MileHigh Prep Reports Top Returning Defense’s Class 2A
Picking the best returning defenses is not an easy task but of course it’s always fun to take a look. I am using PPG given up last year and looking what teams are returning. This is one of my favorite articles to write and defense usually wins championships. I will release my preseason Class 2A Top 16 tomorrow. We are also going to continue doing our Media Polls if you are interested send me a message or email.
| High School | Stats |
| Wellington HS | Their defense gave up 62 points last year, which was the best in Class 2A. Wellington is your defending State Champions, and their defense was a huge part of their success. They return 7 of their top 13 tacklers including 2 of their top 6. Wellington had one of the most dominate defenses in 2A history giving up just 4.8 ppg. |
| Eaton HS | Their defense gave up 241 points last year, which was 21st best in Class 2A. Eaton gave up 20.1 ppg last season ranking inside the top 15. Eaton will look to be a top 5 unit this year. Eaton returns 8 of their top 13 tacklers from last season including 4 of their top 6. Eaton has been outside the top 10 for defense the past two years look for them to change that. |
| Elizabeth HS | Their defense gave up 264 points last year, which was 26th best in Class 2A. Elizabeth was outside the top 25 for total points allowed but PPGA gave up just 20.3 ranking them #15. Elizabeth will look to be a top 5 unit this year and return plenty of talent. Elizabeth returns 8 of their top 13 tackles including 4 of their top 6. |
| La Junta HS | Their defense gave up 174 points last year which was 12th best in Class 2A. La Junta was just outside the top 10 in total points allowed and PPGA ranking 12 at 17.4 ppg. La Junta will also return a talented unit this year. La Junta returns 8 of their top 13 tacklers from last year including 5 of their top 6. |
| Basalt HS | Their defense gave up 155 points last year which was 6th best in Class 2A. Basalt was a top 8 unit a year ago both in total points allowed and PPGA giving up 15.5 ppg and ranking 7th. Basalt, like many of the other top 5 returning defense has tons of talent back. Basalt returns 8 of their top 13 tacklers including 3 of their top 6. |
| Forge Christian | Their defense gave up 150 points last year in Class 1A. Forge Christian makes the leap into Class 2A this season and will look for their defense to rise to the challenge. Forge Christian should be a top 10 unit right away. Forge Christian returns 8 of their top 13 tacklers but leadership was hit hard by graduation returning just 2 of their top 6. |
| Pagosa Springs HS | Their defense gave up 229 points last year which was 18th best in Class 2A. Pagosa Springs had a rough start to last season giving up 125 points in three straight losses. Pagosa ended the year playing much better defensively and should translate this year. Pagosa Springs returns 8 of their top 13 tacklers from last season including 4 of their top 6. |
| Delta HS | Their defense gave up 118 points last year which was 2nd best in Class 2A. Delta also gave up just 11.8 ppg last year ranking 2nd in Class 2A. Graduation hit the Panthers hard but look for them to still be a talented defensive unit. Delta returns just 5 of their top 13 tacklers from last year including 2 of their top 6. |
| Strasburg HS | Their defense gave up 148 points last year which was 4th best in Class 2A. Strasburg sported a top 3 defense in terms of PPGA giving up just 13.5 ppg and ranking 3rd in Class 2A. Strasburg will also be hit hard by graduation on the defensive side of the ball. Strasburg always seems to have a top defensive team so don’t look for that to slow them down much. Strasburg returns 4 of their top 13 tacklers from last year including 2 of their top 6. |
| Sterling HS | Their defense gave up 241 points last year which was 22nd best in Class 2A. Sterling will look to improve defensively after giving up 26.8 ppg last season and that also ranked them 23rd. Sterling will lean on solid leadership that is returning. Sterling returns 7 of their top 13 tacklers from last year including 4 of their top 6. |
| Florence HS | Their defense gave up 291 point last year which was 33rd best in Class 2A. Florence will look to make strides defensively this year and I think could be a top 15 unit. Florence will lean heavy on the returning players to improve on 26.8 PPGA. Florence returns 7 of their top 13 tacklers from last year including 3 of their top 6. |
| Lamar HS | Their defense gave up 215 point last year which was 15th best in Class 2A. Lamar took a small step backwards defensively last year dropping out of the top 10. Lamar also gave up 21.5 ppg and will also look to improve on that. Lamar will look for new leadership to step up this year. Lamar returns 7 of their top 13 tacklers from last year including 2 of their top 6. |
| Brush HS | Their defense gave up 170 point last year which was 8th best in Class 2A. Brush did sport a top 8 defense when looking at PPGA giving up just 15.5 ppg and being ranked 8. Brush was hit hard by graduation, but they return the top talent to still make them a candidate for a top 15 unit. Brush returns 4 of their top 13 tacklers including 2 of their top 6. |
| Resurrection Christian | Their defense gave up 166 points last year which was 8th best in Class 2A. Resurrection Christian did have a top defense in terms of PPGA giving up 15.1 ppg which was #6 in Class 2A. Resurrection Christian normally has a top defense and this year they will look to reload after being hit hard by graduation. Resurrection Christian returns 5 of their top 13 tacklers but none of their top 6. |
| University | Their defense gave up 220 points last year which was 16th best in Class 2A. University actually drops outside the top 19 when looking at PPG as they gave up 24.4 ppg and they would be ranked 20th. University will look to improve defensively. University returns 9 of their top 13 tacklers including 3 of their top 6. |
| Englewood HS | Their defense gave up 194 points last year which was 14th best in Class 2A. Englewood was just on the outside of the playoff bubble and this year they hope to make a return. Englewood will return plenty of talent but must make improvements from last season. Englewood will return 7 of their top 13 tacklers including 4 of their top 6. |
| Defensive Unit Watch List: | Classical Academy, Coal Ridge, Alamosa, Weld Central, D’Evelyn, Banning Lewis, Denver West, Bayfield, Gunnison, Prospect Ridge, Woodland Park, Salida, Aspen, Manitou Springs |