Football Rocks! by Colorado Mountain News Media

Football 2013

rocks!

your guide to garfield county football and beyond

The season is here! check out the prep team previews

11 Colorado Football team schedules inside

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Football ROCKS 2013

Publisher Stephanie Schafer

table of contents

Editor Drew Munro sports editor Jon Mitchell Advertising sales manager Julie Carruth Advertising account managers Kendra Jones Kristin Andersen Garwood Laurie Vagneur Creative lead Afton Groepper publication DESIGNER Louie Atencio published by Glenwood Springs Post Independent 824 Grand Avenue Glenwood Springs, Colo. 81601 970.945.8515 news@postindependent.com www.postindependent.com ... The Citizen Telegram 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206 Rifle, Colo. 81650 970.625.3245 news@citizentelegram.com www.citizentelegram.com

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Football season is here? Scaling the mountain 2013 Football Schedules Demons look to start season hot Speed, not strength, to be a benefit for Titans Cardinals feel they’re in the hunt again Rifle has no plans to rest Roaring Fork seeks return to past success Colorado Buffaloes in a big hurry this year Boise State, Fresno State, top teams in Mountain West

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Football season is here?

Rock

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our high school football players from within Garfield County found a way to move mountains. Well, sort of. They at least found a way to move with the mountains. That’s all we could have asked. Jon Mitchell Maybe it’s me, but we probably asked an awful lot of the four guys who came out for our photo shoot for our football preview edition. I’d venture a guess that not many high school kids get out to go hiking on a regular basis. We asked them to come out and do that. In July. When it’s hot. With them wearing full football pads. Helmet and all. Yup. We made phone calls to all the head football coaches in the county to ask the high school kids to come do this. And all but one school came. That’s not bad for a first time out. We kind of laughed at ourselves at the shoot, actually. Tourists and campers going through Rifle Mountain Park likely didn’t think they’d drive by someone like Mitch Brown, a 6-foot9, 315-pound Roaring Fork lineman, wearing a helmet and shoulder pads in the park. Oh yeah. That turned a few heads.

Football ROCKS 2013

So what was the best part about that July 22 photo shoot at Rifle Mountain Park? Everyone there had fun. After all, it’s just a game. That’s what the day was all about — making sure we put together a very fun-looking section about the upcoming football season while putting local kids in the spotlight. It goes beyond that, though. Mike McLaughlin of the Aspen Times — who, mind you, used to be a big help to me covering events I couldn’t get to as a freelancer — gave us this idea. He used to help put together special high-school sports sections at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, and he even showed us some ideas we could run with. The thought process went from there, which is how this came to fruition. We wanted to highlight the local football teams at the five Garfield County high schools: Glenwood Springs, Roaring Fork, Coal Ridge, Rifle and Grand Valley. But we also wanted to incorporate things in the area that make people want to visit here and want to live here. That’s where the idea for our photo shoot and the theme of our football preview edition, “Football Rocks.” Obviously, football is a pretty big deal here. Rifle went to the Class 3A state title game last year, Glenwood made it to the big dance three years ago, and both Grand Valley and Roaring Fork have a history of recent success. Even Coal Ridge is emerging, with the Titans reaching the Class 2A postseason for the first time three years ago. But rock climbing obviously goes with the

territory also. Why else would Rifle Mountain Park draw people from around the nation to its annual cleanup weekend from July 20 to 21? It says a lot when hundreds of people show up at an event people are trying to keep quiet. We managed to make these two iconic parts of this community we live in work together, though. The hope is that it can be a continuous theme for years to come so we can highlight not only the kids who live here, but also the place we live. Thanks to everyone who helped give us all the material to, in a sense, complete the monumental task of putting this together. And from my perspective, it’ll be a privilege and honor to be super busy for the next 10 Friday nights and beyond. Jon Mitchell is the sports editor of the Glenwood Springs Post Independent and the Rifle Citizen Telegram. He can be reached at 970-384-9123, or by e-mail at jmitchell@postindependent.com.

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Football ROCKS 2013

Scaling the mountain Garfield County football teams tackle the tough terrain of getting to the top

Jon Mitchell Post Independent Sports Editor

here are peaks, and then there are valleys. Every one of Garfield County’s high school football programs has gone through these proverbial peaks and valleys during the past decade. They’ve all risen into contention for a postseason berth, with some of those turning into a trip to a state championship. They also, however, have fallen into obscurity, becoming afterthoughts to teams that have climbed into contention. For each of Garfield County’s high school football teams — Glenwood Springs, Roaring Fork, Coal Ridge, Rifle and Grand Valley — reaching the peak of their respective classification is the ultimate goal. Some, it seems, have much farther to climb to reach that peak. Rifle was at its peak much of the 2012 season. The Bears handily defeated nearly every opponent they faced on their way to the Class 3A state championship game in Aurora, only to lose to a Silver Creek team that peaked at the right time. Grand Valley made the climb back into a respectable program. The Cardinals went 8-1 in the regular season, but key injuries and the emotional toll that came with it helped result in a loss to Middle Park in the first round of the 2A state playoffs. Glenwood Springs posted its second consecutive 5-5 campaign in 2012, but reached the peak of 3A when the Demons won the state championship in 2008. Coal Ridge finished 4-5 this past season, but the Titans reached a peak for their program with the school’s first, and only, postseason berth in 2010. Roaring Fork has been in a valley of sorts — the Rams have won no more than three games per season since 2009. So the goal for the Rams is simple: work on the little things that will help make them a team to fear, like they were in 2005 when Roaring Fork posted a 10-1 record. “We had commitment issues,” Roaring Fork senior offensive lineman Mitch Harris said of the 2012 season. “People weren’t as committed to the program as they should have been. Now we have more people who are much more committed to the program instead of messing around and not working to get better.”

Football ROCKS 2013

Ram Toughness Harris, even though he hasn’t played on a Roaring Fork team that has reached the postseason, is pretty familiar with the success the program has had. “My mom had a couple of friends who had kids who played,” the 6-foot-9, 315-pound Harris said. “So we’d go to all of the games. That’s when Parker Nieslanik was playing. They were really good.” Roaring Fork, however, hasn’t had that kind of a season since that 2005 campaign. Its best record since then was the 5-5 mark the Rams posted in 2008 under Greg Holley. But three consecutive 3-7 seasons, followed by last year’s 2-7 campaign, followed. Harris said there was division among some of the players last season. That, in part, led to the record the Rams posted. It’s one of the things Roaring Fork is trying to eliminate this year. “[Coach Tory Jensen] is trying to bring back some of the teamwork strategy that’s worked in the past,” Harris said. “He’s getting everyone in the weight room, and he’s trying to make everyone in the program equal, from the freshmen on up. So far, it’s working.”

Rifle ready Everything seemed to be working last year for Rifle until the Bears’ loss to Silver Creek in the 3A title game. And a lot of what led to that 13-1 campaign was the camaraderie built among the players outside of the classroom. “It starts with every one of us getting in the weight room, starting the day after school ends,” said Rifle senior running back and defensive back Kellin Leigh, a first-team, all-state defensive back who also rushed for 1,174 yards and 12 touchdowns as a running back. “We bring in the freshmen and take them under our wing right away,” he continued. “When we’re together an hour before school, an hour at lunch and two hours after school, it’s not even like we’re teammates anymore. We’re more like brothers.” Leigh reiterated the togetherness factor numerous times, also stating that “it doesn’t matter what grade we’re in because we’re all on the same team and we’re all trying to accomplish the same thing.” It worked to the tune of a second consecutive unbeaten regular season and, along with it, a second consecutive 3A Western Slope League title. That also came, in part, from the prototypical one-gameat-a-time philosophy through all the attention the team got during another stellar season. “It was always in the back of our minds last year that we were at the top, but we didn’t finish at he top,” Leigh said. “We just have to remember that we can’t start thinking about winning Game 14 before we play Game 1.”

Photos by: Christopher Mullen / Post Independent Top Photo: Roaring Fork High School senior lineman Mitch Brown anchors the Rams’ offensive and defensive lines. At 6 feet, 9 inches and 315 pounds, Brown figures to be a big part in what the Rams hope will be an improved season. Bottom Photo: Rifle High School senior running back Kellin Leigh rushed for 1,174 yards and 14 touchdowns last season as the secondary running back for the Bears, who in 2012 used one of the top running attacks in the nation to win the 3A Western Slope League title and reach the state championship game. 8

Football ROCKS 2013

Demanding Demons Glenwood Springs is the most recent Garfield County team to win the 14th game it played. In 2008, Glenwood rolled to a 14-0 record on its way to a 23-14 victory over Fort Morgan in the 3A title game. Glenwood made another trip to the title game in 2010, falling to Elizabeth, 29-6. This year’s seniors were freshmen when the Demons last went to the state title game. Senior linebacker Garrett Lowe said he remembers players like Nick Ciani and Chad Montover, who were in their senior seasons when Glenwood went to the state title game. He remembers being in awe of those seniors — seeing how they excelled at their positions and treated everyone on the team as equals — with hopes he’d get a chance to fill their roles. “Now I’m at that point. I’m in their position,” Lowe said. “And I can remember all of the time the coaches spent just with me individually, helping to prep me for the upcoming years. And here we are in my senior year.” Lowe, like Harris, pointed to a lack of commitment as a factor that held the Demons back in 2012. He doesn’t see that as a potential problem this season. “You can’t just show up on the football field without preparing and expect to win,” Lowe said. “It takes dedication.”

Christopher Mullen / Post Independent Glenwood Springs High School senior linebacker Garrett Lowe has made a habit of climbing past the blocking schemes of the Demons’ opponents. Lowe finished with 85 tackles last year, including a pair of 12-tackle performances against Rifle and Moffat County.

Football ROCKS 2013

Remember the Titans

High-flying Cardinals

Dedication was at a peak for Coal Ridge five games into the 2012 season. The Titans were 4-1 with a 3-0 record in the 2A WSL, with their only loss of the season coming against Rifle. So what happened? “We played Bayfield,” Coal Ridge senior wide receiver Jerome Pizelli said. “We had all the confidence in the world up until that point. But they scored on their first possession, and we just couldn’t get our confidence back after that.” As demoralizing as the Titans’ 42-0 loss to Bayfield was, it was just one loss. That loss, however, sparked a season-ending, four-game skid that dropped Coal Ridge out of contention for a spot in the 2A state playoffs. That’s something Coal Ridge plans to learn from, for sure. “When we got off to that start, we got so confident that it’s almost like we felt entitled. We lived off that success we had,” Pizelli said. “It has to be week to week and game by game. I know we’ll do well if we stick with that mindset.”

Bayfield is the only team that beat Grand Valley in the 2012 regular season. It was the downside of what was otherwise a stellar regular season, where the Cardinals won eight of nine games and returned to the playoffs for the first time in three years. Grand Valley, however, dropped into obscurity in 2010 thanks to a 3-7 regular season. That season came after the Cardinals had gone to the 2A playoffs for four consecutive seasons. “We stubbed our toe big time that year,” Grand Valley coach Mike Johnson said. The 2011 season was spent rebuilding the camaraderie and cohesiveness the program had lost. It was all back by the 2012 season, however. Now, Grand Valley, like the rest of Garfield County’s prep football teams, hopes to continue the climb upward toward the peak of its classification.

Christopher Mullen / Post Independent Coal Ridge High School senior Jerome Pizelli, a wide receiver, led the Titans in receptions during the 2012 football season. He is one of the players competing for the QB position this year.

Football ROCKS 2013

jmitchell@postindependent.com

Wishing all the teams success this season!

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PreP Football

2013 Footba Glenwood Springs Demons

Coal Ridge Titans

Aug. 23 Sept. 5 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25

Conifer @Palisade Rifle @Steamboat Springs Delta @Eagle Valley Moffat County Evergreen @Cortez Battle Mountain

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Coal Ridge Moffat County @Glenwood Springs Cortez @Battle Mountain Palisade @Conifer @Steamboat Springs Delta @Eagle Valley

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 12 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 14 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25

Preseason Aug. 8 Aug. 17 Aug. 24 Aug. 29

@Basalt Aspen @Monte Vista Ridgeview Academy Paonia @Cedaredge Hotchkiss Meeker @Lake County

Meeker @Paonia Olathe @Gunnison @Bayfield Pagosa Springs @Basalt Aspen @Coal Ridge

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

@San Francisco 49ers @Seattle Seahawks St. Louis Rams Arizona Cardinals

W, 10-6 8 p.m. 6 p.m. 7 p.m.

Note: All programming is subject to change.

Football ROCKS 2013

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25

Roaring Fork Rams

Denver Broncos

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Grand Valley Cardinals

Rifle Bears Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 12 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1

@Rifle @Meeker Gunnison @Olathe @Pagosa Springs Bayfield @Aspen Basalt Grand Valley

Regular Season Sept. 5 Baltimore Ravens Sept. 15 @New York Giants Sept. 23 Oakland Raiders Sept. 29 Philadelphia Eagles Oct. 6 @Dallas Cowboys Oct. 13 Jacksonville Jaguars Oct. 20 @Indianapolis Colts Oct. 27 Washington Redskins

6:30 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 6:40 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 2:05 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 2:25 p.m.

all Schedules Colorado State Rams 4 p.m. 5 p.m. 1:30 p.m. TBA 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. Noon 10 p.m. 6 p.m. TBA 5 p.m. 1:30 p.m. TBA

Colorado Buffaloes Sept. 1 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30

Colorado State (at Sports Authority Field at Mile High) Central Arkansas Fresno State @Oregon State Oregon @Arizona State Arizona @UCLA @Washington California Southern California @Utah

Sept. 7 Menlo College 7 p.m. Sept. 14 @Montana State University 1 p.m. Sept. 21 @Chadron State College 1 p.m. Sept. 28 Black Hills State University 1 p.m. Oct. 5 @New Mexico Highlands University 1 p.m. Oct. 12 Western New Mexico University 2 p.m. Oct. 19 @Fort Lewis College 1 p.m. Oct. 26 Colorado School of Mines 1 p.m. Nov. 2 @Colorado State – Pueblo 6 p.m. Nov. 9 @Western State Colorado University 1 p.m. Nov. 16 Adams State University 12 p.m.

Air Force Academy Falcons 4 p.m. 6 p.m. 12 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA

Aug. 30 Colgate Sept. 7 Utah State Sept. 13 @Boise State Sept. 21 Wyoming Sept. 28 @Nevada Oct. 5 @Navy Oct. 10 San Diego State Oct. 26 Notre Dame Nov. 2 Army Nov. 8 @New Mexico Nov. 21 UNLV Nov. 30 @Colorado State

1 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 6 p.m. TBA 4:30 p.m. 9:30 a.m. 7 p.m. 3 p.m. TBA 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. TBA

University of Northern Colorado Bears Nov. 10 Nov. 17 Nov. 24 Dec. 1 Dec. 8 Dec. 12 Dec. 22 Dec. 29

@San Diego Chargers Kansas City Chiefs @New England Patriots @Kansas City Chiefs Tennessee Titans San Diego Chargers @Houston Texans @Oakland Raiders

2:25 p.m. 2:05 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 2:05 p.m. 6:25 p.m. 11 a.m. 2:25 p.m.

Aug. 31 Langston 1:35 p.m. Sept. 7 Colorado State – Pueblo 1:35 p.m. Sept. 14 @Wyoming 2 p.m. Sept. 21 Northern Iowa 1:35 p.m. Sept. 28 Southern Utah 1:35 p.m. Oct. 5 @Sacramento State 7:05 p.m. Oct. 12 @Idaho State 3:05 p.m. Oct. 19 UC Davis 1:35 p.m. Nov. 2 Montana State 1:40 p.m. Nov. 9 @North Dakota 12:05 p.m. Nov. 16 @Northern Arizona 4 p.m. Nov. 23 Cal Poly 12:05 p.m.

college Football

Sept. 1 Colorado (at Sports Authority Field at Mile High) Sept. 7 @Tulsa Sept. 14 Cal Poly Sept. 21 @Alabama Sept. 28 UTEP Oct. 12 San Jose State Oct. 19 @Wyoming Oct. 26 @Hawaii Nov. 2 Boise State Nov. 9 Nevada Nov. 16 @New Mexico Nov. 23 @Utah State Nov. 30 Air Force

Colorado Mesa University Mavericks

Football ROCKS 2013

Demons look to start season hot Glenwood’s first three games will ‘set the tone’ Jon Mitchell Post Independent Sports Editor

LENWOOD SPRINGS — Travis Lundin didn’t bat an eye when he gave his thoughts about the first three games of Glenwood Springs High School’s upcoming football season. “It will set the tone,” the Demons senior quarterback said. “These three games will set the tone for the season, and we’re excited to set that tone.” The Demons’ first three opponents of the 2013 season — Conifer, Palisade and Rifle — are the first three opponents they faced to start the 2012 campaign. Glenwood, as it turned out, opened the season 0-3 on its way to a 5-5 season. So it’s pretty clear what the Demons’ goal will be headed into their Aug. 23 opener against Conifer at Stubler Memorial Field, followed by their Sept. 5 game at Palisade and their Sept. 13 game at home against rival Rifle. “For us with the league schedule, we play Palisade and Rifle early,” ninth-year Glenwood coach Rocky Whitworth said. “So for us, we have to play our best football right now. There’s no time to wait.” Glenwood started playing its best football after that 0-3 start last season, winning three of its next four games to put itself back in the postseason hunt simply based on strength-of-schedule points. But despite lopsided season-ending victories over Montezuma-Cortez and Battle Mountain, a 38-32 non-league loss at Evergreen proved to be the difference maker. “We were one drive away from going to the playoffs when we played Evergreen, so that was pretty devastating,” said senior running back Henry Hill, whose 1,109 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in just eight games were both team highs. “But we have to do better in our first three games than we did last year, and I definitely think we can do that.” Nine starters are back for the Demons this season. Just four of them are on defense, but each of the defensive returners was a high-impact player in 2012. Senior linebacker Garrett Lowe (5-foot-10, 225 pounds) helps anchor a linebacking corps that includes returners Christian Gonzales (junior, 5-10, 185) and Derek Chase (senior, 6-2, 180). Lowe’s 85 tackles led the team last season, and the

Football ROCKS 2013

80 tackles amassed by returning senior free safety Justin Barham (6-2, 180) made him a close second. Chris Sarabia (5-10, 160) will also help anchor the secondary at cornerback. Also mentioned by Whitworth was freshman Dante Sparaco (6-3, 185), who will see time at linebacker and is also listed as a quarterback. MaxPreps.com earlier this year listed Sparaco as one of the top 50 incoming freshman in the nation. Offensively, Lundin was solid in 2012, completing 139-of-222 passes

Kelley Cox / Post Independent Glenwood Springs High School senior running back Henry Hill carries the ball after receiving it from freshman quarterback Dante Sparaco during a practice at GSHS last week. Hill returns as the team’s leading rusher from the 2012 season.

for 1,594 yards and seven touchdowns, but he also threw eight interceptions. He’ll be without his top receiver from a year ago, Auston Tribble, who caught 50 passes for 648 yards during his final season before he graduated. Expected to carry much of the pass-catching load this season, however, are senior wide receiver Cole Adams (6-0, 165) and junior wideout Everett Marr (5-9, 155). Hill, a three-year starter at tailback who missed the first two games last season with a broken collarbone, helps complement the Demons’ spread-option offensive attack. He put 20 pounds of muscle on during summer weight-room sessions. Lundin added 15 pounds, and both say they’re not the only players who have bulked up. “We might not have the biggest team, but we’re definitely a lot stronger,” Lundin said. Those sessions, which included weekly 7-on-7 drills and camps during the summer, helped bring a level of camaraderie to the team that Whitworth was thrilled to have. “It’s an interesting scenario, because the senior class is small,” Whitworth said. “Usually the consensus is that the more seniors you have, the better off you’ll be. But I’m excited about this year’s team because of the chemistry I see developing from the small group of seniors to the juniors and sophomores who are fitting in. “These players have spent a lot of time together in the summer programs and in the weight room,” the coach continued. “That part of it brings a team together.” jmitchell@postindependent.com

Head coach: Rocky Whitworth (9th season) Last season: 5-5 overall, 3-4 Class 3A Western Slope League play, no postseason Returning starters, offense/defense: 5/4 Base formations, offense/defense: Spread option/3-4 Key returners: Travis Lundin, Sr., QB, 5-10, 165; Derek Chase, Sr., LB, 6-2, 180; Garrett Lowe, Sr., LB, 5-10, 225; Henry Hill, Sr., RB, 5-10, 180; Cole Adams, Sr., WR, 6-0, 165; Justin Barham, Sr., FS, 6-2, 180; Christian Gonzales, Jr., LB, 5-10, 185. Could make a splash: Everett Marr, Jr., WR, 5-9, 155; Tristan Harris, Jr., NG, 5-10, 185; Chris Sarabia, Sr., CB, 5-10, 160; Dante Sparaco, Fr., LB/QB, 6-3, 185. Potential key games: Aug. 23 vs. Conifer, Sept. 5 at Palisade, Sept. 13 vs. Rifle. Glenwood plays the gauntlet of its schedule right away for the second year in a row. The Demons went 0-3 against those opponents last season, and they feel a better showing will set a positive tone for the upcoming season.

Speed, not strength, to be a benefit for Titans Switch to spread offense caters to Coal Ridge roster Jon Mitchell Post Independent Sports Editor

EACH VALLEY — A new identity on offense had the older players on the Coal Ridge High School football team pretty pumped up about the 2013 season. “We’re just doing speed, speed, speed and making sure we work harder than our opponents,” senior running back Chris Contreras said. “We’re gonna be all about non-stop running.” Contreras wasn’t talking about the running game, which was the dominant part of the Titans’ offense a year ago. With a smaller set of linemen on the roster to accompany a speedy set of skill players, Coal Ridge installed a spread offense to enhance the abilities of the players on the roster. It’s a pretty stark contrast from the power-I, four-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust formation from a year ago. That look was effective with multiple ball carriers, with five players gaining at least 100 yards last season. It’s a change, however, that second-year Coal Ridge coach Kyle Sager felt would be for the better. “We really looked back and looked at our players and our talent and said ‘is this the kind of offense we can be successful in, or do we need to cater the offense to our players?’” Sager said. “We decided the spread was the way to go because we don’t have the size up front, but we have speed.” That’s for sure. Contreras, who was on three state championship relay teams this past May, leads a group of players whose success will come out of a no-huddle offense with four wide receivers. He returns as the team’s rushing leader from 2012, when he finished with 599 yards and eight touchdowns on 121 carries. “It’s going to be go, go, go all the time,” said Christian Keith, a 6-foot, 170-pound junior wide receiver on the squad. The change in offense will be in an effort to boost production, which tailed off as the season progressed. The Titans began the season 4-1 overall and 3-0 in Class 2A Western Slope League play, outscoring their opponents 115-42 during those four victories. That included a 380-yard rushing performance against Gunnison in the third week of the 2012 season. In the final four games of the 2012 season against Bayfield, Aspen, Basalt and Grand Valley — each playoff teams — Coal Ridge ran for 422 yards. “We came up with a scheme as a coaching staff that we think is going to be successful this year,” Sager said. “This will also give us something to build off of.” “Basically, when you face us, you have no choice but to cover the 53 ½ yard width of the field,” he continued.

The big question headed into the season surrounded who would be the starting quarterback. Sager said it would be between sophomore Trevor Wade (5-9, 150) and senior Jerome Pizelli (5-9, 170). Pizelli’s 19 receptions last season led the team. Nothing will change defensively, as the Coal Ridge’s 3-4 formation from a year ago will remain intact. Sager stressed how important that would be for the Titans early on, especially with the learning curve that goes into learning a new offensive game plan. “The thing about installing a new offense is there’s always that unknown factor,” Sager said. “But we played a lot more defense than offense last year, and our kids will be stronger from that.” Only three returning starters are back on defense.

Kelley Cox / Post Independent Coal Ridge High School football players run a double-team drill during practice on Aug. 15. Pizelli is one of them as a defensive back along with Contreras (5-10, 180). Jared Weller (5-8, 165), a senior, will see time in the secondary, and junior Nick Carbone (5-8, 170) returns to help anchor the Titans’ linebackers. Coal Ridge opens the season at Rifle on Aug. 30. The Titans’ last victory over Rifle came in 2010. jmitchell@postindependent.com

Head coach: Kyle Sager (2nd season) Last season: 4-5 overall, 3-4 Class 2A Western Slope League play, no postseason Returning starters, offense/defense: 3/3 Base formations, offense/defense: Spread/3-4 Key returners: Chris Contreras, Sr., RB/DB, 5-10, 180; Jerome Pizelli, Sr., QB/WR/DB, 5-9, 170; Christian Keith, Jr., WR/DB, 6-0, 170; Jared Weller, Sr., WR/DB, 5-8, 165; Nick Carbone, Jr., OL/OLB, 5-8, 170. Could make a splash: Trevor Wade, Soph., QB/DB, 5-9, 150; Max Bettle, Jr., ILB/RB, 5-8, 170; Jared Duran, Jr., RB/DB, 5-6, 150; Rudy Devora, Jr., OL/DL, 6-2, 240; Tyler Sheerin, Jr., WR/DB, 5-6, 150. Potential key games: Sept. 20 at Olathe, Oct. 4 vs. Bayfield, Oct. 11 at Aspen. The Pirates had a down year in 2012, but that’s never a given every season. All four of the Titans’ league losses came to playoff teams, including a 42-0 setback to Bayfield. That makes the final stretch of the season very critical, presuming Coal Ridge can get off to a start identical to the 2012 season.

Football ROCKS 2013

Cardinals feel they’re in the hunt again After a breakout season in 2012, Grand Valley looks to build on its success Jon Mitchell Post Independent Sports Editor PARACHUTE — A two-year hiatus from the postseason seemed to do worlds of good for the Grand Valley High School football team in 2012. The Cardinals stumbled from making three consecutive postseason appearances to a 3-7 overall record in 2010. They followed that with a four-win campaign the next season and, in 2012, Grand Valley surged to the top half of the Class 2A Western Slope League standings by winning eight of their nine regular-season games. “Yup,” Grand Valley coach Mike Johnson simply stated. “We got back on track.” So what do the Cardinals do for an encore? “You know, I feel like we’re in the same position as we were last year,” the 13th-year coach of the Cardinals said. “I still feel like we have a talented group of kids who could fight for a playoff spot and contend for a league title.” The Cardinals’ 2010 campaign was filled with off-field issues that had a trickle-down effect on

Grand Valley’s on-field success. The next season was spent building the base of that team camaraderie back, and that renewed camaraderie turned out to be one of the Cardinals’ strongest assets in 2012. “We had a lot more people in the weight room before last season than in the seasons before that. Everyone was more committed,” said senior quarterback Ty Scott, a returning first-team, all-league selection from a year ago. “If we keep that kind of commitment going, we’re not going to have any problems.” The commitment Grand Valley had to each other may have had a slight negative effect at the end of the season. A debilitating auto-shop injury to starting fullback Jake White just days prior to the Cardinals’ first-round playoff game took an emotional toll on the team, which left the postseason early after a 21-14 loss to Middle Park. “As a coach, you want your kids mentally prepared before a playoff game,” Johnson said. “And the night it happened, we knew there would be no way.”

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Many of the players from that playoff team are back this season, though. Grand Valley returns seven offensive starters — four of its five offensive linemen — and six defensive starters. A big returner for the Cardinals will be Scott (6-4, 195), who completed 81-of-138 passes for 1,277 yards and 21 touchdowns. He’ll have some experienced linemen blocking for him, including seniors Tristen Olsen (5-10, 200) and Collin Weeks (5-11, 210). Grand Valley lost running backs Tanner Zimmerman — now on the football roster at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction — and White to graduation, and the pair accounted for more than three-quarters of the Cardinals’ 2,787 rushing yards last season. Taking over as the primary tailback will be senior Bryan Hegwood (6-0, 180), who showed big-play ability with limited touches last season. Ivan Arizaga (5-11, 175) and Santos Cornejo (6-0, 160) will see time at wide receiver. “We’re not just hungry. We’re starving this year,” Hegwood said. Grand Valley will come back to the same 3-4

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look. And why not? After all, the only two teams who scored more than 20 points on them, Bayfield and Middle Park, were playoff teams. They also forced 18 turnovers in 10 games, with Scott recording a pair of interceptions and Hegwood recovering a pair of fumbles. Sophomore Zach Kelty (5-11, 265) will add bulk to the defensive line and will be joined by senior Trent Haggerty (5-10, 190). Hegwood returns at linebacker, and Weeks and Olson will also see time on the defensive line. “We don’t have a whole lot of depth,” Johnson said. “We’re in a position where as long as we can stay healthy, we can make some noise.”

Kelley Cox / Post Independent The Grand Valley High School football team takes to the practice field in Parachute on Aug. 15.

jmitchell@postindependent.com

From our team to yours,

Head coach: Mike Johnson (13th season) Last season: 8-2 overall, 6-1 Class 2A Western Slope League, lost to Middle Park, 21-14, in first round of the Class 2A state playoffs Returning starters, offense/defense: 7/6 Base formations, offense/defense: Multiple/3-4 Key returners: Tyler Scott, Sr., QB/DB, 6-4, 195; Bryan Hegwood, Sr., RB/LB, 6-0, 180; Collin Weeks, Sr., OL/DL, 5-11, 210; Tristen Olson, Sr., OL/DL, 5-10, 200; Ivan Arizaga, Sr., WR/DB, 5-11, 175; Leon Hernandez, Jr., RB/DB, 5-9, 165. Could make a splash: Santos Cornejo, Sr., 6-0, 160, WR/DB; Damien Vigil, Soph., WR/DB, 6-0, 150; Trent Haggerty, Sr., OL/ DL, 5-10, 190; Zach Kelty, Soph., OL/DL, 5-11, 265. Potential key games: Sept. 13 vs. Olathe, Sept. 27 at Bayfield, Oct. 25 at Coal Ridge. Traditionally strong Olathe will likely bounce back from a down year, and Bayfield gave Grand Valley its only regular-season loss in 2012. The season finale against Coal Ridge has determined postseason berths in the past, and it could again this year, also.

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Rifle has no plans to rest Bears, winners of two straight WSL titles, aim for more success Jon Mitchell Post Independent Sports Editor

IFLE — Banner year or not, Rifle High School’s football team isn’t resting on it’s proverbial laurels in 2013. “We’re not going to compare this year to last year,” seventh-year Rifle coach Damon Wells said. “We say frequently that every team has a oneyear lifespan. Last year’s group was special. Good for them. They were a great group of kids who made a lot of memories. “I hope that this group of kids gets to create those memories,” the coach continued. “One thing that we’ve found going to the state finals three times in the past nine years is that the very best part is the amount of time you get to spend with each other and the memories you make along the way. That journey is so fun that I wish every group could experience that. So that’s why we’re going to do all the work we’re gonna do.” Rifle’s journey through the 2012 season was a memorable one. The Bears were the top-ranked team in Class 3A for much of the year, boasting one of the state’s top running games and a stout defense on their way to a second consecutive Western Slope League championship. The only blemish came in the 3A state title game at Legacy Stadium in Aurora, when Silver Creek upset Rifle 32-15. That set the bar pretty high for the returning players on the 2013 roster. Not that they mind. “With this year’s team, people might be coming in thinking we lost a couple of big players and may not be as strong,” senior wide receiver and defensive back Bailey Hoffmeister said. “But we’re fighters, and we’re still going to do what we’ve done the last two years, and that’s win football games.” Rifle’s Wing-T offense piled up 5,012 rushing yards — easily tops in Class 3A. Leading the way in that rushing attack was Ryan Moeller, last year’s Class 3A Player of the Year who is playing football at the University of Colorado this fall after he rushed for 3,002 yards and 43 touchdowns in 2012. But contributing 1,174 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns was senior running back Kellin Leigh, who is one of five returning offensive players on this year’s team. Junior Layton Stutsman takes over for graduated Adam Rice at quarterback, though junior Brooks Pressler, a quarterback who transferred from Coal Ridge to Rifle this past summer, is on the roster. Austin Knight, a junior, is slated to serve as the team’s primary wide receiver, and Hoffmeister is also expected to make an impact as a running back. Seniors Javier Nunez and Clayton Coombs, along with junior Austin Shephard, return to

Football ROCKS 2013

anchor the Bears’ offensive line. Senior tight end Tanner Quick, whose nine catches leads all of the Bears’ returning pass receivers, is also back. “I don’t know how realistic our own expectations are sometimes, but we don’t expect a dropoff in totality,” Wells said. “Our offense can be just as effective. It just might look a little different in that the ball might be spread out a little bit more.” Defensively, Rifle’s defense pitched six shutouts in 2012, including a 42-0 victory over Erie in the first round of the 3A state playoffs. The Bears forced 31 turnovers — 18 by interception — and only allowed five offensive touchdowns during the regular season. Six starters from that campaign are back this year. Shephard, whose 70 tackles are the most among returning players, anchors a corps of

Kelley Cox / Post Independent Rifle High School quarterbacks, junior Layton Stutsman (2) and Brooks Pressler (16), work together during an Aug. 15 practice at RHS. linebackers which includes junior Brock Clark (44 tackles) and senior Clinton Farr. Quick and Coombs return at the defensive end positions, and Hoffmeister joins Leigh — an all-state defensive back a year ago — in the secondary. “I think we have some talented younger players who will step up this year and kind of fill the shoes,” Quick said. “I think that we’ll be able to get everyone, especially the younger kids, in the right mindset of where they need to go. Hopefully, we’ll be able to go far again.” jmitchell@postindependent.com

Head coach: Damon Wells (7th season) Last season: 13-1 overall, 8-0 Class 3A Western Slope League play, lost to Silver Creek, 32-15, in 3A state championship game Returning starters, offense/defense: 5/6 Base formations, offense/defense: Wing-T/3-4 Key returners: Kellin Leigh, Sr., RB/DB; Javier Nunez, Sr., OL/DL; Austin Shephard, Jr., LB/OG; Tanner Quick, Sr., TE/DE; Bailey Hoffmeister, Sr., RB/DB; Clayton Coombs, Sr., OT/DE. Could make a splash: Layton Stutsman, Jr., QB/DB; Brock Clark, Jr., LB/RB; Austin Knight, Jr., WR/DB; Clinton Farr, Sr., C/LB; Cody Rice, Jr., DT/OL. Potential key games: Sept. 13 at Glenwood Springs, Oct. 4 vs. Palisade, Nov. 1 at Eagle Valley. All bets are typically off in the rivalry game between Glenwood and Rifle, and Palisade has contended for the WSL title for the past two decades. And with Eagle Valley’s resurgence in 2012, Rifle’s regular-season finale in Gypsum could play a role in which team wins the league championship.

Roaring Fork seeks return to past success Blue-collar attitude to be a factor for Rams in 2013 John Stroud Post Independent Staff

ARBONDALE — A recent morning practice pep talk by a longtime friend of Roaring Fork High School football coach Tory Jensen was meant to hit right smack in the middle of home for the Rams. Carbondale, for all the changes it has seen, still has that rancher work ethic, and don’t forget it, Brian Hightower, a rugby buddy of Jensen’s who has helped with the Rams football program on and off over the years, reminded the players. “The one thing that stands out about Roaring Fork is you’ve got grit and that working-class farm ethic,” he said. “I don’t care if your dad’s a banker, you live in Carbondale and it’s in you. “How many of you have bucked hay?” Hightower asks, as a smattering of hands popped up. “It’s like getting that hay put up,” he said. “You don’t bitch about it, you just get out there and do it. Those hay bales aren’t going anywhere until you pick them up and move them. “It’s just a bale of hay that has to get on the wagon, and you have a job to do.” Roaring Fork is coming off a disappointing, injury- and eligibility-plagued 2012 season that saw the Rams win just two games in its first year playing at the Class 1A level. They’re hoping to reverse their fortunes and make some noise in what could arguably be the toughest 1A league in the state. “If we can work on our fundamentals, work together as a team, and build a little consistency, we could do well,” Jensen said. “We’re cautiously optimistic.” Returning Rams senior quarterback Tanner Nieslanik has bucked a few bales of hay, for sure, what with one of the most recognized ranching family names in western Colorado. And, he’s back on the Rams’ hay wagon this year after missing most of last season when he got hurt and then came down with mononucleosis. “We’re just trying to bring back the old culture here,” said Nieslanik, who remembers watching the Rams during coach Jensen’s first stint in the mid-2000s, when Roaring Fork made several deep runs into the Class 2A state playoffs. “We have more of a team bond this year from what I’ve seen so far, and the team is buying in to the coaching strategy,” Nieslanik continued. “We definitely have some guys with the skills to do it. We just have to find a way to get back to the Roaring Fork football of old, and playing together every game.”

Kelley Cox / Post Independent Roaring Fork High School junior guard Victor Dominguez, center, and senior tackle Mitch Brown, left, take part in offensive timing drills using trash bins to simulate defensive positions during a recent practice at RFHS.

Dropping a classification might have been the best thing that could have happened to Roaring Fork, Jensen said. Last season, the 1A Western Slope League was perhaps as tough, if not tougher, than the 2A league. “We kind of walked into the lion’s den,” Jensen said of a league that produced 1A state champion Cedaredge and includes perennial powerhouse Hotchkiss, which lost to Cedaredge in the 1A semifinals last season. “Cedaredge would have been one of the strongest teams in 2A if they hadn’t dropped down as well,” Jensen said. “They certainly would have smoked everybody in the 2A conference.” Jensen said the Rams should be more competitive in the league this season, but it will take a few more players stepping up to get there, he said. “What we’re working on right now is cultivating team leadership,” Jensen said. Nieslanik, who looks to be the starting quarterback this season, is the undisputed team leader, and talented to boot, Jensen said. “He is as gifted and strong a kid as any of the

kids who have come through this program,” Jensen said. “The key will be who else is going to step up to help make the difference,” he said. While Roaring Fork had a lot of size last year, the Rams are smaller this season but deeper in the skill positions, Jensen said. “Every team in the state has a fast kid, and every team has a big kid, but fundamentals, that’s where you win the game. And we’re still working on that,” he said. In addition to its 1A conference schedule, Roaring Fork also has a pair of local rivalry games on the slate against former 2A league foes Basalt and Aspen. “Those are always good games, you know, they’re just up the road and there’s not a lot of love lost,” Jensen said. One the Rams’ wins last year came at home in the season opener against Basalt. Roaring Fork won in classic comeback fashion, 30-27. Roaring Fork opens the 2013 season at Basalt on Aug. 30. jstroud@postindependent.com

Coach: Tory Jensen (12th season, 3rd consecutive) Last season: 2-7 overall, 1-4 Class 1A Western Slope League (sixth place), no postseason Returning starters, offense/defense: 6/6 Offensive/defensive formations: Wing-T/3-4 Key returning players: Tanner Nieslanik, Sr., QB/DB, 5-8, 155; Nate Nieslanik, Sr., RB/LB, 6-2, 190; Adrian Chavez, Jr., TE/DB, 6-1, 180; Mitch Brown, Sr., OT/DT, 6-9, 315; Conrado Dolores, Soph., RB/LB, 5-8, 170. Could make a splash: Jose Lopez, Jr., RB/DB, 6-2, 175; Eduardo Martinez, Jr., OL/DL, 6-0, 185; Victor Dominguez, Jr., OL/DL, 6-0, 220. Potential key games: Oct. 4 at Cedaredge, Oct. 11 vs. Hotchkiss. Cedaredge is the defending Class 1A state champion, and defeated perennial powerhouse Hotchkiss in the state semifinals. They’re still the teams to beat.

Football ROCKS 2013

AP Photo/Daily Camera, Cliff Grassmick Colorado quarterback Jordan Gehrke throws during the team’s practice, Saturday, Aug. 10, in Boulder.

Colorado Buffaloes in a big hurry this year Arnie Stapleton The Associated Press

OULDER — They can’t wait to put the sour taste of last year’s program-worst 1-11 season behind them and get on with new coach Mike MacIntyre’s up-tempo offense that he’s bringing over from San Jose State. MacIntyre engineered a quick turnaround with the Spartans from 1-12 in his first season in 2010 to their first 11-win season since 1940 last fall. Helping him in his quest to duplicate that fast fix in Boulder is speedy wide receiver Paul Richardson, who missed all of last season with a torn ACL. His return gives the Buffs a playmaker who can stretch the field and open up opportunities for other receivers as well as Colorado’s deep stable of running backs. The one delivering all those passes looks like it’ll be junior Connor Wood, who entered preseason camp atop the depth chart, although he’s being pushed by incoming recruit Sefo Liufau, junior college transfer Jordan Gehrke and sophomore Stevie Joe Dorman. Last year’s starter, Jordan Webb, is facing a knee injury and an assault charge. Nick Hirschman transferred to Akron and Shane Dillon gave up the gridiron for the hardwood, opening the door for Wood, a transfer from Texas who played in seven games last season and started against Washington. “We have the ability to score a lot and score really fast,” Richardson said. “And I think defensively, the level of intensity has picked up and those guys are being more disciplined.” No team in the country allowed more TD passes (39) that Colorado did last year, when the Buffs

Football ROCKS 2013

led the nation with 57 starts by true freshmen. Five things to watch as the Buffaloes try to end their seven-year glitch and post their first winning season since 2005, before the Dan Hawkins (1939) and Jon Embree (4-21) failures led to a decline in interest and revenue that led to a change in athletic directors this summer from Mike Bohn to Rick George: 1. Can the scarred secondary recover from last year’s trial by fire? Senior Parker Orms is back at his natural safety position after playing linebacker and missing time with concussions in 2012 and he leads a group that learned plenty of lessons while getting torched by Pac-12 passers. “Last year we had a lot of inexperience and that’s going to hurt you in college football these days,” said Orms. “I mean, the reason I red-shirted is because when I got up here I didn’t have the ability to play at this level yet, so I give it up to those guys for what they did last year going out and playing. They might be four years younger than some guys. Yeah, I think the experience from last year is going to help them this year.” 2. It might not matter who’s under center if he doesn’t have time to find Richardson downfield. The offensive linemen have to stay healthy because there is a serious lack of depth. David Bakhtiari skipped his senior season to go pro and Alex Lewis transferred to Nebraska. So, senior Jack Harris moved back from right tackle to left tackle. Daniel Munyer is the only other incumbent full-

time starter and he’s moving back to right guard. 3. This ain’t the Big 12 anymore. The D-linemen had to lose some weight to keep up. MacIntyre told his half-dozen defensive linemen to lose a combined 100 pounds before the Sept. 1 opener against rival Colorado State in preparation for the Pac-12’s athleticism. “We just need to keep being able to get a little bit quicker step in this league,” he said. “If you’re that much closer to the quarterback, he’ll throw it high. Then all of a sudden you hit him and he starts to get nervous. Come off a block and you trip a guy in the backfield and all of a sudden he would have gone 50; instead, it’s a 1-yard loss.” 4. Hand it to the running backs. The best depth on the squad is in the offensive backfield where sophomore Christian Powell led the team in rushing with 691 yards last year. Junior Tony Jones is the fastest of the group, senior Josh Ford is the big-play threat, sophomore Donta Abron averaged 5 yards a carry and junior Malcolm Creer is a year removed from major knee surgery. 5. Don’t look back. That’s MacIntyre’s mantra. “I don’t talk about last year’s season at all. Now, I know that they do, and I hope that they do. But, I don’t bring up anything about last year or things that went on,” MacIntyre said. “All I talk about is the future, and now. I talk about now more than I do the future. I talk about what we do now reaps dividends in the future.”

Predicted finish: Pac-12 South Division: Sixth. Follow Arnie Melendrez Stapleton on Twitter: http://twitter.com/arniestapleton AP college football site: http://collegefootball.ap.org/

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Football ROCKS 2013

Boise State, Fresno State, top teams in Mountain West Pat Graham The Associated Press

ere’s the good news for the Mountain West Conference: Boise State stayed in the league. And here’s the bad news for teams in the Mountain West: Boise State stayed in the league. All set to bolt for the Big East before this season, the Broncos had a change of plans and opted to remain in the conference. That only boosts the conference’s profile, since the Broncos are a perennial top-25 team. That also means more headaches for everyone in the league, given that coach Chris Petersen’s squads are tough to contain. Petersen is 84-8 since taking over the Broncos in 2006, winning at least 10 games each season. This season, the conference will break into two divisions and hold its inaugural title game on Dec. 7. Naturally, Boise State was selected to win the Mountain Division in a recent media poll. On the other side, Fresno State was picked to capture the West Division. The Bulldogs boast the preseason offensive player of the year in quarterback Derek Carr and defensive player of the year in defensive back Derron Smith. They will host Boise State on Sept. 20, which just might be an early glimpse of the conference championship contest. Carr is coming off a season in which he threw for a league-record 4,104 yards and 37 TD passes. Smith was just as proficient on defense, finishing the season with six interceptions as Fresno State earned a share of the league title with Boise State and San Diego State with all three finishing 7-1 in conference play. “Our No. 1 goal every single year is to win a conference championship,” coach Tim DeRuyter said on the Bulldogs’ website. “To do that, you don’t just show up on the 29th (of August) and play, you’ve got to put the work in every single day and our guys realize that. I want them practicing like we’re the hunter and we’re going after that. “Everybody in this league has a target on their chest and we’re coming after them.” This is far from a two-team race, though, especially with Utah State and San Jose State joining the league this season. Both teams went 11-2 last season in the Western Athletic Conference, won bowl games and finished in the final AP poll. Utah Predicted order of finish: MOUNTAIN DIVISION 1. Boise State 2. Utah State 3. Air Force 4. Wyoming 5. Colorado State 6. New Mexico

Football ROCKS 2013

State’s Chuckie Keeton and San Jose State’s David Fales are among the top QBs in the country.

5 THINGS TO WATCH 1. STRONG ARMS: If it seems like just about every Mountain West quarterback is on some sort of watch list heading into the season, well, it’s because they are. This will definitely be a quarterback-driven league, with Chuckie Keeton of Utah State, David Fales of San Jose State, Derek Carr of Fresno State, Cody Fajardo of Nevada, Brett Smith of Wyoming and Joe Southwick of Boise State all being heralded in preseason publications. Carr, Fajardo, Fales and Keeton are also among the trendy picks to contend for the Heisman Trophy this season. There’s another QB in the conference that could be a wild card in Hawaii’s Taylor Graham, who sat out last season after transferring in from Ohio State. Graham was one of the top-rated prospects coming out of high school and could flourish in coach Norm Chow’s system. 2. NOT TO BE OVERLOOKED: Although there are a lot of prolific passers in the conference, Air Force (316 yards per game) and New Mexico (301) each finished in the top five in the country on the ground. Once again, the Lobos will rely on running back Kasey Carrier, who rushed for a school-record 1,469 yards last season. That

WEST DIVISION 1. Fresno State 2. San Diego State 3. San Jose State 4. Nevada 5. UNLV 6. Hawaii Title game winner: Fresno State

Online: AP college football site: http://collegefootball.ap.org/ Follow Pat Graham on Twitter: www.twitter.com/pgraham34

AP Photo, The Fort Collins Coloradoan, Rich Abrahamson Colorado State running back Davon Riddick, center, runs the ball during a football practice in Fort Collins on Aug. 7. Riddick is flanked by offensive linemen Marty St. John, left, and Zach Golditch. despite playing a portion of the season with hamstring issues. In addition, Adam Muema of San Diego State is coming off a season in which he gained 1,458 yards and scored 16 TDs. 3. A WAC-KY SITUATION: Turns out, every Mountain West team currently in the league has at one time been a member of the WAC, which dropped football after last season. Utah State has the distinction of winning the last WAC title before jumping over to the MWC. New Mexico captured the first-ever WAC crown in 1962-63. 4. HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT: The Colorado State Rams will travel to Tuscaloosa, Ala., to face reigning national champ Alabama on Sept. 21. For head coach Jim McElwain, it’s a homecoming of sorts as he ventures back to the place where he helped the Crimson Tide win two BCS national championships (2009, ‘11) as offensive coordinator. The Rams aren’t the only team with tough opponents on the schedule with Wyoming at Nebraska (Aug. 31), Boise State at Washington (Aug. 31), San Diego State at Ohio State (Sept. 7), UNLV vs. Arizona (Sept. 7), San Jose State at Stanford (Sept. 7) and Air Force vs. Notre Dame (Oct. 26). 5. A FAMILIAR NAME: Brian Polian will take over for longtime Nevada head coach Chris Ault. Polian is the son of former NFL general manager Bill Polian, who built Super Bowl teams with Buffalo and Indianapolis. Brian Polian inherits a talent-laden team, led by QB Cody Fajardo. Running a similar style that made Colin Kaepernick so elusive when he was at Nevada, Fajardo threw for 2,786 yards and 20 touchdowns last season, while rushing for 1,121 yards and 12 more TDs.

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