High School Football
Head Coach Contact Information
Name: David Todd
Email: BLPAFOOTBALL@gmail.com
Phone: 719-749-8064
Season/Practice Dates
Off Season Lifting: January-July
Graduating 8th Grade Start Date: May 1st
OTA: June-July
Regular Season: August-November
Social Media and Communication Pages
Team Mission/Vision Statement
“The mission of Banning Lewis Preparatory Academy Football is to empower student-athletes to excel in athletics, academics, and life. We believe that true success comes from developing the whole individual—on and off the field. Our commitment to a culture of excellence is built on the principles of competing for greatness in all we do, treating others with respect and dignity, leaving every place better than we found it, and dedicating relentless effort to every endeavor. Together, we strive to ‘win everything we touch’ while shaping future leaders.”
Coaches Biographies
Head Coach – David Todd (Running Backs/Defensive Backs)
Years at Banning: 4 years
David Todd was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, and grew up in the Elmwood-Murdoch community, where he developed a deep passion for football at a young age. Raised in Nebraska, he became a die-hard Husker fan, still shouting “GO BIG RED!” whenever he spots someone wearing Husker gear.
David started playing football at age 9 and continued his passion through his college years. Unfortunately, an injury cut his playing career short, but his love for the game led him to coaching. He has since coached at the high school, college, and semi-pro levels. With a degree in exercise science, David firmly believes that success begins in the weight room.
While attending Hastings College, David met his wife, and together they have four young children. The family moved to Banning Lewis in 2019 and quickly fell in love with the community. They are passionate about giving back and staying actively involved.
In 2021, Coach Todd joined the Banning Lewis coaching staff as an assistant, pouring his heart and soul into the team and the community. Becoming the head coach at Banning Lewis has been a dream come true for him, and he is excited to continue making an impact both on and off the field.
Assistant Coach- Dan Peterson (Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line)
Years at Banning:3 years
Dan Peterson is a coach fueled by love for the community of Banning Lewis Ranch and love for the students at Banning Lewis Preparatory Academy. A coach with the Banning Lewis football program for three years, and the Banning Lewis track program for four years, he is a coach that strives to build lasting relationships with the athletes he coaches, both on and off the field. He believes that athletics play a vital role in shaping character, teaching resilience, and instilling values that benefit athletes on and off the field. As a dedicated mentor, Dan is committed to helping students develop both athletic and life skills. Whether he’s coaching on the field or guiding students in the classroom, Dan’s focus remains on building a legacy of hard work, respect, and sportsmanship at Banning Lewis Preparatory Academy.
Assistant Coach- Mike Cortesi (Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line)
Years at Banning: 6 Years
Michael Cortesi is a dedicated and experienced football coach based in Colorado Springs, known for his deep understanding of the game and is currently the Defensive Coordinator with extensive experience as both a Defensive and Offensive Line Coach at Banning. Michael has coached at Banning Lewis Preparatory Academy for 6 years and has been involved in the football program since its roots as a Junior Varsity Program. A native of Tempe, Arizona, Michael is a USMC Vet and shares a home near Banning Lewis with his wife Jaime, daughter Frankie and four dogs.
Assistant Coach- Kevin Early (Special Teams Coordinator/ Linebackers)
Years at Banning: 5 Years
Kevin Early was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, where he attended Gateway High School and became a multisport athlete, excelling in both football and wrestling. As a senior, he was named a 1st Team All-State football player and earned a recruitment spot to play at the University of Northern Colorado. After one year at UNC, Kevin transferred to Western State College of Colorado in Gunnison, where he finished his football career, helping lead the team to back-to-back RMAC championships. He also earned his B.A. in Kinesiology during his time there.
After graduation, Kevin pursued a Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Science at Iowa State University, where he also worked as a graduate assistant strength and conditioning coach. He then spent four years as an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at the University of Illinois, where he coached numerous All-Americans, All-Big Ten athletes, and Big Ten champions. A highlight of his career at Illinois was earning two Big Ten Men’s Basketball Championship rings (2000–2002) as the team’s strength and conditioning coach.
Kevin is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and a USA Weightlifting Level 1 Club Coach. He has served as the linebackers coach at Banning High School for the past five seasons, contributing to the team’s success since BLPA’s inception in CHSAA competitions. During his tenure, he has coached several All-League and All-State linebackers.
Kevin is also a proud father of three sons, all of whom have been part of the program since its inception. Two of his sons have earned All-State honors, and all three have served as team captains. Coach Early finds great fulfillment in watching the Banning athletes compete, improve, and grow not only as players but also as young men and women.
Assistant Coach- Moises Portillos (Wide Receivers)
Years at Banning: 2 Years
Moises Portillos is a dedicated and experienced football coach based in Colorado Springs, known for his deep understanding of the game and a lifelong commitment to coaching athletes at all levels. A native of Colorado Springs, Moises has built an impressive coaching career spanning many years, marked by his versatility in working with athletes across a range of age groups, from youth leagues to semi-professional teams.
Assistant Coach- Chris Vigil (Quarterbacks/Defensive Backs)
Years at Banning: 3 Years
Chris Vigil has coached football at all levels in Banning Lewis, starting in 2016 with the youth Stallions program and moving into the middle school program in 2022. Coach Vigil is currently the Quarterbacks and Defensive backs coach for the Varsity Program.
A native of Colorado, attended Fort Lewis College and the University of Northern Colorado and has a degree in Business Management.
Coach Vigil and his family have enjoyed their life and community in Banning Lewis Ranch since 2016.
In his down time enjoys outdoor life in Colorado and spending time with his family.
