Valor Christian takes the top spot as it moves up to the state's largest classification. Don't count out Columbine, Pomona, Mullen and Burlington.
Valor Christian junior Christian McCaffrey (5) ran away from opponents for 1,153 yards and 22 touchdowns last season in leading the Eagles to their third consecutive state title. This season Valor Christian moves up to Class 5A, Colorado's largest classification.
File photo by Paul DiSalvo
14-0
Head coach: Brent Vieselmeyer
Team PreviewValor Christian has won three consecutive state championships, the past two coming at the Class 4A level. The Eagles move up to the big-school division – 5A – and are well-equipped with the state's top running back in junior
Christian McCaffrey and new quarterback
Luke Del Rio, who recently committed to Oklahoma State. Valor Christian opens the season at home Aug. 24 against perennial power Mullen in a game that will be broadcast on ESPN3. Valor Christian will need to replace three players whose names are found on our list of
every Class of 2012 Colorado Division 1 football signee.
2. Columbine (Littleton)2011 finish: 14-0
Head coach: Andy Lowry
Team PreviewThe Rebels were hit hard by graduation on the defensive side of the ball, but should have no problems offensively in attempting to repeat as 5A state champions. Part-time starter
Michael Burns takes over full-time under center and figures to hand off frequently to junior running back
Bernard McDondle, who was a standout during the playoff run. Columbine always is stout up front and should be against with Colorado-bound
John Lisella (6-foot-4, 245 pounds) and
Nate Anderson (6-6, 250). You can find Columbine on our list of
Colorado state football champions over the past 10 years.
3. Pomona (Arvada)2011 finish: 11-2
Head coach: Jay Madden
Team PreviewA tough loss in the 5A state semifinals has Pomona hungry for another run. The Panthers have good building blocks, as they possess two of the state's best at their positions in quarterback
Alec Feland and linebacker
Deshon Maes. Madden always gets the most out of his talent, having posted a record of 39-10 the past four years. Pomona has an intriguing matchup Sept. 7 against
Cherry Creek (Greenwood Village) and new coach Dave Logan, who moved over from Mullen. Pomona ranks No. 10 on our list of
Colorado's Top 10 Most Consistent Football Programs.
4. Mullen (Denver)2011 finish: 9-3
Head coach: Tom Thenell
Team PreviewMuch has changed at the state's premier program since last season. Gone is former head coach Dave Logan, who led the Mustangs to four state titles in nine seasons, including three in a row from 2008-10. He has been replaced by Thenell, a Mullen standout during his prep days who built Bear Creek into a top program. How the transition impacts the Mustangs on the field remains to be seen, but there is no question top talent remains, especially at linebacker. Seniors
Patrick Healy, an Air Force recruit, and
Castille Bayers anchor that unit. The early schedule could present challenges: after opening against Valor Christian, Mullen heads to California to take on national power
De La Salle (Concord, Calif.). Mullen leads our June, 2011 list of the
Top 10 Colorado football dynasties.
5. Burlington2011 finish: 13-0
Head coach: Glynn Higgs
Team PreviewWhile big-school programs
Grandview (Aurora) and
Chaparral (Parker) figure to challenge, we pay our respects to small-school standout Burlington. The Cougars compete at the Class 1A level, but they will be after their third-consecutive state title. Graduation took its toll, but Burlington has won 24 games in a row, which is tied with Valor Christian for the longest current streak. Versatile
Tobin Mettling is a key returnee. Search for Burlington players on our list of
2011 Colorado All-League football teams.
