2016 High School Football Preview: Denver

After stumbling in the Class-A state semifinals each of the past two seasons, Denver is preparing for 2016 with a goal of completing some unfinished business. Do the Cyclones have what it takes to make another deep run in the playoffs again? They have the experience, but must replace a pair of outstanding offensive backs who graduated.

2016 SEASON PROSPECTUS: DENVER CYCLONES

2015 RECORD: 11-2 Overall / 7-0 District
2015 PLAYOFFS: Class-A State Semifinalist

HEAD COACH: Rhett Barrett
School Record (Years): 47-64 (12)
Career Record (Years): 47-64 (12)

2015 STARTERS RETURNING (11):
Fletcher Anderson, OLB
Eli Barrett, WR/FS - Moves to quarterback in 2016
Bo McMahon, FB/MLB
Sam Joerger, WR/DB
Zach Miller, TE
Devon Lund, TE/MLB
Mason Neisen, OL/DL
Spencer Smith, OL
Keenan Bahlmann, OL
Brock Farley, OL/DE
Jacob Besh, OL/DL

OTHER 2015 LETTERWINNERS RETURNING (5):
Casey Anderson, OL/DL
Mason Tierney, OL/MLB
Zack Thrasher, OL/DL
Kain Eagle, WR/DB
Riley Wright, RB/OLB

KEY LOSSES FROM 2015 SEASON:
Mitch Siech - RB/DB
Izaak Shedenhelm – RB/DB
Josh Mundhenke, OL/MLB
Creed Krueger, QB

HOW COACH BARRETT VIEWS UPCOMING SEASON

Team Strength Entering 2016:
- 11 starters coming back
- Returning several skill position players with varsity experience
- Returning five offensive linemen
- Returning 8 starters on defense

Concerns Heading Into 2016:
Must replace 2 outstanding backs

Opponents Expected To Compete For District Title In 2016:
South Winneshiek, Sumner-Fredericksburg, Central Springs and Belmond-Klemme

Expectations For 2016 Season:
"We have a tough non-district schedule and an extremely challenging district schedule this year. The team goal is to qualify for the state football playoffs and get back to the UNI-Dome. Play every game like it's your last game in a Cyclone football uniform."