8-Man Football League Predictions (Mountain, Northwest, Plains, and Six County)

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 at the end! Good Luck to all teams this season.

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Mountain League

1. Sanford

2. Mancos

3. Dove Creek

4. Norwood

5. Dolores

6. Sargent

The Mountain League has become one of the toughest leagues in 8-Man and nothing changes this year. 4 teams will be playoff contenders this year with possibly another one rising to the challenge. Sanford is my pick to win the Mountain League this year. Sanford returns their entire roster from last season. They will look for key players on offense like Trason Gartrell, JD Faucette, and the offensive line to be leaders. Defensively look for Ryan Cordova, William Malouff, and Rylan Mortensen to step up for Sanford this season. Mancos is my pick to finish in 2^nd. Mancos reached the Semifinals last season and lost a talented senior class. Mancos will have to replace key skill position players this season. Jonah Ritter, Michael Resner, and Ethan Wyatt are a few players who must step up this season and they have an experienced offensive line in front of them. Defensively Mancos will have a top unit and will look for Jacob Martin and Jonah Ritter to lead a top unit for Mancos. Dove Creek is my pick to finish in 3^rd. Dove Creek will return plenty of weapons at the skill positions but lost most of their starting offensive line. Dove Creek will look for Josh Kibel and Nicholas Aragon to lead the offense and help a young offensive line develop. Defensively Teagan Larimore and Trevan Ivie are back to lead an experienced defensive unit and anchor the Dove Creek team. Norwood is my pick to finish in 4^th. Norwood is also my dark horse pick to finish in the top 3 and make a playoff push. Norwood returns their entire roster from last season and they look to build off the success of last year. Offensively QB Brycen Rummel, RB Owen Tackett, and WR Cole Bray all return to be leaders along with an experienced offensive line. Defensively Cole Bray, Jackson Dinsmore, and Keegan Tackett return to anchor an experience defensive unit. Dolores is my pick to finish in 5^th. Dolores is rebuilding their program and was once a powerhouse in the southwest corner. Dolores had some success last season and will look to find more this year. Dolores will lose their QB but return plenty of experience at RB in Michael Rantz & RB Darren Hicks. The Defensive unit will look for players like Deven Winter and Jacob Stepp to step up this year. We will see if Dolores can take another step towards rebuilding their program. Sargent rounds out the Mountain League. Sargent did not post stats last year and they went 3-6. Sargent lose some key contributors from last season losing 7 seniors and two transfers. Sargent will look for some new players to step up this season like Brysan Medina and Jace Capron. It will be interesting to see if Sargent youth can grow for next year.

My predictions for the Mountain League

League Champion: Sanford

Playoff Contenders: Sanford, Mancos, Dove Creek, Norwood

Dark Horse: Norwood

Preseason Player of the League: Trason Gartrell Sr. Sanford

Others to watch for: JD Faucette Sr. Sanford, Ryan Cordova Sr. Sanford, Ben Faucette Sr. Sanford, Jonah Ritter Sr. Mancos, Michael Resner Jr. Mancos, Jacob Martin Sr. Mancos, Ethan Wyatt Sr. Mancos, Josh Kibel Sr. Dove Creek, Nicholas Aragon Sr. Dove Creek, Teagan Larimore Jr. Dove Creek, Trevan Ivie Sr. Dove Creek, Brycen Rummel Sr. Norwood, Owen Tackett Sr. Norwood, Cole Bray Jr. Norwood, Jackson Dinsmore Sr. Norwood, Michael Rantz Sr. Dolores, Darren Hicks Jr. Dolores, Deven Winter Sr. Dolores, Brysan Median So. Sargent, Jace Capron Sr. Sargent

Northwest League

1. West Grand

2. Plateau Valley

3. Hayden

4. Vail Christian

5. Rangely

6. Soroco

7. Lake County

The Northwest League qualified two teams into the playoffs last season. The Northwest League this year looks like 3 teams will push for playoff spots this year but we will see if a fourth or fifth contender can rise up. West Grand is my pick to win the Northwest League. West Grand went undefeated during the regular season but lost in the opening round. West Grand will lose a talented senior class and some key holes must be filled. Offensively West Grand does return QB Blake Terryberry, but new weapons must step up around him look for players like John Butler and Ruben Hatcher to step up this season. Defensively West Grand has key pieces back in Terryberry and Butler but also look for Walker Howell and Ruben Hatcher to step up this year. Plateau Valley is my pick to finish in 2^nd. Plateau Valley made the playoffs last season and will look to build on that success but also have some key holes to fill. QB Colter Ralston is back to lead the offense along with WR London Mitchell and WR Hunter White, but a new RB must be round to help balance out the offense. Defensively Austin Grundy and Hunter White both return to lead an experience defensive unit. The offensive line is a big question mark for Plateau Valley losing some key pieces. Hayden is my pick to finish in 3^rd. Hayden went 4-5 last season with a lot of inexperience and this year they are looking for a playoff run and a top finish in league. Hayden returns QB Peyton Johnson, RB Danek Demorat, and WR Carson Campbell. The offensive line should also have some experience back as well. Defensively Hayden does lose their top two tacklers from last season but look for Carson Campbell, Brody Frentress, and Elijah Gioia to step up this season. Vail Christian is my pick to finish in 4^th. Vail Christian did not put stats in from last season but lose 10 seniors from last year’s 5-4 team. Vail Christian has been a top team in the Northwest League, but we will have to see what returns for Vail Christian this season. Rangely is my pick to finish in 5^th. Rangely went 5-4 last season just missing out on the playoffs. Rangely will have some key holes to fill losing a good senior class. Defensively Rangely will lose 7 of their top 10 tacklers and will look for players like Braden Lucas, Chase Cochrane, and Wyatt Stevens to step up this year. Offensively Rangely returns QB Bradley Lambros but he will be searching for new weapons around him. Soroco is my pick to finish 6^th and my dark horse pick. Soroco returns nearly their entire roster from last year but can they build upon last season and push for a top 4 finish in league. Soroco returns QB Joseph Cordova, RB Brayden Dudley, and WR Cavit Gregory. Defensively Soroco returns their top 3 tacklers from last season and will look for Brayden Dudley, Cavit Gregory, and Brody Stroup to lead this season. Lake County round out the Northwest League. Lake County is in year 2 of restarting their program. They will look to find more success this season after going 0-9 last year. Player like Jaren Peters, Brendan Sandoval, Victor Galarza, and Hunter Diamond will be looked upon to step up this season and lead Lake County program to success.

My predictions for the Northwest League

League Champion: West Grand

Playoff Contenders: West Grand, Plateau Valley, Hayden

Dark Horse: Soroco

Preseason Player of the League: Colter Ralston Sr. Plateau Valley

Others to watch for: Blake Terryberry Sr. West Grand, John Butler Sr. West Grand, Walker Howell Jr. West Grand, Ruben Hatcher Jr. West Grand, Hunter White Sr. Plateau Valley, London Mitchell Jr. Plateau Valley, Austin Grundy jr. Plateau Valley, Peyton Johnson Jr. Hayden, Danek Demorat Sr. Hayden, Carson Campbell Jr. Hayden, Brody Frentress Jr. Hayden, Bradley Lambros Jr. Rangely, Braden Lucas Sr. Rangely, Joseph Cordova Jr. Soroco, Brayden Dudley Jr. Soroco, Cavit Gregory So. Soroco, Jaren Peters Sr. Lake County, Victor Galarza Sr. Lake County

Plains League

1. Haxtun

2. Akron

3. Sedgwick County

4. Dayspring Christian

5. Merino

The Plains League is one of the toughest leagues in 8-Man Football. They qualified all 5 teams into the playoffs last year and they will look to do that again this year. All 5 teams are playoff contenders, and this should be a competitive league this season. Haxtun is my pick to win the Plains League. Haxtun is the defending State Champions, and they are looking to defend the crown and go back-to-back. Haxtun will have some holes to fill across the board but return key leadership to defend the crown. RB Zach Statz, WR Chase Goddard, and QB Colin Cone return to lead the Bulldog offense and the offensive line should also be a strength for Haxtun. Coleman Firme, Zach Statz, and Seth Seger will power the Haxtun defense and this unit should be one of the best in the State. Akron is my pick to finish in 2^nd. Akron was your runner up last season and they are looking to complete the climb this year. Akron lost some key seniors from a season ago but have plenty back to contend for the league crown and state championship. QB Kolten Randel, RB Jace Curtis, and RB/WR Jakzon Livesay all return for Akron and they could lead an explosive unit. Defensively Akron does lose their top two tacklers but have plenty of leadership back in Jace Curtis, Mason Porteus, and Jakzon Livesay. Sedgwick County is my pick to finish in 3^rd. Sedgwick County made a surprise run last year pulling a big upset in the opening round. Sedgwick County will look to build off last season and push for a deeper run. Sedgwick County will have to find a new QB this year but plenty of weapons are back in RB Owen Harris, RB Brady Mollendor, and WR Noah Lopez. Defensively Owen Harris is back to lead the unit but also look for players like Noah Harens and Tate Renquist to step up this season. Dayspring Christian is my pick to finish in 4^th and are my dark horse pick to finish in the top 3 of the league. Dayspring Christian made the playoffs and lost in the opening round. Dayspring Christian returns a loaded roster that should push for a playoff run and challenge the top teams in the league. Dayspring Christian offensively lose their QB but return a 1000 yards rusher in RB Elijah Martin plus RB Jackson Polk and WR Max Krehbiel who may be their starting QB next year. Defensively Polk and Martin return to lead the defense but look for Hawkins Flanagan and AJ Soucie to be a big part of a experienced and top defensive unit. Merino rounds out the Plains League. Merino lost a talented senior class plus will have a new head coach this year. Merino will have reloading to do this season but have leadership back in some key positions. RB Jacob Frank and QB Zavier Trenkle look to lead the offense this year and will look for the offensive line to step up this season. Defensively Jacob Frank will return to lead the defense and he will look for players like Jordan Rose and Isaac Poe to step up this season.

My predictions for the Plains League

League Champion: Haxtun

Playoff Contenders: Haxtun, Merino, Akron, Sedgwick County, Dayspring Christian

Dark Horse: Dayspring Christian

Preseason Player of the League: Zach Statz Sr. Haxtun

Others to watch for: Chase Goddard Sr. Haxtun, Colin Cone Sr. Haxtun, Coleman Firme Sr. Haxtun, Seth Seger Sr. Haxtun, Jace Curtis Sr. Akron, Kolten Randel So. Akron, Jakzon Livesay Sr. Akron, Mason Porteus Sr. Akron, Owen Harris Jr. Sedgwick County, Noah Harens Jr. Sedgwick County, Brady Mollendor Sr. Sedgwick County, Tate Renquist Sr. Sedgwick County, Eliah Martin Sr. Dayspring Christian, Jackson Polk Sr. Dayspring Christian, Hawkins Flanagan So. Dayspring Christian, AJ Soucie Sr. Dayspring Christian, Jacob Frank Sr. Merino, Jordan Rose Jr. Merino, Zavier Trenkle Jr. Merino

Six County League

1. Hoehne

2. Fowler

3. Crowley County

4. Walsenburg

5. Sangre De Cristo

6. Custer County

The Six County League had just one team qualified for the playoffs last season. Possibly 3 teams will be in playoff contention this year. We will see if anyone else raises up to challenge the top 3 teams. Hoehne is my pick to win the Six County League. Hoehne won the league last year and qualified for the playoffs. Hoehne has plenty of talent back offensively with QB Jake Magninat, RB Anthony Sandoval, and WR Brody Silvey. The offensive line for Hoehne should also be a strength returning at least two starters. Defensively Hoehne lost their top tackler from a season ago and will look for Connor Knezel, Matteo Moltrer, and Antonio Cantoria to step up this season. Fowler is my pick to finish in 2^nd place. Fowler took second in league last year and missed out on the playoffs going 5-4. Fowler will hope for a playoff run this year but replacing the seniors leaving is key especially on defense. Fowler on defense will lose their top two tacklers from last season and will look for Demetrius Alvarez, Titus Ballard, and Bryce Froman to step up and be leaders this season. Offensively Fowler returns QB Brock True and finding him other weapons is key look for Bronson Damgaard, Bryce Froman, and Demetrius Alvarez to be some of those players. Crowley County is my pick to finish in 3^rd. Crowley County did not make the playoffs last season going 4-5 and finished in 3^rd in league. Crowley County will look to right this ship this season and get back to the playoffs. Crowley County will look to QB Seth Schulz to lead the passing attack along with RB Derreck Buford who should power the rushing attack. Defensively Crowley County should show big improvements, returning 8 of their top 10 tacklers. Derreck Buford, Donaven Bell, and Krew Karney should be leaders for the Chargers. Walsenburg is my pick to finish in 4^th. Walsenburg went 4-5 last season and finished in 4^th in league. Walsenburg will be looking to jump into the top 3 and push for a playoff spot. Walsenburg has some key holes to fill mainly at RB and losing 3 of their top 5 tacklers. Offensively Walsenburg will look to QB Adrian Vallejos and RB Taylor Torres to step up this season. Defensively Walsenburg will look for Torres to also be a leader but also look for Xavier Lopez and Jiovanni Correnti to be a big part of the Panthers defense. Sangre De Cristo is my pick to finish in 5^th. Sangre De Cristo did not post stats from last season but lost just 3 seniors from last year’s team. Sangre De Cristo will look to build off the youth they have and push the top teams in the league. We should see Sangre De Cristo improve on last season this year. Custer County rounds out the Six County League. Custer County went 0-9 last season and will look to rebuild their program this season. Custer County has good pieces in place with QB Elijah Flynn back along with RB Wyatt Grundy. Building upon last season is key for Custer County offensively. Defensively Custer County returns key pieces including Wyatt Grundy and Taylor Bradford. We will see if Custer County can make an improvement this season.

My predictions for Six County League

League Champion: Hoehne

Playoff Contenders: Hoehne, Fowler, Crowley County

Dark Horse: Walsenburg

Preseason Player of the League: Anthony Sandoval Sr. Hoehne

Others to watch for: Jake Magninat Sr. Hoehne, Brody Silvey Jr. Hoehne, Connor Knezel Jr. Hoehne, Brock True Jr. Fowler, Demetrius Alvarez Sr. Fowler, Titus Ballard Jr. Fowler, Bryce Froman So. Fowler, Derreck Buford Sr. Crowley County, Donaven Bell Sr. Crowley County, Seth Schulz Sr. Crowley County, Taylor Torres Jr. Walsenburg, Xavier Lopez Jr. Walsenburg, Jiovanni Correnti Jr. Walsenburg, Adrian Vallejos Sr. Walsenburg, Wyatt Grundy Sr. Custer County

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 13 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 (Ark Valley)

Springfield (Ark Valley)

Las Animas (Ark Valley)

St. Mary’s (Black Forest)

Clear Creek (Central)

Sanford (Mountain)

Mancos (Mountain)

Norwood (Mountain)

Dove Creek (Mountain)

West Grand (Northwest)

Plateau Valley (Northwest)

Haxtun (Plains)