By Kevin Shaffer, ColoradoPreps.com
Special to MaxPreps.com
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Mullen and Douglas County Begin Quest for 5A Title Rematch
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In earning its first ever state football title, Douglas County knocked off Mullen at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver. Now the two teams are getting in final workouts before their 2006 season openers and both have ideas of returning to the state championship game.ÿ
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They are ranked one-two in virtually every statewide media poll. Mullen's backfield is loaded with seniors Clint Brewster (quarterback), Phillip Morelli (running back) and Devon Aguilar (wide receiver). Two of the three have already committed to Division I-A schools and the third, Aguilar, could do the same sometime soon.ÿ
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Up front, the line is anchored by another Division I-A-bound senior in 6-4, 270-pound Shawn Daniels. The Mustangs, coached by former NFL player and current Denver Broncos play-by-play announcer, Dave Logan, open against playoff regular Poudre (Fort Collins) Friday.
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Douglas County must replace 2,000-yard rusher Andy Muns, but quarterback Keifer Garton is one of the top signal callers in Colorado. The Huskies also feature senior all-state candidates Ethan Adkins (tackle) and Luke Diehl (linebacker), so the cupboard is not bare for hard-nosed coach Jeff Ketron. Douglas County meets Gateway (four-straight playoff appearances) Friday.
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Monarch and ThunderRidge Headline Strong and Deep Class 4A Field
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With only three returning starters on both sides of the ball, it may be a bit much to ask ThunderRidge to win a third-straight 4A championship. The Grizzlies have almost been unchallenged in winning their past 23 games, and they look to extend that streak in their season opener against 5A Fruita Monument. It's the first of three-straight games against Grand Junction-area schools to open the season for Grizzlies.ÿ
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The preseason No. 1 team in 4A is Monarch. The Coyotes have been one of the best teams over the past four years, but haven't been able to get it done in the postseason since their state title run in 2002. Since the start of that season, Coach Phil Bravo's team is an incredible 45-4, but three of those losses have come against ThunderRidge in the state playoffs. As a result, Monarch has not made it past the second round each of the past three years. With a huge offensive line headed up by Levi Salmans (6-7, 290), that may change this year. Monarch visits the West Coast for their opener against La Canada Calif., Friday.
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Smaller Classes Feature Top Ten Battles
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In one of the more anticipated matchups statewide, top-ranked Alamosa (3A) plays host to Pagosa Springs (No. 5 in 2A) Friday afternoon. The Alamosa Mean Moose return a solid nucleus of talent throughout the lineup, led by quarterback Clay Garcia. The fourth-year starter threw for over 3,000 yards and 32 touchdowns last season in their spread attack. Two of his top three receivers return for what the Mean Moose hope will end with their first state title since 2001. Pagosa Springs hammered Bayfield 34-0 in a zero week opener last Saturday behind three touchdown passes from Jordan Shaffer.
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In other attractive matchups this week, defending 3A champion Florence tangles with Eaton (No. 8 in 2A). The Reds missed out last year, but had been to four-straight 2A finals. Defending 2A champ and No. 1 ranked Holy Family, which rolled La Junta 48-10 in their opener, meets No. 9 Roosevelt this week. In Class 1A, No. 2 Burlington, with standout running back Brian Hendricks leading the way, will meet No. 8 Wray. Dylan Hochevar, the younger brother of the Kansas City Royals first round draft pick, Luke Hochevar, is the top returnee for Wray. Also in 1A, No. 4 Lyons meets up with No. 6 West Grand. This is a rematch of a quarterfinal playoff game won by Lyons last season.
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Zero Week Highlights
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About 20 games were played across Colorado last week in so-called zero week. These games are approved by the state high school activities association to help teams fill out a full schedule and those games were filled with great individual performances.ÿ
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- Elzy Spruell scored five touchdowns leading George Washington to an easy win over Kennedy.
- Steamboat Springs kicker Ben DeLine booted three field goals, including a 42-yarder, in a 31-13 win over Kent Denver.
- Gil Coronado tossed three touchdown passes, including an 88-yarder, for Lincoln.
- Marc Amos threw for 315 yards for Green Mountain in a 28-14 loss to Thomas Jefferson.
- Holy Family's Kurt Borecky started the Tigers season off with a bang, returning the opening kickoff for a score in a 48-14 rout of La Junta.
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Division I Commitments
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Several Colorado players have made commitments to play at Division I programs next fall.ÿ Here's a partial list, according to The Rocky Mountain News:
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David Angilauÿÿ , Niwot, DL, 6-2 / 260, Brigham Young
Clint Brewster, Mullen, QB, 6-1 / 185, Illinois
Shawn Daniels, Mullen, OL, 6-4 / 270, Colorado
Phillip Morelliÿÿ , Mullen, RB, 5-11 / 185, Colorado State
Ryan Hill, Arvada West, TE, 6-3 / 240, Nebraska
Gabe Knapton, Skyline, LB, 6-3 / 225, Wyoming
Anthony Perkins, Northglenn, QB, 5-11 / 180, Colorado