{"id":36613,"date":"2022-12-27T17:20:04","date_gmt":"2022-12-28T00:20:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/looking-back-on-2022-in-high-school-sports\/"},"modified":"2026-03-31T02:32:39","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T08:32:39","slug":"looking-back-on-2022-in-high-school-sports","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/looking-back-on-2022-in-high-school-sports\/","title":{"rendered":"Looking back on 2022 in high school sports"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

CORTEZ \u2013 For local fans of high school athletics, the past 12 months created a trove of great seasons and achievements to be cherished for years to come. Three state titles, numerous top-10 state finishes, league championships, state tournament appearances and countless all-league and all-state performers made 2022 one of the all-time calendar years for Montezuma and Dolores County athletics.<\/p>\n

In these moments of reflection on 2022, and to reopen a few more holiday gifts, here\u2019s a look back at some of the top local sports stories from a very memorable year. While these 12 gifts may not include any geese a-laying, it does include some championship rings \u2013 which is where we\u2019ll begin:<\/p>\n

\"The
The Dove Creek Bulldogs, 2022 Colorado State Champions, Eight-man Football. (Ben Bradley\/Special to The Journal)<\/span>Ben Bradley\/Special to The Journal<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>
Dove Creek football wins state<\/div>\n

A month after the Bulldogs capped a dream 13-0 season with a 26-21 state title game victory over Simla, the smiles still spread from ear to ear for head coach Shane Baughman and the Bulldog faithful. A championship run that was historic on so many levels \u2013 the program\u2019s first football title, first football championship for either Dolores or Montezuma County, first ever appearance in the title game \u2013 the Bulldogs stayed true to their brand of football throughout their four-month ride.<\/p>\n

While the individual accolades piled up \u2013 senior Kade Hankins being named Colorado 8-man Player of the Year, junior Gage Buffington earning the Most Outstanding Player of the Game honor in the state final, seven players earning all-state honors \u2013 the Bulldogs developed a team-first mentality that permeated the way they played the game.<\/p>\n

Now, the Bulldogs have a gift they\u2019ll be able to cherish for the rest of their lives \u2013 a Dove Creek football state championship.<\/p>\n

\"Montezuma-Cortez
Montezuma-Cortez senior golfer Thayer Plewe participates in the CHSAA\/Denver Broncos Media Day on Monday in Denver. The University of New Mexico commit ended his high school career by winning the 3A state title this fall. (Gabe Christus\/Denver Broncos)<\/span>cca<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>
Thayer Plewe captures individual state golf title<\/div>\n

After two years of close calls saw the M-CHS senior come within a whisker of an elusive state title, Plewe made sure that his final chance at an individual title wouldn\u2019t be left in doubt.<\/p>\n

After sitting in a logjam at the top of the leaderboard after an opening round 70, a decisive second round score of -6 (64) helped Plewe separate himself from the chase pack at Pinehurst Country Club in Denver, winning the individual 3A title by five strokes.<\/p>\n

The title is the school\u2019s first individual state crown since Plewe\u2019s swing coach Shea Sena took medalist honors 20 years earlier. The title joins a litany of individual and team victories enjoyed by Plewe over the course of his high school career. Plewe also led the Panther golf program to its third consecutive top-eight team finish in the state championships, as the Panther boys finished seventh in the 3A field.<\/p>\n

\"Zander
Zander Cruzan of Montezuma-Cortez catches a touchdown pass while playing Pagosa Springs this fall. The Panthers reached the Class 2A state semifinals this season. (Sam Green\/Special to The Journal)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>
M-CHS football posts historic run<\/div>\n

For the first time in 65 years, M-CHS football earned a place in the state semifinals after a fantastic season under third-year head coach Ivan Mack.<\/p>\n

After assuring themselves the program\u2019s first winning season in eight years, the Panthers looked to add to their legacy with a postseason run, which included wins over Elizabeth and Rifle in the 2A bracket. Four Panthers landed on the all-state squad for their efforts, as the Panthers developed a reputation as one of the toughest defenses in the classification.<\/p>\n

With an 8-4 record, M-CHS also established themselves as a league front-runner with a program built for continued success into the coming years.<\/p>\n

\"As
As junior Kade Hankins (5) receives congratulations from Westminster Belleview Christian head coach Timothy Owen, Dove Creek head coach Aaron Hankins (right, foreground) applauds and leads the victorious Bulldogs \u2013 including senior Chorbin Cressler (4) and sophomore Logan Drummond (3)\u2013off the court following their 47-45 upset of the defending Class 1A State Champion Bruins in the 1A-Region I, Bracket 2 finale March 5 at neutral Grand Junction H.S. DCHS' victory qualified them for the state tournament's quarterfinals. (Joel Priest\/Special to The Journal)<\/span>Joel Priest<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>
Dove Creek basketball goes dancing<\/div>\n

This past March, the Bulldog basketball programs sent a convoy to the northeast part of the state.<\/p>\n

On the boys side, a late season surge under first-year head coach Aaron Hankins helped elevate the Bulldogs to qualify for the regional round, followed by one of the program\u2019s biggest wins in the regional final over Belleview Christian to put the \u2018Dogs in their first ever state tournament.<\/p>\n

The DC boys leaned on a dynamic offense in a deep San Juan Basin League, and found their stride in the second half of the year to help guide the program to its deepest foray in the 1A postseason.<\/p>\n

For the girls, a trip back to the state tournament came after a dominant regular season and impressive regional title, where head coach Julie Kibel\u2019s \u2018Dogs posted a 21-3 record while making their second straight Great Eight appearance.<\/p>\n

The Bulldog girls used feisty defense and a well-balanced offense to overwhelm opposition during a perfect run through the SJBL.<\/p>\n

Area track and field athletes shine at state<\/div>\n

A number of area athletes climbed into the top-three at their respective state championship meet this past May, with Mancos, M-CHS and Dove Creek each claiming several all-state performances.<\/p>\n

Leading the way, Mancos senior Mason Goodwin took the individual title in the 2A high jump, clearing 6-4 to win the championship and headline several field event appearances on the podium for the Jays.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, M-CHS junior Zander Cruzan posted one of the best days on the track for any area athlete, taking third in both the 100- and 200-meter dashes. The Dove Creek sprints also showcased an impressive weekend in Lakewood, taking home plenty of medals as well.<\/p>\n

Mancos football returns to state semis<\/div>\n

A year after making their first ever state semifinal in football, the Bluejays put together another special season under head coach Josh Gardner, posting a 9-3 record while earning the program\u2019s second-ever final four appearance in the 8-man ranks.<\/p>\n

Utilizing the same strength that the Jays demonstrate on the wrestling mat \u2013 where Mancos had six state qualifiers in 2022 \u2013 the Bluejays moved the ball down the field with aplomb all year. The Bluejays picked up wins over Sanford and Merino during the regular season, and played state champion Dove Creek as tough as any team all season during their instant classic regular season matchup, before the Jays posted wins over Swink and Lyons in the 8-man bracket.<\/p>\n

\"Jordi
Jordi Mahler of Montezuma-Cortez, left, battles for the ball with Sydney Rey of Bayfield High School at BHS during the 2022 season. (Jerry McBride\/Durango Herald)<\/span>cca<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>
Dolores, M-CHS team up for girls soccer excellence<\/div>\n

Under the banner of Panther soccer, a combination of Dolores and M-CHS soccer talent under first-year head coach Reese Smith posted one of the best seasons in program history for Cortez, as the Panthers earned a rare state tournament appearance after winning the 3A Southwest League.<\/p>\n

Working with a youthful squad, the Panthers (8-5) found their groove in the second half of the season, winning seven straight in a run that would propel them to the league\u2019s automatic qualifying spot in the 3A state tournament.<\/p>\n

\"Mancos
Mancos sophomore Adaline Kearns enters the third mile during the 2022 CHSAA Cross-Country State Championships' Class 2A Girls' race Oct. 29, at Norris-Penrose Event Center in Colorado Springs. Mancos finished 10th as a team at the championships. (Joel Priest\/Special to The Journal)<\/span>Joel Priest\/Special to The Journ<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>
Mancos cross-country takes top-10<\/div>\n

Putting together another season befitting of one of the strongest small school distance programs in the state, the Mancos girls cross-country team raced to a 10th place finish at the 2A state championships under longtime head coach Brady Archer.<\/p>\n

All-state sophomore Teagan Archer led the way for the team effort, while the Jays posted several impressive wins in the local circuit in the lead-up to their regional qualification and state championship efforts. The Jays combined their success on the 5K course with their victories in the San Juan Basin League, as the distance program played a large part in both the girls and boys track and field teams capturing the San Juan Basin League titles during the spring.<\/p>\n

\"Dove
Dove Creek's Lexi Gray (21) hits under the block of Merino's Jaylyn Lynch (13) for a net-scraping kill Nov. 10 in the CHSAA Class 1A State Championships inside the Denver Coliseum. Gray was named the SJBL player of the year and all-state for her efforts in 2022. (Joel Priest\/Special to The Journal)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>
Dove Creek volleyball makes state tournament run<\/div>\n

The volleyball program earned back-to-back state tournament appearances under the guidance of head coach Lacey Murphy. The \u2018Dogs (27-2) were one of three teams in the entire state, regardless of classification, to go unbeaten through the regular season, and remained as one of eight teams still playing in the 1A field to cap their tremendous season.<\/p>\n

The hard-hitting Bulldogs only conceded five sets to opposition during their incredible regular season run, and remained a mainstay in the state polls all season. Senior Lexi Gray earned SJBL Player of the Year honors, to join a collection of teammates on the all-league and all-state teams.<\/p>\n

Mancos volleyball climbs the ranks<\/div>\n

Speaking of great seasons at the net, the Mancos volleyball program enjoyed its best year in over a decade, running up an 18-7 record while qualifying for their second straight regional appearance under head coach Brianna Yeomans-Allison.<\/p>\n

The Jays combined a balance of experience with youth while developing into one of the rising powers in southwest Colorado. Mancos won 10 of their final 12 matches, including a regional round victory to post another solid season for the Mancos girls athletic teams.<\/p>\n

M-CHS Softball keeps streak going<\/div>\n

The Panthers stretched their winning-season streak to five consecutive, thanks to a 15-7 mark and another season atop the district standings. For head coach Anthony \u201cHippo\u201d Frost, the Panthers have developed the depth to continue that streak for years to come, thanks to the development of M-CHS into one of the best offensive programs on the Western Slope.<\/p>\n

M-CHS clobbered opposition with a relentless attack, starting the season 8-0 while finishing just shy of another state tournament appearance.<\/p>\n

Mancos hoops piles up wins<\/div>\n

The Mancos girls basketball program has improved its win total in each of the past four seasons, reaching a high-water mark of 14 this past winter, thanks in large part to a strong senior class and feisty defensive play.<\/p>\n

Under the guidance of fourth-year head coach Kerri Morgan, the Jays battled well in the tough San Juan Basin League, picking up signature wins against Ignacio, and in nonleague play against M-CHS. The win total matched the program\u2019s best since 2007-08, as the Mancos appears to be prepared to continue their recent run for years to come.<\/p>\n

On the boys side, the Bluejays extended a run of postseason appearances to five consecutive years, including four straight visits to the Round of 16 in the 2A playoffs after a 19-4 campaign. With Bob Archibeque at the helm, the Jays proved that they could score from both the perimeter and the paint to help Mancos finish atop the SJBL at the season\u2019s end.<\/p>\n

Mancos added a district title to their resume, earning the Jays the right to host a regional site in the postseason.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

titles, deep postseason runs mark banner year for Montezuma, Dolores County athletes<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":36614,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[39,926,37,36],"naviga_topic":[],"class_list":["post-36613","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-dove-creek-high-school","tag-football","tag-mancos-high-school","tag-montezuma-cortez-high-school"],"acf":[],"author_name":"dh_admin","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36613","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=36613"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36613\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":83400,"href":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36613\/revisions\/83400"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36614"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36613"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36613"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=36613"},{"taxonomy":"naviga_topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/naviga_topic?post=36613"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}