MileHigh Prep Reports Top Returning Defense’s 8-Man Football
Picking the best returning defenses is not an easy task but of course it’s always fun to take a look at. 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 8-Man Football Top 10 tomorrow.
| High School | Stats |
| Haxtun HS | Their defense gave up 110 points last year which was the best in 8-Man. Haxtun has had a top 3 defense back-to-back years, and I do not expect much to change for the Bulldogs. Haxtun will have a few holes to fill but return 6 of their top 10 tacklers including 3 of their top 5. Haxtun once again should be a top 5 defense and look to defend their state title. |
| Mancos HS | Their defense gave up 192 points last year which was 8th best in 8-Man. Mancos was once again a top 10 unit, and they will have some key holes to fill but traditionally they are always a top unit in 8-Man. Mancos will return 6 of their top 10 tacklers but just 2 of their top 5. Mancos will look for new leaders to step up, but I still expect a top defensive unit. |
| Sanford HS | Their defense gave up 296 points last year which was 27th best in 8-Man. Sanford played one of the toughest schedules in 8-Man last year facing Haxtun twice in one year plus West Grand and Mancos. Sanford improved by the end of the season defensively but if they plan on making a deep run they must improve to a top 12 unit this year. Sanford returns their top 10 tacklers including their top 5. This team is loaded from a deep run but improving from last year is key. |
| Akron HS | Their defense gave up 234 points last year which was 16th best in 8-Man. Akron gave up just 16 ppg and would be the 7th ranked defense when you look at that. Akron will have a top unit again this year but will lose a few key pieces from last season. Akron returns 7 of their top 10 tacklers plus 3 of their top 5. Akron will have their expectations on a deep playoff run and their defense must be a top unit again this year. |
| McClave HS | Their defense gave up 192 points last year which was 7th best in 8-Man. McClave had a top defense last season and will look to build upon that this season. McClave does lose key leadership from last season returning just 2 of their top 5 tacklers. McClave does return plenty of depth with 7 of their top 10 tacklers returning but who step up to be a leader for the Cardinals this season. |
| Sedgwick County | Their defense gave up 211 points last year which was 10th best in 8-Man. Sedgwick County continues to still be in the playoff conversation every year and don’t look for that to change this season. Sedgwick County should be a top 10 defense again this year, returning 7 of their top 10 tacklers including 3 of their top 5. A few holes to fill but they will be a top unit again. |
| Hoehne HS | Their defense gave up 224 points last year which was 14th best in 8-Man. Hoehne will bring back a loaded roster and they will be looking to make a deep playoff run this season. Hoehne has a senior led roster this year. Hoehne returns 8 of their top 10 tacklers including 4 of their top 5. This could be the year Hoehne makes a deep playoff run. |
| Dayspring Christian | Their defense gave up 290 points last year which was 25th best in 8-Man. Dayspring Christian has bee trying to rebuild into the juggernaut they were a few years ago and this season they have a lot of talent back to push as a contender in the Plains League. Dayspring Christian returns 9 of their top 10 tacklers including their top 5 from a season ago. The Plains league once again is loaded from top to bottom. |
| Springfield HS | Their defense gave up 174 points last year which was 4th best in 8-Man. Springfield lost a solid senior class to graduation taking key skill players but look for their defense to anchor them this year. Springfield returns just 6 of their top 10 tacklers but bring back 4 of their top 5. Key leadership returns as Springfield looks to make a push for the playoffs yet again. |
| Dove Creek HS | Their defense gave up 212 points last year which was 11th best in 8-Man. Dove Creek lost key seniors from last season but have plenty of talent back to contend in a loaded Mountain League. Dove Creek returns 6 of their top 10 tacklers including 3 of their top 5. Leadership and trying to find depth will be key for Dove Creek this season. |
| Las Animas HS | Their defense gave up 184 points last year which was 8th best in 8-Man. Las Animas is the first non-playoff team to appear in the top defense list. Las Animas had a top 10 defense and will need to bring it again this season. Las Animas returns 8 of their top 10 tacklers including 3 of their top 5. Las Animas is hoping to make the playoffs this season and their defense could be the reason why. |
| Plateau Valley HS | Their defense gave up 258 points last year which was 20th best in 8-Man. Plateau Valley made the playoffs last season but lost a talented senior class. Plateau Valley will look to fill those holes and key leadership spots. Plateau Valley returns 6 of their top 10 tacklers including 3 of their top 5. Plateau Valley will look to improve defensively this season and reach the playoffs yet again. |
| Crowley County HS | Their defense gave up 277 points last year which was 23rd best in 8-Man. Crowley County took a step back last season dropping out of the top 20 defensively and look for them to right the ship this year. Crowley County returns 8 of their top 10 tacklers, including 4 of their top 5. Look for the Chargers to push for the playoffs this season and their defense could be the reason they get back into it. |
| Fowler HS | Their defense gave up 246 points last year which was 18th best in 8-Man. Fowler missed the playoffs a season ago and they would like to get back into the mix this year. Fowler has key pieces to replace on defense losing their top two tacklers from a year ago. Fowler will return 7 of their top 10 tacklers including 3 of their top 5. Fowler will need new leadership to step up on defense this season. |
| Norwood HS | Their defense gave up 237 points last year which was 17th best in 8-Man. Norwood looks to be back as a contender in Football again and their defense could be the reason why. Norwood is looking for a trip to the playoffs and contending in the Mountain League. Norwood returns 9 of their top 10 tacklers, including their top 5. We will see if Norwood is ready to take that next step this season. |
| West Grand HS | Their defense gave up 150 points last year which was 2nd best in 8-Man. West Grand was hit hard by graduation, and they will be rebuilding at many positions especially on defense. West Grand returns just 4 of their top 10 tacklers but key leadership does return with 3 of their top 5 tacklers coming back. Can West Grand hold off the contenders in the Northwest League, that is the question for their defense heading into this year. |
| Defensive Unit Watch List: | Calhan, St. Mary’s, Byers, Hayden, Gilpin County, Simla, Elbert, Merino, Dolores, Sangre De Cristo, Holly, Belleview Christian, Rocky Ford |
MileHigh Prep Report 