Falcon reloads for league race

Falcon dominated the 3A Southern Conference in 2007, going undefeated all the way to the state title game before falling to Berthoud.

The Falcons made it look easy by beating opponents by nearly 20 points per game.

However, 2008 brings a new season and Falcon, while still a league favorite, will not run cruise to wins this fall.

The Falcons proved that all too well with an impressive 32-25 come-from-behind win at 2A Florence. The Falcons trailed 25-7 at the half in the season opener.

"We only have four returning starters, but we think that we're still sitting pretty for this season," Falcon coach Jason Catron said before the game. "We have a lot of guys that got a lot of reps last season, and our freshman team was also very good last year."

Falcon also must bounce back from getting so close to winning a championship and coming up short.

"I don't think there's going to be any kind of hangover for this team," said Catron. "We realize how close we were last year but we have turned the page and we're ready for more success this season."

Although Falcon and Pueblo County remain the favorites to win the conference, there are several teams in the middle of the pack that are looking to break through, including Woodland Park.

"Our conference is very tough and it is better than some of the 4A leagues," said Panthers coach Brett Cottrell, who coached at Cheyenne Mountain.

"But for now, you've got to put Falcon, Pueblo County, and Pueblo Central at the top."

Woodland Park (0-1) is a team that could go in either direction this season. The Panthers' tough schedule, which includes playing three of last year's 3A semifinalists, could provide problems. It showed in their season opener with a Week Zero loss, 32-16, at Palisade.

"We have a lot of new kids and a big freshman class this season," said Cottrell. "But a lot of our kids are experienced and we should be able to make some noise."

Among the rest of the teams in the Southern Conference, Cañon City and Alamosa are wild cards that could both have strong seasons as well.

"Every conference game is going to be a battle this season," said Catron.