Season Preview: 3A South-Central League

Given the current state of the world and the precarious standing of high school sports in Colorado, a fall football season isn’t a guarantee in 2020, but hopeful football teams across the state are preparing for one just the same. With new alignments and leagues, football in Colorado will look a bit different. But traditional rivalries remain strong, returning standouts are ready to shine in the limelight, up-and-comers are hungry to make a name for themselves, and optimism abounds. When our local teams return to the gridiron the action promises to be as exciting as ever. To continue our league-by-league preview of the upcoming campaign, let’s take a look at the 3A South-Central League. <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Teams in the conference</strong></p> Canon City (new this year), Pueblo Central, Pueblo Centennial, Pueblo County, Pueblo East, Pueblo South <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Five returning players who shined last fall</strong></p> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="22590" first="George" last="Longoria"], 2021, RB, Pueblo South</strong> No one worked harder on the ground last year than Pueblo South’s [player_tooltip player_id="22590" first="George" last="Longoria"]. The Colt’s workhorse had 338 carries for a Class 3A leading 1,896 rushing yards to go along with 23 touchdowns. Pueblo South went all the way to the Class 3A title game last year thanks to balanced offense that started with Longoria fighting in the trenches. Expect even more from the now senior back in 2020. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="22666" first="Chase" last="Hartman"], 2021, QB/ATH, Pueblo County<img class="alignright wp-image-22252 size-thumbnail" src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/chase-hartman-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></strong> Playing as a duel-threat from the backfield, Hartman played well in his first season under the gun after finding out late he was going to be the Hornets’ starter for the year after an injury derailed Colin Raper in front of him. Hartman posted 799 passing yards with 5 TDs and 3 INTs while rushing for 560 yards on 105 carries with 4 TDs. The ground game might be a bit tougher with standout RB Jose Handford gone, but a year of experience under the belt should be a big help for Hartman and up and coming Hornets. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="22613" first="Josh" last="Thatcher"], 2021, OL, Pueblo Centennial<img class="alignright wp-image-33022 size-thumbnail" src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Josh-Thatcher-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></strong> As a two-time first-team All-SCL selection, Thatcher is sure to be in for another great season blocking up front for the Bulldogs. Centennial has shown to be a rush-heavy squad, highlighted by the 12th most rushing yards as a team in the 2018 season with 2,439 yards. Thatcher was a big part of those yards in 2018 and was again last season as the Bulldogs continue to improve their program. <strong>Tristen Rowe, 2021, LB, Canon City</strong> The Tigers return to the S-CL with a defense filled with returners, highlighted by linebacker Rowe. He posted the most tackles for loss on the Tigers’ squad last season with 8 and had the second most tackles with 64, only behind Tim Bosse, who also returns this year after posting 80 tackles, four for loss. Rowe also had one sack, one INT and 7 passes defended last season. <strong>Luke Guarienti, 2021, WR, Pueblo South<img class="alignright wp-image-22885 size-thumbnail" src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Luke-Guarienti-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></strong> Stats might not show the exact production from Guarienti, but he was vital for the Colts’ run to the Class 3A title game. He had 24 receptions for 334 yards and 2 TDs, providing a great second or third option last year for a deep Colts squad. In 2020, Guarienti will be the top dog in the receiving core and looks to breakout even more. <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>A prime breakout candidate for 2020</strong></p> <strong>Orlando Mondragon, 2021, RB, Pueblo East<img class="alignright wp-image-33024 size-thumbnail" src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/mondragon-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></strong> The Eagles hired offensive coordinator Tony Valdez as their new head coach over the offseason, and with the track and field coach comes a new need for speed in whole Pueblo East program. Last season, Mondragon led a deep Eagles backfield with 457 rushing yards on 79 carries and 3 TDs. With an offensive minded coach in Valdez and less of crowd around Mondragon, look for the Eagles’ back to make some noise on the ground. The S-CL is filled with potential breakout studs as well, so make sure to look out for Canon City WR Seth Newton, Pueblo Centennial QB Tony Cardona and Pueblo County OL/DL Bryce Garcia. <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>A way-too-early prediction</strong></p> Either Pueblo South or Pueblo East have won the S-CL the last six years, and all six years the winner has ended up in a state title game. This season seems like it will have more of a dog fight with Pueblo Central and Pueblo Centennial on the up and Pueblo County looking to be a serious darkhorse contender with one the largest returning rosters. Canon City will also be excited to be back in on the rivalry with their easterly neighbors. In the end, the returning talent from Pueblo South will prevail in a hotly contested league season, but don’t be surprised if the Colts are knocked off by any of the other five squads. &nbsp; &nbsp;