MaxPreps 2013 Colorado Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard
Valor Christian, the top team heading into the 2013 season, is looking for its fifth consecutive state title.
Photo by Tim Visser
12-2
Head coach: Rod Sherman
Team previewThe Eagles have a new head coach in Sherman, who assumed the reins when Brent Vieselmeyer departed to join the coaching staff at Houston Baptist University. Sherman is no stranger to the program, though, having served as offensive coordinator and athletic director since the team's inception. Fortunately for Sherman, he returns the state's top playmaker in
Christian McCaffrey as the Eagles pursue a fifth consecutive state title. Valor has some holes to fill, but a stout offensive front led by
Alec Ruth (6-foot-6, 295 pounds) and
Isaiah Holland (6-5, 295) should again lead to a big output by McCaffrey, a Stanford recruit. The Eagles
open the season on ESPN2 against
Central (Fresno, Calif.).
See the Top 15 Colorado football dynasties2. Cherokee Trail (Aurora)2012 finish: 12-2
Head coach: Monte Thelen
Team previewBehind a stellar defense, the Cougars made an unexpected run at the Class 5A state championship last season, falling just short in the title game. If not for key losses on the offensive line, Cherokee Trail might be the preseason favorite. Thelen again will rely on a speedy and physical defense that returns eight starters, led by All-Colorado safety
Evan White. White, a Colorado commit, defends sideline to sideline and delivers punishing hits. Other key returnees defensively are
Jacob Martin,
Cameron Currington,
Kaleb Barnum and
Thomas Thortvedt. Offensively, quarterback
Aric Johnson performed admirably during the playoff run, which should bode well for his senior season behind mammoth OL
Colt Jones (6-6, 300).
See which Colorado teams have the most wins since 20083. ThunderRidge (Highlands Ranch)2012 finish: 11-2
Head coach: Joe Johnson
Team previewThe personnel is in place for the Grizzlies to be at the forefront of any title talk. Versatile quarterback
Brody Westmoreland, a San Diego State commit for baseball, will again hand off to speedy tailback
Steve Ray (1,681 yards, 21 TDs), who will run behind top offensive lineman
Sam Jones. That approach led to a Class 5A state semifinal berth last season. The defense has some key performers to replace, but that has never been an issue for the defensive-minded Johnson. The Grizzlies will have the opportunity to test themselves early against fellow 2012 semifinalist Ralston Valley (Arvada) and perennial power Grandview (Aurora) in Weeks 2 and 3, respectively.
See last season's Colorado football playoff brackets4. Cherry Creek (Greenwood Village)2012 finish: 6-5
Head coach: Dave Logan
Team previewState followers expect the Bruins to be a major factor this season. If history holds to form, year two in the Logan system produces big results. In his second year at Arvada West, the Wildcats advanced to the state semifinals.Chatfield (Littleton) and Mullen (Denver) both celebrated a state championship in Logan's second season. That's probably too much to expect against an experienced field, but the Bruins should be bolstered by some newcomers to join one of the state's top players in safety
Jaeden Graham. One key factor: the status of running back Nathan Starks, a national recruit.
He has been ruled ineligible by the state's governing body after transferring from Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas),
but an appeals process is expected.
See last season's final Colorado football rankings, presented by the Army National Guard5. Monarch (Louisville)2012 finish: 13-1
Head coach: Phil Bravo
Team previewNot much changes each season for the Coyotes. Every year Bravo pounds opponents with his powerhouse rushing attack, leading to a deep run through the playoffs. Last season ended with Monarch's second Class 4A state title, and there is little reason to expect it won't challenge for No. 3. Yes, the offensive line needs to be restocked, but returning are quality running backs in junior
Kidd Soole and senior
Ethan Marks (1,975 yards, 21 TDs). They will be joined by new quarterback
Jay MacIntyre, the son of first-year University of Colorado coach Mike MacIntyre. The younger MacIntyre, a senior, passed for 979 yards and rushed for 436 more last year at Valley Christian (San Jose, Calif). Additionally, nine starters return defensively, including stout linebacker
Pete Mitchell (6-2, 210). With expected reinforcements from an undefeated junior varsity team, the Coyotes are again the team to beat in 4A.
See last season's All-Colorado football team
