Class 2A League Predictions & Previews (Metro, North, Southeast, and West)
I have decided to only do 3 or 4 leagues at a time instead of the full 7 leagues. I will be giving my league predictions & previews on who finishes where. We will have a list of the 16 teams we think will make the playoffs at the end. This is all fun and I do not wish bad on any teams. Good Luck to all teams this season.
Metro League
1. Classical Academy
2. Denver West
3. D’Evelyn
4. Alameda
5. Mitchell
6. Lincoln
The Metro League had two teams make the playoffs last season with a third being in the mix. This season I could also see 3, maybe a 4th team get in the mix for a playoff berth. Classical Academy is my pick to win the Metro League. TCA is your defending state champion from last season going a perfect 13-0. TCA lost a very talented senior class and will look to reload and defend their title. Offensively TCA will have to replace their QB, their #2 RB, and top 4 WR’s. RB Jackson Schipfer is back to lead the offense this season and he will look for new players like Jackson Smetana and Elias Wall to step up this year. Defensively TCA will return 6 of their top 13 tacklers from last season including 3 of their top 6. Good leadership returns for TCA, and they will lean heavily on Andrew Richins, Joshua Knuckles, and Braden Godoy to lead a young TCA defense. Denver West is my pick to finish in 2nd. Denver West went 7-3 last season and made the playoffs. Denver West will look to build on last season’s success and make a deeper playoff run. Denver West will be loaded offensively returning all the top players and offensive lineman. QB Marcelo Ortiz, RB Freddy Lucero, RB Jose Valencia, and WR Robert Wittke all return and should make Denver West even tougher on offense. Defensively, Denver West returns 12 of their top 13 tacklers including their top 6 from last season. The defensive unit must take a big step forward and look for Aries Uong, Robert Wittke, and Jose Valencia to be the leaders. D’Evelyn is my pick to finish in 3rd. D’Evelyn went 4-5 last season and missed the playoffs. D’Evelyn returns plenty of offensive talent to push for a playoff spot this year. D’Evelyn will look for QB Kevyn Feldon to lead the offensive unit. We will also look for some new faces to step up at both RB & WR and they could be Zachary Copeland and Knox Balcer. Defensively, D’Evelyn was hit hard by graduation losing key leadership. D’Evelyn will return 7 of their top 13 tacklers but only return 1 of their top 6 from last season. Padraig Murphy is back to lead the defense, but he will look for Mateo Acosta and Zachary Copeland to step up this year. Alameda is my pick to finish in 4th. Alameda went 4-5 last season and had one of their more successful seasons. Alameda will look to build on that success and push for a top 3 finish in league. Alameda offensively will search for a new top rusher this season but return the rest of the unit. QB Dante Medina will look to take a big step forward along with RB Edwin Arroyo. Defensively Alameda should improve this season. Alameda returns 11 of their top 13 tacklers but they will lose their top tackler from last season. Edwin Arroyo, Elias Pitones, and Chris Mendoza-Terrones all return to power the Alameda defense. Mitchell is my pick to finish in 5th. Mitchell went 2-7 last season getting a forfeit win and defeating Lincoln. Mitchell is hoping to continue to rebuild their program. Mitchell had just two seniors on last year’s team, and they will look to take a big step forward this season. Mitchell had no stats listed from last season. Lincoln rounds out the Metro League. Lincoln went 0-9 last year and will be rebuilding their program. They had no stats from last season. Lincoln had just 4 seniors on last year’s roster, and we will see if they can take a step forward this year.
My predictions for the Metro League
League Champion: The Classical Academy
Playoff Contenders: Classical Academy, Denver West, D’Evelyn
Dark Horse: Alameda
Preseason Player of the League: Jackson Schipfer Sr. Classical Academy
Others to watch for: Andrew Richins Sr. Classical Academy, Joshua Knuckles Sr. Classical Academy, Braden Godoy Sr. Classical Academy, Aries Uong Sr. Denver West, Robert Wittke Sr. Denver West, Marcelo Ortiz Jr. Denver West, Freddy Lucero Sr. Denver West, Jose Valencia Sr. Denver West, Padraig Murphy Sr. D’Evelyn, Kevyn Feldon Sr. D’Evelyn, Zachary Copeland Jr. D’Evelyn, Edwin Arroyo Sr. Alameda, Elias Pitones Sr. Alameda, Chris Mendoza-Terrones So. Alameda
North League
1. Wellington
2. Eaton
3. Resurrection Christian
4. Berthoud
5. University
6. Valley
The North League is one of the toughest leagues in Class 2A this season with possibly 5 playoff teams coming from this league. The North League was also well represented in the Media/Coaches Poll with 4 teams ranked inside the top 10 and another receiving votes. Wellington is my pick to win the North League. Wellington went 10-3 last season with a trip to the State Championship falling to TCA. Wellington is considered by many the favorite to win the 2A State Title. Wellington lost their first group of seniors last season but returned plenty of talent for a loaded year. QB Tanner Gray, RB Cyle Kisner, WR Tyler Shaffer, and a talented offensive line return to power the Eagles offense. Defensively Wellington could have the best unit in Class 2A this season. They return 11 of their top 13 tacklers including their top 6 from a season ago. Tyler Shaffer, Matt Brown, and Seamus Pike lead a talented Wellington defense. Eaton is my pick to finish in 2nd. Eaton went 7-5 last season but once again made a deep playoff run reaching the semifinals. Eaton will bring back a talented roster that will look to challenge for the league crown and the state title. Eaton offensively brings back QB Andrew Loyd, RB Liam Whalen, and WR Max Blaskowski plus have talent back on the offensive line. Defensively Eaton will also be a top unit in Class 2A returning 10 of their top 13 tacklers including 5 of their top 6. Vinnie Juarez, Jackson Savona, and Paxton Pettinger all return to lead a talented Eaton defense. Resurrection Christian is my pick to finish in 3rd. Resurrection Christian went 5-4 last season and missed the playoffs. It was their first season back in Class 2A and their opening game of the regular season probably cost them a shot at the playoffs last season. Offensively Resurrection Christian will have a few holes to fill replacing their top RB from a season ago. QB Jaxson Pszanka is back to lead the offense, and he will look for Britton Walston and Louie Owen to take a big step forward this season. Defensively Resurrection Christian always seems to have a top unit and don’t expect that to change this year. Resurrection Christian returns 10 of their top 13 tacklers from a season ago including 5 of their top 6. Ethan Carter, Jaxson Pszanka, and Camden Davis all return to lead the defensive unit. Berthoud is my pick to finish in 4th. Berthoud went 8-3 last season and made the playoffs falling in the Quarterfinals by 3 to TCA. Berthoud will have some key holes to fill on offense this season replacing over 2700 yards of total offense in their QB, top RB, and top 3 WR. Berthoud could turn to Evan Schmidt at QB this season and look for RB Gavin Kirk to play a big role this year. At WR Jayce Newbill is the lone top target back and he will look to lead this unit. Defensively Berthoud will return 5 of their top 8 tacklers from a season ago but have solid leadership back. Sam Smith, Sean Barajas, and Peyton Evans all return to lead the Berthoud defense. University is my pick to finish in 5th but still a playoff contender. University went 5-4 last season and missed the playoffs. University went 1-4 in league play a year ago and they will look to improve on that side of things. University offensively will have some holes to fill mainly the offensive line, top two RBs, and top WR. University will return QB Max Davis, and he will look to build off his sophomore season success. Also look for Michael Kelly and Gage Viken to take big leaps forward this season. University was hit hard by graduation on defense. University lost 10 of their top 13 tacklers to graduation and this unit will look to reload this season. Players like Connor Simonds, Evan Davey-Anderson, and Dominic Chacon could be players to watch this season. Valley rounds out the North League. Valley went 1-8 last season and 0-5 in the North League. Valley is looking to rebuild their program and become more competitive this season. Valley will lose their QB and top RB from a season ago but will look for players like Chase Overman, Caden Surber, and Easton Alps to step up this year. Defensively, Valley should improve this season. Valley returns 8 of their top 13 tacklers including 3 of their top 6. Caden Surber, Zyon Gonzales, and Steven Stambaugh should lead the Valley defense this year.
My predictions for North League
League Champion: Wellington
Playoff Contenders: Wellington, Resurrection Christian, Eaton, Berthoud, University
Dark Horse: Berthoud (Can they challenge for the league title)
Preseason Player of the League: Andrew Loyd Sr. Eaton
Others to watch for: Tanner Gray Sr. Wellington, Cyle Kisner Jr. Wellington, Tyler Shaffer Sr. Wellington, Matt Brown Sr. Wellington, Seamus Pike Jr. Wellington, Vinnie Juarez Sr. Eaton, Jackson Savona Jr. Eaton, Paxton Pettinger Jr. Eaton, Liam Whalen Sr. Eaton, Max Blaskowski Sr. Eaton, Jaxson Pszanka Sr. Resurrection Christian, Britton Walston Sr. Resurrection Christian, Ethan Carter Sr. Resurrection Christian, Sam Smith Sr. Berthoud, Sean Barajas Sr. Berthoud, Peyton Evans Sr. Berthoud, Gavin Kirk Jr. Berthoud, Jayce Newbill Sr. Berthoud, Connor Simonds Jr. University, Max Davis Jr. University, Michael Kelly Jr. University, Gage Viken Sr. University, Caden Surber Sr. Valley, Syon Gonzales Jr. Valley, Steven Stambaugh Jr. Valley
Southeast League
1. Lamar
2. Florence
3. La Junta
4. Banning Lewis
5. Manitou Springs
6. Woodland Park
The Southeast League had two teams make the playoffs last season. This year I see possibly four teams competing for playoffs spots from the Southeast League. Lamar is my pick to win the Southeast League. Lamar went 9-2 last season with a trip to the Quarterfinals. Lamar does lose some key pieces but bring plenty of talent back to make a deep playoff push. Lamar returns QB Jacob Dunning, RB Alex Aguilar, and WR Alexander Williams. Lamar also returns the core of their offensive line, and the offensive unit for Lamar could be very dangerous again this season. Defensively, Lamar returns 9 of their top 13 tacklers including 4 of their top 6. Lamar will have to replace their leading tackler from a year ago. Adriel Gonzalez, Braxen Shelton, and Cason Pollart should fill the leadership role this season. Florence is my pick to finish in 2nd. Florence went 2-7 last season but went 2-3 in league and finished in 4th. Florence hopes to build off the experience gained last season and push for a playoff spot this year. Offensively Florence should improve this season QB Noah Howard is back to lead the offense along with WR Jaret Lozano and WR JJ Baker. A new RB must step up and a few holes must be filled on the offensive line. Defensively, Florence returns 7 of their top 13 tacklers from a season ago including 3 of their top 6. Joey Hess, Wyatt Dudley, and JJ Baker must step up and lead the Huskies defense. La Junta is my pick to finish in 3rd. La Junta went 4-5 last season and did not make the playoffs. La Junta offensively will have some big holes to fill losing their QB, top WR, and possibly 3 or 4 starters from the offensive line. La Junta will return RB Chris Barela and RB Jordan Gamez both will be tasked with becoming leaders this season. Defensively La Junta should have a tough unit this year. La Junta returns 7 of their top 13 tacklers including 4 of their top 6. Joe Nunez and Jordan Gamez both return to lead the defense but also watch for Josia Martinez and Luciano Jimenez. Banning Lewis is my pick to finish in 4th. Banning Lewis went 1-8 last season with a young and inexperience roster. Banning Lewis gained valuable experience last season and will look to jump into the playoff picture. Offensively Banning Lewis returns at least 4 starters on the offensive line plus QB Sam Early and WR Jordan Jones. Defensively Banning Lewis returns 9 of their top 13 tacklers including 5 of their top 6. Jordan Jones, Cam Leggett, and Isaiah Gomez will lead the Stallions defense this year. Manitou Springs is my pick to finish in 5th. Manitou Springs went 4-5 last season and missed the playoffs. Manitou Springs lose a good senior class and will be looking to reload and stay inside the top 3 of the league. Manitou Springs will have to replace their QB, RB, and top WR. Manitou Springs will look for new players to step up like Layton Little and Cohen Barrett. Defensively Manitou Springs will be rebuilding this unit losing 9 of their top 13 tacklers from a season ago. Layton Little, Dillon Gates, and Kaden Bunker will be tasked with leading a young Manitou Springs defense. Woodland Park rounds out the Southeast League. Woodland Park went 9-1 last season and won the Southeast League. Woodland Park is losing a very good senior class plus will have a new coach this season. Woodland Park will have some big holes to fill losing over 2200 yards of total offense. New players will be tasked with stepping up this year like Cody Spradlin, Demetrius Gochis, and Nathan Summeril. Defensively Woodland Park was also senior led and will lose 10 of their top 13 tacklers. Woodland Park will lean heavily on Demetrius Gochis, Zach Summeril, and Chance Hancock to lead Woodland Park development on defense.
My predictions for Southeast League
League Champion: Lamar
Playoff Contenders: Lamar, Florence, La Junta, Banning Lewis
Dark Horse: Banning Lewis
Preseason Player of the League: Jacob Dunning Jr. Lamar
Others to watch for: Adriel Gonzalez Sr. Lamar, Braxen Shelton Sr. Lamar, Cason Pollart Sr. Lamar, Alex Aguilar Jr. Lamar, Alexander Williams Sr. Lamar, Noah Howard Sr. Florence, Joey Hess Sr. Florence, Jaret Lozano Sr. Florence, Wyatt Dudley Sr. Florence, Joe Nunez Sr. La Junta, Jordan Gamez Jr. La Junta, Josia Martinez Jr. La Junta, Chris Barela Sr. La Junta, Jordan Jones Sr. Banning Lewis, Cam Leggett Sr. Banning Lewis, Isaiah Gomez Jr. Banning Lewis, Sam Early Jr. Banning Lewis, Layton Little Sr. Manitou Springs, Dillon Gates Sr. Manitou Springs, Demetrius Gochis Sr. Woodland Park, Nathan Summeril Sr. Woodland Park
West League
1. Basalt
2. Delta
3. Coal Ridge
4. Aspen
5. Moffat County
The West League qualified two teams into the playoffs last season, and this year looks to be even tougher with all 5 teams looking to compete for a playoff spot. The West League should be very competitive this season. Basalt is my pick to win the West League. Basalt went 11-1 last season, won the league and made a trip to the semifinals last season. Basalt will bring back a talented roster and they will be looking to win a state title this season. Offensively, Basalt returns QB Karson Schneider, RB Will Tarallo, and WR Jude Webb. Basalt also returns 3 starters on the offensive line, and this unit will be dangerous this season. Defensively Basalt will be a top unit in Class 2A. Basalt returns 8 of their top 13 tacklers including 4 of their top 6. Parker Sims, Connor Anthes, and Dylan Johnston all return to lead an experience defense. Delta is my pick to finish in second. Delta went 7-3 last season and made the playoffs. Delta will be losing a good senior class and will be looking to reload and make another run at the league title. Delta will be searching for new playmakers on offense across the board. A few of those players could be Dom Teal, Deacon Shean, and Jhett Ryan. Defensively Delta will also look to reload. Delta returns 6 of their top 13 tacklers from last season including 2 of their top 6. Leadership from Alex McKenna, Jhett Ryan, and Harley Gibson will be key for a young panther’s defense. Coal Ridge is my pick to finish in 3rd. Coal Ridge went 5-4 last season and 2-3 in league to finish in 4th. Coal Ridge just missed the playoffs and will look to get into the playoffs this season. Coal Ridge, offensively will be loaded this season. QB Dylan Miller is back at the helm as is RB Jayden Emery, RB Angel Hernandez, and WR JL Houston. This offense should take a huge step forward this season. Defensively Coal Ridge should also improve but have key leadership roles to fill losing their top 2 tacklers from a season ago. Coal Ridge will return 9 of their top 13 tacklers, including 4 of their top 6. Tasen Collard, Evan Dujka, and Kai Oesterle will be tasked with stepping into leadership roles this season. Aspen is my pick to finish in 4th. Aspen went 5-4 last season just missing out on the playoffs. Aspen is my dark horse pick to finish second in league and make the playoffs. Aspen offensively is loaded with talent. Aspen returns at least three starters on the offensive line plus QB Brett Eggleston, RB Dylan Mika, and RB Carter Kuhlman. Defensively Aspen has the most question marks. Aspen returns just 5 of their top 13 tacklers from last season and just 2 of their top 6. Dylan Mika and Asher Smith will be tasked with leading a young Aspen defense. Rounding out the West League is Moffat County. Moffat County went 3-6 last season and 1-4 in league. Moffat County will be looking to reload/rebuild a bit this season as they lose a big senior class. Offensively Moffat County could be replacing 3, maybe 4 starters on the offensive line plus their top RB and WR. Moffat County will have some leadership back in QB Logan Reidhead and RB Owen Hill. Defensively Moffat County will also be rebuilding. Moffat County returns just 5 of their top 13 tacklers with none of their top 6 back. New leadership must emerge and look for Tristan Smith, Logan Reidhead, and Owen Hill to step into those roles.
My predictions for West League
League Champion: Basalt
Playoff Contenders: Basalt, Delta, Aspen, Coal Ridge
Dark Horse: Aspen
Preseason Player of the League: Will Tarallo Sr. Basalt
Others to watch for: Karson Schneider Sr. Basalt, Parker Sims Sr. Basalt, Connor Anthes Jr. Basalt, Dylan Johnston Sr. Basalt, Dom Teal Jr. Delta, Deacon Shean Sr. Delta, Alex McKenna Sr. Delta, Jhett Ryan Sr. Delta, Tasen Collard Jr. Coal Ridge, Evan Dujka Sr. Coal Ridge, Angel Hernandez Sr. Coal Ridge, Dylan Miller Sr. Coal Ridge, Dylan Mika Sr. Aspen, Asher Smith Sr. Aspen, Brett Eggleston Sr. Aspen, Tristan Smith Jr. Moffat County, Logan Reidhead Sr. Moffat County, Owen Hill Jr. Moffat 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!
Strasburg (East)
Kent Denver (East)
Elizabeth (East)
Alamosa (IML)
Bayfield (IML)
Brush (Patriot)
Classical Academy (Metro)
Wellington (North)
Eaton (North)
Resurrection Christian (North)
Berthoud (North)
Lamar (Southeast)
Florence (Southeast)
Basalt (West)
Delta (West)
Coal Ridge (West)
Others to Watch
Aspen, Denver West, Pagosa Springs, Sterling, University, La Junta, Bennett, Arvada, D’Evelyn, Banning Lewis,
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