Glimpse into the Future: The Most Talented 5A Rosters in 2022

Is anyone else having major football withdrawals? Believe it or not, it’s only been a couple months since the 2021 high school season came to its conclusion. With eight months to go until any sort of meaningful snap of ball is played, all we can do is dream, dream, and maybe even dream some more about football in the fall. Despite having to endure a fair share of sunburns until then, it would not be criminal to start looking forward to the schools that will possess some of the premier talent that this state has to offer. From familiar faces to new names ready to leave their mark, the best part of any offseason is the hope that we can cling on to as football draws nearer each and every day. Without further ado, it is time to take a sneak peak at the squads who will field the most skilled teams come September.

1. Cherry Creek Bruins 

2021 Record: 12-2 (4-1) 

2021 Result: Win vs Valor Christian 21-0 (State Title)

It is only necessary that the Bruins retain the top spot as the offseason is under full swing. After winning their third straight state title by shutting out fellow giant Valor Christian 21-0, Cherry Creek has given themselves championship or bust expectations year in and year out thanks to elite coaching and an abundant amount of talent at each position. As long as Colorado coaching legend Dave Logan puts on the headset, you can bet that the Bruins will be looking to add to their trophy case. Heading into 2022, Creek’s offense will be in good hands. Junior QB Christian Hammond Christian Hammond 6'2" | 180 lbs | QB Cherry Creek | 2023 CO will be entering his senior year looking to continue to progress as a passer. Already capable of being a true dual-threat quarterback, there is always room for improvement for a player whose sky is the limit. Hammond managed to complete 66% of his passes while firing 18 TD’s to Bruin wideouts. Surrounding him will be playmakers galore. One name to keep your eye on is WR Ismael Cisse Ismael Cisse 6'0" | 175 lbs | WR Cherry Creek | 2023 State CO , who led the Bruins in receiving yards with 652 and is as shifty as can be. Other notable electric offensive pieces include upcoming seniors RB Carlson Tann Carlson Tann 5'10" | 175 lbs | RB Cherry Creek | 2023 State CO and WR Kyair Johnston Kyair Johnston 5'7" | WR Cherry Creek | 2023 State CO , both capable of single handily taking over a game. Defensively, the Bruins may be as ferocious as any other team in the Centennial State. While the #1 ranked player in Colorado in DL Blake Purchase Blake Purchase 6'4" | 230 lbs | DL Cherry Creek | 2023 State CO blows up opposing offenses and LB Angelo Petrides Angelo Petrides 6'2" | 225 lbs | LB Cherry Creek | 2024 State CO acts as a heat-seeking missile, any offense lining up against the Bruins is gonna feel some pain the next morning. Cherry Creek continues to reload, and no one should be surprised if they make a run at their fourth straight state title.

THE CHERRY CREEK BRUINS HAVE WON BACK-TO-BACK-TO-BACK FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS!!!

It's the program's 12 all-time State Title@creeksports | @CHSAA | @CreekFB | @CCSDATHACT1 pic.x.com/dcrmaRIIie

— Cherry Creek Sports Network (@CherryCreekSN) December 5, 2021

So. (24') Full Season Highlights 💍 @CCNextLevelFB @CreekFB @EliteSpeedSp @CoachDonJ @JJKilgore_ASU @UC_Recruiting @CoachKlanderman @mbqb1 @coachcclaiborne pic.x.com/PRTy1fchfY

— Angelo Petrides 🛫 (@AngeloPetrides2) December 9, 2021

 2. Valor Christian Eagles

     2021 Record: 12-1 (5-0)

     2021 Finish: Lost in Final 21-0 vs Cherry Creek 

If it wasn’t for Cherry Creek, the Eagles arguably might’ve had a couple more state titles under their belt. Unfortunately, Valor Christian was outplayed in every facet of the game during their 21-0 shutout loss back in December, leaving them with lots to think about heading into the offense. Even after running the table to the championship, it still wasn’t nearly enough. Something needs to change, and in order for Valor to take back the mountain top that they have been on before, they will need find a way to bounce back from the recurring losses to the Bruins. Coming into 2022, the Eagles will not be shy of any talent. Despite losing the best player in the state RB Gavin Sawchuk Gavin Sawchuk RB Valor Christian | 2022 State CO and starting QB Colton Allen Colton Allen 6'3" | 195 lbs | QB Valor Christian | 2022 State CO , there’s plenty of bodies for the ball to go around. The Eagles will in fact have some young players having to step up in bigger roles during the 2022 season, but expect them to age like a fine wine, especially at a school that has consistently been a competitor in recent years’ past. Some notable returnees on both sides of the ball include WR Jake Krekeler Jake Krekeler 5'10" | 195 lbs | WR Argyle | 2024 TX , DB Trey Stott Trey Stott 5'11" | 195 lbs | DB Valor Christian | 2023 State CO , and RB Gabe Sawchuk Gabe Sawchuk 5'10" | 165 lbs | RB Valor Christian | 2024 State CO , which the latter being the younger brother of Valor’s all-time leading rusher. The Eagles should still a pretty decently dominate force throughout the state, but in order for them to make a title run, the state runner-ups will need solid quarterback play.

3. Regis Jesuit Raiders 

 2021 Record: 8-4 (4-1) 

 2021 Finish: Lost in playoffs vs Cherry Creek 28-7

Much like Valor Christian and every other Colorado rooted school for that matter, the Red Raiders could not get past Cherry Creek come postseason time. Regis Jesuit even got to matchup twice with the Bruins during 2021, also coming up on the short end of the stick in a 34-14 loss on September 24th. However, a couple of losses to the eventual state champion did not take anything away from a team that still managed to muster up an 8-4 record, including going 4-1 in league play. The Red Raiders were led by scrambling quarterback Exander Carroll Exander Carroll 5'11" | 180 lbs | QB Regis Jesuit | 2023 State CO , who provided another dimension for Regis as he was exceptional through the air and on his feet. Fortunately, the dynamic QB will be returning for another crack at it, as he will look to continue to build off of a strong season in which he connected on 14 TD’s and only threw three interceptions. Joining him in the backfield will be the young phenom RB Albert Medina, who despite playing in a backup role, racked up 612 rushing yards and averaged 7.7 YPC. With graduation putting a grip throughout the running backs room, the soon-to-be junior tailback will get the opportunity to receive the bulk of the carries and get his shine on. Defensively, Regis Jesuit loses a good amount of production throughout the front and back ends, but returnee DE Hayden Moore Hayden Moore 6'4" | 195 lbs | LB Regis Jesuit | 2023 State CO will be a name to watch heading into next season. Moore was second on the team in tackles and demonstrated a knack for blowing up plays for negative yardage.

4. Grandview Wolves 

 2021 Record: 10-3 (4-1) 

 2021 Finish: Lost in Final Four vs Valor Christian 37-6

It just wasn’t the kind of fairy tale ending that the Wolves had envisioned. After wrapped up their regular season with an overall record of 10-3 (including just one loss in conference play), Grandview’s 2021 campaign had felt  After handling Mullen rather easily in their first playoff matchup and sneaking past Ralston Valley in the next, Grandview found themselves in the Final Four, two wins away from having their season long aspirations come true. Unfortunately, Valor Christian proved to be too much for the Wolves, as their offense couldn’t find a rhythm against a stingy Eagles defense. Despite the shortcomings, there is much optimism within the football program. The Wolves said goodbye to 1,000 yard rusher Moosah Alsaffar Moosah Alsaffar 5'9" | RB Grandview | 2022 State CO , but that doesn’t mean they’re short on any fireworks. Junior RB Chase Dahir will have his fair shot in taking over the starting tailback role after posting 400 yards rushing and finding pay dirt five times in 2021, along with some other young backs. With class of 2024 field general Liam Szarka Liam Szarka 6'2" | 190 lbs | QB Grandview | 2024 State CO returning for his third year of high school ball, the Wolves should find more stability with important playmakers containing valuable experience at numerous positions. A dramatic run to the Final Four will do wonders! Be on the lookout for other savvy vets including LB Max Kibbee and DE Caeleb Renner, who have had a taste of sweet victory and will try to implement that throughout the younger classes.

5. Columbine Rebels 

 2021 Record: 9-4 (3-2)

 2021 Finish: Lost in Playoffs vs Valor Christian 17-7

After countless years of success, there’s no denying that Columbine football is a well-oiled machine. Famous for implementing their lethal option attack on offense that leaves opposing defenses battered and bruised, it makes sense why the Rebels have a rich history of having success on the football field. This was the case in 2021, where Columbine displayed yet another case of their infectious winning attitude. The Rebels even provided a scare into Valor Christian in the postseason by matching their physicality before the Eagles pulled away late in the fourth quarter. Because the Rebels offensive scheme revolves around the running game, there seems to be great halfbacks that are produced year in and year out. Last season, the Rebels had a duo of backs that ran as hard as anybody in the state. Senior RB Seth Cromwell Seth Cromwell 5'10" | 215 lbs | RB Columbine | 2022 State CO was a dominating force, who rushed for an astounding 1,296 yards and found the end zone on 20 occasions. Without question, this type of production will not be a simple task to replace, but they should be in good hands with balanced back Tyree Trusty Tyree Trusty 5'10" | 195 lbs | RB Columbine | 2023 State CO , who displayed why he is ready to takeover the throne by rushing for nearly 1,000 yards in a lesser role. Columbine has never been the type of team to throw the ball around at an excessive rate, so losing their starting QB from last season should not be that big of a deal, especially if the newcomer QB can limit the turnovers and run the offense efficiently. The strong willed and stingy offensive line up front should also be a positive factor heading into 2022 as well. One name to really keep an eye out for on the defensive side of the ball is junior hybrid linebacker Payton Wainwright. On tape, Wainwright is a fiery, ballhawking, defender that can line up as a middle linebacker but also can help out in pass rush opportunities out on the edge. His team leading 82 tackles and 7.0 sacks reiterated that fact, and his return to the Rebels defense will be a major factor for its success in the upcoming 2022 campaign.

Payton came out of nowhere this year to become a huge playmaker for us. He is just getting started with what he will become! Senior year up next! #Rebelball21 https://t.co/ViA4TuSA3r

— Columbine Football (@Columbineftbl) November 27, 2021