Brought to you by: US DIGITAL LLC
2
Football 2010
Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010
Ehrlich Toyota, winner of Toyota’s prestigious
Presidents Award Four Years in a Row!
47TH AVE & HWY 34 IN GREELEY
EHRLICHTOYOTA.COM
970-339-3900
Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010
Football 2010
3
TELLEZ READY TO SHOW SKILLS 2009 4A NORTHERN STANDINGS
Quarterback brings point guard poise, mentality to field
TEAM
CONF. OVERALL
Greeley West Loveland Longmont
8-0
11-1
7-1
9-3
6-2
11-3
By Samuel G. Mustari
Broomfield
5-3
7-3
smustari@greeleytribune.com
Greeley Central
4-4
6-4
ordan Tellez isn’t your typical quarterback. And that’s a good thing for the Greeley Central football team. In fact, Tellez, a Greeley Central senior, looks more like a point guard at 5-foot-8, 200 pounds than a quarterback. Thus, Tellez is a point guard for the Wildcats basketball team and one of a handful of reasons that coach Mike Heatherly chooses to run a spread offense, allowing Tellez to get out in the open. “I’m pretty comfortable in this offense,” said Tellez, who spent last season mainly as a running back and linebacker. “I ran this offense as a freshman and sophomore, so I know it pretty well.” Heatherly has confidence in Tellez’s offensive skills and is especially pleased with his leadership qualities, under center and in the shotgun formation. “Jordan makes good decisions,” Heatherly said. “He’s not the kind of quarterback who’s going to take off and go 80 yards with it. He analyzes the entire field first. He’s definitely paid his dues to be in this position. “We also run a leadership class in the offseason, and he attended every session. In our huddle, he receives a lot of respect, and that’s huge. You want a kid in the huddle who the kids will follow, and we have one.” Tellez will give up his duties as a linebacker to focus on moving the Wildcats offense against what are traditionally some of the stingiest Class 4A defenses in the state in the Northern Conference. “I’m ready to just play offense, and even more excited to get to be the quarterback for my senior season,” Tellez said. Tellez will have an array of targets to throw to, more specifically 6-3, 221-pound Jesse Freeman,
J
Fossil Ridge
3-5
3-7
Niwot
2-6
2-8
Skyline
1-7
1-9
Thompson Valley 0-8
0-10
“Jordan makes good decisions. He’s not the kind of quarterback who’s going to take off and go 80 yards with it. He analyzes the entire field first.” Mike Heatherly, Greeley Central football coach JIM RYDBOM/jrydbom@greeleytribune.com
GREELEY CENTRAL QUARTERBACK Jordan Tellez flips the ball while practicing the option play during preseason practice.
CLASS 4A NORTHERN CONFERENCE OUTLOOK GREELEY CENTRAL WILDCATS COACH: Mike Heatherly, fifth season 2009 RECAP: Greeley Central showed considerable signs of improvement,finishing 4-4 in Northern with a 6-4 overall record. Senior Kole Kadavy was one of the state’s top players,leading 4A in tackles.Kadavy,now at the Colorado School of Mines on a football scholarship,is one of 24 seniors the Wildcats had last season. KEY PLAYERS: Jordan Tellez, sr., QB; Jesse Freeman, sr., TE/DL; Zach Krieger, jr, WR/ LB; Forest Desmond, jr., WR/DB; Chris Mendoza, sr., RB/LB; Andrew Trevino, sr., RB/DB; Brandon Trevino, sr., RB/DB; Cyrus Mora, sr., DE. OUTLOOK: Heatherly said he
who will also see time at defensive end. Freeman is the son of former University of Northern Colorado defensive standout Reece Freeman. “It’s a big help having somebody that big to throw to,” Tellez
expects his team to again be competitive in the Northern Conference with the hope of qualifying for the state playoffs. To do that, Heatherly said, the Wildcats must consistently improve as individuals and as a team. Heatherly said making a run to the playoffs will not be an easy task as his team expects to face tough opponents week after week in a loaded conference. GREELEY WEST SPARTANS COACH: Mark Roggy, 17th season 2009 RECAP: The Spartans won the Class 4A Northern Conference and appeared on their way to a long run in the state playoffs before losing to Wheat Ridge in the quarterfinal round 20-16, ending the Spartans’ season at 11-1.
said. “I’m able to see him most of the time, and he’s open almost all of the time.” Heatherly called Freeman “an asset, not only to our team but to Tellez, too,” adding, “they’re best friends and I think that kind of connection can help too in deter-
KEY PLAYERS: Levi Dopler, jr., RB/LB; J.J. Davis, jr., RB/LB; David Eddy, soph., RB/WR/DB; Benito Loera, jr., OL/DL; Tyler Culbertson, sr., OC; Mike Murdock, sr., OL/DL; Zach Downing, jr., LB; Josh Hornback, jr., LB; James Dowgin, jr., DB/WR; Tyler Ficek, jr., QB; Brandon Gallatin, jr., QB: Bryce Bullington, sr., DB; Dalton Amen, jr., DB. OUTLOOK: The Spartans have the normal amount of question marks after losing a horde of players at key positions, but they are loaded with athleticism and are expected to be a much better team in the second half of the season, especially if the defense remains healthy, led by a group of linebackers who could be the Spartans’ biggest strength. Samuel G. Mustari
tional 4-3. “We don’t have a lot of big down linemen, but we have guys who can run to the ball, and we’re anxious to see how that works for us,” Heatherly said. “One of our challenges is to find out just where everybody fits.” Two good fits in the defensive backfield are the Trevino brothers — Brandon and Andrew, who had key interceptions last season. “When we finished preseason workouts I sort of put that gauntlet down,” Heatherly said. “We’ve got Berthoud in just a few days in a live game. Some of our kids aren’t battle tested yet, so they’ve got some things to prove right away. We’ll work to earn what we get.”
« FOOTBALL 2010 Greeley West reloads, page 4 Northridge aims for playoffs, page 5
mining how well players work together.” Freeman’s presence on the Wildcats defense, which will take on a different look this season. The Wildcats’ primary formation will be a 3-5, which fits their personnel better than the tradi-
Patriot League readies for another tight season, page 10 Weld Central shoots for the starts, page 12 Cover illustration by Tribune photographer Jim Rydbom
4
Football 2010
Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010
ATHLETIC WEST STARTS AGAIN “We’ve definitely have a lot to learn, and I’m hoping this team gets out of the blocks early and has our hearts and our heads together like we have in the past.”
Expectations stay high as new class of Spartans tries to prolong success
Mark Roggy, Greeley West football coach By Samuel G. Mustari smustari@greeleytribune.com
M
ark Roggy didn’t sound optimistic. He sounded confident. In fact, Roggy, the veteran football coach, sounded downright anxious to see what life will be like for his Greeley West football team after Max Morgan, Steffen Bunting, Conner Roggy, A.J. Frieler and a cast of others that made postseason play the norm for the Spartans — they were Class 4A runners-up two years ago and a playoff quarterfinalist last season. The definition for Roggy’s anxiety — other than he’s always antsy this time of the season — is Tyler Ficek, Brandon Gallatin, Levi Dopler, J.J. Davis, David Eddy, Tyler Culbertson, Zach Downing, Josh Hornback, James Dowgin, Bryce Bullington, Dalton Amen, Logan Hood and Mike Murdock, to name more than a few key players. Roggy couldn’t avoid the cliche when he said “the cupboard isn’t bare,” but didn’t allow anybody to wonder about the Spartans when he added, “we have a lot of experienced players back and we won’t be a team that looks like a deer caught in the headlights.” The lack of returning starters may be the biggest hurdle the defending threetime Class 4A Northern Conference champions will have to overcome, and Roggy half-heartedly laughed when reminded there are more than enough holes to fill from a squad that’s been loaded with talent at key positions for the last five seasons. “That’s exactly right,” Roggy said. “There are a lot of holes to fill, but we definitely have some talent. We have kids who can play the game, and all they’re lacking right now is quality experience.” Roggy didn’t downplay the chance that the Spartans could struggle early on — they have nonconference games against Montbello, Monarch and Pueblo West — but hinted, “If I was an opposing coach, I’d probably rather play Greeley West early in the season than late in the season. “We have a chance to have a really good team, but it’s not so much on the kids as it is me. It’s on my shoulders to put
JIM RYDBOM/jrydbom@greeleytribune.com
GREELEY WEST JUNIOR Brandon Gallatin looks to pass during a preseason practice. Gallatin is competing with Tyler Ficek to be the team’s quarterback this season. together a good team, and we’re working extremely hard on that.” One of the fiercest battles in preseason will be at quarterback where Ficek and Gallatin, both juniors, will go through what Roggy describes as “growing pains,” but expects their dedication to overcome any shortcomings. One position that allows Roggy to
exude with confidence is center, where Culbertson will be back at center and in charge of blocking schemes. “Like any other season, our success will be determined by our play up front, and Culbertson has the most important position on the line,” Roggy said. “He knows his position, and he’s one of our leaders.” Culbertson, a 5-foot-10, 210-pounder,
started all 12 games last season for the Spartans, and is not only confident in his ability, but in that of his colleagues. Benito Loera (5-10, 190) is expected to use his speed as an asset from the guard position, and won’t have to look far for support from Murdock (6-3, 250) and Hood. “A lot of these guys received a lot of playing time last year,” Roggy said. “Varsity game experience shouldn’t be a problem, especially after the first few games.” Roggy expects some of the beneficiaries of the line to be running back/linebacker Levi Dopler (5-10, 190) and Davis (6-3, 195), who may also be the team’s top pass rusher on defense. “We also have (David) Eddy,” said Roggy. “He’s in the same mold as (Steffen) Bunting was, and he could play some at receiver, too.” Roggy-coached teams exhibit a lot of athleticism, and he explained this year’s defensive squad “is the quickest I’ve ever coached at Greeley West.” “We have three linebackers who will fly to the ball.” The Spartans’ high flyers are Dopler, Downing (6-0, 195) and Hornback (5-9, 185), who is arguably the strongest player on the squad. “In this preseason camp, we’ve had a lot of guys showing what they can do,” Dopler said. “You know, last year we sort of dominated on defense, and we’ve lost some good players, but we’re making up for a lack of size with our speed and our talent. Don’t count our defense out.” Roggy refers to his linebackers as “sideline-to-sideline players,” adding, “we’ll have (James) Dowgin back in the defensive backfield, and he could play some receiver too. (David) Eddy and (Tyler) Ficek can also play safety, along with (Bryce) Bullington, so we’ve got a great battle going on at safety. Dalton Amen (6-1, 165) is probably the surprise player of our camp. He gained 45 pounds and looks like he’ll play cornerback. “We’ve definitely have a lot to learn, and I’m hoping this team gets out of the blocks early and has our hearts and our heads together like we have in the past.”
Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010
Football 2010
5
GRIZ SEEK PLAYOFF RETURN By Samuel G. Mustari smustari@greeleytribune.com
hance Simonton expects to put himself in the best possible spot to succeed. If that’s as the starting quarterback for the Northridge football team, so be it. If it’s as a defensive back, picking off a pass or making a bruising tackle, that’ll also work. Simonton, a senior, just wants the end result to be a spot in postseason play as a member of the Class 3A Tri-Valley Conference. “I’ve never been to the playoffs, and I want to go,” said Simonton, who is competing with senior Ben Unruh for the Grizzlies’ starting quarterback spot. “I’d be surprised, definitely disappointed, if we didn’t make the playoffs.” The Grizzlies were 5-5 last season and flirted with qualifying for postseason play behind senior quarterback Colton Taylor and a potent passing game. “You know, we lost to Fort Morgan by two at home, and Roosevelt scored just one offensive touchdown against us, so we were close to being a playoff-caliber team a year ago,” Northridge coach Jeff Fulton said. “Props to both of those teams, but we probably should have been a playoff team.” The Grizzlies’ trademark this season may be their defense. “Our defense may be the best we’ve had in a few years,” Fulton said. “It’s a little bit of a perfect storm coming together with our seniors that we’ve had in the weight room. You can see the difference of when they played well as juniors.” The Grizzlies’ defense will be built around senior middle linebacker Val Espino, who will also see time at tight end. “Zach Baxter is also at linebacker, and he’s the same type of player Espino is,” Fulton said. “They’re about 6-foot-2, 205 pounds and physical.” Simonton couldn’t agree more with Fulton, getting a first-hand look at the Northridge linebackers from his defensive back position. “We have big-hit players with a lot of athleticism,” Simonton said. “We’re good up front on defense,
C
3A TRI-VALLEY STANDINGS TEAM
CONF. OVERALL
Mountain View*
9-0
12-1
Windsor
7-2
9-3
Berthoud*
7-2
7-4
Roosevelt*
5-4
5-5
Northridge
5-4
5-5
Silver Creek*
4-5
5-5
Fort Morgan
4-5
5-5
Frederick
3-6
4-6
Fort Lupton
1-8
1-9
0-9
0-10
Sterling
* - Teams have moved to the 3A Northern. For more on Roosevelt, see page 14
and we have veteran players at linebacker and in the defensive backfield.” Fulton also mentioned cornerback Grant Spencer as “an athletic, knockdown sort of player,” who has added to the improved defense. “Spencer is a 6-2 guy who can really run,” Fulton said. “All of our kids have been really committed in the weight room.” The Grizzlies will primarily run out of the 4-3 defensive set, relying on their linebackers to patrol the field from sideline-to-sideline. “Sure, we have some holes on defense, but I think that’s where it’s going to start with this team,” Fulton said. “I see us as physical, fast and long.” Offensively, the Grizzlies will stay with their multiple-set prostyle offense, but will need early production from the quarterback and wide receiver positions. “Unruh and Simonton are competing pretty hard for the quarterback spot,” Fulton said. “They’re both about 6-2, and Unruh is a little bit heavier at 190. We’re running the same schemes we always have, and the system is sophisticated enough that we should find the right schemes to beat the different coverages we’ll see. “We’re also anxious to see what the offense can do, and honestly, right now, nobody knows what everybody else has. We’d love to get back to the playoffs. We haven’t been in the playoffs for
JIM RYDBOM/jrydbom@greeleytribune.com
NORTHRIDGE QUARTERBACK BEN UNRUH drops back to pass during a preseason practice. Unruh and Chance Simonton are competing to be the Grizzlies starting quarterback.
CLASS 3A TRI-VALLEY OUTLOOK FORT LUPTON BLUEDEVILS
NORTHRIDGE GRIZZLIES
COACH: Justin Carpenter, second season
COACH: Jeff Fulton, 11th season
2009 RECAP: Fort Lupton struggled with a 1-8 record in league, 1-9 overall. Seniors Jake Bernhard and Reece James helped carry an otherwise young and inexperienced team. KEY PLAYERS: Luke Browne, jr., OL/DL; Timmy Ornelas, jr., OL/DL; Zach Reynolds, sr., WR/S; Clint Cook, sr., RB/LB
2009 RECAP: Northridge was 5-5 last year, making strong strides from the previous seasons. The Grizzlies fell just short of making the playoffs. KEY PLAYERS: Val Espino, sr., TE/MLB; Chance Simonton, sr., QB/DB; Zach Baxter, sr., OL/DL; Derek Drake, sr., RB; JT Francies, jr., WR; Caleb Caddy, sr., RB/DB; Ben Unruh, sr., QB
OUTLOOK: Carpenter said that last season, the Bluedevils were able to set a foundation and rebuild their identity. With many sophomores and even a few freshmen receiving significant playing time last season, Carpenter said his team is determined to take more strides this season toward becoming a winning program.
OUTLOOK: Fulton said he hopes to compete for a playoff spot behind a team that has strong all-around leadership. Fulton said his team is focusing on competing at the highest level.
four years, and at that time, it was sort of the standard around here. We had an 0-10 season when we
were grossly mismatched at the 4A level, and then we had a (2-8) recovery season from that. I think
WINDSOR WIZARDS COACH: Chris Jones, fourth season
finished 7-2 in league, 9-3 overall and earned their first home playoff win in eight years before falling to Steamboat Springs in the second round. KEY PLAYERS: Aaron Schmidt, jr., RB/DB; Kail Voigt, sr., FS; Garrett Helzer, sr., DT; Chris Farmer, sr., OL/DL; Banning Lobmeyer, sr., FB; Tyler Winder, sr., QB; Connor Ervin, sr., WR; Dante Dennis, sr., RB/DB; Terran Hause, sr., K OUTLOOK: Windsor has a young squad with two returning starters on defense and four on offense. Nonetheless, the squad has depth and has knowledge of the system, Jones said. Jones expects that familiarity with the system to help the Wizards be competitive. Bobby Fernandez and Samuel G. Mustari
2009 RECAP: The Wizards
we were about two plays from being 7-3 a year ago, so we’re getting back to where we should be.”
6
Football 2010
Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010
The keys to prolonged success « WANT TO SEE MORE?
Not every year can a be a great one on the scoreboard for Weld County football teams. Talent comes and goes, cycling through schools for various reasons. Five Weld County coaches —
This is only part of our engaging conversation with the coaches. To see more of the discussion, go to greeleytribune.com/ football2010.
Ed Eastin, Jeff Fulton, Mike Heatherly, Mick Holmes and Mark Roggy — sat down with Tribune reporters Bobby Fernandez and Samuel G. Mustari to discuss how they
FOR THOSE SEASONS IN WHICH THINGS JUST DON’T GO YOUR WAY, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS YOU WOULD TELL A PLAYER, PARTICULARLY A SENIOR, TO KEEP THE MORALE UP?
maintain a program amid the ups and downs of prep football. THE TRIBUNE: WHEN THERE ARE EIGHT PLAYERS ON THE FIELD INSTEAD OF 11, AND YOU LOOK DOWN THE SIDELINE, AND YOU’RE LIMITED IN TERMS OF WHAT YOU’RE WORKING WITH, HOW MUCH, AND WHAT DEGREE DOES THAT COME INTO PLAY FROM ONE YEAR TO THE NEXT?
ICK HOLMES — I think it’s harder to hide M somebody who is a weaker
player in 8-man than it is in 11man. As far as numbers go, and we average about 30 kids out for football, last year we had five seniors and this year we have two. In 2008, when we won the state championship, I had 14 seniors. This year I have 14 freshmen, five or six sophomores, about 12 juniors and two seniors. DOES THAT CHANGE THE EXPECTATIONS?
OLMES — It has a lot to do with personnel. We’ve had H kids who could play on any of
these guys teams and do really well. It effects what you can do philosophically on offense and defense. SOME YEARS YOU HAVE AN ESPECIALLY TALENTED PLAYER OR GROUP OF PLAYERS, OTHER YEARS YOU MAY NOT. HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO BE ABLE TO ADAPT, AS COACHES, TO THE PLAYERS YOU HAVE?
D EASTIN — It’s like a big puzzle. You’ve got to find out E what kids you have, and you may
move a kid from offense to defense. ... I guarantee you, what you’re going to see out of us in the first week may not totally be what
ULTON — There are a lot of different ways to keep the F wheels on the wagon and be
PHOTOS BY JIM RYDBOM/jrydbom@greeleytribune.com
NORTHRIDGE FOOTBALL COACH Jeff Fulton talks with his team at the end of a preseason practice. Despite going 0-10 in 2007, the Grizzlies are shooting for a playoff bid in Class 3A. you see out of us in the fourth week or third week. IKE HEATHERLY — You’ve got to be smart. You’ve got to know when to change some things. We’re all veteran coaches, but I don’t want to be known as a dinosaur. I want to make the changes when you need to make the changes.
M
DO YOU EVER FIND YOURSELF PLAYING FOR NEXT SEASON?
EATHERLY — I want a senior-based team. I don’t H want kids to feel like they’ve
been, maybe, sold out, because we’re trying to build for two or three years down the road. That may be the case for some of us, but I certainly don’t operate that way, and I don’t want kids to sense that in any way. EFF FULTON — The underclassmen know that if they bide their time, their day will come by being good citizens, good students and being a good athlete. Our underclassmen now are so excited. Our seniors back, who were juniors last year and didn’t have a big piece of the pie, they know that this is their time
J
and they act accordingly. ... Just to be honest with you, a couple years ago, we were in the throes of an 0-10 (season) and we took our senior quarterback and sat him down. His father didn’t like that, but I don’t really care. We had to get Colton Taylor, who was a sophomore at the time, some reps in what was obviously going to be a miserable season. ... For that year, when we were in the 4A losing, it was pretty obvious we were playing for next year. I have no qualms doing that. HOW HIGH DO YOU SET EXPECTATIONS FOR PLAYERS WHO HAVE NEVER PLAYED VARSITY BEFORE?
ARK ROGGY — I’m not one to lower expectations very M much. Yeah, the bar is high. I
don’t know whether we’re going to reach as high as we have (in the past) or not, but one thing we’re going to try to do is keep our expectations where they have been. Our kids deserve, and really demand, a pretty high-level situation. They work hard for this, and my coaching staff works
hard for this. I will never say to anybody, especially to my people, that we’re going to be a bad football team. ... I’m going to do the best I can to have as high of expectations as I can. I think, with young teams, you have to. If you want those kids to rise, if you want them to become the best they can be as a football, as an athlete, as a human being, you’ve got to have high expectations for those kids. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN REBUILDING AND RELOADING?
EATHERLY — To me, rebuilding is if the H program is not
reaching the expectations that you think it needs to be at. When I came to Central, I think that was a rebuilding job. ... You’ve got to come in at the ground level and change the culture of that particular school or football climate. That’s a whole different thing than reloading.
successful. Ws and Ls are not always what we judge ourselves by. Thankfully we’re not in west Texas or Texas in general, because they do judge it be Ws and Ls. It’s just a matter of finding other ways to have success. EATHERLY — For us, we try to think that we build some bridges in the offseason, so
H
«
CONTINUED 7: Roundtable
Greeley Central’s MIKE
HEATHERLY
Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010
Football 2010
JIM RYDBOM/jrydbom@greeleytribune.com
GREELEY WEST COACH Mark Roggy leads his team through a preseason practice. Roggy and the Spartans are three-time Class 4A Northern Conference champions.
« ROUNDTABLE From 6 when things do go south at a point in time, we’ve got some guys we can count on. HOW DO YOU FEEL YOU’RE GAUGED, AND IS IT FAIR?
ASTIN — The biggest victories are the E unpublished victories that
we have with kids — With relationships with kids and the way we get along. ... We’re judged by wins and loses. We’re judged sometimes by the way we treat kids. ... Is it fair? No, but there are a lot of things in life that aren’t fair. HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH OUTSIDE CRITICISM?
OGGY — I’m probably one of the most selfR reflective people on
Earth. So, nobody needs to tell me when I have not done a very good job. Here’s my whole philosophy: Yes, I want a really good program that people can be proud of. That’s the important thing. I want to do right by the kids that I coach.
That’s where my emphasis is. ... If I, being the way I am, had to worry about what everybody in the community might think about what call Mark Roggy made on thirdand-8, I would be a basket case in a padded cell somewhere. IF YOU HAVE A FRESHMAN AND SENIOR PLAYING THE SAME POSITION, WITH THE SAME SKILL LEVEL, HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO PLAYS, WEIGHING THE LOYALTY YOU MAY HAVE WITH THE SENIOR WITH THE POTENTIAL UPSIDE OF THE FRESHMAN?
ASTIN — It’s very easy for me. I’m going to E take one look at them,
decide which one’s the best (at) the position, and I’m going to move the other kid to a different position where he can help the team. It’s going to be very simple. If that freshman is that good, we’re going to find a spot for him. EATHERLY — I’ve had one sophomore quarterback in my entire career. And part of that was not the fact that
H
sometimes they weren’t physically ready, but you know, they got eaten alive by the seniors in that huddle out in the middle of the field in a crunch situation, which I sometimes I don’t find out about until a game or two later. They just emasculate that young man. Sometimes these young guys, really, truly, are just not ready for primetime. ... That freshman would have to be heads-andtails above that senior before I put him in that position. I’ve found over the years that those guys who play early sometimes don’t finish strong. They get all their needs met as freshmen and sophomores, all the glory, and they’re not as hungry when they’re seniors. OLMES — I’m a little bit different than these guys just because of the numbers game. As an example, Michael Moore as a freshman started for us at wideout, and he was phenomenal. He ended
H
«
CONTINUED 8: Roundtable
7
8 Football 2010
Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010
« ROUNDTABLE From 7 up having a great four years at Dayspring for us. Then last year we had a freshman tailback, who is the brother of Jared Sanderford, who was player of the year in 2008 for 8-man football, and he rushed for over 1,000 yards. I had to play him. He was that good, but I’m different than these guys. FILE PHOTO BY ERIC BELLAMY/ebellamy@greeleytribune.com
MORE SO IN 8-MAN THAN ANY OTHER DIVISION, OTHER SCHOOLS ARE FACING SMALL ROSTERS. IS THE PLAYING FIELD MORE LEVEL AT YOUR LEVEL?
DAYSPRING CHRISTIAN coach Mick Holmes
OLMES — I’ve noticed in the four years at H Dayspring since I’ve been
WHAT DO YOU DO AT A SCHOOL AS SMALL AS DAYSPRING TO MAINTAIN HAVING ABOUT 30 KIDS OUT FOR FOOTBALL?
the coach, there were teams that were up in the top echelon, then down at the bottom because of graduation.
celebrates his team's victory against Merino in the 2008 Class 1A 8-man Football Championship. The Eagles have made three consecutive trips to the 8man title game.
OLMES — I don’t do one thing. I don’t talk H to any other kids except
Dayspring kids. We have a junior high program where a lot of home-schooled kids come and play. I encourage them to come out. We only have one kid from another school who comes to our place to play.
ANSHOR Driving School
DRIVING SCHOOL SCHEDULE VALLEY H.S.
SAT
8 A.M. - 2:30 P.M.
Sept 11 - Oct 9
GREELEY WEST H.S.
SAT
8 A.M. - 2:30 P.M.
Oct 2 - Nov 6
PLATTE VALLEY
SAT
8 A.M. - 2:30 P.M.
Oct9-Nov6
WINDSOR M.S
M-F
8 A.M. - 2:30 P.M.
Oct 18 - Oct 22
GREELEY WEST H.S.
SAT
8 A.M. - 2:30 P.M.
Nov13 - Dec 18
M-TH 8 A.M. - 4:00 P.M
Dec 20- Dec 23
M-TH 8 A.M. - 4:00 P.M
Dec 27- Dec 30
ST. JOHNS UNITED CHURCH ST. JOHNS UNITED CHURCH GREELEY WEST H.S.
SAT 8 A.M. - 2:30 P.M. Jan 15 - Feb 12 ONLINE CLASSES NOW AVAILABLE SIGN UP NOW, CLASSES FILLING UP!
(970) 330-1584 www.anshordriving.com
A+RATING
Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010
Football 2010
9
10
Football 2010
Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010
PLAYOFF SPOTS AT A PREMIUM CLASS 2A PATRIOT LEAGUE OUTLOOK
Plenty should be in Patriot League mix
EATON REDS COACH: Bill Mondt,16th season 2009 RECAP: Eaton finished 4-3 in league,4-6 overall.The Reds got off to a slow start playing a tough schedule,before winning their final six games.
By Bobby Fernandez
KEY PLAYERS: Tucker Stults,sr.,OT/DT; Caleb Selby,sr.,S; Seth Selby,sr.,SS; Tyler Smith,WR,sr.; Garrett Carroll,DT,sr.; Darin Foss,jr.,TE
bfernandez@greeleytribune.com
latte Valley, Eaton and Valley certainly hope to have a brush with success this football season. The coming months will determine if they can have Brush-like success. The Brush Beetdiggers enter the season the consensus early favorite to win the league, tying Weld Central for second behind the Broncos a season ago with a 6-1 league record, 8-5 overall. The run-heavy Beetdiggers then defeated Platte Valley 28-0 in the second round of the playoffs before falling 28-7 to Faith Christian in the semifinals. Brush has enough key players returning this season to be the Patriot League’s top team, including a trio of rushers that accounted for 2,314 yards last season: junior Connor Weiser (1,251, 14 touchdowns), senior Tanner Marrow (575 yards, seven touchdowns) and junior Eric Garcia (488 yards, five touchdowns). Still, Valley coach Ryan Wehrman said he expects numerous teams to have a spirited fight for playoff spots within the balanced league. “I think Brush, in a lot of ways, is kind of the clear-cut favorite,” Wehrman said. “They did so well last year with so many young kids. But, then after that, who knows what is going to happen?” Still, first-year Platte Valley coach Troy Hoffman said the league is far too balanced and too competitive for any team to be considered a run-away favorite this early in the fall. “I really think that the Patriot League is going to pull three playoff spots. That’s how good it could be,” said Hoffman, a longtime assistant for the Broncos. “I think because of who is returning for (Brush coach) Randy Dreitz — he’s got a mixture of skill kids and lineman — they could be the top
OUTLOOK: Eaton will try to build off its strong finish to last season as it competes for a playoff spot in a tough Patriot League.Many Reds players received their first taste of varsity action last season.With a season of experience under their belts,they could make significant strides this season.
P
PLATTE VALLEY BRONCOS COACH: Troy Hoffman,first season 2009 RECAP: Platte Valley won the Patriot League with a 7-0 mark in league, 10-2 overall but fell 28-0 to league rival Brush in the playoff quarterfinals. KEY PLAYERS: Billy Wilson,sr.,OLB; Jake Naibauer,sr.,LB; Trent Fahrenbruch, jr.,ILB/RB; Junior Gonzalez,jr.,OT; Jordan Perez,jr.,OL; Jordan Dunn,jr.,WR
JIM RYDBOM/jrydbom@greeleytribune.com
PLATTE VALLEY senior Billy Wilson is expected to be a leader this season at outside linebacker for the Broncos. dog. But the fact is, on any given night, if you play your best game, anybody could beat anybody.” Platte Valley graduated numerous key players last season, including quarterback Jordan Smith, running back Clay Flot and linebackers Aaron Olson and Seth Baladez. Still, regardless of the players occupying Broncos uniforms, Platte Valley has consistently been a top-tier defensive team. Hoffman spent several years as the team’s defensive coordinator before taking the head job this season, replacing Michael DeWall, who became the head coach at Thompson Valley. The top two teams of the eightteam Patriot League receive automatic bids to the playoffs. Four more wild card playoff selections are awarded statewide based on a wild card point system. Traditionally, the No. 3 team in the Patriot League has been a virtual shoe-in to receive a wild card bid. In addition to Brush and Platte Valley, Weld Central, Eaton, Valley and potentially University are all likely to be battling for playoff spots in the loaded league. Weld Central (5-2, 7-4 last season), a playoff qualifier a year ago, has some of the state’s top skill players, notably senior quar-
terback/defensive back J.J. Sirios and senior wide receiver/defensive back Brandon Hoff. Eaton (4-3, 4-6) had a slew of first time varsity players last season but won its last six games last season behind a sharply developing offense led by quarterbacks Tony Ball and Jaden Olearnick and receivers Tyler Smith and Darin Foss. Valley (1-6, 4-6), like the Reds, fought inexperience last year, but seniors JJ Schoenhofer and Hunter Gonzales and juniors Joe Dellenbach and Drew Matsushima lead the Vikings, who are a year wiser. If his team is going to take that next step and qualify for the playoffs, Wehrman said his players must have the confidence and poise to beat a top team like Brush, Platte Valley, Weld Central or Eaton, against which the Vikings went 0-4 last year. “A lot of it is the mental state going in, knowing we can win going into the game,” he said. “Mentality is a big thing. Second, we’ve got to take care of business and not lose games by making stupid mistakes or hurting ourselves with a key play here or there. We’ve got to play almost a perfect and execute at a level we’ve probably never executed at before.”
2010 OUTLOOK: Wilson is the Broncos only returning starter.Still,the team maintains its normal high expectations,according to Hoffman — a longtime Platte Valley defensive coordinator before taking the head coach reins from Michael DeWall this season.Hoffman said the Broncos have their sights set on a top three finish in the always loaded Patriot League.The team approaches this season with a strong commitment and work ethic with 55 kids participating in mandatory and non-mandatory drills the past couple weeks. UNIVERSITY BULLDOGS COACH: Tom Grasmick,second season 2009 RECAP: The Bulldogs struggled to a 2-8 record in Grasmick’s first season as the coach.One of their victories was against Valley 19-15,and it came down to a last-play defensive pass breakup by Nick Haight to preserve the victory.Their other victory was a 28-7 conquest of Estes Park. KEY PLAYERS: Christian Dick,sr.,QB/DB; Darren Perez,sr.,RB/LB; Drew Coggswell,soph.,WR/LB; Josh White,jr.,OL/DL; Frankie Cisneros,sr.,LB. 2010 OUTLOOK: This could be a much-improved team with players returning in key spots and in their second season of learning Grasmick’s system. Expectations for the team are high,hoping to finish better than .500. VALLEY VIKINGS COACH: Ryan Wehrman,fourth season 2009 RECAP: Valley won its first three games but struggled in the Patriot League,finishing 1-6 in league,4-6 overall. KEY PLAYERS: JJ Schoenhofer,sr.,OL/DL; Hunter Gonzales,sr.,TE/LB; Joe Dellenbach,jr.; QB; Drew Matsushima,jr.,WR/DB; Walker Gonzales,jr.,OL/DL 2010 OUTLOOK: Wehrman said the team must improve from last season, and to do that,it needs to find a way to win a game against one of the top teams in a league that is traditionally dominated by Brush,Platte Valley and Eaton.The Vikings have experience in their favor after having a young team a year ago.They are returning eight starters on offense and seven on defense. WELD CENTRAL REBELS COACH: Mike Brown,8th season 2009 RECAP: The Rebels were 5-2 in league,7-4 overall and made the playoffs for the first time in five years.They fell in the first round 40-14 to Platte Canyon. KEY PLAYERS: JJ Sirios,sr.,QB/DB; Brandon Hoff,sr.,WR/DB; Garrett Page, sr.,RB/LB; Trevor Hammock,sr.,OL/DL 2010 OUTLOOK: The Rebels had an explosive offense last season and should again be highly effective behind Sirios and Hoff,two of the top athletes in 2A.Brown said his team must focus on rebuilding its offensive line after losing Alan Gudka and Dillan Whistance to graduation from a season ago.The progress in that area has been encouraging so far,and Brown said,if they can continue to make strides and stay healthy,the Rebels should again be a playoff contender. Bobby Fernandez and Samuel G. Mustari
Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010
Football 2010
11
WATCH YOUR FAV VORIT TE TEAM WHEREVER YOU LIVE ONLY Y ON DIR REC CTV.
SWITCH FROM CABLE
NEW FOR2010
GET 5 MONTHS FREE of our best TV package
Call today and get all this ΠNFL SUNDAY TICKET To-Go Go Watch every play, every Sunday, y, live on your PC, Mac or mobile phone and switch between games mes itting just as you would if you were sitting in front of your TV. $49.95 value
Over 285Channels Over 35Specialty Sports Networks included 31Premium Channels included 7 CHANNELS
12 CHANNELS
9 CHANNELS
3 CHANNELS
‚
EVERY GAME In HD Now Included Every game, every Sunday, in crystal-clear HD and DolbyÂŽ Digital 5.1 surround sound.
Ž RED ZONE CHANNEL ZONECHANNEL Gett an entire G ti channel h l dedicated to nothing but scoring, so you’ll never miss a play inside the 20.
FREE HD for Life!
Get access to 160
Hi-Def channels
FREE HD DVR and HD Receiver 8SJUDGH² 9DOXH
NO Equipment to Buy . NO Start-Up Costs. . 99.9% Worry-Free Signal Reliability FREE Professional Installation Local Channels Included in 95% of the U.S.
M odel s m a y vary. v a r y. Models may
29
$
OTHER PACKAGES STARTING AT
99 MONTH
DIRECTV's PREMIERTM Package is free for 5 months when you get NFL SUNDAY TICKET™ for only $59.99/mo. for 5 months.º Free HD for Life requires HD Access. †Whole-Home DVR service required for second receiver upgrade. Additional fees required. With 24-month agreement.**
CALL NOW! Get the best offer ever. 5 months FREE.
US DIGITAL LLC
970-454-3569
Authorized DIRECTV Dealer
Offer ends 10/06/10. Credit card required (except in MA & PA). New approved customers only (lease required). Lease fee $5.00/mo. for second and each additional receiver. DVR service $7/mo.; HD Access $10/mo.; Whole-Home DVR service $3/mo. $19.95 Handling & Delivery fee may apply. Applicable use tax adjustment may apply on the retail value of the installation.
ÂşBILL CREDIT/PROGRAMMING OFFER: PREMIER package regular price: $114.99/mo. 2010 NFL SUNDAY TICKET billed in five monthly installments of $59.99 each. In the sixth month, PREMIER package will automatically continue at the then-prevailing rate unless customer calls DIRECTV to change service. NFL SUNDAY TICKET and NFL SUNDAY TICKET To-Go automatically continue each season at special rate, unless customer calls to cancel prior to start of season. Blackout restrictions and other conditions apply. †To be eligible for Free HD for Life you must activate and maintain the PREMIER package, or the CHOICE ULTIMATE package plus enrollment in Auto Bill Pay. Also requires at least one (1) HD Receiver and HD Access. Number of channels varies by package selection. Account must be in “good standing,â€? as determined by DIRECTV in its sole discretion, to remain eligible. In certain markets, programming/pricing may vary. **24-MO. LEASE AGREEMENT: Must maintain 24 consecutive months of any DIRECTV base programming package ($29.99/mo. or above) or qualifying international services bundle. FAILURE TO ACTIVATE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE EQUIPMENT LEASE ADDENDUM MAY RESULT IN A CHARGE OF $150 PER RECEIVER. IF SERVICE IS TERMINATED EARLY, A CANCELLATION FEE OF $20/MONTH REMAINING WILL APPLY. ALL EQUIPMENT IS LEASED AND MUST BE RETURNED TO DIRECTV UPON CANCELLATION, OR UNRETURNED EQUIPMENT FEES APPLY. VISIT directv.com OR CALL 1-800-DIRECTV FOR DETAILS. RECEIVER UPGRADES: Second advanced receiver offer requires activation of an HD DVR as the first free receiver upgrade and subscription to Whole-Home DVR service. Additional advanced receiver upgrades available for a charge. INSTALLATION: Standard professional installation only. Custom installation extra. NFL SUNDAY TICKET To-Go: NFL SUNDAY TICKET subscription is required to order NFL SUNDAY TICKET To-Go. Only one game may be accessed from any device at any given time. Blackout rules and conditions apply and are based on customer's service address. Online application is only available on certain operating systems. Visit directv.com/NFL for a list of system requirements. Computer hardware, software, and Internet connection not included. For Mobile phone application visit directv.com/NFLMobile for a list of compatible phones. Only available on certain devices from certain providers. Additional data charges may apply. Please check with your service provider. Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound only available when provided by programmer. Equipment available separately. “Dolbyâ€? and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. Local channels eligibility based on service address. Programming, pricing, terms and conditions subject to change at any time. Pricing residential. Taxes not included. Receipt of DIRECTV programming subject to DIRECTV Customer Agreement; copy provided at directv.com/legal and in first bill. NFL, the NFL Shield design and the NFL SUNDAY TICKET name and logo are registered trademarks of the NFL and its affiliates. NFL team names and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. Š2010 DIRECTV, Inc. DIRECTV, the Cyclone Design logo, CHOICE ULTIMATE and PREMIER are trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.
12
Football 2010
Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010
REBELS TARGET BIG SEASON JIM RYDBOM
By Bobby Fernandez
/jrydbom@gree-
bfernandez@greeleytribune.com
eld Central has no intention of being a one-season wonder. Nor does it have any intention of enduring another five-year playoff drought. A year ago, the Rebels engineered an explosive offense to finish 5-2 in a loaded Class 2A Patriot League to qualify for the state playoffs for the first time in five seasons. Weld Central ended its season at 7-4 with a 40-14 first round loss to perennial 2A contender Platte Canyon last November. Nine months later though, the Rebels are returning a group of key players determined to again make a run to the postseason. “I’m super excited for this year,” Weld Central senior Brandon Hoff said. “I’m really looking forward to it. I can’t wait for Week 1 to roll around. ... Everyone is excited. We can’t wait.” Last season, Hoff was a key component of the Rebels’ offense, playing a variety of positions, receiving for 381 yards on 23 catches, passing for 570 yards and rushing for 154 yards for a
leytribune.com
W
WELD CENTRAL SENIOR Brandon Hoff reaches to make a catch during a recent practice in Keenesburg.
total of 11 touchdowns. He formed a dominant one-two punch with quarterback/defensive back J.J. Sirios (690 yards passing, 373 rushing yards, 16 total touchdowns in eight
games). Weld Central will not have to wait long to prove last season’s success was more than just an anomaly. After opening Sept. 3 at Manual (2-8 last season), the
Rebels travel to face aforementioned Platte Canyon (12-1) on Sept. 10. Sirios said the rematch against the Huskies, nine months in the making, is a game he and his
teammates have been looking forward to since the schedule was released during the summer. “We wanted to challenge ourselves against playoff-caliber teams,” Sirios said. “We want to get a little revenge on Platte Canyon, too. That’s the game we’re really looking forward to. We’re calling it the ‘redemption game.’” In the weeks leading up to the Sept. 3 season opener, Rebels coach Mike Brown said his team is focused on rebuilding its offensive line. Weld Central has some talent on its line, and the progress has been encouraging so far, Brown said. The Rebels must replace a pair of big bodies in Alan Gudka (6-feet, 290 pounds) and Dillan Whistance (6-foot-1, 275 pounds), who were seniors last season. “We definitely have the skill positions to get (to the playoffs),” Brown said. “We’re working real hard to get the offensive line ready to go. If we are able to do that, I can’t see why we can’t get in there and get a playoff spot. It’s not a terribly young (line), just inexperienced, because the group we had last year had played for two or three years.”
CLASS 1A OUTLOOK 1A North Central HIGHLAND HUSKIES COACH: David Stanford, second season 2009 RECAP: The Huskies went 1-4 in conference, 4-5 overall, falling shy of making the playoffs. KEY PLAYERS: Colten Gardner, sr., RB/DB; Jordan Rigg, sr., OL/DL; Latham Clayton, jr., QB/DB; Frankie Barrientes, sr., OL/DL; James Hartley, sr., RB/DB; Devon Venn, sr., WR/OLB
through the regular season and the early rounds of the playoffs with Merino being the only team to have their number.
Tucker Allmer, sr., QB/DB; Jacob Krise, sr., RB/LB; Johnathon Dilka, sr., C/DE; Seth Chandler, sr., WR/LB
team will need those new additions to step up and play meaningful roles and Pawnee sets its sights on returning to the playoffs.
KEY PLAYERS: Zane Jandreau, sr., OL/DL; Jason Reynolds, jr., LB; 6-1, 185; Ben Sanderford, soph., RB/DB; Justin Short, jr., OL/DE; Eli Miller, jr., QB/CB; Greg Ashley, soph., RB/CB; Luke Figgs, jr., TE/DE;
2010 OUTLOOK: The Falcons have a strong senior class and could be a contender to make the playoffs after not graduating a player from last season’s squad. Among the returnees is Jeffryes, who ran for more than 1,200 yards and had 27 touchdowns in 2009.
PRAIRIE MUSTANGS
2010 OUTLOOK: Highland looks to overcome inexperience after graduating seven starters from a year ago.Stanford said the team should be more familiar with the offense in the second year running Stanford’s system.The team has impressive speed and size.
2010 OUTLOOK: The Eagles are junior dominated and bring back a lot of experience. They are expected to be competitive in the Plains Division without any true standouts. “Our success will depend on how well we pick things up,”Holmes said.“Until they get comfortable in their positions and react instead of thinking,we’ll be a bit inexperienced. This is a great group of fun kids.”
Class 1A 8-man Plains
1A 6-man North
DAYSPRING CHRISTIAN EAGLES
BRIGGSDALE FALCONS
COACH: Mick Holmes, fifth season
COACH: Rick Mondt, fourth season
2009 RECAP: The Eagles were 11-2 last season, losing twice to Merino, including the state championship game after breezing
2009 RECAP: The Falcons struggled in their league, finishing 0-4 as well as 3-6 overall. KEY PLAYERS: Cameron Jeffryes, sr., RB/DB;
PAWNEE COYOTES COACH: Doug Miller, 14th season 2009 RECAP: The Coyotes were 1-3 in league, 3-4 overall, surviving a season in which they had only seven total players and just six players in four games. Pawnee had an impressive 52-44 win against rival Briggsdale. KEY PLAYERS: Brad Durst, sr., QB/DB; James Klinginsmith, sr., FB/LB; Brye Brunelle, soph., OE/S; Scott Klinginsmith, soph., RB/LB; Zeb Durst, soph., TB/DB, 2010 OUTLOOK: The Coyotes have a solid spike in numbers with nine kids, including a pair of foreign exchange students and five freshmen and sophomores. Miller said the
COACH: Glenn Carlson, fifth season 2009 RECAP: After not fielding a team a season earlier, Prairie finished 5-2 but was ineligible for the playoffs because the Mustangs didn’t play the previous season. KEY PLAYERS: Clay Carlson, sr., RB/LB; Mitch O’Patik, sr., OL/DL; Claudio Briseno, sr., QB; Collin Dones, sr., OE/DE; Troy Warboys, jr., OE/DB/KR; Jacob Laramore, jr., C/LB 2010 OUTLOOK: Prairie has a fairly large team by six-man standards with 10 to 12 players who will see varsity time. The team features a strong class that have been with the program for all four years. With a knowledgeable and experienced team, Carlson said the team is way ahead of where it typically is this time of year, which should bode well for the Mustangs’ playoff hopes. Bobby Fernandez and Samuel G. Mustari
Football 2010 13
Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010
2009 CLASS 2A, 1A STANDINGS 2A PATRIOT
Team
Team
Yuma
5-0
13-0
10-2
Akron
4-1
11-2
Sedgwick C.
Weld Central 6-1
7-4
Wray
3-2
6-4
Haxtun
Brush
6-1
8-5
Wiggins
2-3
5-5
Eaton
4-3
4-6
Highland
1-4
4-5
1A 6-MAN NORTH
Strasburg
3-4
4-3
Holyoke
0-5
1-8
Team
University
2-5
2-8
Valley
1-6
4-6
Estes Park
0-7
1-9
Conf. Overall
Platte Valley 7-0
1A 8-MAN PLAINS Team Merino
1A NORTH CENTRAL
PHOTO
Conf. Overall
Conf. Overall 5-0
13-0
Dayspring Chr. 4-1
11-2
[
NOW
]
2608 11TH AVE., GREELEY
SPORTS • LIFESTYLE • MEMORIES
(Hwy 34 and 11th Ave. King Soopers Shopping Center, Next to Starbucks)
greeleytribune.mycapture.com
Sun-Thurs. 5am to 8pm, Fri & Sat 5am to midnight
970.353.2400
www.redsdogsanddonuts.com
KICKING OFF THE 2010 FOOTBALL SEASON!
3-2
8-3
Longmont Chr. 2-3
4-6
1-4
1-7
0-5
0-8
Conf. Overall
Peetz
3-0
6-3
Prairie
2-2
5-2
Weldon Valley 3-1
4-4
Pawnee Briggsdale
1-3
3-4
0-4
2-6
Hot Dogs, Donuts, Smoothies, Cupcakes, Kolache’s and much more
REPRINTS
ONLINE
Caliche
BRING YOUR HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TICKET STUB AND RECEIVE
3 FREE
DONUTS WITH THE PURCHASE OF 6 DONUTS. Cannot be combined with other offers. No cash value. No rainchecks. Exp. 11/1/2010
See
for Weekly Specials
John 3:16
NORTHERN COLORADO’S
BIGGEST AND BEST SELECTION OF FALL SPORTS EQUIPMENT. LOW HISTORICALLY TE S INTEREST RA
FOCUSED ON YOUR GOALS
GREAT INVENTORY! GETTING THE JOB DONE!
WISHING ALL LOCAL TEAMS
CALL ME TODAY and let me coach you through purchasing, selling or investing!
REAL ESTATE
330-7700
COACH DICK PIERSON, GRI, 396-6451 www.searsrealestate.com
Everything for the football, volleyball and fall sport athlete.
Great deals on shoes, accessories and clothing. Always the best brand names and newest styles available.
3817 W. 10th St, Greeley
353-8068
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9:00-7:00 Sat. 9:00-5:00 www.gar r e t so n - sp o r t s. c o m
14
Football 2010
Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010
MILLER TAKES OVER FOR EAGLES li Miller watched a succession of players take their turns in successfully directing the Dayspring Christian Academy football team. Now, it’s Miller time. Miller, a junior will call the shots for the Eagles, a Class 1A 8man team that has made postseason a habit and advanced to the state championship game three straight seasons, winning in 2008 — has been given the reins by coach Mick Holmes. “He’s our leader,” Holmes said. “We have just two seniors on the team, and you expect them to lead, but with that being the case, you expect others to step up to the plate.” Miller will have plenty of support in his first season as the firststring quarterback, hoping for similar success to those who preceded him in Dan Baer, Jared Sanderford and Mike Moore. Sophomore Ben Sanderford, who gained more than 1,000 yards last season, is expected to produce more of the same. “Like most 11-man teams, coaches are hesitant to start a freshman, but in our situation if a kid is good enough, he’ll start,” Holmes said. “Sanderford will definitely be a big part of the offense.” The Eagles feature just two seniors — interior lineman Zane Jandreau and tight end Bryson Kelly — but have a horde of sophomores and juniors with plenty of varsity experience to make a difference in a program where success consistently breeds success. “Our first priority is that we play for God,” said Jandreau, a behemoth at 6-foot, 285 pounds. “We have that in our minds, and then play as hard as we possibly can and let whatever happens, happen.” What has happened is well documented as Dayspring Christian and Merino have dominated the 8-man ranks recently, trading state titles the last three years while establishing a healthy rivalry. “I’m excited to play them again,” said Jandreau, who is 1-2 against the Rams in state title games. “Merino is our first conference game this season, so both teams can tell where they stand early in the season.”
missing the playoffs. Eastin said it’s important the team gets off to a faster start this season. “I think we just need to come out of the gates strong,” he said. “Every year is a new year. Every team has their own personality. Every team has their own attitude. The sooner a team identifies what their personality is and what their attitude is, the better off they’ll be.” — Bobby Fernandez
E
COMMITTED BULLDOGS SEE IMPROVEMENT
FILE PHOTO BY ERIC BELLAMY/ebellamy@greeleytribune.com
DAYSPRING CHRISTIAN’S Eli Miller will step into the quarterback position this season. Miller is anxious to take his shot in the Eagles’ explosive option offense, especially with one of his closest friends — Sanderford — in the backfield with him, along with sophomore Greg Ashley, whom Holmes said “can run like a deer.” “This is a big role for me, and I’ve thought about the three quarterbacks before me taking this program to state title games, but I’m starting to settle down a little bit,” the 5-11, 165-pound Miller said. “My nerves are starting to calm down a bit.” Miller knew his day at quarterback would come, waiting in the wings behind Moore last season. “Coach Holmes told me that if Mike went down I’d be the quarterback, and then told me that when Mike was finished, the job was going to be mine,” Miller said. “Expectations are pretty high for this program, and I’m expecting a lot from myself.” — Samuel G. Mustari ON THE MOVE AGAIN, ROOSEVELT EMBRACES CHALLENGE OF 3A NORTHERN
fter a couple years in a valley, Roosevelt is looking to peak. For the second time in three years, the Rough Riders will play in a different football conference than the one they played in the previous season. Two years ago, Roosevelt made the move from the Class 2A
A
Patriot League to the 3A TriValley. Now, the Rough Riders play alongside a few former TriValley foes and a couple fresh faces in the new 3A Northern Conference. In addition to Roosevelt, the conference features three other former Tri-Valley teams: Last season’s Tri-Valley champion and state playoff semifinalist Mountain View, Berthoud and Silver Creek. Joining them are Erie, which moves up from the 2A Flatirons, and Skyline, which is playing down after competing in the 4A Northern last season. “It’s a tough conference,” Roosevelt coach Ed Eastin said. “This will be the third year we’ve been in the 3A mix. You can’t take a break, because every week somebody will come up and beat you. You have to be ready. ... It’s one of the toughest leagues around.” As it has done recently, Roosevelt opens with a nonconference game against perennial 2A contender Platte Valley at 7 p.m. Sept. 3 in Johnstown. After playing numerous teams from their former home, the Tri-Valley, the Rough Riders play their first conference game on Oct. 8, hosting Mountain View. Last season, Roosevelt lost the opener 7-6 at the Broncos. The Rough Riders dropped four of their first six games and didn’t fully find their stride until winning three of their last four, narrowly
om Grasmick is sleeping better at night. That’s a direct result of the progress his University football team has made in just one season under his direction. “I’m not even pulling out the few hairs I have left on my head,” Grasmick joked. The Bulldogs, 2-8 in Grasmick’s first season, have bought into his system — thinking, sleeping and eating football all year, evidenced by extra time in the weight room and participation in offseason training activities. “We’re leaps and bounds ahead of where we were,” Grasmick said. “Most of that goes with the extra time we’ve had to input our system and with the returning players we have from a year ago. “We’ve got some leaders on this team, and that helps a ton.” The most notable is senior quarterback Christian Dick, who has played a key role in selling Grasmick’s system and taking charge on the field. “Even now with 10 voluntary practices and a full week of practice in, we’re making fewer mistakes and looking more and more like a decent football team,” Grasmick said. “What a difference.” With Dick in charge of the offense, Grasmick feels a sense of comfort, and has a newfound confidence in his defense under first-year coordinator John Sparks. “We’re going to look to our defense to set the tone and keep us in games,” Grasmick said. “Our defense is going to give us a chance to win.” In fact, Grasmick explained
T
CLASS 3A NORTHERN OUTLOOK ROOSEVELT ROUGH RIDERS COACH: Ed Eastin, 15th season 2009 RECAP: Roosevelt fell just short of qualifying for the playoffs, finishing 5-4 in the Tri-Valley league, 5-5 overall. KEY PLAYERS: Jason Lopez, sr., RB; Bryan Bott, sr., WR; Brandyn Hernandez, sr., LB; Tyler Trobee, sr., LB/RB; Marcus Holguin, jr., DB/WR; Christian Kratz, jr., RB; Juan Sanchez, jr., DL 2010 OUTLOOK: Eastin said his high expectations never change from season to season. He said he and his team are setting their sights not just on qualifying for the playoffs but making a postseason run. To do that, Eastin said, the Rough Riders must develop a strong team attitude, remain relatively injury free and put forth a consistent work ethic each practice and each game. Bobby Fernandez
last year’s 2-8 record wasn’t indicative of how well the Bulldogs played at times. “I think outside of our games against Yuma and Brush — and those are the two best teams I’ve seen in awhile — we competed well,” Grasmick said. “We had our two worst showings against Platte Valley and Eaton because we just forgot to show up, but that is what’s part of changing the culture. We focus on showing up to play every single week.” Grasmick expects eight players to start on both sides of the ball, including Dick, senior Darren Perez (RB/LB) and Drew Coggswell, a sophomore who was an all-Patriot League honorable mention at wide receiver and linebacker. “Josh White will also go on both sides of the ball in the lines,” Grasmick said. “He’s one of guys who leads by example, but one who is a vocal leader who really flies around on defense is Frankie Cisneros. It takes a good mix of kids like that to make a good squad, and that’s what we’re looking at right now. “I know that everybody is optimistic and undefeted at this time, but our kids have a goal in mind, and I know it’s not below .500.” — Samuel G. Mustari
Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010
Football 2010
15
16
Football 2010
Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010
Ehrlich Toyota, Proud to Support High School Football and all it’s Fans
970-339-3900
ON 47 AVE TH TH
47 AVE & HWY 34 TH
EHRLICHTOYOTA.COM