After stumbling in the state semifinals each of the past three seasons, Denver is entering another season with a goal of completing some unfinished business. Do the Cyclones have what it takes to make another deep run in the playoffs again? While they have plenty of experience returning on defense, graduation hit the offensive line hard. Denver also must find a replacement for departed senior Eli Barrett at quarterback.

2017 SEASON PROSPECTUS: DENVER CYCLONES

2016 RECORD: 11-1 Overall / 7-0 District
2016 PLAYOFFS: Class-1A State Semifinalist

HEAD COACH: Rhett Barrett
School Record (Years): 58-65 (12)
Career Record (Years): 58-65 (12)

2016 STARTERS RETURNING (8):
Bo McMahon, FB/MLB
Sam Joerger, TB/DB
Zach Miller, TE/DE
Brock Farley, OL/DL
Mason Tierney, MLB
Casey Anderson, DL
Kain Eagle – WR/DB
Riley Wright, TB/OLB

OTHER 2016 LETTERWINNERS RETURNING (5):
Zack Thrasher, OL/DL
Cael Krueger, QB/DB
Connor Smith, FB/MLB
Jaden Forde, TB/OLB
Que Jenkins, OL/DL

KEY LOSSES FROM 2016 SEASON:
Mason Neisen, OL
Spencer Smith, OL
Keenan Bahlmann, OL
Jacob Besh, OL
Eli Barrett, QB/FS

HOW COACH BARRETT VIEWS UPCOMING SEASON

Team Strength Entering 2017:
- Returning several skill position players with varsity experience
- Returning 8 starters on defense

Concerns Heading Into 2017:
- Must replace the offensive line

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

Expectations For 2017 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."

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