Prep football primer

Darren and I spent the evening putting together all the football preview stories for Friday's special section. After talking to each of the seven coaches regarding the upcoming season, here's what we learned:

Aztec: The Tigers are stocked once again. This is a program that is starting to mirror Farmington baseball and Piedra Vista softball, where it's never about rebuilding, but instead reloading. The Tigers have a wealth of skill-position guys back, including all-world rusher Mike Hathcock. Add in a few dynamite receivers and it's not a stretch to think Aztec will continue to light up the scoreboard.

Bloomfield: The Bobcats will be somewhat young in 2008, but they should continue to dominate District 1-3A. Perhaps the best news for Bloomfield is a tougher schedule, one that includes contests against St. Michael's (defending 3A state champ), Kirtland Central and Aztec (both 4A finalists a year ago) and Albuquerque Academy (a 3A team that advanced deep into the state playoffs in 2007). That slate should speed up Bloomfield's growth and prepare the team for the postseason.

Farmington: The Scorpions have a favorable schedule under first-year coach Gary Bradley, who comes to FHS via 5A power Mayfield. Farmington last had a winning record in the regular season in 2005, when the Scorps finished 5-5 before losing in the playoffs to eventual state champ Silver. Farmington doesn't have great numbers this fall, but Bradley is optimistic with the season opener against Gallup just days away.

Kirtland Central: A new coach (Charles Gleghorn), a new quarterback (Jeff Belin) and a new offensive system (the spread) make the Broncos a bit of a question mark. Kirtland has talent and a number of returning contributors from last year's semifinalist squad. Now, it's about meshing all the pieces together in a complicated offense, which Gleghorn believes won't be a problem. The coach said his team has looked very solid through the first two weeks of practice. I talked with him tonight, and my first question was, "What are your expectations?" His immediate response was, "Our expectations are to win a state championship." No hesitation. His squad appears to be similarly confident, which bodes well going into Friday's opener against Blanding, Utah. Besides Belin, other offensive weapons include RB Chay Aguirre, receivers Kyle Williams, Todd Farnsworth and Gabe West.

Navajo Prep: The Eagles have high hopes under second-year coach DeJong DeGroat, who seemingly moved each of his skill guys to new positions. Prep will be young, but has a year of experience in DeGroat's system under its belt. That experience should go a long way as the Eagles take on a more challenging schedule this season.

Piedra Vista: The Panthers' schedule offers absolutely no favors. Start with a trip to Montrose, Colo., a tough opponent right out of the gate. Then, Littleton, Colo., comes to Hutch in Week 2, and Littleton, a top-flight large school, won its season opener 47-0 last week. Week 3? Merely a road game at Goddard, last year's runner-up in Class 4A. Throw in a game against 5A Rio Rancho, a date with Aztec and a visit to Kirtland, and PV has to be playing one of the toughest schedules in all of 4A. Coach Jared Howell often talks about getting big-game experience against quality opponents so that the Panthers aren't surprised by talented clubs in the playoffs. This slate has plenty of big-game potential. The multi-talented Brennon Shay replaces his cousin, Paul Shay, at quarterback, while Niles Taylor and Eli Finch should give PV a potent rushing attack. Cody Colbath (tight end and defensive end) and Jake McCasland (defensive end) also will be leaned on heavily.

Shiprock: It's all about rebuilding for the Chieftains, who are classified as a 4A independent this season. New coach Ricky Ballard said he plans to go 9-0 against a schedule that is more in line with Shiprock's talent level, as opposed to last year's nearly impossible go against District 1-4A. The Chiefs open Friday at Espanola, with third-year QB Tyson Billy set to return for his final campaign. A good rushing attack, which Ballard hopes to make an offensive focal point, should alleviate some of the pressure on Billy, who often was forced to scramble for his life in 2007.