Could this be Sierra’s year?

Perennial powerhouse Pueblo South is once again the team everyone is gunning for in the Class 4A Foothills Conference, but Sierra may have what it takes to the tame the Colts.

After falling in the first round of the playoffs last season, Sierra enters 2008 with 17 returning starters, giving it the talent and experience to challenge for a league title and more.

"Unless someone tells me differently I'd put Pueblo South up there again," Air Academy coach Mike Hillstrom said. "Pueblo South and Sierra seem to be the two teams to beat early on. This may be (Sierra's) year to challenge."

An Oct. 31 home game with Pueblo South could determine the league title.

The Stallions' nine returning offensive starters are led by quarterback Latrell Burrows. The senior, who ran for more than 800 yards and passed for more than 1,500 last season, will have plenty of weapons at his disposal.

Running backs Dontre Walker, the team's leading rusher last year, and Anthony Williams and wide receiver Kelby Dias, who has an early scholarship offer from Wyoming, give Burrows options.

Williams, who returned two punts for touchdowns last year, could provide additional spark on special teams once again.

They'll be protected by a veteran line led by James Hairston-Abbot, Cedric Jackson and Tate Tulloss.

"We've got a lot of playmakers," coach Joe Roskam said. "Our QB is amazing, our running backs are going to be great. We're really going to expect some big things from the guys up front."

Linebacker Clarence Bumpas, who has verbally committed to Kansas State, leads the defense, which also brings back Dias at cornerback, strong safety Jamil Cooks and free safety Jarvis Harrod and Hairston-Abbott on the line.

"(The kids) are excited about what they've got," Roskam said.

"Hopefully we just get our coaching staff to put them in the right situation and get out of the way."

The Stallions open with 5A Palmer on Friday.

Air Academy's Hillstrom knows matching his team's 10 wins in 2007 won't be easy.

The Kadets have four starters back from last year, led by senior running back Ryan Burton and senior tight end Jason Goins. Seniors Tommy Mayffeld and Matt Thomas anchor the line at left tackle and center, respectively. Josh Tizzard moves from receiver to quarterback.

"I feel like our offensive line will be pretty solid," Hillstrom said. "Our offense will probably be a little bit ahead of defense to start the year."

Lewis-Palmer is the wild card, moving down from 5A and bringing back five starters on offense and seven on defense.

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