Brilliance on the gridiron has become a standard expectation for Southwest Colorado’s football programs.
It should come as no surprise, then, that the region collected another hefty haul of all-state recognitions after the 2024 fall season saw three area teams advance to the playoffs.
Three first-team selections and four second-team honors headlined a total of 15 individuals earning recognition, with Mancos leading the way with seven all-state student-athletes after their state semifinal run.
Montezuma-Cortez boasted four honorees, led by a first-team all-state selection for senior standout Tay Wheat. Classmates Aden Ray (second team) and Colby McMillian (honorable mention) earned their debuts on the state’s highest honor roll, while junior Parker Conrad (honorable mention) also earned the prestigious billing. The quartet led a prolific Panther offense to the program’s first Intermountain League title and an appearance in the 2A state postseason.
Wheat compiled over 6,000 yards from scrimmage during his illustrious career, rushing behind the sturdy blocking of Ray and the offensive line. McMillian added over 1,000 yards from scrimmage, demonstrating himself as a threat through the air or with his legs, while Conrad led the team in receiving yards and ranked among the team leaders in tackles.
Mancos earned the area’s other two 8-man first team selections, as the Vannest brothers – senior Brandon and junior Colten – took home top honors after a season in which the Jays advanced to their fourth straight state semifinal.
The center-quarterback duo spurred a prolific ground attack, while fellow linemen junior Adam Martinez (second team) and junior Jacob Martin (second team) paved the way for Brandon Vannest, as well as senior Kaiden Wyatt (second team) and junior Jonah Ritter (honorable mention).
Mancos rushed for nearly 3,000 yards as a team on their way to their second straight Mountain League title. When they did opt to go to the air, junior tight end Ethan Wyatt (honorable mention) proved to be a favorite target.
Dove Creek also enjoyed a field day on the ground with seniors Liam Hassell (honorable mention) and Sheldon Gardner (honorable mention) leading the way for the Bulldogs. Their punishing blocking opened holes for backs like junior Nicholas Aragon (honorable mention) to lead DC in rushing.
On the defensive side of the ball, the trio proved to be a formidable group to stop, with Hassell and Aragon leading the team in tackles as Dove Creek extended their postseason streak to six consecutive seasons.
Dolores, meanwhile, earned an all-state honoree with versatile junior Michael Rantz (honorable mention) leading the way for the Bears. Rantz led the Bears to a pair of victories while pacing the team in tackles, rushing yards, and receiving yards this past fall.
CHSAA selected its all-state teams based on voting from coaches across the state, with 11-man divisions choosing 11 linemen and 11 skill position players for each of the first and second teams. The 8-man classification elected 8 linemen and 8 skill position players for their top two tiers.
