6-Man League Predictions (All Leagues)
We move into the 6-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 will have a full Season Preview out next week! I am not splitting 6-Man into two articles. At the end I will have the 16 teams I think will make the playoffs.
6-Man Central
1. Hanover
2. Kiowa
3. Deer Trail
4. Miami-Yoder
5. Manzanola
6. Bethune
The Central League is made up of teams from just League 3 last season. League 3 had just one team above .500 last season and only one team made the playoffs. Hanover is my pick to win the Central League. Hanover went 6-5 last season and reached the playoffs. They will look for a deeper playoff run this season. Hanover returns key pieces on both sides of the ball including David Byers, Thomas Griffin, Junior Diaz, and Tyler Decker. This team is senior lead this season and is their best shot for a deep playoff run. Playoff experience is key and why I have them winning the league. Kiowa is my pick to finish in 2nd. Kiowa had a solid stretch during the middle of the season winning four straight games but ended the year with 3 losses to move out of playoff contention. Kiowa was led by a core of upcoming seniors, and they will look to lead them into playoff contention this year. Chris Carlson, Austin Brogger, and John White are a few names that could be leaders for Kiowa. Deer Trail is my pick to finish in 3rd. Deer Trail went 4-6 last season with a young roster with just 2 seniors a year ago. Deer Trail returns key pieces to help them push over the .500 mark and be in playoff contention. Raul Manriquez, Elvin Castro, and Mo Hussein will be the leaders for the team. Miami-Yoder is my pick to finish in 4th. Miami-Yoder went 4-5 last season and were powered by a hot start winning 3 of their first four games. Miami-Yoder had a rough stretch in league and will look to push for a top 3 spot this year. Miami-Yoder returns a key leader in Gavin Howard but he will look for other to step up around him with possibly CJ McGilvray and Rowan Glaze being some of those players. Manzanola is my pick to finish in 5th. Manzanola went 2-7 last season with wins over Antonito and Bethune. Manzanola has just two seniors on the roster last season and should improve this year. Bethune wraps up the Central League. Bethune went 0-9 last season and return all but 1 senior from a year ago. Bethune should make improvements this season but all depends on the offseason work.
My predictions for the Central League
League Champion: Hanover
Playoff Contenders: Hanover, Kiowa, Deer Trail
Dark Horse: Kiowa, Deer Trail, Miami-Yoder (Can anyone challenge for the league crown)
Preseason Player of the League: David Byers Sr. Hanover
Others to watch for: Tyler Decker Sr. Hanover, Junior Diaz Sr. Hanover, Thomas Griffin Jr. Hanover, Raul Manriquez Sr. Deer Trail, Elvin Castro Sr. Deer Trail, Mo Hussein Sr. Deer Trail, Jayden Mingee Jr. Deer Trail, JD Brewer Jr. Kiowa, Chris Carlos Sr. Kiowa, Austin Brogger Sr. Kiowa, John White So. Kiowa, Gavin Howard Sr. Miami-Yoder, Rowan Glaze Jr. Miami-Yoder, CJ Mcgilvray Jr. Miami-Yoder
East Central League
1. Stratton
2. Idalia
3. Otis
4. Arickaree
5. Genoa-Hugo
6. Hi-Plains
The East Central League is considered the toughest league in 6-Man and this season looks to be no different with at least 4 playoff teams if not a 5th. Stratton is my pick to win the East Central League. Stratton is your back-to-back defending State Champions. Stratton lose a good senior class with a player of the year to graduation. But, don’t expect Stratton to take a big step back this season as they still return plenty of key players and talent. Stratton will look to players like Von Isenbart, Stockton Fye, Brody Webb, Haxden Mills, Gage Levin, and Luis Arzaga to step up this season. Idalia is my pick to finish in 2nd. Idalia went 9-3 last season reaching the Semifinals before falling to Stratton. Idalia will be returning key players across the board but finding a new QB will be key. Some key players returning for Idalia will be Gabe Kechter, Tate Towns, and Garrett Drullinger. Idalia will be looking to dethrone Stratton for the league title. Otis is my pick to finish in 3rd. Otis went 10-2 last season reaching the semifinals. Otis had one of their best seasons last year and they will look to build on the success. Otis will return Austin Hornung, Mitchell Stivers, and Tayte Smith to power the offense along with defensive leader Charlie Kendrick who led the team in tackles last season. Otis will be a threat to win the league title this year. Arickaree is my pick to finish in 4th. Arickaree went 6-4 last season and made the playoffs. Arickaree last season struggled to really get flying last season and will look to change that this year. Arickaree returns QB Austin Wright along with RB Dillon Noletubby. These two will be called upon to push the Arickaree offense over the top. Zarron Skubal and Jorge Ramos return to lead the defense this year as Arickaree has their eyes on the playoffs and league title. Genoa-Hugo is my pick to finish 5th. Genoa-Hugo went 4-6 and made the playoffs last season. Genoa-Hugo lose a good senior class and will be looking to reload and push for the playoffs yet again. Replacing their QB and RB leaders from last season will be key for Genoa-Hugo but look for Brady Simmons, Levi Yoder, and Mikel Bennett to possibly fill in somewhere offensively. Defensively it will be Brady Simmons to be a leader for Genoa-Hugo he is the lone player returning who had over 50 tackles for Genoa-Hugo last season. Hi-Plains rounds out the East Central League. Hi-Plains went 0-8 last season as they look to continue to rebuild their program. Hi-Plains did not post stats from last season but had just 2 seniors on the team. Hi-Plains will look build from last season and get going in the right direction.
My predictions for the East League
League Champion: Stratton
Playoff Contenders: Stratton, Idalia, Otis, Arickaree, Genoa-Hugo
Dark Horse: Genoa-Hugo (Who steps up to be leaders this year)
Preseason Player of the League: Brody Webb Sr. Stratton
Others to watch for: Von Isenbart Jr. Stratton, Stockton Fye Sr. Stratton, Drew Fox So. Stratton, Haxden Mills Jr. Stratton, Gabe Kechter So. Idalia, Tate Towns Sr. Idalia, Garret Drullinger Sr. Idalia, Austin Hornung Jr. Otis, Mitchell Stivers Jr. Otis, Tayte Smith Sr. Otis, Austin Wright Jr. Arickaree, Dillon Noletubby Sr. Arickaree, Zarron Skubal Sr. Arickaree, Jorge Ramos So. Arickaree, Brady Simmons Sr. Genoa-Hugo, Levi Yoder Sr. Genoa-Hugo, Mikel Bennett Sr. Genoa-Hugo
North League
1. Peetz
2. Prairie
3. Briggsdale
4. Fleming
5. Caliche
6. North Park
7. Weldon Valley
The North League is also considered one of the tougher leagues in 6-Man. Last season the North League had just two teams make the playoffs and this season look to be the year where we could see 3 or more teams push for the playoffs. Peetz is my pick to win the league. Peetz went 7-3 last season reaching the playoffs. Peetz is looking for a return trip to the playoffs and a deeper run this season. Peetz has key players returning in Rhyder Bayne, Dylan Wagner, and Conner Schumacher. Some key holes will need to be filled for Peetz, but they have plenty of talent back to try and win the league. Prairie is my pick to finish in 2nd. Prairie went 4-5 last season missing the playoffs. Prairie last season was led by mostly sophomores and juniors and this year look for them to take the next step and reach the playoffs. Key players are back on both sides of the ball but the work they put in this offseason will determine how far they go. Beau Carlson, Brennan Bringelson, and Lane Schock all return for Prairie as they push to try and win the league title. Briggsdale is my pick to finish in 3rd. Briggsdale went 6-4 last season with a trip to the playoffs. Briggsdale will have some key pieces to replace losing 3 senior leaders. Briggsdale will hope to fill those roles this season and have they experience to do so. Scott Francis, Dallas Glass, and Kaeden Gebauer all return to be leaders for Briggsdale this season. Fleming is my pick to finish in 4th. Fleming went 3-7 last season but improved weekly picking up some nice wins to end the season over Prairie and Weldon Valley. Fleming will have some key holes to fill this season mainly at RB but look for them to be a team in the league title race and playoff hunt. Fleming returns Derek Houser, Wyatt Sonnenberg, Conner Marchant, and Pierson Japp. Fleming will be in the mix come end of the season. Caliche is my pick for 5th. Caliche makes them move from 8-man football down to 6-man football this season. They will have to adjust to the 6-man game and a big reason why I have them at #5 to start the season. Caliche went 1-8 last season but should be improved this year. Caliche returns key starters this season in Avery Bell, Zander Yost, and Braylon Bruns. North Park is my pick to finish 6th. North Park went 1-6 last season. North Park does return key pieces to help improve on their one-win mark but will also need some other players to step up. Gavin Pittington returns as a key leader for North Park but will need players like Aiden Pittington and Levi Wofford to step up this season. Weldon Valley wraps up the North League. Weldon Valley went 2-6 last season winning their first two games and ending the season dropping their final 6 games. North Park will have to find a new offensive leader but look for August Filter to possibly step up this season. Some other players that could step up are Blake Davis and Seth Opatik.
My predictions for North League
League Champion: Peetz
Playoff Contenders: Peetz, Prairie, Briggsdale, Fleming, Caliche
Dark Horse: Caliche (How do they adjust to the 6-man game)
Preseason Player of the League: Rhyder Bayne Jr. Peetz
Others to watch for: Dylan Wagner So. Peetz, Conner Schumacher So. Peetz, Scott Francis Jr. Briggsdale, Dallas Glass Sr. Briggsdale, Kaeden Gebauer Sr. Briggsdale, Beau Carlson Sr. Prairie, Brennan Bringelson Jr. Prairie, Lane Schock Sr. Prairie, Derek Houser Sr. Fleming, Conner Marchant So. Fleming, Pierson Japp Jr. Fleming, Avery Bell So. Caliche, Zander Yost Sr. Caliche, Braylon Burns Sr. Caliche, Aiden Pittington Jr. North Park, Gavin Pittington Sr. North Park, Levi Wofford Sr. North Park, Blake Davis Jr. Weldon Valley
Southeast League
1. Cheyenne Wells
2. Eads
3. Granada
4. Cheraw
5. Kit Carson
6. Walsh
7. Wiley
The Southeast League has been one of the top leagues in 6-Man and once again come into the 2024 season with four teams ranked in the MHPR Preseason Media/Coaches Poll. Cheyenne Wells is my pick to win the Southeast League. Cheyenne Wells went 8-6 last season and were the runners-up. Cheyenne Wells peaked at the right time winning 5-straight games to reach the State Championship. Cheyenne Wells will have to find a new QB but return key pieces in Trey Scheler, Ethen Garay, Chason Turner, Corey Hill, and Bryson Hyle. Eads is my pick to finish in 2nd. Eads went 5-6 last season with a trip to the State Playoffs. Eads was young at my position last year and return nearly their entire roster. Eads will return Case Nelson, Stockton Mitchek, Shaine Winder, and Gabe Hadley-Valdez. Eads has the firepower and experience to challenge for the league crown. Granada is my pick to finish in 3rd. Granada lose a good senior class from a that made the quarterfinals and went 9-2. Granada will have plenty of holes to fill on both sides of the ball but still have key leadership back in Maddox Coleman and Terence Hainer. The youth for Granada will have to take big strides this season for Granada to find success. Cheraw is my pick to finish in 4th. Cheraw went 2-8 last season and was led by mostly juniors and sophomores. Cheraw will look to build off the experience they gained last season and reach the playoffs this year. Cheraw returns Tim Provost, Conner Weaver, and Braden Stoker to be leaders. Kit Carson is my pick for 5th. Kit Carson went 2-7 last season and they will be looking to kick a streak of 3 season with less than 2 wins. Kit Carson has the talent back to make a run for the playoffs but will all depend on the work they put on in the offseason. Kit Carson returns Mason Marriott, Fernando-Ferrales-Fierro, Aiden Correy, and Brennan Framel. Kit Carson will still be mostly Juniors next season but it’s an important year to gain experience and push for the playoffs. Walsh is my pick for 6th. Walsh went 8-3 last season and reached the quarterfinals. Walsh was led by senior heavy team and will look to reload and make another run for the playoffs. Walsh will return key leadership in Cody Malone and Conner McDonald but will require other players to step up this year like Ethan Barwick and Samuel Wright. Wiley makes the move from 8-Man down to 6-man this season. Wiley went 1-7 last season with a pair of forfeits to end the season. Wiley will be looking to find their place in the 6-man ranks this season and I was not sure where to put them for league. Wiley does return a few stat leaders from last season in Grant Mauch, Erik Gonzales, and Rhett McDonald but adjusting to the 6-man game will be key to the success of Wiley this season.
My predictions for the Southeast League
League Champion: Cheyenne Wells
Playoff Contenders: Cheyenne Wells, Eads, Granada, Cheraw, Kit Carson, Walsh
Dark Horse: Wiley (How do they adjust to the 6-Man Game)
Preseason Player of the League: Trey Scheler Jr. Cheyenne Wells
Others to watch for: Ethen Garay Sr. Cheyenne Wells, Bryson Hyle Sr. Cheyenne Wells, Chason Turner Sr. Cheyenne Wells, Case Nelson Sr. Eads, Stockton Mitchek Sr. Eads, Shaine Winder Jr. Eads, Gabe Headly-Valdez So. Eads, Maddox Coleman Sr. Granada, Terence Hainer Sr. Granada, Tim Provost Sr. Cheraw, Conner Weaver Sr. Cheraw, Braden Stoker Sr. Cheraw, Mason Marriott Jr. Kit Carson, Fernando Ferrales-Fierro Jr. Kit Carson, Josiah Irwin Sr. Kit Carson, Aiden Correy Jr. Kit Carson, Brennan Framel Sr. Kit Carson, Cody Malone Sr. Walsh, Conner McDonald Sr. Walsh, Ethan Barwick Sr. Walsh
Southwest League
1. Branson/Kim
2. Primero
3. Sierra Grande
4. La Veta
5. Cotopaxi
6. Antonito
The Southwest League continues to get better and has had some success in the playoffs. The Southwest League still lacks a deep run but has been competitive against the Eastern Plain teams. Branson/Kim is my preseason pick to win the Southwest League. Branson/Kim went 8-3 last season with a trip to the Quarterfinals. Branson/Kim lose a good senior class that led them to the Quarterfinals but return key pieces to push for another deep run. Kolter Cranson returns to be a leader on both side of the Football along with Will Doherty and Kolten Davis. Branson/Kim will have some holes to fill to hold onto the league title. Primero is my pick to finish in 2nd. Primero went 6-4 last season with a trip to the playoffs. Primero had their most successful season last year since 2010 and they will look to build off that success. Primero returns their entire roster and for have expectations to win a league title and make another playoff run. Primero will look to Brett Kendall, Jairo Dominguez, Marcus Hahn, Gabe Sintas, and Kevin Acuna to lead this team to a league title and a deep playoff run. Primero has all the weapons back, but can they push over the hump to a deep run. Sierra Grande is my pick to finish in 3rd. Sierra Grande went 7-4 last season but made a trip to the Quarterfinals. Coach Corona has done a great job with his program and he will look to continue that rise. Sierra Grande will return QB Aron Ojeda who must continue to be a leader but other weapons will have to step up this season. Defensively Jadyn Martinez is back to lead that unit but like the offense some youth will have to step up. Some players to watch this season are Carlos Lopez, Ayden Lopez, and Bryant Tijerina. La Veta is my pick for 4th. La Veta went 6-5 last season and made the playoffs. They lose a good senior class and will be looking to reload this season. A lot of their offensive weapons graduate so we will be looking for news weapons like Caiden Gomez and Kendall Ingrim to step up. Defensively Kendal Ingrim is the long player returning with over 40 tackles and he will also have to step up as a leader. Cotopaxi is my pick to finish 5th. They did not have a team last season and a big reason why I have them at #5. Cotopaxi two years ago was a playoff team led by a senior heavy class. Cotopaxi did have some players play for Salida (I think) last season and they will look to jump in and be leaders. Joel Tezak, Terrance Evans, Dylan Bond, and Justin Dunn could be a few names you could see step up as leaders for Cotopaxi. Antonito rounds out the Southwest League. Antonito was a freelance team last year and played 4 games going 0-4. Antonito will look to rebuild their program again this season. Antonito had 3 seniors last year but were mostly freshman and sophomores. We will see if Antonito can take steps forward to be a big threat in a few years.
My predictions for the Southwest League
League Champion: Branson/Kim
Playoff Contenders: Branson/Kim, Primero Sierra Grand
Dark Horse: Cotopaxi (Did not have a team last year can they be a threat right away)
Preseason Player of the League: Kolter Cranson Sr. Branson/Kim
Others to watch for: Will Doherty Jr. Branson/Kim, Kolten Davis Sr. Branson/Kim, Brett Kendall Sr. Primero, Marcus Hahn Sr. Primero, Jairo Dominguez Sr. Primero, Kevin Acuna Sr. Primero, Deshawn Sanchez Sr. Primero, Aron Ojeda Sr. Sierra Grande, Bryant Tijerina Sr. Sierra Grande, Ayden Lopez Sr. Sierra Grande, Kendal ingrim Jr. La Veta, Joel Tezak Sr. Cotopaxi, Terrance Evans Sr. Cotopaxi,
Playoff Predictions
I am going to pick the 16 teams I think make it to the playoffs for the 2024 Football Season. Last season I got 12 of the 16 teams correct so I am expecting to have a few teams wrong. Regardless Good Luck to all teams this season.
Hanover
Stratton
Idalia
Otis
Arickaree
Peetz
Prairie
Briggsdale
Fleming
Cheyenne Wells
Eads
Granada
Cheraw
Branson/Kim
Primero
Sierra Grande
Just Outside
Kiowa, Genoa-Hugo, Caliche, North Park, Kit Carson, Cotopaxi, La Veta
MileHigh Prep Report 