GRANDVIEW WOLVES
Coach: John Schultz, 9th season
Last year: 11-2 (lost in semifinals of Class 5A playoffs)
League: Class 5A Creek Conference
Players to watch: Tanner Gentry, 6-foot-3, 195 pounds, WR/DB, sr.; Isaiah Jackson, 6-0, 166, RB, sr.; Cassius Davis, 5-7, 144, RB, sr.; Reece Weber, 5-11, 175, QB/DB, sr.; Christian Backes, 6-5, 225, TE, sr.; Robbie Holtam, 6-0, 200, LB, sr.; Jaylen Kennedy, 6-0, 207, LB/DL, sr.; Aaryn Watson, 5-11, 160, DB, sr.; Kolten Johnson, 6-2, 180, LB, jr.; Gabe Cirivello, 6-2, 261, OL, jr.; Sean Gelsey, 5-10, 144, DB, jr.
2012 Outlook: Grandview comes into the 2012 season ranked No. 4 in Class 5A in preseason polls, which is roughly the same spot coach John Schultz’s team finished last season as a semifinal qualifier. A large group of seniors will definitely be missed, but the Wolves have grown into one of the handful of teams in the state that just reloads when a large group departs. The 2012 squad remains tough and athletic, but will need to stay healthy during what is a very tough schedule. Senior Tanner Gentry is fast and sticky-fingered as a wide receiver, defensive back and return man and the Wyoming commitment is sure to see plenty of action in all of those roles. Seniors Isaiah Jackson and Cassius Davis are a strong 1-2 punch in the backfield in what figures to be a very rush-centric attack with running specialist Reece Weber at quarterback. Christian Backes is a big target in the passing game. The linebacking corps is a strength of the defense with seniors Robbie Holtam and Jaylen Kennedy in the heart of things along with junior Kolten Johnson, while Gentry, Weber, Aaryn Watson and Sean Gelsey should make it tough to throw on Grandview.
Schedule (home games in all caps, played at Legacy Stadium): Friday, Aug. 31 — Grandview at Vista, Calif., 8 p.m.; Thursday, Sept. 6 — vs. Chaparral at Sports Authority Stadium, 7 p.m.; Thursday, Sept. 13 — THUNDERRIDGE, 7 p.m.; Friday, Sept. 21 — at Mullen, 7 p.m.; Friday, Sept. 28 — EAGLECREST, 7 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 5 — OVERLAND (homecoming), 7 p.m.; Thursday, Oct. 11 — at Cherokee Trail, 7 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 19 — CHERRY CREEK, 7 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 26 — vs. Smoky Hill at Stutler Bowl, 7 p.m.
Reach Sports Editor Courtney Oakes at sports@aurorasentinel.com or 303-750-7555