Football players Bates, Knight named first-team all-state

Six Demons, four Wolverines honored
Josh Bates of Durango High School readies to snap the ball during a practice this fall. Bates recently earned all-state first team honors for his perfomance this season. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)

The Colorado High School Activities Association released its all-state football teams on Thursday, honoring six Durango Demons and five Bayfield Wolverines.

Durango had two players land on the all-state first-team in Class 3A – linemen Joshua Bates and William Knight. Bates was one of only three juniors named to the first team.

Junior running back Zach Haber made the all-state second team.

Seniors Kooper Mann (offensive line), Cole Matava (linebacker) and Walter Staufer (OL/DL) all received all-state honorable mentions.

In Class 2A, senior quarterback Isaac Ross led Bayfield’s honorees with a second-team all-state nod.

Seniors James Mars (wide receiver/defensive back) Cael Schaefer (running back/defensive back) and Kobe Prior (offensive line) all received all-state honorable mentions.

Durango and Bayfield both won league titles this year and advanced to their respective state tournaments.

No Ignacio players were honored in Class 1A.

After reaching the 8-man state title game, six Mancos players received all-state honors. Luika Cova, Chase Moore and Andres Moreno were selected for the all-state first team. Mason Goodwin and Lane Greenlee made the second team, and Ayden Mathews received an honorable mention.