Class 2A Football State Playoff Teams What They Return
We kick off our coverage of the 2026 High School Football Season by looking at what the playoff teams are losing and returning from the previous year. This is a new article we started last year looking at just playoff teams but next week we will jump full depth into covering Class 2A Football and working our way down.
Wellington (13-0) Defending State Champions
Key Players Graduating:
Seniors Lost: 13
Offensive/Defensive Linemen Lost (50 thru 79 & 90-99): 4
Losing 6 of their top 13 Tacklers
| Player | Stats |
| Tanner Gray | 810 yards passing, 13 TDs, 3 INTs, 840 yards rushing, 18 rushing TDs, 63 Tackles, 24 TFL, 9 Sacks |
| Tanner McLean | 309 yards receiving, 4 TDs |
| Tyler Shaffer | 66 Tackles, 11 TFL |
| Matt Brown | 63 Tackles, 2 INTs |
| Ezra Batjargal | 47 Tackles, 12 TFL, 5 Sacks |
Key Players Returning
Return 12 Jr/Sr Defensive/Offensive Linemen
Return 7 of their top 13 Tacklers including 2 of their top 6
| Player | Stats |
| Brayton Meglen Jr. | 952 yards rushing, 14 rushing TDs, 283 yards receiving, 4 TDs, 26 Tackles, 3 INTs |
| Cyle Kisner Sr. | 888 yards rushing, 13 rushing TDs, 9 Tackles |
| Loyal Scott Jr. | 201 yards rushing, 4 rushing TDs, 11 Tackles |
| Teagen Greiman Sr. | 83 Tackles, 9 TFL, 2 INTs |
| Ethan Thurnes Sr. | 78 Tackles, 5 TFL, 2 Sacks |
| Anijah Garner Sr. | 43 Tackles, 7 TFL, 4.5 Sacks |
All-State Players Returning
Cyle Kisner RB/DB Sr., AJ Shedenhelm OL/DL Sr., Brayton Meglen RB/CB Jr., Ethan Thurnes FB/LB Sr., Teagen Greiman LB/TE Sr.
Elizabeth (10-3), Runners Up
Key Players Graduating:
Seniors Lost: 14
Offensive/Defensive Linemen Lost (50 thru 79 & 90-99): 1
Losing 5 of their top 13 Tacklers
| Player | Stats |
| Griffin Widhalm | 834 yards passing, 7 TDs, 5 INTs, 793 yards rushing, 14 rushing TDs |
| Tristan McCray | 998 yards rushing, 19 rushing TDs, 27 Tackles, 2 TFL |
| Andrew Martinez | 703 yards rushing, 7 rushing TDs, 35 Tackles, 4 TFL |
| Carter Jones | 91 Tackles |
| Coalten Crowner | 49 Tackles, 2 TFL |
Key Players Returning
Return 11 Jr/Sr Defensive/Offensive Linemen
Return 8 of their top 13 Tacklers including 4 of their top 6
| Player | Stats |
| Ryker Atkins Sr. | 171 yards rushing, 3 rushing TDs, 60 Tackles, 2 TFL |
| Brody Aldrige Sr. | 130 yards rushing, 4 rushing TDs, 61 Tackles, 2 INTs |
| Joaquin Aviles Sr. | 16 yards passing, 29 Tackles, 2 TFL |
| Tyler Hanak Sr. | 78 Tackles, 10 TFL, 5 Sacks |
| Landon Edwards Sr. | 66 Tackles, 6 TFL, 2 Sacks |
| Talyn Douglas Jr. | 49 Tackles |
All-State Players Returning
Tim Water OL/DL Sr., Tyler Hanks DE Sr.
Classical Academy (11-1), Lost in the Semifinals
Key Players Graduating:
Seniors Lost: 19
Offensive/Defensive Linemen Lost (50 thru 79 & 90-99): 5
Losing 11 of their top 13 Tacklers
| Player | Stats |
| Jackson Smetana | 1630 yards passing, 15 TDs, 8 INTs |
| Jackson Schipfer | 1302 yards rushing, 17 TDs |
| Hayden Gustafson | 505 yards receiving, 7 TDs, 75 Tackles |
| Henry Hoyman | 44 Tackles |
| Joshua Knuckles | 42 Tackles, 2 INTs |
Key Players Returning
Return 11 JR/SR Defensive/Offensive Linemen
Return 2 of their top 13 Tacklers including 1 of their top 6
| Player | Stats |
| Josiah Musilli Sr. | 223 yards rushing, 4 rushing TDs, 50 Tackles, 6 TFL, 2 Sacks |
| Wilson Grothe Jr. | 61 yards passing |
| Aaron Young Jr. | 20 Tackles |
| Nathaniel Thorne Sr. | 15 Tackles, 2 TFL |
| Sam Newman Sr. | 8 Tackles, 4 TFL |
| Caden Maddox Sr. | 6 Tackles |
All-State Players Returning
Josiah Musilli FB/LB Sr.
Eaton (8-4), Lost in Semifinals
Key Players Graduating:
Seniors Lost: 10
Offensive/Defensive Linemen Lost (50 thru 79 & 90-99): 2
Losing 5 of their top 13 Tacklers
| Player | Stats |
| Andrew Loyd | 711 yards passing, 7 TDs, 6 INTs, 473 yards rushing, 4 rushing TDs, 40 Tackles, 3 Sacks |
| Max Blaskowski | 595 yards receiving, 6 TDs |
| Vinnie Juarez | 81 Tackles |
| Cameron Southard | 64 Tackles, 4 TFL, 4 Sacks, 2 INTs |
| Dylan Paris | 41 Tackles, 3 INTs |
Key Players Returning
Return 13 JR/SR Defensive/Offensive Linemen
Return 8 of their top 13 Tacklers including 4 of their top 6
| Player | Stats |
| Brayden Legler Sr. | 645 yards passing, 4 TDs, 4 INTs |
| Jackson Savona Sr. | 1378 yards rushing, 14 rushing TDs, 18 Tackles |
| Cooper Wiedeman Sr. | 237 yards receiving, 1 TD, 14 Tackles, 3 TFL |
| Ben Lawhead Sr. | 68 Tackles |
| Paxton Pettinger Sr. | 49 Tackles, 7 TFL, 4 Sacks |
| Austin Bright Sr. | 43 Tackles, 3 TFL, 3 Sacks |
All-State Players Returning
Austin Bright DE/G Sr., Jackson Savona RB/OLB Sr., Everett Edinger RB/SS Sr.
Strasburg (10-1), Lost in Quarterfinals
Key Players Graduating:
Seniors Lost: 11
Offensive/Defensive Linemen Lost (50 thru 79 & 90-99): 6
Losing 9 of their top 13 Tacklers
| Player | Stats |
| Cade Hemphill | 1389 yards rushing, 23 rushing TDs, 322 yards receiving, 4 TDs, 48 Tackles, 3 TFL, 4 INTs |
| Cameron Manahan | 236 yards receiving, 2 TDs, 15 Tackles |
| Ethan Freeman | 103 Tackles, 17 TFL, 3.5 Sacks |
| Jorge Parra | 77 Tackles, 16 TFL, 4.5 Sacks |
| Juan Fernandez | 26 Tackles, 3 TFL |
Key Players Returning
Return 8 JR/SR Defensive/Offensive Linemen
Return 4 of their top 13 Tacklers including 2 of their top 6
| Player | Stats |
| Brody Hopwood Sr. | 2372 yards passing, 23 TDs, 8 INTs |
| Jayden Miller Sr. | 742 yards receiving, 9 TDs, 39 Tackles, 3 TFL, 4 INTs |
| Ayden Dodge Sr. | 704 yards receiving, 5 TDs, 16 Tackles, 2 TFL, 6 INTs |
| Reagan Rosier Sr. | 69 Tackles, 9 TFL, 2.5 Sacks |
| Mason Dickens Sr. | 23 Tackles, 6 TFL |
| Nic Gutierrez So. | 9 Tackles |
All-State Players Returning
Brody Hopwood QB/DB Sr., Ayden Dodge RB/CB Sr., Jayden Miller CB/WR Sr.
Brush (10-1), Lost in Quarterfinals
Key Players Graduating:
Seniors Lost: 16
Offensive/Defensive Linemen Lost (50 thru 79 & 90-99): 7
Losing 9 of their top 13 Tacklers
| Player | Stats |
| Eric Rico | 710 yards passing, 8 TDs, 5 INTs, 444 yards rushing, 7 rushing TDs, 23 Tackles, 6 INTs |
| Ritchie Bruno | 1314 yards rushing, 18 rushing TDs, 61 Tackles, 9 TFL |
| Dylan Krob | 399 yards rushing, 7 rushing TDs, 80 Tackles, 4 TFL, 2.5 Sacks |
| Austin Ley | 64 Tackles, 8 TFL |
| Andrew Herrera | 61 Tackles, 17 TFL, 3 Sacks |
Key Players Returning
Return 8 JR/SR Defensive/Offensive Linemen
Return 4 of their top 13 Tacklers including 2 of their top 6
| Player | Stats |
| Jolani Thomas Sr. | 655 yards rushing, 10 rushing TDs, 64 Tackles, 8 TFL |
| Cassius Middlemist Jr. | 441 yards rushing, 3 rushing TDs, 195 yards receiving, 2 TDs, 57 Tackles, 3 TFL |
| Uriel Lopez Jr. | 23 Tackles |
| Zaden Haswell Sr. | 13 Tackles |
| Azaviel Batrez Jr. | 13 Tackles |
| Trent Garrett Jr. | 10 Tackles |
All-State Players Returning
Cassius Middlemist RB/LB Jr.
Kent Denver (8-3), Lost in the Quarterfinals
Moved up to Class 3A.
Resurrection Christian (7-4), Lost in Quarterfinals
Key Players Graduating:
Seniors Lost: 17
Offensive/Defensive Linemen Lost (50 thru 79 & 90-99): 6
Losing 8 of their top 13 Tacklers
| Player | Stats |
| Jackson Lucas | 1512 yards passing, 16 TDs, 6 INTs |
| Britton Watson | 1274 yards rushing, 22 rushing TDs |
| Jaxson Pszanka | 659 yards receiving, 9 TDs |
| MJ Peterson | 106 Tackles |
| Ethan Carter | 85 Tackles, 5 TFL, 2 sacks |
Key Players Returning
Return 9 JR/SR Defensive/Offensive Linemen
Return 5 of their top 13 Tacklers but none of their top 6
| Player | Stats |
| Camden Davis Sr. | 370 yards receiving, 4 TDs, 38 Tackles, 6 TFL, 6 INTs |
| Cooper Fast Sr. | 38 Tackles, 4 TFL, 2 Sacks |
| Josh Stockton Jr. | 30 Tackles, 5 TFL, 2 Sacks |
| Hamilton Pszanka Sr. | 21 Tackles |
| Jesse Owen Jr. | 20 Tackles |
| Ryan Gooch SO. | 18 Tackles |
All-State Players Returning
Camden Davis SS/QB Sr., Cooper Fast OL/DL Sr.
La Junta (7-3), Lost in First Round
Key Players Graduating:
Seniors Lost: 11
Offensive/Defensive Linemen Lost (50 thru 79 & 90-99): 5
Losing 5 of their top 13 Tacklers
| Player | Stats |
| Chris Barela | 613 yards rushing, 9 rushing TDs, 23 Tackles, 3 TFL |
| Luciano Jimenez | 228 yards receiving, 2 TDs, 15 Tackles |
| Joe Nunez | 83 Tackles, 3.5 TFL |
| Calvin Hill | 18 Tackles, 2 INTs |
| Jacob Madrid | 17 Tackles |
Key Players Returning
Return 6 JR/SR Defensive/Offensive Linemen
Return 8 of their top 13 Tacklers including 5 of their top 6
| Player | Stats |
| Gavin Denahy Sr. | 1125 yards passing, 15 TDs, 8 INTs, |
| Jordan Gamez Sr. | 276 yards rushing, 2 rushing TDs, 273 yards receiving, 2 TDs, 37 Tackles, |
| Raif Robinson Jr. | 273 yards rushing, 4 rushing TDs, 44 Tackles |
| Eban Morales Jr. | 213 yards receiving, 5 TDs, 35 Tackles |
| Jordyn Herrera Jr. | 37 Tackles |
| Ryan Remick Sr. | 28 Tackles, 4 TFL, 4 Sacks |
All-State Players Returning
Eban Morales DE/TE Jr., Ryan Remick T/NG Sr.
Denver West (8-2), Lost in First Round
Moved up to Class 3A
Lamar (7-3), Lost in First Round
Key Players Graduating:
Seniors Lost: 8
Offensive/Defensive Linemen Lost (50 thru 79 & 90-99): 4
Losing 6 of their top 13 Tacklers
| Player | Stats |
| Adriel Gonzalez | 699 yards rushing, 8 rushing TDs, 96 Tackles, 2 TFL |
| Cason Pollart | 955 yards receiving, 12 TDs, 85 Tackles |
| Alexander Williams | 804 yards receiving, 8 TDs, 47 Tackles, 5 TFL |
| Braxen Shelton | 357 yards receiving, 2 TDs, 89 Tackles |
| Maverick Medina | 67 Tackles, 6 TFL |
Key Players Returning
Return 8 JR/SR Defensive/Offensive Linemen
Return 7 of their top 13 Tacklers including 2 of their top 6
| Player | Stats |
| Jacob Dunning Sr. | 2513 yards receiving, 24 TDs, 8 INTs, 38 Tackles, 6 INTs |
| Alex Aguilar Sr. | 122 yards rushing, 3 rushing TDs, 165 yards receiving, 1 TD, 45 Tackles, 2 TFL |
| Andrew Chairez Jr. | 112 yards receiving |
| Kilian Losa Sr. | 66 tackles, 5 TFL, 2 Sacks |
| Izaias Miera Sr. | 55 Tackles, 5 TFL, 2 Sacks |
| Dalton Lira Jr. | 34 Tackles, 5 TFL |
All-State Players Returning
Alex Aguilar RB/DB Sr., Jacob Dunning QB/DB Sr.
Delta (7-3), Lost in First Round
Key Players Graduating:
Seniors Lost: 13
Offensive/Defensive Linemen Lost (50 thru 79 & 90-99): 4
Losing 8 of their top 13 Tacklers
| Player | Stats |
| Jhett Ryan | 874 yards passing, 17 TDs, 4 INTs, 616 yards rushing, 6 rushing TDs, 55 Tackles |
| Deacon Shean | 651 yards receiving, 12 TDs, 18 Tackles |
| Alonso Huerta | 203 yards receiving, 3 TDs, 40 Tackles |
| Alex McKenna | 86 Tackles, 15 TFL, 5 Sacks |
| Elijah Lah | 77 Tackles, 9 TFL |
Key Players Returning
Return 6 JR/SR Defensive/Offensive Linemen
Return 5 of their top 13 Tacklers including 2 of their top 6
| Player | Stats |
| Mack Lockhart So. | 542 yards rushing, 5 rushing TDs, 81 Tackles, 8 TFL |
| Dominick Teal Sr. | 343 yards rushing, 3 rushing TDs |
| Cole Morlan Sr. | 38 yards passing, 198 yards rushing, 7 rushing TDs |
| Scott Floyd Jr. | 54 Tackles, 12 TFL, 4 Sacks, 3 INTs |
| Ben Morfitt Jr. | 41 Tackles |
All-State Players Returning
Mack Lockhart RB/ILB So.
Pagosa Springs (6-4), Lost in First Round
Key Players Graduating:
Seniors Lost: 8
Offensive/Defensive Linemen Lost (50 thru 79 & 90-99): 3
Losing 5 of their top 13 Tacklers
| Player | Stats |
| Creede Dozier | 215 yards passing, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, 26 Tackles, 3 INTs |
| Colton Lucero | 1797 yards rushing, 25 rushing TDs, 54 Tackles, 7 TFL, 2 Sacks, 2 INTs |
| Jayton Ross | 46 Tackles, 3 TFL |
| Aidan Vega | 34 Tackles, 2 TFL, 2 Sacks |
| Jeremiah Dean | 20 Tackles |
Key Players Returning
Return 7 JR/SR Defensive/Offensive Linemen
Return 8 of their top 13 Tacklers including 4 of their top 6
| Player | Stats |
| Alex Pacheco Jr. | 437 yards rushing, 6 rushing TDs, 41 Tackles, 3 TFL |
| Hudson Mazur Sr. | 422 yards rushing, 5 rushing TDs, 127 yards receiving, 53 Tackles, 2 INTs |
| Zander Lefthandbull Sr. | 80 Tackles, 2 TFL |
| Jimmy Elledge Sr. | 36 Tackles, 2 TFL |
| Kasen Limebrook Jr. | 27 Tackles |
All-State Players Returning
Jimmy Elledge OL/DL Sr.
Florence (5-5), Lost in First Round
Key Players Graduating:
Seniors Lost: 6
Offensive/Defensive Linemen Lost (50 thru 79 & 90-99): 1
Losing 6 of their top 13 Tacklers
| Player | Stats |
| Noah Howard | 744 yards passing, 7 TDs, 6 INTs, 2094 yards rushing, 23 rushing TDs, 23 Tackles, 2 INTs |
| Jaret Lozano | 307 yards receiving, 5 TDs, 22 Tackles |
| Wyatt Dudley | 69 Tackles, 10 TFL, 3 Sacks |
| Joey Hess | 56 Tackles, 12.5 TFL |
| Tucker Anderson | 45 Tackles, 5 TFL |
Key Players Returning
Return 9 JR/SR Defensive/Offensive Linemen
Return 7 of their top 13 Tacklers including 3 of their top 6
| Player | Stats |
| Ryan Robinson Jr. | 107 yards passing, 1 TD, 2 INTs, 514 yards rushing, 9 rushing TDs, 53 Tackles, 7 TFL, 2 Sacks |
| JJ Baker Sr. | 260 yards receiving, 4 TDs, 60 Tackles, 6 INTs |
| Brynnen Lambert Sr. | 52 Tackles, 7 TFL, 3 Sacks |
| Ayden Jennings Sr. | 41 Tackles, 3 TFL |
| Damon Shaffer Sr. | 39 Tackles, 6 TFL |
| Adin Webb Jr. | 25 Tackles, 4 TFL |
All-State Players Returning
Brynnen Lambert OL/DL Sr.
Alamosa (6-4), lost in First Round
Key Players Graduating:
Seniors Lost: 11
Offensive/Defensive Linemen Lost (50 thru 79 & 90-99): 3
Losing 10 of their top 13 Tacklers
| Player | Stats |
| Tony Griego | 1488 yards passing, 11 TDs, 2 INTs, 852 yards rushing, 9 rushing TDs, 56 Tackles, 3 TFL |
| AJ Baker | 682 yards rushing, 9 rushing TDs, 45 Tackles, 2 TFL |
| Brennon Maez | 672 yards receiving, 4 TDs |
| Josh Gonzalez | 39 Tackles, 3 TFL |
| Jovanny Mendoza | 49 Tackles, 7 TFL, 3 Sacks |
Key Players Returning
Return 11 JR/SR Defensive/Offensive Linemen
Return 3 of their top 13 Tacklers including 1 of their top 6
| Player | Stats |
| Zavier Maez Sr. | 112 yards rushing, 2 rushing TDs, 8 Tackles |
| Evan Anderson Sr. | 76 yards passing, 1 TD, 23 yards rushing |
| Anthony Montoya Sr. | 120 yards receiving, 2 TDs, 10 Tackles |
| Elijah Salazar Sr. | 53 Tackles, 2 TFL |
| Anthony Meder Sr. | 26 Tackles |
| Keenon Woodward Sr. | 26 Tackles |
All-State Players Returning
None
Basalt (6-4), Lost in the First Round
Key Players Graduating:
Seniors Lost: 7
Offensive/Defensive Linemen Lost (50 thru 79 & 90-99): 3
Losing 5 of their top 13 Tacklers
| Player | Stats |
| Karson Schneider | 848 yards passing, 6 TDs, 2 INTs |
| Will Tarallo | 960 yards rushing, 17 rushing TDs, 23 Tackles |
| Dylan Johnston | 336 yards receiving, 3 TDs, 80 Tackles |
| Randy DelCid | 59 Tackles, 9 TFL, 4 Sacks |
| Parker Sims | 54 Tackles, 4 INTs |
Key Players Returning
Return 7 JR/SR Defensive/Offensive Linemen
Return 8 of their top 13 Tacklers including 3 of their top 6
| Player | Stats |
| Jude Webb Jr. | 347 yards rushing, 7 rushing TDs, 130 yards receiving, 1 TD, 25 Tackles |
| Sam Volf Sr. | 133 yards receiving, 1 TD, 31 Tackles, 3 TFL |
| Chris Hays Sr. | 85 Tackles, 10 TFL, 3.5 Sacks |
| Connor Anthes Sr. | 78 Tackles, 7 TFL, 2 Sacks |
| Brooks Ragan Sr. | 49 Tackles, 9.5 TFL, 8.5 Sacks |
| Dylan Ferreira Sr. | 43 Tackles, 2 TFL |
All-State Players Returning
Connor Anthes OL/DL Sr.
Forge Christian (8-2), Lost in the First Round in Class 1A
Key Players Graduating:
Seniors Lost: 6
Offensive/Defensive Linemen Lost (50 thru 79 & 90-99): 3
Losing 5 of their top 13 Tacklers
| Player | Stats |
| Quentin Torres | 1102 yards rushing, 20 rushing TDs, 851 yards receiving, 10 TDs, 59 Tackles, 3 TFL |
| Trysen Eye | 451 yards receiving, 7 TDs, 57 Tackles, 13 TFL, 4 Sacks |
| Sammy Granillo | 88 Tackles, 15 TFL, 2 Sacks |
| Joshua Fale | 75 Tackles, 8.5 TFL |
| Sawyer Collins | 29 Tackles, 4 TFL |
Key Players Returning
Return 6 JR/SR Defensive/Offensive Linemen
Return 8 of their top 13 Tacklers including 2 of their top 6
| Player | Stats |
| Jack Widdifield Sr. | 1483 yards passing, 17 TDs, 1 INT, 306 yards rushing, 6 rushing TDs |
| Raleigh Cleveland Sr. | 403 yards rushing, 5 rushing TDs, 76 Tackles, 3 TFL |
| Hayden Hall So. | 162 yards receiving, 1 TD, 38 Tackles, 4 TFL, 3 INTs |
| Danny Granillo Jr. | 51 Tackles, 5 TFL |
| Evan Eytcheson Jr. | 39 Tackles |
| Brady Antolak Sr. | 28 Tackles, 2 TFL |
All-State Players Returning
Danny Granillo OL/DL Jr., Jack Widdfield QB/MLB Sr.
Manual (6-4), Lost in the First Round
Key Players Graduating:
Seniors Lost: 24
Offensive/Defensive Linemen Lost (50 thru 79 & 90-99): 7
Losing 8 of their top 13 Tacklers
| Player | Stats |
| Marcus Keller | 1856 yards passing, 22 TDs, 6 INTs, 671 yards rushing, 5 rushing TDs |
| Kearre Watson | 956 yards receiving, 14 TDs, 99 Tackles, 2 TFL |
| Tyree Toliver | 86 Tackles, 19 TFL, 14 Sacks |
| Sirkentae Harris-Cook | 66 Tackles, 6 TFL, 3 Sacks |
| Darrick Huhman | 37 Tackles |
Key Players Returning
Return 3 JR/SR Defensive/Offensive Linemen
Return 5 of their top 13 Tacklers including 3 of their top 6
| Player | Stats |
| Caleb Burrell So. | 344 yards rushing, 3 rushing TDs, 43 Tackles, 2 INTs |
| Ellis Namuweusi-Clements Sr. | 164 yards rushing, 3 rushing TDs, 36 Tackles, 4 TFL |
| Jeremiah Myles Sr. | 234 yards receiving, 2 TDs, 48 Tackles |
| Aciano Wilson Jr. | 72 Tackles, 2 TFL |
| Daveion Mccool Jr. | 25 Tackles |
| Ariel Nkela So. | 22 Tackles, 4 TFL, 2 Sacks |
All-State Players Returning
None
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