The Buena Vista football team went through a up and down season last year, but the growing pains of the 2018 campaign have only shown benefits for the Demons as they enter the 2019 season.
Before we take a look at this season though, what did last season see happen for BV and who are they needing to replace?
The Demons were led to a 4-6 season and a first round exit from the playoffs by a senior core on the offensive side, with Drew Martin, Parker Johnson, Matt Thompson and Andy Limoncelli leading the team in yards on the ground. The ground game led the way for the Demons on the season as well, with only a quarter of their nearly 2400 yards coming through the air.
2019 could see a bit more of an air attack from the Demons, as they are returning their leading receiver from the season in senior Luke Yates, who pulled in 22 receptions for 270 yards and three touchdowns on the year. Junior Luke Reavis will most likely fill out the wide receiver position, with fellow junior Terry Hirsch challenging for time at the running back position.
Many of the skill positions for the Demons are up in the air heading into the season, but the quarterback position is where the questions really revolve around, with not only Tucker Storms returning with experience at the position, but a new face in Kik Molitor competing for the starting nod as well. Both will likely play a large role in the Demons offense this season, regardless of position.
The Demons offensive line will probably the the area of most improvement for Coach Flavin. Not only do they have a young core that earned experience at the varsity level last season, they also will be able to add a few seniors who are back with the team this season to the list as well.
Last season, the Demons were forced to rely on their defense to keep them in games until the offense could find it’s rhythm. That work and pressure on the defense will only pay dividends, as now with an offense which by mid-season should be finding it’s own groove, there should be less pressure on the other side of the ball, allowing for a more creative and free flowing defensive scheme.
The Demons are also entering a league which will be slightly down from seasons past. Colorado Springs Christian will still be a challenge, but Florence will lose quite a bit from last years playoff team which barely survived Wray in the opening round. St. Mary’s and Rye should also be winnable games for the Demons in league. Outside of league, Monte Vista, Centauri and Salida will offer the most intriguing match-ups for Buena Vista, with games against Platte Canyon and Cedaredge looking like winnable contests for the Demons.
Caleb’s Prediction: 6-3 and a trip to the postseason with a possible second round trip depending on seeding.
