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 |
| Sedgwick County | Their defense gave up 257 points last year which was 13th best in 8-Man. Sedgwick County had a top 16 defense across the board giving up 25.7 ppg. Sedgwick County will look to improve on these numbers and could have a top 3 defense this year. Sedgwick County returns 8 of their top 10 tacklers including 4 of their top 5. |
| McClave | Their defense gave up 179 points last year which was 4th best in 8-Man. McClave had a stout defense last year giving up just 14.9 ppg which was 2nd best in 8-Man. McClave will have a few holes to fill but return plenty of talent including 6 of their top 10 tacklers from a year ago including 3 of their top 5. |
| Stratton | Their defense gave up 351 points last year in 6-Man Football but only gave up 25.1 ppg. These are very good numbers, and they were good enough to help Stratton reach the State Championship in 6-Man. The question will be how Stratton adjusts to the 8-Man Game. Stratton will be loaded with talent, returning 7 of their top 10 tacklers including 3 of their top 5. |
| Norwood | Their defense gave up 297 points last year which was 23rd best in 8-Man. Norwood gave up 27 points per game which ranked them inside the top 20 but just barely. Norwood must make the biggest improvement on the defensive side of the ball this year, especially losing their QB from a year ago. Norwood will return 7 of their top 10 tacklers, including 3 of their top 5. |
| Simla | Their defense gave up 291 points last year which was 21st best in 8-Man. Simla was just outside the top 20 in defense last year and gave up 29.1 ppg. Simla will hope to improve to a top 8 defense this year and could do just that. Simla returns 7 of their top 10 tacklers including 3 of their top 5. |
| Mancos | Their defense gave up 268 points last year which was 17th best in 8-Man. Mancos gave up 24.4 ppg last year which ranked them 13th in 8-Man. Mancos will have a few holes to fill but return enough talent that they should remain a top defensive unit. Mancos returns 6 of their top 10 tacklers and return great leadership with 4 of their top 5 returning. |
| Fowler | Their defense gave up 202 points last year which was 8th best in 8-Man. Fowler sported a top 12 defense last year and gave up just 22.4 ppg which was 11th best in 8-Man. Fowler could have one of the best defensive units in 8-Man this year and could help get them into the playoffs. Fowler returns 8 of their top 10 tacklers including 3 of their top 5. |
| Crowley County | Their defense gave up 276 points last year which was 20th best in 8-Man. Crowley County gave up 27.6 ppg on their way to the playoffs. Crowley County will look to improve on their defense this year and make a deeper playoff run. Crowley County returns 6 of their top 10 tacklers including 3 of their top 5. |
| Merino | Their defense gave up 338 points last year which was 30th best in 8-Man. Merino will look to make some of the biggest improvements on defense this year after giving up 37.6 ppg and being outside the top 26 defenses. Merino should improve this year and will hope to make a run at the playoffs. Merino returns 6 of their top 10 tacklers including 4 of their top 5. |
| Akron | Their defense gave up 234 points last year which was 11th best in 8-Man. Akron was your runner up last year and gave up just 18 ppg which was 4th best in 8-Man. Akron will lose a talented senior class and will look to reload with a young team. Akron will return 4 of their top 10 tacklers but just 1 of their top 5. |
| Dolores | Their defense gave up 157 points last year which was 3rd best in 8-Man. Dolores was a top 8 defense last year giving up 19.6 ppg which was 7th best in 8-Man. Dolores could benefit from Dove Creek not having a team and some players possibly playing for them. Regardless Dolores will return plenty of talent and should be a top unit again. Dolores returns 6 of their top 10 tacklers including 3 of their top 5. |
| West Grand | Their defense gave up 202 points last year which was 9th best in 8-Man. Once again West Grand had a top 10 defense and they will look to improve on that. West Grand gave up 20.2 ppg which was 8th best in 8-Man. West Grand will return 6 of their top 10 tacklers including 3 of their top 5. Look for them to make another run for the western slope title. |
| Las Animas | Their defense gave up 187 points last year which was 6th best in 8-Man. Las Animas had a top 8 defense last year giving up just 18.7 ppg which was also 6th best. Las Animas will hope to build off last year’s momentum and make a run for the playoffs. Las Animas will have some reloading to do returning 6 of their top 10 tacklers but just 2 of their top 5. |
| Clear Creek | Their defense gave up 183 points last year which was 5th best in 8-Man. Clear Creek has ruled the Central League and will make the adjustment to the Plains league this year and must continue to improve their defense. Clear Creek will have a few holes to fill but bring back talent to try and keep a top 12 defense. Clear Creek returns 5 of their top 10 tacklers including 3 of their top 5. |
| Sanford | Their defense gave up 258 points last year which was 14th best in 8-Man. Sanford loses a good and big senior class and will have some reloading to do this year. Sanford will have plenty of leadership back bringing back 3 of their top 5 tacklers. Sanford will hope for some younger players to step up this season. Don’t expect Sanford to take much of a step back with key leadership returning. |
| Haxtun | Their defense gave up 130 points last year which was the best in 8-Man. Haxtun was hit hard by graduation losing a very talented senior class. Haxtun will also have a new coach who will look to keep the tradition rolling. Haxtun will have two good leaders back from last year and hope to get the defense playing at top level. |
| Defensive Unit Watch List: | Calhan, Center, Front Range Christian, Sangre/Sargent, Sierra Grande, Rangely, Lyons, Vail Christian, Rocky Ford, Del Norte, Hayden, Plateau Valley, Holly |
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