Mesa Ridge's Jaxon Auger (13) carries the ball under tackle by Palmer Ridge's Michael Toth (5) on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 during the first half of a game at Don Breese Stadium in Monument, Colo. Palmer Ridge was up 21-12 going into the half. (The Gazette, Arthur H. Trickett-Wile)

The 2025 prep football season kicks off Thursday with Zero Week contests that will feature a handful of Pikes Peak region schools.

Here are the capsules from area teams including outlooks on the season.

Air Academy

Coach: Waymond Jackson II

2024 record: 4-7 (Lost in 4A first round)

Returning starters: Jackson Schmadeka sr., RB; Cade Ballard, jr., QB; Noah Edwards sr., WR; Michael Duhaime, jr., OL; Xavier Cofield sr., DL; Elijah Malnar, jr., DB; Sean Kennedy, sr., DB; Madden Pohl, sr., DB, Dakari Burr jr., DB.

Outlook on the season: "We are looking forward to continuing to build on what we started last year. We've had a good offseason and look forward to starting the season."

Banning Lewis

Coach: David Todd

2024 record: 1-8 (Missed 2A playoffs)

Returning starters: Mason Antisdel, jr., RB/LB; Sam Early, jr., QB/DB; Isaiah Gomez, jr., RB/DB; Calvin Harding, jr., WR/DB; Jordan Jones, sr., WR/DB; Caleb Ladegard, so., OL/DL; Cam Leggett, sr., TE/LB; Dylan Skinner, sr., RB/LB; Noah Vigil, sr., OL/DL.

Outlook on the season - "Our goal every year is to hit .500 as quickly as possible. Once we have hit five wins, we have earned the right to reset our goals for the year." - David Todd

Calhan

Coach: Joshua Sisneros

2024 record: 4-5 (Missed 8-man playoffs)

Outlook for the season: The Bulldogs' workhorse Riley Cochran gained more than 1,100 rushing yards for Calhan last season along with 12 touchdowns. The Bulldogs will once again require that production as they attempt to eclipse .500.

Cañon City

Coach: Monte Pinkerton

2024 record: 5-5 (Missed 3A playoffs)

Outlook for the season: The longtime Pueblo County coach heads to the Tigers' gridiron where Pinkerton hopes to end a seven-year skid of .500 or below records for Cañon City.

Cheyenne Mountain

Coach: Jay Saravis

2024 record: 7-3 (Missed 4A playoffs)

Returning starters: Riley Ditlow, sr., center; Brandon Barnes, sr., G; Caesar Martinez, sr., G; Donovan Sandoval, sr., RB; Sam Hawker, sr., RB; Wyatt Boley, sr., RB/LB; Caden Vinson-Cline, sr., all-purpose; Tre'John Jackson, sr., DL; Cole Rueschhoff, jr., LB; Christian Barnard, jr., DB; Conor Kaveney, sr., LB.

Outlook on the season: "We have great team chemistry and a lot of players will contribute this year. Very good depth at all positions." - Jay Saravis

Colorado Springs Christian School

Coach: Nick Salas

2024 record: 5-5 (Lost in 1A first round)

Returning starters: Micah Akpata, sr., RB/CB; Nate Aichele, jr., CB; Christian Banks, sr., LB; Sam Cosner, sr., K; Dom Gillian, so., LB; Matt Hinderland, so., LB; Daniel Hoggard, sr., RB, LB; Adrain Langhofer, so., DL; Mickey Orawiec, sr., WR, S; Johnny Singh, sr., WR; Liam Smith, jr., LB/RB; Hunter Staus, sr., OL/DL; Tyler Staus, jr., OL; Merrick Ueberoth, sr., OL/DL.

Outlook on the season: "We expect great achievements from this team; they are all hard workers and willing to put in the time needed for greatness." - Nick Salas

Coronado

Coach: Robert Leboeuf

2024 record: 3-7 (Missed 3A playoffs)

Outlook for the season: Thomas Buckmiller returns for the Cougars after an electric season at quarterback where the now-senior finished with 2,167 yards and 22 touchdowns as a junior.

Discovery Canyon

Coach: Shawn Mitchell

2024 record: 9-3 (Lost in 3A quarterfinals)

Outlook for the season: The Thunder began the year 1-2 before winning eight of their next nine games including a 28-21 thriller against Pueblo East in the first round of the playoffs. They'll look to continue that success this season.

Doherty

Coach: Mike Campbell

2024 record: 5-6 (Lost in 4A first round)

Outlook for the season: The Spartans' return to 4A paved the way to the postseason and Brody Noll and Deron Tiggett hope to ignite Doherty's offense after the duo led the Spartans in receiving and rushing yards, respectively, last year.

Ellicott

Coach: Mike Amendt

2024 record: 4-5 (Missed 1A playoffs)

Outlook for the season: Since 2020, the Thunderhawks have improved in each of the following years going from zero, one, two to four victories last season. Ellicott will battle for its first winning season since 2015 when it finished 6-4.

Falcon

Coach: Nic Braaten

2024 record: 2-8 (Missed 4A playoffs)

Outlook for the season: Noah Favreau rushed for five touchdowns as a junior and added 535 yards on the ground as he hopes to provide that boost to the Falcons offense again this season.

Fountain-Fort Carson

Coach: Jake Novotny

2024 record: 5-5 (Missed 5A playoffs)

Outlook for the season: The Trojans lost 21 seniors from last year's team but retained key pieces to their offense including Da'kari Releford, who led the team in rushing touchdowns (8) and rushing yards (576).

Hanover

Coach: Luke Decker

2024 record: 7-3-1 (Lost in 6-man first round)

Outlook for the season: Tanner Lindsey led the Hornets in reception yards with 466 in 2024 and tacked on a team-high 10 receiving touchdowns as a junior. The Hornets will require Lindsey and several of the upperclassmen to step in and fill the gap left by the last year's seniors.

Harrison

Coach: Al Melo

2024 record: 6-4 (Missed 3A playoffs)

Returning starters: Isaiah Padilla, so., OL/DL; Jason Love, sr., OL/DL; Alberto Morales, sr., OL/DL; Jeilo Hamenyemana, sr., QB/DB, Gulong Craft, sr., WR/DL; Rawlston John, sr., WR/DB; Janoah Brown, sr., RB/LB; Phillip Pogue, sr., RB/LB; Anthony Walthall, sr., LB.

Outlook on the season: "We have a great core of seniors looking to make an impact this season." - Al Melo

Lewis-Palmer

Coach: Dustin Tupper

2024 record: 5-5 (Missed 3A playoffs)

Returning starters: Charlie Scott, sr., LB; Brayden Rohling, jr. WR/S; Mason Martin, sr., LB; Dawson Zahl, sr., LB; Troy Johnson, sr., LB; Cole Theobald, sr., DL/TE; Ty'Sen Logan, sr., OT; Jevon Davis, sr., OT/DL; Jose Bello, jr., S; Logan Aggers, sr., RB; Greg Moore, jr., RB; Carter Colgate, jr., TE/LB; Jace Maxwell, sr., OL; Luke Robinson, sr., OL.

Outlook on the season: "We want to improve upon our 5-5 campaign last season." - Dustin Tupper

Liberty

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Coach: Dwight Hale

2024 record: 2-8 (Missed 4A playoffs)

Outlook for the season: Dwight Hale takes the reins of the Lancers' program that will fight to earn its first winning season since 2022 when Liberty built a 6-4 record.

Manitou Springs

Coach: Matt Heinz

2024 record: 4-5 (Missed 2A playoffs)

Returning starters: Layton Little, sr., RB/OLB, Kaden Bunker, jr., QB/CB; Dillon Ornelas, jr., TE/LB

Outlook on the season: "Everyone seems to be doubting little old Manitou Springs and we are excited to prove them all wrong." - Matt Heinz

Mesa Ridge

Coach: Jerimi Calip

2024 record: 8-4 (Lost in 4A quarterfinals)

Outlook on the season: "Our guys put the work in this offseason. So we expect to be very competitive." - Jerimi Calip

Mitchell

Coach: Terry Robinson

2024 record: 2-7 (Missed 2A playoffs)

Outlook for the season: The Marauders ended a 28-game losing streak last season and continue to piece together the team's football program.

Palmer

Coach: Myles Jenkins

2024 record: 2-8 (Missed 3A playoffs)

Outlook for the season: The Terrors open with three consecutive home games and hope that can push them past at least three wins, which Palmer has not done since 2015.

Palmer Ridge

Coach: Zach Carlton

2024 record: 8-4 (Lost in 4A quarterfinals)

Returning Starters: Owen Twesme, sr., OG/DT; Jackson Mabe, sr., RB; Brody Elliott, sr., MLB; Zac Crisler, jr., WR/CB; Michael Toth, sr., CB; Magnus Newman, jr., WR; Knox Tinlin, jr., FS; Jake Coyle, sr., SS; Brady Yeats, sr., OL/NG; Dylan Yanovich, sr., OG/DT; Carter Donnegan, jr., C; Jake Bossinger, sr., TE; Tyler Himebauch, sr., DE; Jack Bartlett, Junior, OT; Drew Japp, jr., LB.

Outlook on the season: "We return a strong group of starters on both sides of the ball, especially in the trenches and at linebacker. Our focus will be building depth and consistency, but this team has the experience and drive to compete at a high level again this year." - Zach Carlton

Peyton

Coach: Richard Deems

2024 record: 6-3 (Missed 1A playoffs)

Outlook for the season: The Panthers return a solid bunch on defense including Josiah Zimmerman, Richard Cole and Liam McInroy, who helped limit Peyton opponents to 14.3 points per contest.

Pine Creek

Coach: Trevor Hudson

2024 record: 7-4 (Lost in 5A first round)

Outlook for the season: Trevor Hudson's return to Colorado puts him at the helm of one of the area's most successful football programs. The Eagles will scrap to maintain their excellence and joust for a postseason berth.

Rampart

Coach: Rob Royer

2024 record: 7-5 (Lost in 4A second round)

Outlook for the season: The Rams posted consecutive 7-5 seasons and Daimion Dietsch led the Rams' passing attack with 1,416 yards and nine touchdowns.

Sand Creek

Coach: Eric Mitchell

2024 record: 7-3 (Missed 4A playoffs)

Outlook for the season: The Scorpions hope to continue their domination after one of the best years in program history powered by a ferocious 1-2 punch of Ethan Mangrum (1,404 rushing yards) and Achilles Evans (1,065 rushing yards) who combined for 29 of Sand Creek's 34 rushing touchdowns in 2024.

Sierra

Coach: Joe Roskam

2024 record: 0-10 (Missed 3A playoffs)

Returning starters: Jaydan Filloon, sr., SS; Tu'I Koloa sr., G/DE; Antione Forthman, jr., T; Walter Boyer, sr., Center; Duante Johnson, jr., LB; Cordae Zamora, jr., RB/CB; Terry Phifer-Williams, jr., WR/FS; Patrick Robinson, sr., SS/RB; Kris Dent, sr., RB/CB; RJ Bee, sr., DL; Julio Garcia, jr., K.

Outlook on the season: "Looking to build on a strong offseason and compete at a high level." - Joe Roskam

St. Mary's

Coach: Jim Cristelli

2024 record: 5-4 (Missed 8-man playoffs)

Outlook for the season: Michael Trechter led the Pirates in passing (1,133) and rushing yards (554) and will look to build off their success in their first winning season since 2014.

The Classical Academy

Coach: Justin Rich

2024 record: 13-0 (Won 2A state title)

Returning starters: Zach Mediazilla, sr., WR/CB; Caden Sanchez, sr., OL/LB; Andrew Richins, sr., OL/DL; Hayden Kenney, sr., OL/DL, Hayden Gustafson, sr., WR/DB; Jackson Schipfer, sr., FB/LB; Braden Godoy, sr., FB/DL; Henry Hoyman, sr., TE/LB; Nate Thorne, jr., K/P.

Outlook on the season: "TCA graduated 22 seniors last season. This season's senior class is talented, but lacks experience. The Titans hope to build that experience throughout the regular season to be ready for another postseason run in November. They start out with a huge test on the road taking on Eaton, a 2024 semifinalist." - Justin Rich

Vista Ridge

Coach: Matt Wibbels

2024 record: 7-5 (Lost in 4A second round)

Outlook for the season: While the Wolves' run game lost three seniors to graduation from last season, they'll remain formidable especially on defense. Aidenn Smith, Gabe Herman, Jakehlan Watts and Jacob Bourland all bolster a feisty Wolves D that allowed just under 23 points per game.

Widefield

Coach: Brian Winkelman

2024 record: 0-10 (Missed 4A playoffs)

Outlook for the season: Following a two-year stretch where the Gladiators went 17-4, Widefield looks to shake off a rugged 2024 now that many of last year's competitors boast a year of varsity experience.

Woodland Park

Coach: Brad Page

2024 record: 9-1 (Lost in 2A first round)

Returning starters: Demetrius Gochis, sr., TE/DE; Dane Campbell, sr., OL/DL; Zach Summeril, so., WR/DL; Nate Summeril, sr., WR/CB; Max Widtfelt, sr., OL/DL; Luke Corbin, sr., OL/DL; Miles Wiley, sr., K.

Outlook on the season: "We're looking to continue to be physical and tough up front and be explosive on offense and add some tempo and wrinkles to our game. We look to have the same aggressive, 'relentless' mindset on defense." - Brad Page