CLASS 5A
No. 1 Cherry Creek (3-1) vs. No. 8 Pine Creek (3-1)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Stutler Bowl
Last meeting: Cherry Creek 41, vs. Pine Creek 21, Nov. 26, 2022
A week after handing Texas prep power Highland Park its first home loss in three years, the Bruins return to Stutler Bowl for their second in-state game of the season. Junior Jayden Fox made a star turn in Dallas, running for 223 yards and two TDs in the 51-39 win. Next up is a Pine Creek team that’s won three straight since a Week 0 loss to Valor Christian, scoring 131 points in the process. Nothing easy for the Bruins.
No. 4 Valor Christian (4-0) vs. No. 6 Ralston Valley (4-0)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Valor Stadium
Last meeting: Ralston Valley 22, vs. Valor 21, Sept. 21, 2023
If recent history is any indication, this will go down to the wire. Valor and Ralston Valley have met three times over the last two years. The cumulative score: 90-86, Valor. The RV defense has been stingy since a 48-38 victory over Erie in Week 1. If not for a safety last week vs. ThunderRidge, they’d be riding a two-game shutout streak. The degree of difficulty goes up this week, however, against a Valor offense loaded with weapons and a coaching staff that knows how to use them.
No. 5 Legend (3-1) vs. No. 9 Castle View (4-0)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at EchoPark Stadium
Last meeting: Castle View 20, vs. Legend 7, Sept. 8, 2023
Two weeks removed from a narrow home loss to Columbine, Legend welcomes another ranked foe to Parker. The Titans rebounded from their first loss by putting 55 points on the board against Prairie View last Friday. Now they get a stingy Castle View defense that’s forced 14 takeaways and allowed just 29 points through four games. Throw in a balanced offense led by senior Aaron Perry (518 yards, 6 TDs rushing), and the Sabercats are a tough out.
4A No. 10 Heritage (2-2) vs. No. 3 Columbine (4-0)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at LPS Stadium
Last meeting: Columbine 48, vs. Heritage 14, Nov. 13, 2015
Before jumping into 4A league play, Heritage faces one last 5A power to finish off a challenging nonconference slate. The Eagles traded touchdowns with Mesa Ridge for three quarters before ultimately falling 40-28 last week in Colorado Springs. Now they’re faced with the prospect of trying to contain what may be the best two-headed rushing attack in the state in Columbine senior James Basinger (654 yards, 10 TDs) and junior Mark Snyder (422, 6).
CLASS 4A
No. 1 Palmer Ridge (4-0) vs. No. 6 Mesa Ridge (3-1)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Don Breese Stadium
Last meeting: Palmer Ridge 43, at Mesa Ridge 20, Aug. 31, 2023
Mesa Ridge’s nonconference gauntlet comes to a close with the last of three consecutive ranked games — and this may be the hardest yet. The Grizzlies split games against No. 5 Dakota Ridge (19-14 loss) and No. 10 Heritage (40-28 win). Up next is a Palmer Ridge program that’s won 28 straight regular-season games, topped 40 points in each of its first four games and features five players averaging 50-plus yards rushing per game.
No. 2 Broomfield (4-0) vs. Erie (2-2)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Elizabeth Kennedy Stadium
Last meeting: Erie 30, vs. Broomfield 7, Sept. 16, 2023
The last two programs to claim the 4A title meet in what is now a cross-classification showdown after Erie moved up to 5A this offseason. These two are more than a little familiar with each other, having met four times since 2021 with each winning two. Broomfield survived an upset bid against 5A Legacy last week, 14-13, and will have its work cut out for it against an Erie attack that’s averaging 34.3 points and 362.5 yards per game.
No. 7 Vista Ridge (3-1) vs. No. 4 Pueblo West (4-0)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Vista Ridge
Last meeting: Vista Ridge 55, vs. Pueblo West 7, Sept. 11, 2015
Coming off a bye week after its best start in five seasons, a rested Pueblo West travels to the Springs to take on Vista Ridge. The Wolves’ situation couldn’t be much more different. A week ago they played the role of homecoming foil to 5A power Columbine in a 42-7 rout. Now they face a Cyclones club led by dual-threat QB Gavin Lockett (877 total yards, 11 TDs) that’s topped 40 points in three of four games.
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CLASS 3A
No. 1 Roosevelt (4-0) vs. No. 7 Windsor (3-1)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Roosevelt
Last meeting: Windsor 25, at Roosevelt 12, Sept. 4, 2015
After knocking off a pair of 4A schools (Northfield, Ponderosa) and the defending 3A champions (Holy Family) over the first four weeks, Roosevelt faces another stern test ahead of its bye week. Windsor has held its last three opponents to 16 points combined since a Week 1 loss to Green Mountain. A matchup against a Roosevelt offense that can air it out with junior QB Jasiah Ramirez (457 yards, 4 TDs) or pound the rock with senior RB Luc Vigil (508 yards, 3 TDs) should be tasty.
Note: All stats taken from maxpreps.com.
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