As we enter into a time of spring OTAs and schedule releases the excitement for high school football fans all across the nation starts to build. With the recent schedule release for Colorado’s 2018 season and Erie’s OTAs starting up this week, it’s time to take a look at everything you need to know going into the Tigers 2018 season.

2017 overview: The Tigers are coming off one of the best seasons in program history. They wrapped things up with an 11-3 record and the schools first state championship appearance since 2008 and the schools first ever class 3A state championship appearance. The Tigers are only losing a handful of seniors and are set to make another run at the title in 2018.

A handful of seniors to watch:

Noah Roper #8 Sr. HB, FS: Noah Roper is coming off a historical season at running back finishing with the second most all purpose yards by a player in Colorado ever. That being said this didn’t take away from Noah’s defensive presence for the Tigers. Noah was a punishing ball hawk at safety and he’ll be the face of the secondary heading into 2018. Noah had a huge hand in the teams success last year and it would be a shock if he doesn’t repeat that next season.

2017 Stats: 359 carries, 2631 rushing yards, 36 touchdowns, 38 total TDs

Nate Hackney #54 Sr. DL, OL: Nate Hackney is coming off a double digit sack year and is poised to repeat these numbers this year. Nate came up big in the playoffs rattling QBs and sealing the Pueblo East victory with a strip sack. Nate will also be heavily leaned on to lead the Tigers offensive line as well.

2017 stats: 11 sacks, 1 INT

Jaymeson Nelms #31 Sr. DL, TE: Jayme Nelms is possibly the most athletic player in the Tigers front 7. He has an amazing ability to bend around blocks and put pressure on the QB. Jayme’s length allows him to bat down and even intercept balls at the line of scrimmage which separates him from just a normal pass rusher. Jayme also saw time at tight end in 2017 and made some big catches down field. Jayme will be key factor to the Erie defense in 2018 and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him take on a bigger role in the offense.

2017 stats: 6 sacks, 36 tackles, 1 INT, 1 fumble recovery

Spencer Brooks # 57 Sr. OL, DL: Spencer Brooks stepped into the spotlight in 2017 and made the most of his opportunities. Spencer saw time on defense and found the QB quite well along with being a run stopping force for the Tigers. Spencer was also an impressive offensive lineman in 2017 and I would expect him to improve even more in 2018.

2017 stats: 4 sacks, 25 tackles, 4 tackles for a loss.

2018 Schedule prediction:

Evergreen 31-14 Erie

The Cougars had a good outing in 2017 posting a 9-2 record and making the state playoff. After the first round exit I would expect the Cougars to be hungry for success in 2018 but they are losing some key pieces and given the fact that the Tigers haven’t lost a season opener since 2011, I don’t see them keeping up in Erie.

@ Pueblo South 34-31 Erie

Pueblo South was the 2017 4A state champion and they are coming down to 3A in 2018. Despite that they are losing a lot of seniors including their dynamic QB and WR duo from last season. Pueblo South could struggle getting their feet under them a little early in the year and I believe the Tigers are just reloading for another title run. Erie welcomes them to 3A in exciting fashion.

Frederick 38-6 Erie

Frederick is coming off their first somewhat successful season in a few years but it is going to be hard to repeat that losing the seniors they are losing. It is a rivalry game so you never know what 

could happen but I don’t see Frederick keeping up with the Tigers at home.

Cañón City 21-16 Erie

Cañón City is coming off a 9-2 campaign and a first round exit to a tough Durango program. They are returning a lot of talent and production from 2017. This could be a tough game that could go either way but I don’t see Canon City making the plays in the clutch in Tiger Stadium. It’s a close nail bitter for the Tigers.

@ Mead 36-16 Erie

The Mavericks were a force last year defeating the Tigers at home and only losing one game all year which happened to be in the second round of the playoffs. The Mavericks had one of the best offenses in the state last season but they are losing almost all of that production. With the loss of top rushers Nathan Mackey, Tyler Keys and Derek Edwards it could be a shaky year for the Mavericks.

@ Northridge 47-8 Erie

The Grizzlies couldn’t hang with the Tigers last season and with them losing their star quarterback and wide receiver the team is losing a lot of fire power and leadership. Tigers open up conference play with a big win.

Niwot 52-3 Erie

Niwot was arguably one of the worst teams in 4A last season and unless something changes they could be headed on that same track in 2018. They will be fired up to play the Tigers but they just won’t have the fire power to compete.

Roosevelt 21-18 Roosevelt

The Rough Riders beat the Tigers last season in a physical war in Johnstown and upset the Tigers in 2016 at home. Though the Rough Riders are losing a lot of production they are returning their junior QB Trent Beal who ran wild on the Tigers and Roosevelt always turns out physical football teams with tough rushing attacks. Roosevelt has had Erie’s number and they sneak past the Tigers again.

@ Thompson Valley 45-0 Erie

The Eagles failed to even scrape competing in their ten games in 2017. Their closest exhibition was a 24 point loss at the start of the season and things just spiraled out of control from there. This game should be a runaway for the Tigers.

@ Fort Morgan 18-16 Fort Morgan

Fort Morgan is always a physical and scrappy squad that can cause problems for teams late in the schedule chasing top spots when they have to travel to Fort Morgan. The weather can be very unpredictable and the environment is always hostile. This is a trap game for the Tigers and with the conditions and a fired up Fort Morgan squad they let this one slip.

The Tigers wrap up the season at 8-2 and have a top 4 seed heading into the playoffs. As long as the Tigers stay healthy and hungry in 2018 there is no ceiling to what they can accomplish. I expect big things from Erie football next season and I know that the goal will be a state championship considering how close they were last season.