jr. Sedgwick County, Joshua Palic So. Sedgwick County, Chance Mitchell Sr. Caliche, Orran Adolf Sr. Caliche
Central League
1. Lyons
2. Byers
3. Front Range Christian
4. Belleview Christian
5. Gilpin County
6. Justice
The Central league for years was one of the weaker leagues but things could be changing this season with possibly 4 playoff contenders and a team with State Title aspirations. Lyons is my preseason pick to win the Central League. Lyons had a breakout season a year ago going 10-1 and now they look for a state title run. Lyons will have the weapons back with QB Miles Dumbauld, RB Malik Sigg-Brown, and WR Maregu Sullivan along with 2 starters on the offensive line. The offense for Lyons will rival the top teams in the State. Defensively Lyons will look to improve after giving up 32 points in the Quarterfinals to Mancos. Lyons should improve returning 7 of their top 10 tacklers including 3 of their top 5. Byers is my pick to finish in second place. Byers finished in second last season, and they will look to push Lyons for the top spot but also a playoff spot. Byers will have the offensive weapons to push Lyons with QB Chase Long, RB Kelb Willoughby, and WR AJ Engle. The main question mark offensively is on the line. Defensively Byers is going to be improved this season returning 9 of their top 10 tacklers. Byers will be a threat to win the league title but also a deep playoff run. My pick to finish in 3rd place is Front Range Christian. Front Range Christian falls into the #3 spot mainly due to their lack of returning offensive weapons. FRC will be searching for a new QB, RBs, and WRs but what FRC does return is their entire offensive line and they should help whoever emerges to have a great season. Defensively FRC also will be stacked returning 9 of their top 10 tacklers including 4 of their top 5. FRC will have to prioritize defense early until the offense comes along. Front Range Christian I believe could be in the mix for a playoff spot as well if the offense comes along. Belleview Christian is my pick for 4th place and my dark horse pick to make the playoffs. Belleview Christian moves into year #2 of 8-man football since restarting their program. Belleview Christian had a successful season going 4-5 last year and will hope to build on that. Belleview Christian returns QB Collin Polson along with his top target WR Matthew Norman. Belleview Christian defensively should also improve with 7 of their top 10 tacklers coming back. Gilpin County comes in at #5. Gilpin County will be looking to improve off a tough season a year ago. Gilpin County will be returning their QB Connor Holloway, and #2 RB Mason Sechler. Gilpin County will look for the youth to step up this year. Defensively Gilpin County returns 8 of their top 10 tacklers. As I mentioned, Gilpin County needs the upcoming Juniors and Sophomores to take a big step this season. Justice rounds out the Central League. Justice does not post any stats but they went 2-7 last season.
My predictions for the Central League
League Champion: Lyons
Playoff Contenders: Lyons, Byers, Front Range Christian, Belleview Christian
Dark Horse: Belleview Christian (They move into year two of their program how much have they improved)
Player of the League: QB Miles Dumbauld Sr. Lyons
Others to watch for: Malik Sigg-Brown Jr. Lyons, Finn Oetting Sr. Lyons, Maregu Sullivan Sr. Lyons, Keenan Young Sr. Lyons, Chase Long Jr. Byers, Kaleb Willoughby Jr. Byers, AJ Engle Jr. Byers, Kaiden Powell Sr. Byers, Jack Edwards Sr. Front Range Christian, Caedan Whatmore Jr. Front Range Christian, Jaden Giannatala Jr. Front Range Christian, Ryan Reyes Jr. Belleview Christian, Kevin Nayyar Sr. Belleview Christian, Collin Polson Jr. Belleview Christian, Matthew Norman Sr. Belleview Christian, Connor Holloway Jr. Gilpin County, Mason Sechler So. Gilpin County,
Six County Conference
1. Fowler
2. Walsenburg
3. Crowley County
4. Hoehne
5. Dolores Huerta
6. Custer County
The Six County League had just 1 playoff team last season and the league as whole should be improved this season. I believe 3 teams will be in the hunt for playoff berths. Fowler is my preseason pick to win the Six County League. Fowler missed the playoffs last season, and they will be looking to fix that this year. Fowler returns QB Gage Gottbehuet and RB Trever Ketner. The offensive line for Fowler should also be improved returning 2 starters. Defensively Fowler must improve but will have some holes returning just 5 of their top 10. Fowler will look to build off what success that had this season and go for that league title. Walsenburg is my pick to finish in second. Walsenburg has slowly been building to this moment and will be looking to challenge for the league title and a playoff spot. Walsenburg has the talent returning but did they put the work in the offseason. Walsenburg returns QB Elton Chavez, RB Giovanni Aldretti, and WR Nino Cisneros. Walsenburg will look for their offensive line to take a big step this season. Walsenburg on defense must improve as they were the #26 defense. They should improve returning 7 of their top 10 tacklers. This is a big year for Walsenburg and can they take the jump. Crowley County is my pick for 3rd place. Crowley County is a traditional power so you cannot count them out of the league title race. Crowley County will have some big holes to fill mainly at RB. Crowley County does return QB Blevyns Brown, WR Gunner Hughes, and a good core of offensive linemen. Defensively Crowley County was hit the hardest returning just 3 of their top 10 tacklers. If Crowley County defense can come up to speed quick look for Crowley County to push for that league title. Hoehne is my pick to finish in 4th. Hoehne went 3-6 last season, and they will look to build off last season. Hoehne did not post any stats last season so not a ton of information is known. We will see how they do early if they will be a contender or not. Dolores Huerta is my pick for 5th place. Dolores Huerta had 2 wins last season and they will look to build on that. Dolores Huerta returns key leadership with QB Bryan Mendoza and RB Barry Fox coming back. The offensive line will need to take a big step this year. Defensively Dolores Huerta could see big improvements returning 8 of their top 10 tacklers. Dolores Huerta will be looking for success with a big senior class. Custer County rounds out the Six County League. Custer County went 0-9 and did not post any stats.
My predictions for the Six County League
League Champion: Fowler
Playoff Contenders: Fowler, Walsenburg, Crowley County
Dark Horse: Hoehne (Not a lot know about them as no stats but have the tradition)
Player of the League: QB Gage Gottbehuet Sr. Fowler
Others to watch for: Trever Ketner Sr. Fowler, Harrison Proctor Sr. Fowler, Dominic Armijo Jr. Fowler, Elton Chavez Sr. Walsenburg, Giovanni Aldretti Jr. Walsenburg, Nino Cisneros Sr. Walsenburg, Keegan Halloran So. Crowley County, Blevyns Brown Jr. Crowley County, Gunner Hughes Jr. Crowley County, Marcos Lerma Sr. Dolores Huerta, Zechariah Maldonado Sr. Dolores Huerta, Bryan Mendoza Sr. Dolores Huerta, Barry Fox Sr. Dolores Huerta,
Ark Valley League
1. Holly
2. Swink
3. McClave
4. Springfield
5. Wiley
6. Las Animas
The Ark Valley League last season I felt beat each other up and cost themselves better seeds in the playoffs. Holly is my preseason pick to win the Ark Valley League. Holly last season had one of the biggest upsets defeating Akron 50 to 48 in the first round. Holly will look to build off last season and return the talent for a deep playoff run again. QB Andre Salgado, RB Rueben Maldonado, and WR Devin Eaton all return to lead a very potent offense along with a stout offensive line. Defensively Holly has a few holes to fill returning just 6 of their top 10 tacklers but return 3 of their top 5. Holly could be a team to watch make a deep run. Swink is my pick to finish in second place. Swink has the skill position talent to challenge Holly for the league crown returning QB Hunter Bauserman, RB Ben Miner, and WR Hunter Reynolds. The main question mark for Swink is their offensive line that lost possibly all 3 starters. Defensively Swink will have holes to fill but return 6 of their top 10 tacklers but just 2 of their top 5. McClave is my pick to finish in 3rd. McClave falls into the #3 spot mainly due to the loss of their main skill position players losing their QB, #1 RB, and WR. McClave will be young at the skill positions but will look for RB Gavin Tempel to step up. McClave also returns a very talented offensive line that will help the skill position players. Defensively McClave returns 6 of their top 10 tacklers but just 1 of their top 5. Who steps up for McClave in multiple positions will be key to their success. Springfield is my pick for 4th place and my dark horse pick to push for a playoff spot. Springfield was very young and inexperienced last season, but this year have the experience back to push the top teams in league. Springfield returns QB Collin Swanson who must improve this year. The running back position is loaded with talent returing 3 players who all broke 350 yards in Slayde Cohoon, Marcus Sandoval, and Kurt Parks. Springfield offensive line should also improve with 2 starters coming back. Defensively Springfield must improve but lose leadership losing their top two tacklers but bring back 7 of their top 10. Wiley is my pick to finish in 5th. Wiley did not make the playoffs last season and injures hurt them at times. Wiley, I think could still be a threat to push for the playoffs but will need some kids to step up. Offensively QB/WR Evan Larrick is back and will be the main weapon. The offensive line for Wiley should also improve as they were very young last season. Defensively Wiley returns 5 of their top 10 tacklers but like offense will lean heavily on Evan Larrick and Brenden Campbell. Las Animas rounds out the Ark Valley League. Las Animas went 0-9 last season. Las Animas will hope to build the program and become a threat. Las Animas will lose most starters at the skill positions, and we will see how Las Animas does offensively. Defensively Las Animas should see improvement with 6 of their top 10 tacklers coming back.
My predictions for Ark Valley League
League Champion: Holly
Playoff Contenders: Holly, Swink, McClave, Springfield
Dark Horse: Springfield (They were young last season)
Player of the League: QB Andre Salgado Sr. Holly
Others to watch for: Rueben Maldonado Sr. Holly, Dylan Tamayo Sr. Holly, Nick Vazquez Sr. Holly, Devin Eaton Jr. Holly, Hunter Bauserman Sr. Swink, Ben Miner Sr. Swink, Hunter Reynolds Sr. Swink, Gavin Tempel Sr. McClave, Will Pacino Jr. McClave, Slayde Cohoon So. Springfield, Marcus Sandoval Jr. Springfield, Kut Parks Sr. Springfield, Evan Larrick Sr. Wiley, Brenden Campbell Jr. Wiley, Conan Tyler Sr. Las Animas
Playoff Predictions
These are the 16 teams I think will make the playoffs, no particular order.
Mancos
Dove Creek
Sanford
West Grand
Simla
Haxtun
Akron
Merino
Dayspring Christian
Sedgwick County
Lyons
Byers
Fowler
Walsenburg
Holly
Swink
Others to Watch
Plateau Valley, Calhan, Sargent, Caliche, Crowley County, Front Range Christian, McClave, Springfield
MileHigh Prep Report 