Class 5A: End of the Year All-State Team

Nearly 90 days have passed since the birth of the 2021 high school football campaign. There are approximately 641 high schools in the state of Colorado. On average, each school plays a 12 game slate on their schedule, which means nearly 7,692 games have been played this season. That sure is a lot of football! Think about the endless amount of dramatic plays, game winning moments, and championship aspirations that only a select few got to experience. Out of all of those schools, 40 teams compete at the highest level of Colorado football. There is so much talent among the Class of 5A. With this season now in the rearview mirror, it is time to introduce my end of the year 5A All-State team! Let’s get this show on the road! &nbsp; <strong>QB [player_tooltip player_id="240367" first="Logan" last="Brook"] Sr. 6’4" 160 Cherokee Trail </strong> <strong>2021 Stats: 240/370, 3,228 Yards, 36 TD’s, 4 INT’s </strong> You could have not asked for a more efficient year from Mr. Brook. With a TD/INT ratio of 9:1, Brook was constantly putting his team in position to score, as the Cougars were explosive on offense, scoring at least 35 points in six of their games this season. The senior signal caller has the prototypical frame to be a next level type of QB, with his tall stature extremely helpful in locating his open receivers and making the correct decisions to put the ball in his playmaker’s hands. After being named to the First-Team All-Centennial squad and recognized as the Offensive MVP of the same league, there is no doubting that he should be on this list of exceptional talent. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/9750595/61631bd890ef3209f819b006" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe> &nbsp; <strong>QB [player_tooltip player_id="165130" first="Bekkem" last="Kritza"] Fr. 6’4" 175 Fairview </strong> <strong>2021 Stats: 268/413, 3,192 Yards, 22 TD’s, 8 INT’s </strong> After finishing second in total passing yards as a freshman (Yes I said a freshman!) among all eligible quarterbacks in the state of Colorado, [player_tooltip player_id="165130" first="Bekkem" last="Kritza"] raised more than a few eyebrows throughout the high school football world. In his first year as the Knights field general, Fairview made huge strides offensively, specifically through the air. Kritza possesses an insanely strong arm for a player of his age, and his further development and maturity will only grow with age. Even possibly more impressive was how Kritza handled himself off of the field, as many of his teammates and coaches looked upon him to lead by example. Unfortunately, the Knights season was ended abruptly when the team had too many COVID cases heading into their playoff matchup against ThunderRidge, but expect Fairview to have much success the next few years with Kritza under center. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16078708/618dadbc5caa7a0a6c119f7d" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe> <strong>RB [player_tooltip player_id="22667" first="Gavin" last="Sawchuk"] Sr. 5’11 185 Valor Christian </strong> <strong>2021 Stats: 287 CAR, 2,004 Yards, 7.0 AVG, 28 TD’s </strong> 2,004 rushing yards. 28 touchdowns on the ground. Back-to-back Gatorade Colorado Football Player of the Year awards. He also went on to break Christian McCaffrey’s all-time rushing record at Valor Christian a few short weeks ago. Do I need to say much more about the future Oklahoma Sooner? &nbsp; <strong>RB [player_tooltip player_id="166903" first="Bryce" last="Vaz"] Sr. 5’9" 180 Legend </strong> <strong>2021 Stats: 274 CAR, 1,716 Yards, 6.3 AVG, 24 TD’s </strong> The closest thing to the Tasmanian Devil himself, Vaz was absolutely looney once he put on the pads and stepped out onto the football field. The Legend Titan bell cow put the offense on his back a majority of the times, as his 1,716 rushing yards from scrimmage and 24 touchdowns o the ground was second to only Sawchuk in the state. His breakout ability could not have been more on display versus arch-rival Chaparral, where Vaz went absolutely bezerk. His best performance of the season included 285 yards on 33 carries and SIX touchdowns during a 45-14 thumping. This small sample size demonstrates what Vaz can accomplish on the next level, and he should not be taken lightly by the opposition. &nbsp; <strong>WR [player_tooltip player_id="43835" first="Jack" last="Pierce"] Sr. 5’8" 150 Cherokee Trail </strong> <strong>2021 Stats: 101 REC, 1,190 Yards, 11.8 AVG, 14 TD’s </strong> The feisty wideout in Aurora put on a show during the 2021 campaign, with his 101 receptions ranking first among receivers in all of 5A. Rumor has it that Pierce would use stick-em on his already adherent gloves to snag almost any ball fired in his direction, but this is simply only gossip. Despite only standing five feet and eight inches, Pierce definitely plays above his height. The sensational senior has the ability to go up and pinpoint any ball,  find the soft spots in the defense, and has a knack for finding the end zone. There is not much Pierce did not accomplish in his final season as a Cougar. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/4281227/61803c51bd6ae10ba0c09948" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe> <strong>WR [player_tooltip player_id="62214" first="Mac" last="Busteed"] Jr. 6’5" 200 Fossil Ridge </strong> <strong>2021 Stats: 77 REC, 1,154 Yards, 15.0 AVG, 11 TD’s </strong> Unlike Pierce, [player_tooltip player_id="62214" first="Mac" last="Busteed"] is the exact opposite type of receiver, but is equally just as effective. The altitudinous playmaker is a nightmare mismatch for high school defenses, as a majority of the time, Busteed will have six plus inches on his defenders. This height advantage makes it almost a guaranteed lock for coming down with jump balls. Busteed can also show flashes of speed, making him as dynamic as it gets on the field. He has above average route running ability for someone his size, making him an absolute dream player to play with and coach. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12957121/618c47370dc0230b84df2a28" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe> <strong>TE [player_tooltip player_id="22676" first="Jade" last="Arroyo"] Sr. 6’4" 230 Highlands Ranch </strong> <strong>2021 Stats: 43 REC, 655 Yards, 15.2 AVG, 7 TD’s </strong> Fundamentally, Arroyo is a solid receiving and blocking tight end. One of the top targets on offense during his senior year at Highlands Ranch, Arroyo is a bonafide playmaker. The 230 pound tight end is hard to bring down when the ball is in his hands, and also does his best impersonation of a runaway freight train when making a downfield block. It is hard to find a more impactful and productive player at his position, thus making him very deserving of being on this elite list. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11620715/618185b5bd6a6f04c084732e" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe> <strong>OL [player_tooltip player_id="247200" first="Zachary" last="Henning"] Jr. 6’6" 225 Grandview </strong> The soaring 6’6" big man in the offensive trenches is a big reason why the Wolves were able to run the ball so effectively, mustering nearly 2,200 rushing yards collectively as a team. Henning is strong fundamentally when he lines up against his opposition, demonstrating his physicality from the get-go. His ability to lock on to a block while still maintaining the ability to switch off to another defender whether it is in the run game or in pass protection proves Henning’s elite skill to be a next level kind of player. All eyes will be on one of the best to do it in the state for his fourth and final season a year from now. &nbsp; <strong>OL [player_tooltip player_id="22668" first="George" last="Fitzpatrick"] Sr. 6’6" 270 Cherry Creek </strong> Ranked the #2 prospect according to Prep Redzone, it is hard to find a weak spot in [player_tooltip player_id="22668" first="George" last="Fitzpatrick"]’s game. The future Ohio State Buckeye was a staple on the Bruin’s offensive line all season long. Consider the fourth year phenom one of the best hog mollies to come out of the state of Colorado. There is no doubting that Cherry Creek will miss his dominating presence during the 2022 season. &nbsp; <strong>OL [player_tooltip player_id="22677" first="Jake" last="Maikkula"] Sr. 6’6" 265 Valor Christian </strong> Another intriguing offensive line product in the Centennial state, Maikkula recently announced on National Signing Day that he will be taking his talents to Stanford. The two go hand in hand, with the Valor Christian standout’s bruising play perfect for the physical brand of football that is played in Palo Alto. Maikkula has abilities that cannot be taught, as his impressive 2021 campaign left many salivating over the 18 year-old’s potential. His nimbleness once the ball is snapped helps him get the first step on defenders, making it a tough task for pass rushers and run stoppers to make a play on the ball. &nbsp; <strong>DT [player_tooltip player_id="22679" first="Cade" last="Whish"] Sr. 6’4" 270 Fort Collins </strong> <strong><span style="font-size: 1rem;">2021 Stats: 71 Tackles, 6.5 TPG, 14.0 TFL, 5.0 Sacks </span></strong> It’s a bird, it’s a plane! No, it just so happens to be the human wrecking ball [player_tooltip player_id="22679" first="Cade" last="Whish"], whose wide frame provides a black hole that can quickly suffocate any running lanes for ball carriers galore. Not only does Whish act as a human plug up the gut, but he is known for harassing quarterbacks. His five sacks on the year is nothing to scoff at, as his senior season was a memorable one, as he helped lead Fort Collins to an undefeated 5-0 league record. &nbsp; <strong>DT Jayden Franklin Sr. 6’3" 330 Regis Jesuit </strong> <strong>2021 Stats: 59 Tackles, 4.9 TPG, 10.0 TFL, 2.0 Sacks </strong> After posting double digit tackles for loss in 2021, Jayden Franklin looks the part of being a game changing nose tackle. Franklin played a big role in ensuring that the Regis Jesuit defense was stout for a majority of the year, and with the massive 6’3" 330 pound defensive tackle on track to graduate in the spring, the Red Raiders will be scrambling to replace a key part to their front seven. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12861317/613ceb5eb019460b74c61394" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe> <strong>DE [player_tooltip player_id="58932" first="Nunie" last="Tuitele"] Sr. 6’4" 235 Regis Jesuit </strong> <strong>2021 Stats: 63 Tackles, 7.0 TPG, 18.0 TFL, 12.0 Sacks  </strong> One of the only players to record more than 10 tackles for loss and sacks, DE [player_tooltip player_id="58932" first="Nunie" last="Tuitele"] could not be stopped in 2021. Along side teammate and partner in crime DT Jayden Franklin, it was an absolute nightmare for teams that like to pound the rock to get anything going against the Red Raiders front. Tuitele has elite block shedding skills and ideal football IQ that will translate perfectly to the college game. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/6428885/61885d1a4205bd07fc90233b" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe> <strong>DE [player_tooltip player_id="209833" first="Nathan" last="Hallmark"] Sr. 6’3" 210 Fossil Ridge </strong> <strong>2021 Stats: 81 Tackles, 7.4 TPG, 29.0 TFL, 19.0 Sacks</strong> If one were to only look at the mind boggling stats that the Fossil Ridge defensive product was able to put up, I can guarantee that [player_tooltip player_id="209833" first="Nathan" last="Hallmark"] also well exceeded in passing the eye test when watching the young man compete in person. His 19 sacks is something straight out of a video game, and his 29 tackles for loss showcases just how easy it was for Hallmark to penetrate the opponent’s backfield. The sky is the limit for the FRHS Defensive MVP and wherever he decides to take his talents next. https://twitter.com/NathanHallmark5/status/1471679681485152257 &nbsp; <strong>LB Isaac Engle Jr. 6’1" 200 Highlands Ranch </strong> <strong>2021 Stats: 140 Tackles, 14.0 TPG, 2.5 Sacks </strong> A scrappy and explosive ballhawk playing the linebacker position, the Highlands Ranch product was a sight for sore eyes for the Falcons, especially his coaches on defense. The ability to plug in Engle at the mike position, at edge rusher, and even in coverage against the speediest of receivers only tells us just how uniquely gifted of a player he has become. Even better news is that he still has another year of eligibility under his belt for 2022. Buckle up! <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13589013/61907547ff0210089c7dff66" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe> <strong>LB Joseph Van Metre Jr.  6’2" 200 Fort Collins </strong> <strong>2021 Stats: 116 Tackles, 11.6 TPG, 8.0 TFL, 1.0 Sack</strong> Another terrific inside linebacker deserving of some recognition resides up north in Fort Collins, where his team-high 116 tackles helped the Lambkins in developing one of the more feared run stopping defenses in the state. Van Metre is only a junior, and based off his stellar play in 2021, who knows what kind of positive takeaways will be made in order for even more improvement in just nine months from now. &nbsp; <strong>CB [player_tooltip player_id="22693" first="Malique" last="Singleton"] Sr.  6’0" 170 Grandview </strong> <strong>2021 Stats: 100 Tackles, 7.7 TPG, 4 PD’s, 6 INT’s </strong> Few could argue how special of a season the cover corner out of Grandview accomplished, but not many recognized how Singleton drastically continued to improve as the season prolonged. His eye popping six interceptions constantly reminded opposing QB’s how big of a blunder it is to even consider throwing his way at all, and his closing speed on wideouts made it very difficult for even the best of route runners to gain separation. Singleton also was not afraid to get dirty, repeatedly lowering his shoulder and making big time tackles all year long. The lockdown corner will be fun to watch up in Laramie! https://twitter.com/MaliqueSinglet2/status/1454175164472565760 &nbsp; <strong>FS Cade Schroeder Sr. 6’0" 160 Rocky Mountain </strong> <strong>2021 Stats: 86 Tackles, 9.6 TPG, 2 PD’s, 1 INT </strong> Coming into the 2021 high school season, Cade Schroeder had high expectations to deliver a strong year for not only his teammates, but also himself. Johnson did just that in his final year at Rocky Mountain, displaying a strong sense of leadership for his troops out on the battlefield. Obviously, the game of football is not a life or death situation, but there was no doubt a sense of tenacity when Schroeder laced up the cleats and buckled his helmet for a Friday night matchup. Schroeder nearly averaged double digit tackles during his nine games played on the season, and along with his fellow counterpart [player_tooltip player_id="153704" first="Cole" last="Griffin"], the Lobos took great pride in their defensive prowess. &nbsp; <strong>SS [player_tooltip player_id="247228" first="Gibson" last="Leafgreen"] Jr. 6’0" 170 Grandview </strong> <strong>2021 Stats: 76 Tackles, 5.8 TPG, 5.0 TFL, 3 PD’s </strong> In the near future, I may be required to compose an article displaying the most legendary names in the high school football landscape, and you better believe that Mr. Leafgreen will be near the top of that list. Not only is the junior strong safety’s name fun to say, but that’s not the only reason he is deserving of being an all-state performer. Not only was Leafgreen one of the leading tacklers on a supremely talented Grandview Wolves squad, but it was the way he flew around the football field like a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird (one of the fastest jets in the world.) The roaming safety seemingly was in on almost every tackle and pass attempted on offense, a splendid attribute to his game to say the least. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/5465189/61ae4b5bdfd8b00208cbc29e" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe> <strong>K [player_tooltip player_id="41289" first="Louden" last="Harger"] Sr. 5’10" 160 Fort Collins </strong> <strong>2021 Stats: 9/13 ATT, 43/44 PAT, 70%, 46 Long, </strong> Statistically, the Lambkins placekicker was one of the most efficient in the state with a 70% conversion rate. Kickers may get a bad wrap at times whether it’s at the high school level or even within the NFL, but don’t sleep on [player_tooltip player_id="41289" first="Louden" last="Harger"], whose long of 46 on the season ranked as the one of the farthest kicks made in Colorado. &nbsp; <strong>P [player_tooltip player_id="58964" first="Boden" last="Page"] Sr. 6’2" 180 Cherry Creek </strong> <strong>2021 Stats: 34 Punts, 1,562 Yards, 45.9 AVG, 70 Long</strong> A 70 yard punt?? Even with the familiar Rocky Mountain altitude, that is one impressive feat! Having solid special teams play can go a long ways in creating a recipe for success, and there is no question that Cherry Creek happens to possess a punter that can change the the field position game in a blink of an eye. Never underestimate the power an exceptional punter can hold! &nbsp;