8-Man Football League Predictions (Mountain, Northwest, Plains, and Six County)
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 will have a full Season Preview out this week! I am splitting 8-Man into two articles. I will have my prediction for the 16 teams who I think make the playoffs. Good Luck to all teams this season.
Mountain League
1. Mancos
2. Dove Creek
3. Sanford
4. Sargent
5. Norwood
6. Dolores
The Mountain League has become one of the toughest leagues in 8-Man. The past two state champions have come out of the Mountain League and we will see if they can make it three in a row this season. The mountain league will expand to 6 teams this season after only having 5 last year. Mancos is my pick to win the Mountain League. Mancos is your defending State Champions. They lose a good senior class but still have plenty back to push for a league title and defend their state title. Mancos will be looking for a new starter at QB and RB but will look for Evan Woody and Jonah Ritter to possibly step up this year. Defensively Kaiden Wyatt is back to lead the defense but also look for Brandon Vannest and Jacob Martin to step up this season. Dove Creek is my pick for second. Dove Creek went 8-3 last season with a trip to the Quarterfinals. Dove Creek will also lose a solid senior class and will look to the youth to step up this season. Offensively Cael Beanland, Josh Kibel, and Nic Aragon are a few names that could step up this year for the Bulldogs. Defensively Nic Aragon returns as the top tackler from last season but he will look for Liam Hassell, Sheldon Gardner, and Trevan Ivie to step into bigger roles this season. Dove Creek will need their youth to take big steps forward this year. Sanford is my pick for 3rd. Sanford went 6-4 last season with a trip to the playoffs. They were hit hard by graduation on both sides of the ball but still return some pieces that should help them push for a playoff spot. Trason Gartrell is back to lead the offense, but he will be looking for pieces around him to step up this year. A few names to keep an eye on for are Kaden Cary, JD Faucette, and Tyson Jones. Defensively Gartrell also leads that side of the ball as well but look for William Malouff and Rylan Mortensen to step up this year. Sargent is my pick for fourth. Sargent went 4-5 and missed the playoffs. Sargent has missed the playoffs the past four seasons and are looking to snap that streak this season. Sargent has a big incoming freshman class but they will look for some leadership in Kade Temple, Tyler Chapman, Jaycian Sierra and Fernando Venzor. Sargent will have to get their youth up to speed quickly if they plan on pushing for a league title and playoff berth. Norwood is my pick for 5th. Norwood will be back to playing Varsity football this year after being Freeland in 2023 and 2022. Norwood has the talent back to push the top 4 teams but need a good offseason. Brycen Rummel is back at QB for Norwood and RB Owen Tackett these two are key for Norwood to have a big season. Defensively Norwood was hit hard by graduation losing their top 4 tacklers from last season. Jackson Dinsmore, Josh Platt, and Cole Bray will be key for Norwood to have a top defense this season. Dolores rounds out the Mountain League. Dolores went 2-7 last season and missed the playoffs. They are looking to continue to rebuild their program and be a perennial playoff team again. Dolores returns QB Trayton Traweek but will need weapons around him to step up like Michael Rantz and Brett Spore. Defensively Dolores will turn to Deven Winter and Michael Rantz to be leaders this season.
My predictions for the Mountain League
League Champion: Mancos
Playoff Contenders: Mancos, Dove Creek, Sanford, Sargent
Dark Horse: Dolores or Norwood (Can either challenge the top 4)
Preseason Player of the League: Trason Gartrell Jr. Sanford
Others to watch for: Evan Woody Jr. Mancos, Jonah Ritter, Brandon Vannest, Kaiden Wyatt Sr. Mancos, Nic Aragon Jr. Dove Creek, Liam Hassell Sr. Dove Creek, Josh Kibel Jr. Dove Creek, William Malouff Jr. Sanford, Rylan Mortensen So. Sanford, Kade Temple Sr. Sargent, Tyler Chapman Sr. Sargent, Fernando Venzor Sr. Sargent, Jaycian Sierra Sr. Sargent, Brycen Rummel Jr. Norwood, Owen Tackett Jr. Norwood, Jackson Dinsmore Jr. Norwood, Trayton Traweek Sr. Dolores, Michael Rantz Jr. Dolores, Deven Winter Jr. Dolores
Northwest League
1. West Grand
2. Rangely
3. Vail Christian
4. Plateau Valley
5. Hayden
6. Soroco
7. Lake County
The Northwest League returns all 6 teams from a season ago plus add Lake County who restarts their football program. The Northwest League is looking to be very competitive this season and I believe from #1 thru #5 will be wide open and you cannot look past any team this season. West Grand is my pick to win the Northwest League. West Grand went 8-2 last season with a trip to the playoffs. West Grand returns nearly their entire roster this season and they are looking for a deep playoff run. QB Blake Terryberry is back to lead the offense as is RB Evan Crandall and WR Joe Probst. The defense for West Grand should also improve returning key starters in Jackson Steinle, Crandall, and Butler. How much this team worked in the offseason will tell us how far they go this year. Rangely is my pick to finish in 2nd. Rangely went 5-4 last season and missed the playoffs. Rangely lose a key piece on offense at QB and will need to find a replacement. Whoever takes over at QB will have weapons at RB in Gage Fielder and WR Tristan Scott. Defensively Rangely lose their top 2 tacklers but look for Fielder, Robert Murray, and Landon Carlson to step up this year. Vail Christian is my pick for 3rd. Vail Christian went 6-4 last season with a trip to the playoffs. They do not have defensive stats but lose some key seniors. Offensively QB Asher Morris is back but he will be searching for new weapons at RB and WR. Plateau Valley is my pick for 4th. Plateau Valley went 4-5 last season and missed the playoffs. Plateau Valley also lose their QB and could turn to Colter Ralston this season. Plateau Valley does return their RB Virgil Kuper who ran for over 1000 yards last season. Defensively Plateau Valley returns Heston Bevan and Hunter White to lead the Cowboys defense. Hayden is my pick to finish in 5th. Hayden went 4-5 last season and missed the playoffs. Hayden unlike other teams returns their QB in Ethan Silva but will be searching for weapons at RB and WR. Defensively Hayden loses their top 3 tacklers from last season and will look for Triston Day and JD Case to be leaders. Soroco is my pick for 6th. Soroco went 1-8 last season and did not post stats. Soroco had 5 seniors last season and we will see if they will rebuild their program this season. Lake County rounds out the Northwest League. Lake County last had a team in 2019 and will be looking to rebuild their program in their first season in 8-Man.
My predictions for the Northwest League
League Champion: West Grand
Playoff Contenders: West Grand, Vail Christian, Rangely, Plateau Valley, Hayden
Dark Horse: Lake County (First Season playing Football again)
Preseason Player of the League: Blake Terryberry Jr. West Grand
Others to watch for: Evan Crandall Sr. West Grand, Joe Probst Sr. West Grand, Jackson Steinle Sr. West Grand, Asher Morris Jr. West Grand, Gage Fielder Sr. Rangely, Tristan Scott Sr. Rangely, Virgil Kuper Jr. Plateau Valley, Jackson Bevan Sr. Plateau Valley, Heston Bevan Sr. Plateau Valley, Hunter White Jr. Plateau Valley, Triston Day Sr. Hayden, JD Case Sr. Hayden, Ehtan Silva Sr. Hayden
Plains League
1. Haxtun
2. Merino
3. Akron
4. Sedgwick County
5. Dayspring Christian
The Plains League has been one of the toughest League in 8-Man. They will look to keep that tradition alive this year and look for this League season to be very competitive between these 5 teams. I truly think all 5 teams could be in contention for a playoff spot. Haxtun is my pick to win the league. Haxtun went 11-2 last season with a loss in the State Championship game. Haxtun will have their eyes set on the state championship this season and will be returning key pieces to do so. Haxtun returns QB Ryland Wolff along with RB Grant Statz, and RB Zach Statz. Defensively Haxtun lose their top tackler but will look to the Statz brother (Grant and Zach) along with Ryland Wolff and Ryan Davis to be leaders on defense. A few holes for Haxtun must be filled but they are looking for that deep run. Merino is my pick to finish 2nd. Merino went 6-5 last season with a trip to the Quarterfinals. Merino has eyes on a deeper run but filling holes on the offensive line and RB will be key. Merino returns QB Coen Schmidt, RB/WR Jacob Frank, and WR Josiah Mackintosh. Defensively Merino will turn to the same 3 offensive players but will need players like Aidan Sherman, Caleb Deines, and Gabe Hickam to step up. Akron is my pick for 3rd. Akron went 6-4 last season with a trip to the playoffs. Akron will have a keyhole to fill at QB and we will have to see who emerges at that position. Akron will have strength coming back on the Offensive line and at RB with Anderson Filla coming back to be a leader. Defensively Akron also returns key pieces with Filla as the leader but look for Merek Charney, Caleb Poss, and Jakzon Livesay to have breakout years on the defensive side of the ball. QB and other skill position players will be key to Akron pushing for the league title. Sedgwick County is my pick for 4th. Sedgwick County went 6-5 last season with a trip to the Quarterfinals. Sedgwick County has key skill position players back in QB Jaxon Carlson, RB Brady Mollendor, and WR Noah Lopez. The offensive line is the main question mark with possibly 3 new starters having to step up this season. Defensively Carlson and Mollendor will be leaders but will look for Owen Harris and Lucas Harris to step up this year. Dayspring Christian rounds out the Plains League. Dayspring Christian is still a playoff contender and don’t expect them to be a cake walk. Dayspring Christian went 2-7 last season and missed the playoffs. They were hit by the injury bug last year and will look to rebound from last season. Dayspring Christian returns key pieces on both sides of the ball and will look for Peyton Coleman, Logan Clark, Jackson Polk, and AJ Soucie to step up this season. Dayspring Christian could easily push for a top spot in league.
My predictions for the Plains League
League Champion: Haxtun
Playoff Contenders: Haxtun, Merino, Akron, Sedgwick County, Dayspring Christian
Dark Horse: Dayspring Christian (Can they challenge the top 4)
Preseason Player of the League: Ryland Wolff Sr. Haxtun
Others to watch for: Grant Statz Sr. Haxtun, Zach Statz Jr. Haxtun, Ryan Davis Sr. Haxtun, Corbin Andersen Jr. Haxtun, Coen Schmidt Sr. Merino, Jacob Frank Jr. Merino, Josiah Mackintosh Sr. Merino, Aidan Sherman Sr. Merino, Anderson Filla Sr. Akron, Merek Charney Sr. Akron, Caleb Poss Sr. Akron, Jakzon Livesay Jr. Akron, Jaxon Carlson Sr. Sedgwick County, Brady Mollendor Jr. Sedgwick County, Noah Lopez Jr. Sedgwick County, Logan Clark Sr. Dayspring Christian, Jackson Polk Jr. Dayspring Christian, Peyton Coleman Sr. Dayspring Christian
Six County League
1. Crowley County
2. Hoehne
3. Fowler
4. Walsenburg
5. Custer County
6. Sangre De Cristo
The Six County League adds a new team to the mix this season in Sangre De Cristo. This league could have 3 playoff teams this season and the race for the league title should be a good one. I do believe #1 thru #3 are very close and hard to break apart with the bottom half in their own battle for spots #4 thru #6. Crowley County is my pick to win the Six County League. Crowley County went 4-5 last season and missed the playoffs. Crowley County is looking to make it back to the playoffs this season plus win the league title. Crowley County returns plenty of key pieces but do have a few holes to fill. Aiden Vowles could be the QB for the Chargers and if he is the QB he has weapons a plenty with RB Keegan Halloran, WR Anthoni Walter, and WR Derreck Buford. Defensively Halloran leads the way but look for Donovan Bell, Derreck Buford, and Briar Meyer to step up this season. Hoehne is my pick for 2nd. Hoehne went 4-5 last season and missed the playoffs. Hoehne returns their entire roster from last season and will come down to the offseason work they put in to try and challenge for the league crown and playoff berth. A QB battle will take play for the Farmers between Jake Magninat and Bobby Terry both threw over 400 yards last season. The winner of the battle will have weapons with RB Levon Bachicha, RB Anthony Sandoval, and WR Nathan Zamora all back. Defensively Jayson Guzzo, Levon Bachicha, and Connor Knezel are all back for the Farmers as they look to make the biggest improvement. Fowler is my pick for 3rd. Fowler went 5-5 last season with a trip to the playoffs. Fowler lost a good senior class but still have weapons and tradition to push for a playoff spot. Fowler will look to Cael True and Brock True to possibly fill bigger roles offensively along with Daniel Adams. Defensively Dominic Armijo is back to lead the defense and look for the True brothers, plus Dylen Ormiston to help lead the defense this year. Fowler will need the youth to take a big step forward this season. Walsenburg is my pick for 4th. Walsenburg went 6-3 last season and missed the playoffs. Walsenburg had an early season loss that derailed they playoff hopes and will look to reload and try again. Walsenburg will have some key holes to fill left by graduation but have leadership back. Giovani Aldretti, Logan Tenorio, and Dante Pino are a few of those players who will be leaders for Walsenburg this season. A few other names to keep an eye on are Xavier Torres, Taylor Torres, and Adrian Vallejos. Custer County is my pick for 5th. Custer County went 3-6 last season starting the year off winning 3 straight games. They will look to build off last season early success and improve this season. No stats were put in for Custer County and their roster was also not uploaded. Sangre De Cristo rounds out the Six County League. Sangre is moving up from 6-Man to 8-Man this season. Sangre De Cristo went 3-7 last season and will look to build off last season success and try to rebuild their program. Sangre De Cristo had just 3 seniors last season and will be looking to the returners to rebuild this program to the success they once had. No stats were put in for Sangre De Cristo last season.
My predictions for Six County League
League Champion: Crowley County
Playoff Contenders: Crowley County, Hoehne, Fowler, Walsenburg
Dark Horse: Walsenburg (Can they challenge for a top spot in league and playoff spot)
Preseason Player of the League: Keegan Halloran Jr. Crowley County
Others to watch for: Donaven Bell Jr. Crowley County, Derreck Buford Jr. Crowley County, Anthoni Walter Sr. Crowley County, Jayson Guzzo Jr. Hoehne, Levon Bachicha Sr. Hoehne, Connor Knezel So. Hoehne, Anthony Sandoval Jr. Hoehne, Dominic Armijo Sr. Fowler, Cael True Sr. Fowler, Brock True So. Fowler, Logan Tenorio Sr. Walsenburg, Giovanni Aldretti Sr. Walsenburg, Dante Pino Sr. Walsenburg
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. These are not in order!
McClave
Holly
Simla
Byers
Lyons
Mancos
Dove Creek
Sanford
West Grand
Haxtun
Akron
Merino
Sedgwick County
Crowley County
Hoehne
Fowler
Others to Watch
Rangely, Dayspring Christian, Springfield, Elbert, Rocky Ford, Front Range Christian, Belleview Christian, Clear Creek, Sargent, Vail Christian, Plateau Valley, Walsenburg
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