MUST-WATCH

onship, where they ran into Cherry Creek and fell short 24-17. Reloaded with experienced, returning players, Valor will aim for its rst championship since 2018.

Columbine Rebels (Littleton)

2022 record: 10-2

Week 1: August 25 @ Mullen

What to watch for: How does Coach Andy Lowry reload after losing his top running back? Columbine opened last season on re with a six-game winning streak in which the Rebels beat their opponents by at least 20 points. If the 5A League 1 allows them to start hot again, it could mean trouble for the rest of the league, including teams like Ralston Valley and Arvada West.

Frederick Golden Eagles (Frederick)

2022 record: 8-4

Week 1: August 18 vs. Northridge

What to watch for: Frederick hopes to push for a league title. e Golden Eagles joined the 3A League 6 just last year, but nearly snagged the league title with a 4-1 record. Second only to Denver’s George Washington last season, Frederick took some time to get rolling last year. But Frederick managed to win a playo game before a tough 21-6 loss to Lutheran to end the season. If they can continue their late-season success early this season, they could make a strong push for 10 wins plus a strong showing in the playo s. Head Coach Matt Loyd is o to a strong start going into year two.

Ralston Valley Mustangs (Arvada)

2022 record: 10-3

Week 1: August 18 @ Mountain Vista

What to watch for: Senior Logan Madden is expected to be one of the top quarterbacks in the state this year. Last year as a junior, Madden was a selection for All-Colorado, First Team All-State, and First team All-Conference, while throwing for nearly 2400 yards and 24 touchdown passes with a 71% completion percentage. If he can keep up his stellar play, the Mustangs could push for double digit wins.

Green Mountain Rams (Lakewood)

2022 record: 12-1

Week 1: August 25 vs. Golden underRidge Grizzlies (Highlands Ranch)

What to watch for: A very strong senior class headlines Green Mountain this season. e Rams’ perfect season hopes last year were ruined when they fell to Roosevelt brutally in the semi nals. But now they have all the tools to compete for the 3A state title if they can continue their dominance and play as expected this fall.

2022 record: 11-2

Week 1: August 25 @ Arvada West

What to watch for: After going 11-2 and 4-1 in the 5A League 5, the Grizzlies emerge as perhaps the biggest mystery on this list. With a lot of graduated talent, and brand-new coach in Sam Camp eld, it will be interesting to watch if underRidge can keep up its dominance. e culture and reputation is strong, but now there are new faces. It should make for a must-watch season this fall.

Dakota Ridge Eagles (Littleton)

2022 record: 6-6

Week 1: August 25 vs. Pueblo West e Eagles graduated RB Noah Triplett, leaving some big shoes to ll. But Palladino tells me he’s excited about the season and is ready to get to work. If nothing else, the Eagles will be a highlight show.

What to watch for: Senior quarterback Blake Palladino is back for his nal season. e Division I QB committed to the University of Northern Colorado in the o season, and is determined to bring a state championship home for the Eagles.

Ponderosa Mustangs (Parker)

2022 record: 9-3

Week 1: August 25 vs. Fort Collins

What to watch for: If it wasn’t for a two-game skid in the middle of their season, Ponderosa could have very well been undefeated going into the playo s in 2022. Now they bring back nearly everyone, and know how to win cohesively. e Mustangs are strong and experienced at skill positions like receiver, and since the core group is returning, Ponderosa could be scary in 2023. Heritage Eagles (Littleton) 2022 record: 8-4

Week 1: August 25 vs. Mountain Vista

What to watch for: e Heritage Eagles could be primed for a breakout year. With returning players like senior quarterback Kurt Rossner and All-State senior linebacker Nick Long, the Eagles could make a push for double digit wins. After dropping two games early, Heritage went on a hot streak winning seven in a row. If they can start hot this year, watch out.

… CCM’s Alex K.W. Schultz’s breakout team of the year: Mountain Vista Golden Eagles (Highlands Ranch)

“A team that might really surprise people this year is Vista, which has been an afterthought on the gridiron in years past but looked to have a great foundation in place last season. e Golden Eagles nished

7-4 and ranked No. 16 in Class 5A in 2022, but all their key pieces are back, including junior quarterback Austyn Modrzewski (who passed for a state-second-best 3,327 yards last year) and their three leading receivers (Sean Conway, Jakhai Mack and Ja’pree Jennings), which is huge given that Vista’s o ense is built on slinging the ball around the yard. After the Golden Eagles played Valor Christian last year (a game in which Vista led with just a few minutes left), Vista coach Garrett Looney told me, “[Modrzewski] is only a sophomore, and he’s doing things that I haven’t seen seniors do.’”

Bonus:

Denver Broncos 2022 record: 5-12

Week 1: September 10 vs. Las Vegas

What to watch for: Can Coach Sean Payton get the best out of quarterback Russell Wilson and lead the Broncos to the playo s?

Colorado Bu aloes 2022 record: 1-11

Week 1: September 2 @ TCU

What to watch for: e Deion Sanders show. Are the Bu s nally ready for prime time? Gearing up for a Big 12 return.

Colorado School of Mines 2022 record: 13-3

Week 1: August 31 vs. Grand Valley State

What to watch for: Quarterback John Matocha. Can he continue his record-breaking success from 2022?