The Colorado Chapter of the National Football Foundation will honor 19 high school scholar-athletes from the 2025 season at the group’s 33rd annual banquet on April 20 at the Kucera Legacy Center at Falcon Stadium on the grounds of the U.S. Air Force Academy near Colorado Springs.
Here is a list of the 2025 NFFCC Scholar-Athletes.
- Ariana Akey, Mountain Vista
- Zeke Andrews, Ralston Valley
- Yianni Balafas, Kent Denver
- Kellen Behrendsen, Dakota Ridge
- Mason Bonner, Mullen
- Thomas Buckmiller, Coronado
- Lea Gentry, Denver North
- Tanner Gray, Wellington
- Landon Kalsbeck, Dakota Ridge
- Braelynn Looney, Mountain Vista
- Jack McKeon, Fort Collins
- Keagan Mellott, Limon
- Elian Oliva, Northfield
- Jaxon Pyatt, Arvada West
- Brody Sieck, Arapahoe
- Kannon Smith, Valor Christian
- Cash Spence, Valor Christian
- Brady Vodicka, Cherry Creek
- Elijah Womack, Montrose
The 2025 Prep Scholar-Athletes for boys football and girls flag football will be honored after the Colorado Chapter recognizes the top collegiate performers from the 2025 season – Western Colorado quarterback Drew Nash (offense), Fort Lewis linebacker Jake Penney (defense), Colorado State punter Byran Hansen (special teams), Air Force tight end Bruin Fleischmann (scholar-athlete) and CSU Pueblo coach Philip Vigil.
Also being honored at the banquet will be five individuals for their contributions to football in the Centennial State.
- Joe Kearney Service (contributions to the sport) – Karl Benson
- John Adams Officiating (contributions to the profession) – Clair Gausman
- Jim Turner Award (service to Colorado youth) – Allie Engelken, Denver Broncos
- Keith Jensen Service Award (contributions to football in the Centennial State) – Sonny Lubick
- Jim Saccomano Media Award (media contribution) – Gary Ozzello
Ariana Akey, QB/LB, Mountain Vista – (Flag Football) Owned a 4.27 grade point average through the fall ‘25 semester (weighted; 4.00 unweighted) … Academic All-State team member in four sports (multiple times) … Mountain Vista Academic Excellence Award all four years in high school … DCSD Girls & Women Sports Award winner in 2022 (junior high schools) and 2026 (high schools) … A first-team Army All-American, two-time CHSAA All-State quarterback and two-time 5A State Player of the Year, she also was a two-time conference Player of the Year (on both sides of the ball) … The twice-named team captain led Mountain Vista to back-to-back, undefeated state championships with a 38-0 record in the first two official CHSAA flag football seasons … An interception late in the championship game sealed MVHS’s title as a junior … Posted career numbers of 8,980 yards and 171 touchdowns passing, 2,729 yards and 35 TD’s rushing, while racking up 131 flag pulls (tackles) and six sacks, with 13 interceptions, five returned for scores; also returned 18 punts for 377 yards (20.9 per) … Selected to play in the NFL Flag Girls High School Showcase, she led the AFC to a 7-6 win over the NFC. She had multiple long runs and threw a TD pass that accounted for the winning points in earning the game’s MVP honor … Earned the Sportswomen of Colorado Award for Flag Football for 2025 … A four-sport varsity athlete, also having lettered in cross country, basketball and track (competing in the 100-, 200- and 400-meter dashes and the 1,600-meter relay; qualifying for state in the 400 all three seasons and was on the 5A state relay champions as a junior) … Community service included volunteering with elementary school kids at both cross country events and basketball camps … As of press time, she was still considering several options in selecting which college to attend.
Assistant Coach Garrett Looney: “Ariana is the epitome of a well-rounded student athlete. Her flag football career is littered with well-deserved awards, but they do not speak to the great person she is. Ari is the most selfless, sincere, coachable athlete I have coached in over 20 years. Ari refuses to let the positive attention get to her without speaking about her teammates and coaches, always diverting praise to those around her. She was able to do things as a quarterback that have not been seen before – the true definition of a dual threat QB. If a team thought they could stop her passing, she would run wild, and when a team tried to bottle her up and focus on her running, she would obliterate them with her passing. Ari was a true pioneer for the sport in Colorado and her excellence will be remembered for years to come. She has set the standard for what girls flag football is all about at Mountain Vista High School.”
Zeke Andrews, QB, Ralston Valley – 
Owned a 4.56 grade point average through the fall ‘25 semester (weighted; 4.00 unweighted) … All-State Academic team and National Honor Society member … Earned first-team All-5A Metro League, CHSAA 5A All-State and All-Colorado honors as both a junior and senior … The 5A Metro League’s Offensive Most Valuable Player both years … A finalist for the prestigious Denver Post Gold Helmet Award and the 2025 Gatorade Player of the Year nominee … Completed 198-of-273 passes (72.5 percent) for 2,869 yards and 26 touchdowns (just three interceptions), rushing for 811 yards and another 16 TD’s … A three-time, first-team All-6A Jeffco performer in basketball, he led RV to the 6A title game, where he scored 18 points in a loss to Rock Canyon … The football and basketball teams his senior year combined for a 39-3 record … A member of Ralston’s Student Government, he invested over 100 volunteer hours in various community service activities, including serving as a head coach for youth flag football teams … He will continue his football career at the University of Northern Colorado.
Coach Jared Yannacito: “Zeke is not only an amazing football player, but he is an amazing young man. He has high standards on and off the field. I am not sure I will ever have the chance to coach a player like Zeke again. He is a leader, tough and a fierce competitor. I know Zeke is going to make his name known in this world, and not just because of athletics. He became the all-time leader in total yards in school history and helped lead our team to its first-ever state championship game. He left a legacy at Ralston Valley and a standard to strive for.”
Yianni Balafas, QB, Kent Denver – Owned a 3.85 grade point average through the fall ‘25 semester (4.00 last fall) … Two-time member of Kent Denver’s Head of School List … Three-time, first-team All-2A East Conference performer … Earned first-team All-State honors as a senior (second-team as a sophomore, honorable mention as a junior), and honorable mention All-Colorado honors from the Denver Post as a senior … The 2A East Quarterback of the Year for 2023 and 2025 … Set numerous school records as a senior, including single game touchdown passes (7), single season passing yards (3,020) and touchdowns (43) along with career yards (6,805) and passing TD’s (82) … School involvement and community services included 80 hours working with little league camps, Denver area churches and the Denver Creek Festival … He will continue his academic career at the University of Chicago.
Coach Riley Newcomer: “Yianni is not only one of the most talented quarterbacks I’ve coached in my career but also one of the finest young men I’ve had the pleasure to work with. Beyond his remarkable athletic talent, Yianni is an extraordinary leader who embodies selflessness. He places the team’s success above personal accolades, inspiring those around him with his dedication, humility and enthusiasm. His teammates trust him implicitly, knowing he will do whatever it takes to ensure the team’s best interests come first. His excellence extends well beyond the football field. He is a top-performing student who has achieved a stellar academic record, a reflection of his commitment to intellectual growth and discipline. His character and integrity are second to none, and he is a role model for his peers, and his genuine, magnetic personality makes him a natural leader in any setting.”
Kellen Behrendsen, QB, Dakota Ridge – Owned a 4.17 grade point average through the fall ‘25 semester (weighted; 3.83 unweighted) … Made Dakota’s Gold Honor Roll every semester in his high school (4.0 or above requirement) … Two-time CHSAA Academic All-State and a 2024 HSFA Academic All-American … National Honor Society member … A finalist for the prestigious Denver Post Gold Helmet Award and the 2025 Dakota Ridge Scholar-Athlete of the Year … A two-time, first-team All-4A South Metro selection at quarterback (the league MVP), he led Dakota Ridge to the 4A state championship and was the most outstanding player in the title game win over Palmer Ridge … Completed 82.3 percent of his passes (242-of-294) for 3,393 yards and 43 touchdowns in Dakota’s 14-0 senior season … Earned first-team CHSAA 4A All-State and All-Colorado honors as a senior … Two-time team captain for football … Also lettered in basketball (team captain) and baseball (first-team All-Conference as a junior) … Community service included volunteering at a cancer treatment center, Light of the World Catholic Church and as a youth camp assistant (where he was a sports coach) … He will continue his football career at Colorado State University Pueblo.
Coach Jeremiah Behrendsen: “Kellen is obviously my son, but his accomplishments are 100 percent his own and earned through his dedication and hard work. Being one of the few three-sport varsity athletes at our school is incredibly difficult but it hasn’t stopped him from excelling as a player, teammate, student and person. His commitment to being an example of what a student-athlete should be is refreshing. His leadership within our program and school is second to none and when you combine his academic achievements with his performance on the field and his involvement in our community, it’s come our program and I’m very proud of.”
Mason Bonner, TE, Mullen – Owned a 3.16 grade point average through the fall ‘25 semester … Earned first-team CHSAA 5A All-State honors as a senior, along with Denver Post All-Colorado honors … He garnered first-team All-Front Range South League honors at three different positions: punter as a sophomore, wide receiver as a junior and tight end as a senior … Growing to 6-foot-7 and weighing 225 pounds, he outgrew his former wide receiver position and developed into one of the nation’s top tight ends, catching 47 passes for 767 yards (16.3 per) and six touchdowns … Also played defensive end and recorded five quarterback sacks … Had 82 career receptions for 1,405 yards (17.1 per) with14 TD’s … Owned a career punting average of 39.2 yards for 57 punts (10 inside-the-20) … First-team All-Centennial League in basketball and was its Player of the Year (24.2 points, 14.3 rebounds per game) as a senior … Very active in the community, as he has volunteered with Joys Kitchen Food Bank of The Rockies, Wreath’s Across America (Fort Logan), Alice Terry Middle School (where twice weekly he has mentored students), Mullen Youth Football Camps (coaching and officiating) and Mullen’s Boville Halloween Adventure For Kids … He will continue his football career at the University of Michigan.
Coach Jeremy Bennett: “There is no doubt that Mason is one of those young men we refer to as a generational player – but that is only the tip of the iceberg. In my 31-year coaching career, he is one of the most humble and genuine individuals I have had the pleasure of working with. His passion for family, friend, teammates and classmates is refreshing, and the respect and compassion he shows others on a daily basis speaks volumes about his character. If Mason shows up at your house to take your daughter out, let him in. She will be treated with dignity and respect by an outstanding young man. He is a class act and truly someone we want our younger players to model themselves after. On the field, he is a fierce competitor with an impeccable work ethic, relentless drive and a determination to be the best version of himself for his team. Michigan is getting one heck of a football player, leader and all-around athlete, but more importantly, it is getting an exceptional young man.”
Thomas Buckmiller, QB, Coronado – Owned a 4.45 grade point average through the fall ‘25 semester (weighted; 3.94 unweighted) … Two-time Academic All-State team selection … Earned first-team All-State honors and honorable mention All-Colorado accolades from the Denver Post … The 3A Conference Player of the Year and the Colorado Springs Gazette’s 3A-1A Peak Performer of the Year … A two-time, first-team All-3A Southern League performer … He led the state (all classes) in passing yards with 3,540, completing 213-of-308 passes, throwing 42 touchdowns with nine interceptions … He had seven 300-yard passing games, including two with 500-plus (558 versus Cheyenne Mountain and 520 against Lewis-Palmer) … Passed for 6,823 career yards with 86 TD passes … A member of Coronado’s student council and the National Honor Society, community service included serving over 40 hours over his junior and senior years organizing parades, speaking to elementary school children, doing campus clean up and coordinating and setting up activities for his high school class … He will continue his football career at Western Colorado University.
Coach Robert Leboeuf: “We aren’t just losing a quarterback, we are losing our offensive coordinator. Thomas was an extension of the coaching staff on the field. He took pride in knowing everyone’s assignments. Off the field, he was an equally involved member of the entire school. And he did everything in taking 10 challenging AP classes and still finding time to volunteer in his community.”
Lea Gentry, QB/DB, Denver North – (Flag Football) Owned a 4.98 grade point average through the fall ‘25 semester (weighted; 3.97 unweighted) … Honor Roll member throughout high school, a member of the National Honor Society … Earned the Seal of Biliteracy for her proficiency in two languages … An All-State first-team performer as a senior in flag football … Earned first-team All-4A City League honors in leading North to a 13-4 record, 9-1 in league play for first place … Completed 60-of-139 passes for 674 yards and eight touchdowns, while rushing 27 times for 189 yards (7.0 per carry) and four TD’s … On defense, she had 35 flag pulls (tackles), with 19 interceptions and 18 pass deflections … Led the league in interceptions, was second in Class 4A and third in the state … Also a star forward on North’s soccer team, she is a three-time, first-team All-Conference performer, and earned honorable mention All-State honors all three years as well (will letter for a fourth time this spring) … Enjoys graphic design and won a Digital Media Award as a freshman … School and community involvement included service on the Sustainable Solutions and Refugee Support clubs … She will continue her athletic career at Oregon State University.
Coach Anthony Carter: “Lea is one of the most dedicated, competitive and humble athletes I’ve had the pleasure to coach. To be able to step into a new sport and contribute to team success as well as achieve the personal success she achieved is a testament to her preparation and coachability. It is safe to say that the team would not have reached the heights we did this year without Lea’s contributions, both on the field and in the huddle. It has been an honor to coach both the athlete and the person that is Lea Gentry. I have no doubt that she will achieve whatever she sets herself out to achieve.”
Tanner Gray, QB/DE, Wellington – Owned a 3.69 grade point average through the fall ‘25 semester … The first NFF/Colorado Chapter Scholar-Athlete from Wellington High School … Led Wellington to the 2A state championship (13-0 record) and was named the Most Outstanding Player in the 35-0 win over Elizabeth in the title game, when he ran 57 yards for a touchdown, passed for another along with forcing and recovering a fumble all in the first half … A four-time 2A All-North League performer, he earned All-State honors and was the 2A Player of the Year as a senior … A finalist for the prestigious Denver Post Gold Helmet Award … Named first-team All-Colorado by the Post … He passed for 750 yards and rushed for 784 and 18 touchdowns as a senior, when on defense he was in on 63 tackles, 24 for losses (nine quarterback sacks) … A four-year starter on the varsity, he amassed 5,606 yards of total offense (3,270 rushing, 2,336 passing) in accounting for 88 touchdowns, while on defense, he racked up 170 career tackles – 48 for losses including 15 sacks and 69 hurries … Lettered in wrestling (placed fourth in the state as a sophomore), and will letter for a fourth time in baseball this spring (career batting average of .291) … Active with the FFA (Future Farmers of America), community service included serving as a mentor to elementary school children and volunteering for the football downtown cleanup … He will continue his football career at the University of Nevada.
Coach Travis Peeples: “Tanner has been a tremendous leader and role model for all the students, and also the town of Wellington. He has spent four years working on becoming a great student, athlete and leader. Tanner has left a legacy of excellence and has permanently engraved his name in the history of Wellington High School athletics.”
Landon Kalsbeck, RB/LB, Dakota Ridge – Graduated with a 3.75 grade point average (weighted; 3.55 unweighted) … A finalist for the prestigious Denver Post Gold Helmet Award … A two-time Denver Post All-Colorado, two-time CHSAA 4A All-State and three-time, first-team 4A All-South Metro League team selection … The 4A Player of the Year as both a junior and senior, he was the league MVP in ‘24 and the defensive player of the year in ’25 … Led DRHS to the 4A state title and a 14-0 record … As a senior, he had 111 carries for 1,035 yards (9.3 per attempt) and 15 touchdowns; also caught 22 passes for 238 yards and eight scores … On defense, he was in on 111 tackles (74 solo, 18 for losses including seven quarterback sacks); also forced five fumbles, recovering three … Rushed for 2,546 yards and 35 touchdowns in his career (with 40 receptions for 459 yards and nine scores) with 10 100-yard games (high of 208 versus Heritage his senior year) … Had 201 career tackles (18 sacks), forcing eight fumbles with 29 quarterback hurries … Lettered three years on the lacrosse team, scoring 39 goals with 35 assists and owned a 77.5 winning percentage on faceoffs (two-time first-team All-Conference and the 2025 league MVP) … Community involvement included volunteering at a local cancer treatment center and assisting with youth camps … He is continuing his football career at the Iowa State University, where he enrolled in January.
Coach Jeremiah Behrendsen: “Landon is an incredible student-athlete who took great pride in his performance on the field and in the classroom. His commitment to excellence in everything he did sets him apart and that is why he has been such a special player, student and person. He served as an incredible leader in our program and the school – not just his words, but his actions. Landon is an example of all the things that are right about high school student-athletes.”
Braelynn Looney, C/LB, Mountain Vista – (Flag Football) Owned a 4.34 grade point average through the fall ‘25 semester … Member of the Gifted and Talented Program and the National Honor Society … Two-time Academic All-State (flag football) and as a senior in boys’ football (subbed as its placekicker) … An AP Scholar, she earned a MVHS academic letter all four years … The MVP of the USA Football West Regional Talent ID Camp and competed in the USA Olympic trials … Named first-team All-State and All-Conference both as a junior and senior … Led Monte Vista to two state titles, with back-to-back 19-0 records her junior and senior seasons after CHSAA started sponsoring a state championship in the sport … As a senior, she earned Army All-American and All-Colorado Flag Football honors, with 107 receptions for 1,235 yards and 33 touchdowns … On defense, she had 113 “flag pulls” (equivalent of tackles), 16 for losses including 10 quarterback sacks, nine pass deflections and five interceptions … Due to injuries, she filled in for the boy’s football team, making 44 of 48 PAT kicks over eight games … Owned career receiving numbers (38 games over two varsity seasons) of 214 catches for 2,243 yards (10.5 per) with 52 touchdowns … Also lettered in soccer at MVHS … She will continue her flag football career at Wingate (N.C.) University.
Assistant Coach Garrett Looney: “Braelynn was a tremendous student athlete and leader for the Mountain Vista flag football program. Her work ethic on the field, in the classroom, and in life is contagious for those around her. Braelynn has a mental and physical toughness that truly sets her apart from the competition and demonstrates a leadership quality that is unmatched. She is the most competitive athlete I have been around and she refuses to settle for anything but the very best on and off the field. Braelynn’s knowledge of the game of football and her understanding of scheme and play design helped her be a true coach on the field.”
Jack McKeon, RB, Fort Collins – Owned a 4.15 grade point average through the fall ‘25 semester (weighted; 4.00 weighted) … The first NFF/Colorado Chapter Scholar-Athlete from Fort Collins High School …The Fort Collins Coloradoan/Blue FCU Player of the Year … Named to the Denver Post All-Colorado and CHSAA 5A All-State teams as a senior … Two-time, first-team All-Front Range North League selection … Led the state in rushing with 2,197 yards and 29 touchdowns in leading the Lamkins to a 9-3 record and 5A playoff berth … Had 11 100-yard games, including two 300-plus: in a 42-25 win over ThunderRidge, he had 44 attempts for 370 yards and four TD’s; and in a 42-35 win over Rocky Mountain, 54 carries for 313 yards and four scores) … Caught 14 passes for 140 yards and three more scores … Rushed for 3,709 yards and 53 touchdowns overall in his career (with 85 tackles on defense) … Also garnered first-team All-Colorado, All-State and All-Conference honors in lacrosse (face off win percentage of 66.3, 358 ground balls and 64 takeaways first three years on varsity) … Served over 10 hours of assorted community service activities with the football team … Earned an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy where he will also continue his football career.
Coach Matt Yemm: “Jack McKeon is darn near the perfect young man. His incredible athletic and academic achievements are easy for everyone to see, but it is how he carries himself at all times that really defines who he is. His work ethic is rare for a person his age. His leadership is quiet but strong. He is always respectful, coachable, polite, responsible, humble and lives a life of integrity. I could go on and on with positive adjectives to describe him, but there is not enough time in a month to really describe just how wonderful he is in every aspect.”
Keagan Mellott, OL/DL, Limon – Owned a 3.89 grade point average through the fall ‘25 semester … Limon’s class president as a freshman, sophomore, junior and senior … A member of the National Junior High School Honor Society, he earned the NJHS Outstanding Achievement Scholarship Award … Also member of the National Honor Society … The 1A Player of the Year … Garnered honorable mention All-Colorado honors from the Denver Post as a senior … A two-time 1A All-State selection as a junior and senior (second-team as a sophomore) … A three-time, first-team All-North Central Conference performer and its Player of the Year as a senior … A four-year varsity letterman who led Limon to three state titles … Recorded 51 tackles, 17 for losses including three quarterback sacks and a forced fumble … Threw a 25-yard touchdown pass on offense … Was in on 155 career tackles (34 for losses, six sacks) … A two-time All-Conference performer in basketball (state champions as a sophomore; averaged 10.1 points per game as a senior when Limon reached the state title game) and state qualifier in the shot put and discus and will letter a fourth time this spring in track and field … Community involvement included being an NJHS food bank worker, visiting the elderly in a local nursing home, teaching skills in Limon’s youth basketball camp and helping to maintain the town’s historic Walks Camp Park … Also heavily involved with the local chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and with his church youth group, delivering meals to needy community members … He will continue his football career at Chadron State College.
Coach Mike O’Dwyer: “Keagan exemplifies what we strive for in our student-athletes at Limon – he is committed to school, his community and his church – and excels at all of them. Keagan has shown tremendous courage and resiliency in overcoming obstacles and injuries that plagued him early in his high school career. As a freshman, he broke both his legs at the same time in a basketball game. It takes a special kind of person to not only overcome the physical demand of that injury but the mental aspect of it as well. Without question, he was the leader of our team this year, and when we were down by 10 points in the state championship game, his leadership skills were put on display. Those skills and his tenacity in the second half are what helped our team win that game.” (Limon beat Buena Vista, 14-10.)
Elian Oliva, LB, Northfield – Owned a 5.07 grade point average through the fall ‘25 semester (weighted; class rank of 5 out of 527) … The first NFF/Colorado Chapter Scholar-Athlete from Northfield High School …The recipient of the prestigious Denver Post Gold Helmet Award (the first for a DPL school since 1999) … International Baccalaureate Diploma recipient … Has a leadership role with the National Honor Society … Earned All-Colorado honors from the Post and CHSAA second-team 4A All-State accolades … The 4A Metro Conference Defensive Player of the Year (two-time, first-team all-conference performer) … As a senior, he recorded 114 tackles, 47 solo stops with 16 for losses including seven quarterback sacks, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and one recovery … Saw spot action at running back (12 carries for 112 yards and a touchdown) … He was a key contributor to Northfield’s 2024 4A track and field state champion team (hurdles and jumps) … His extensive community service included being the co-founder of Northfield’s UNICEF chapter, tutored peers in math, coaching youth flag football, serving at local food kitchens, spending four summers as a camp counselor mentoring children from pre-K through 8th grade, and volunteering on a transformative medical service trip to Cotapeque, Guatemala … Earned an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy where he will also continue his football career.
Coach Ben Startzer: “In my 31 years of coaching, Elian represents the rarest of student-athletes – a young man who transforms a football program through extraordinary character and performance. His on-field impact is undeniable, however, what sets Elian apart is his profound leadership and selflessness. Whether long-snapping, playing on special teams, stepping in as a wingback or leading our team’s culture through our leadership committee, he always embodied our core values. The recognition he received for all his awards were not just achievements, but affirmations of a young man who represents the absolute best of what high school athletics can produce – a scholar, an athlete, and a remarkable citizen.”
Jaxon Pyatt, LB, Arvada West – Owned a 3.32 grade point average through the fall ‘25 semester … Two-time Denver Post All-Colorado honoree … A two-time, second-team All-State pick (CHSAA; honorable mention as a sophomore) … Garnered first-team All-Conference three times, and was the two-time Jeffco Defensive Player of the Year …A four-year varsity letterman who totaled 110 tackles, with 12 tackles for loss including four quarterback sacks and an interception his senior year … Recorded 140 tackles (18 for losses, four sacks), an interception and five passes defended as a junior … Occasionally attempted running ball over those two seasons (11 carries total) but scored four touchdowns … In 41 career games on the varsity, he was in on 368 tackles (197 unassisted, with 53 tackles for loss and 13 sacks); he had five forced fumbles and 20 quarterback hurries … Lettered in track and field as a sophomore (sprints and relays) … Community service included volunteering for homeless drives (multiple years) and being a Unified Athletic Volunteer … He will continue his football career at the University of California.
Coach CJ Hanna: “From a coach’s perspective, Jaxon is the kind of student-athlete every program hopes to have. While he is an outstanding football player, what truly sets him apart is the person he is. He consistently does what is asked of him, is committed to getting better, and approaches each day with humility and purpose. He is respectful to all coaches, teachers and staff, and treats his teammates the same way. His character, work ethic and respect for others make him an ideal representative of our program and our school. He set a standard for effort, toughness and attitude that others naturally follow. He is coachable, accountable and dependable, traits that cannot be taught and are invaluable to any team. Jaxon has truly been a pleasure to coach.”
Brody Sieck, DE, Arapahoe – Owned a 3.98 grade point average (weighted; 3.82 weighted) through the fall ‘25 semester … First-team Academic All-State as a junior and senior, when he also was recognized with Scholar-Athlete Award … National Honor Society member … Garnered first-team Denver Post All-Colorado, CHSAA 5A All-State and All-Centennial League honors as a senior, when he was both the team’s MVP and one of the captains … As a senior, he racked up 97 tackles, 74 unassisted with 27 for losses including 17½ quarterback sacks (four-and-a-half in a win over Westminster) and 18 hurries … Occasionally carried the ball on offense (five total), but scored one touchdown in a 28-23 win over Eaglecrest … Had 10 or more tackles on four occasions … Recorded 176 career tackles (128 solo, 47 for losses, 31½ sacks) with 40 quarterback pressures … A “Shadow Day Leader,” welcoming and touring incoming freshmen to Arapahoe, where he also as a math tutor … Volunteer work included coaching at youth football camps, at local elementary schools and for a local elder … Earned an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy where he will also continue his football career.
Coach Tyler Brayton: “Brody is the kind of young man that makes everyone around him better. We have a saying, “How you do one thing is how you do all things,” and he embodies that. Brody works to be his best in all areas of his life. He is hardworking and dedicated on the field, in the classroom and in the community. He adds value to any group of people he is a part of. He emerged as one of the best leaders that I have seen in my time at Arapahoe. He is focused and relentless in his pursuit of excellence, and his passion for the game ignites a fire in his teammates and coaches. We talk about men of integrity and high character; despite being dominant on the field, he still carries himself with class and humility.”
Kannon Smith, OT, Valor Christian – Graduated with a 3.65 grade point average … Earned first-team Denver Post first-team All-Colorado honors as a senior … Also named CHSAA 5A All-State, after garnering second-team honors as junior and sophomore … Three-time, first-team All-South Metro League performer … Recruiting services considered him the top offensive tackle in the state … Valor Iron Eagle Award winner … Saw limited action on defense as a senior, but recorded 32 tackles, with nine for losses including two-and-a-half quarterback sacks as junior …He also played baseball, basketball and competed in track and field where he threw the shot put and the discus; he earned first place at the Cherry Creek Invite where he threw the shot put 47-11 (with a 131-9 discus) … Placed seventh in the state in the shot put as a junior … He was named to Colorado Prep Varsity Track’s Top Athletes for the shot put … He volunteered for 25-plus hours of community service each school year, and in March 2025, he was with a group that did a service mission to Belize …He is continuing his football career at the University of Southern California, where he enrolled in January.
Coach Mike Sanford: “Kannon is a true team-first player who embraced every role asked of him with enthusiasm and purpose. He attacked the daily process with a relentless work ethic and consistently positive attitude. Despite being a dominant player since his youth football days, he never became complacent and was always eager to find new ways to improve. He leads by example – and his example is worth following. Even while achieving tremendous success, Kannon carried himself with humility and class.”
Cash Spence, WR/DB, Valor Christian – Owned a 3.61 grade point average through the fall ‘25 semester … Two-time Academic All-State … Two-time, first-team 5A CHSAA All-State performer and a two-time Denver Post All-Colorado team selection … Two-time, first-team All-South Metro League performer … Valor’s 2024 offensive most valuable player … Is Valor Christian’s all-time leader in receiving yards (2,512) and receptions (194), breaking the records held by Christian McCaffrey … As a senior, he caught 64 passes for 916 yards (14.3 per), with nine touchdowns; he had four 100-yard games, including a best of 11 receptions for 180 yards and a score against Castle View … Made 41 tackles with two interceptions on defense … Had 1,349 all-purpose yards including returns … Lettered four times as a member of the varsity, with 194 career receptions for 2,512 yards and 25 touchdowns … Accumulated 4,354 all-purpose yards when including 590 rushing and 1,252 on returns … Over the course of his high school career, he has logged over 195 hours of community and school service … He will continue his football career at the Colorado School of Mines.
Coach Mike Sanford: “Cash stands as one of the most dynamic and complete football players in Valor Christian history. A true two-way standout, he distinguished himself as an elite wide receiver, a difference-making defensive back, and an explosive returner – embodying the modern versatile football athlete. Offensively, his production was nothing short of exceptional – his game is defined by precise route running, exceptional body control and the ability to separate at all levels of the field. Equally impressive was his impact on defense, demonstrating great instinct, closing speed and high football I.Q. His ability to contribute on both sides of the ball speaks to his competitiveness, endurance and deep understanding of the game. He is also recognized for his character and leadership. Coaches, teammates and opponents alike know him as a competitor who prepares relentlessly, plays selflessly and elevates those around him.”
Brady Vodicka, QB, Cherry Creek – Graduated with a 3.60 grade point average … Named first-team Academic All-State as a senior (second-team as a junior) … Earned Denver Post All-Colorado honors as a senior, and CHSAA 5A All-State accolades … Two-time, first-team All-Centennial League performer … Completed 195-of-279 passes (69.9 percent) for 3,081 yards and 41 touchdowns, with only five interceptions; added 136 yards rushing with two more scores … The 5A championship game’s Most Outstanding Player in Creek’s 56-28 title win over Ralston Valley (threw for 291 yards and four touchdowns and rushed for 33 yards and a score) … A rare four-year starter at quarterback on the varsity (Creek was 52-4), he led the Bruins to four 5A championship games and three state titles (’22, ’24 and ’25) … In his career, he completed 653-of-965 passes for 9,306 yards and 103 touchdowns (just 15 interceptions); also rushed for 759 yards and 17 TD’s … School service included photography … He is continuing his football career at the Louisiana Tech University, where he enrolled in January.
Coach Dave Logan: “Brady was a great leader for us, was very coachable and is of awesome character, yet was very humble. He led by action and example, not only for our team but he was a leader around the school. He cared for all those around him, as all Brady cared about was doing whatever he could to help his team win, whether he threw it 16 times or 36 times in a game, it didn’t matter to him. He got better every single year and his TD to interception ratio was unbelievable (103-to-15, nearly 7-to-1). One thing that stood out over his entire career was his great poise he had in big moments. A team captain, he had a calming influence when the team needed him the most.”
Elijah Womack, RB, Montrose – Owned a 3.64 grade point average through the fall ‘25 semester (weighted; 3.60 unweighted) … First-team Academic All-State … The Colorado Sports Hall of Fame’s High School Male Athlete of the Year … A finalist for the prestigious Denver Post Gold Helmet Award, he was a two-time, first-team All-Colorado team member as selected by the Post … A first-team CHSAA 4A All-Stater as a junior and senior, when he was a first-team all-Southern League performer (and its MVP for the 2025 season) … Led 4A in rushing with 2,157 yards – second overall in the state – and 33 touchdowns, playing only the equivalent of nine full games, sitting out the second half of most games with Montrose routing most opponents … He had 11 100-yard games, three 200-plus including 302 yards on only 11 attempts with four scores against Falcon (all in the first half) … Against Fruita Monument, he carried just four times – for 154 yards and three TD’s, his 38.5 yards per attempt second-best in state history … Finished his career with 4,880 yards (8.1 per carry), with 72 touchdowns and 26 100-yard games (15 in a row at one point) … Had 91 career tackles and four quarterback sacks on defense … Also lettered three times in lacrosse … Community involvement including coaching youth football camps (four years) and a member of the Supercrew School Leadership program … He will continue his football career at Western Colorado University.
Coach Brett Mertens: “Elijah is the whole package that every coach wants. Not only is he a special football player, but he is a special young man. Everyone can see what Elijah did on the field but did not know that he didn’t miss a single day of weights in four years. Not everyone knows that he is one of the most humble kids on the team. Not every knows that all of his teammates love him, all of his coaches love him, and all of his teachers love him. We won 25 games over the last two seasons, and Elijah was responsible for many of those. If I was starting a football team, he would be my first selection.”
