On the fast-track to another Norris Trophy, Cale Makar received another distinction on Tuesday for his body of work in 2025.
The Colorado Sports Hall of Fame named Makar its Pro Athlete of the Year after the Avalanche star defenseman became only the fourth player in the 21st century to win at least two Norris Trophies. Makar also finished sixth in voting for the Hart Trophy, the NHL MVP, in 2024-25 while leading the league’s defensemen with 30 goals and 92 points.
In addition to Makar’s selection, the Hall also announced honors for five other individuals on Tuesday who will be recognized alongside the six-member Hall of Fame class at the banquet in April.
Regis University catcher Adam Paniagua and CSU Pueblo shot putter Katherine Higgins were named College Athletes of the Year, Legend softball/flag football star Lucy Thompson and Montrose running back Elijah Womack are the High School Athletes of the Year, and Ri Armstrong earned the Athlete with Disabilities Award.
Paniagua hit .448 with 27 homers, 100 RBIs and a .970 slugging percentage, leading Division II in the latter two categories to earn first-team All-American honors. He was a catalyst behind Regis’ program-record 35 victories in 2025. Higgins won the Division II women’s shot put national title.
Thompson was a two-sport star last fall for Legend, helping the Titans to state runner-up finishes in both softball and flag football. The shortstop is committed to Nebraska, and on the gridiron, she led the state with 1,970 receiving yards while racking up 32 TDs. Womack was also a force, with 2,157 yards rushing and 33 TDs a year after posting a state-best 2,285 rushing yards while helping Montrose to deep playoff runs both seasons.
Armstrong, who competed in slalom and giant slalom in the Paralympics in 1980 and ’84, has been a volunteer for the National Sports Center for the Disabled for the last 38 years as one of the organization’s most influential instructors.
Last year, the Hall named a trio of Colorado stars as Pro Athlete of the Year: the Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic (2023-24 NBA MVP), the Broncos’ Pat Surtain II (2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year) and the Avs’ Nathan MacKinnon (2023-24 NHL MVP).
The Hall’s 61st annual awards banquet and Hall of Fame induction is April 16 at the Hilton Denver City Center. Tickets are $250 each and sponsor tables start at $3,000.
No. 17 Fountain-Fort Carson won at No. 16 Cherokee Trail, 14-7: The Trojans (8-3) advanced in the state playoffs for the fifth time in six years, thanks in part to a critical fourth-and-short stop deep in their own territory in the second half. The Cougars (4-7) tied the game in the second quarter on a fourth-down touchdown from junior Nico Mavromat, but FFC opened the second half with a TD drive on its first possession and held CT at bay after that. Next week: at No. 1 Cherry Creek (10-0), TBA
No. 24 Westminster (8-2) at No. 9 Arapahoe (6-4), 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: at No. 8 Fairview (9-1), TBA
No. 20 ThunderRidge (4-6) at No. 13 Fort Collins (8-2), 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: at No. 4 Legend (9-1), TBA
No. 21 Regis Jesuit (4-6) at No. 12 Erie (6-4), 6:30 p.m. Friday. Next week: at No. 5 Valor Christian (9-1), TBA
No. 18 Fruita Monument (5-5) at No. 15 Columbine (5-5), 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: at No. 2 Ralston Valley (10-0), TBA
No. 23 Rocky Mountain (5-5) at No. 10 Mullen (6-4), 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: at No. 7 Pine Creek (7-3), TBA
No. 19 Legacy (6-4) at No. 14 Eaglecrest (6-4), 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: at No. 3 Mountain Vista (10-0), TBA
No. 22 Chatfield (4-6) at No. 11 Grandview (5-5), 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: at No. 6 Arvada West (9-1), TBA
Class 4A
No. 17 Air Academy (5-5) at No. 16 Golden (7-3), 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: at No. 1 Dakota Ridge (10-0), TBA
No. 24 Skyline (4-6) at No. 9 Northfield (8-2), 6 p.m. Friday. Next week: at No. 8 Pueblo West (7-3), TBA
No. 20 Silver Creek (5-5) at No. 13 Ponderosa (6-4), 6 p.m. Friday. Next week: at No. 4 Durango (8-2), TBA
No. 21 Highlands Ranch (4-6) at No. 12 Grand Junction (8-2), 6 p.m. Friday. Next week: at No. 5 Heritage (7-3), TBA
No. 18 Bear Creek (6-4) at No. 15 Frederick (7-3), 6 p.m. Friday. Next week: at No. 2 Montrose (10-0), TBA
No. 23 Thomas Jefferson (5-5) at No. 10 Riverdale Ridge (10-0), 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: at No. 7 Monarch (8-2), TBA
No. 19 Loveland (5-5) at No. 14 Mesa Ridge (5-5), 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: at No. 3 Palmer Ridge (10-0), TBA
No. 22 Montbello (4-6) at No. 11 Vista Ridge (7-3), 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: at No. 6 Broomfield (8-2), TBA
Sand Creek’s best season in decades is ending with the Scorpions following the Class 4A state playoffs from home.
The Scorpions went 9-1 and finished 12th in the 4A seeding and selection index, which under normal circumstances would’ve been plenty good enough to make the 24-team playoff bracket. But because of a unique CHSAA rule, Sand Creek — as well as two other teams in its league in Cheyenne Mountain (16th in the index) and Centaurus (20th) — is not eligible for the postseason.
In Sand Creek’s 4A I-25 League, only the conference champion can make the playoffs, regardless of RPI seeding. It’s one of two CHSAA leagues set up that way, along with the 5A Metro North. The reason for that is because those leagues were formed as rebuilding leagues, filled with programs that were struggling with both numbers and competitiveness.
CHSAA football commissioner John Sullivan said he feels “awful for those (three) schools.”
“When you look at the 5A Metro North and how that worked out, that was kind of the intent with these leagues, where a school like Westminster goes 8-2, wins the league, and they get in the playoffs with the 24th seed,” Sullivan said. “And then none of the other schools from that league qualify. That was the thought process… that if you’re playing all schools in your league that may be struggling, it could potentially inflate your RPI values.”
But as Cheyenne Mountain football coach Jay Saravis points out, “I don’t think CHSAA (or the football committee) was expecting was the fact that four of us in the I-25 league got pretty darn good.”
Sand Creek, headlined by star junior running back Ethan Mangrum, has gone 16-4 over the past two years under coach Eric Mitchell after not having a winning season (minus the 2021 spring season) since 2013.
Fellow Colorado Springs school Cheyenne Mountain has also turned it around, with a 15-5 mark over the past two falls. Centaurus’ arrow is also trending up, while back-to-back league champion Grand Junction is headed to the playoffs for a second straight season after winning just five total games across the four previous seasons. The Tigers’ rise has been helped by about a 50% increase in football participation since 2021, an influx that can be partly attributed to increased enrollment after Mesa County Valley School District 51 re-drew its high school boundary lines.
Mitchell doesn’t blame CHSAA for his Scorpions coming up short of the playoffs after Sand Creek lost to Grand Junction in the regular season finale, the de facto league title game, 56-13 last week. The Tigers ended up finishing 13th in the index and host Highlands Ranch in a first-round playoff game on Friday.
Prior to this current two-year CHSAA cycle, each participating school in the 5A Metro North and 4A I-25 agreed to join the rebuilding league with the stipulation that only the league champion would make the playoffs. That rule is part of the football bulletin that’s created by the football committee; that bulletin is then approved annually at CHSAA’s Legislative Council, where any member can object to it.
“We knew coming in we had to be the league champs and we didn’t get the job done,” Mitchell said. “It’s just one of those deals where we plan on building off this season.
“So there’s truly no disappointment on my end. We just want to see continued growth in our program, and we saw it this year. We will expect more next year with a lot of key players returning, including Mangrum, who was the classification’s leading rusher (with 2,001 yards).”
Football leagues designed to group similar programs trying to re-find their footing have been happening in CHSAA since 2018, when the Class 5A Metro 10 debuted.
That 10-team league was allowed one automatic qualifier, the league champion, with the possibility of a second at-large bid deemed by the seeding committee. In 2021, two six-team rebuilding leagues in 4A and 5A debuted, with just the league champion eligible to earn a playoff bid.
Mitchell, Saravis and Grand Junction coach Landon McKee all said that joining the rebuilding league and accepting the playoff limitations that came with it was the right call for their programs. Saravis noted that his approach at Cheyenne Mountain was that “when we got to Week 6, I tell my players, ‘Welcome to the playoffs,’ because it’s basically a survive-and-advance mentality from there.”
“This league was a good opportunity for Sand Creek to get back on track,” Mitchell added.
Going into the next two-year CHSAA cycle that begins in 2026, Sullivan noted there won’t be any more one-bid playoff leagues.
The football committee meets on Wednesday to start working on putting together leagues for that cycle, with an aim at creating leagues that are more competitively balanced, considering Colorado high school football has seen what Sullivan describes as “an inordinate number of blowouts and running clocks” in league play this year.
“For those leagues (without top teams in them), we’re not going to put stipulations on how many teams can make the playoffs,” Sullivan said. “So, that was planned on going away prior to this situation with Sand Creek in 4A this year.”
1. Cherry Creek (8-0) at Smoky Hill, 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: at Grandview, 7 p.m. Oct. 31.
2. Ralston Valley (9-0) won at Denver East, 48-7: Junoir QB Logan Gabler tossed five touchdown passes, including three to senior receiver Nico Benallo, while compiling 238 yards on 20-of-26 passing in place of injured starter Zeke Andrews. Benallo hauled in 10 balls for 134 yards, while Gabler ripped off 88 yards on nine carries to move the Mustangs a win away from a second straight league championship. Next week: vs. No. 4 Arvada West, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31.
3. Mountain Vista (8-0) at Rock Canyon, 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: vs. Castle View, 7 p.m. Oct. 30.
4. Arvada West (9-0) won vs. Chatfield, 28-27: Jaiden Nichols broke up a two-point conversion attempt with less than a minute left, and the Wildcats survived an upset scare a week before their Halloween showdown at Ralston Valley. Senior QB Logan Duhachek’s 1-yard plunge in the fourth quarter proved to be the difference amid Chatfield’s frantic second-half rally. A-West took a 21-0 lead into halftime, but Chatfield’s Brigham Jones returned an INT for a score, Cash Williams found Roni Rohlman for a pair of TDs, and Devon Fleming ran in a TD to pull the Chargers within a point. Chatfield went for the win after that, but Nichols broke on a pass near the boundary to preserve the win. Next week: at No. 2 Ralston Valley, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31.
5. Legend (8-1) won at Douglas County, 51-9: Ryken Banks found the end zone four times in the first half, Quinn Williams and Freddie Burke both returned interceptions for TDs, and the Titans scored 44 points in the first quarter to trigger a running clock en route to their fifth straight win. Next week: vs. Regis Jesuit, 7 p.m. Oct. 31.
6. Valor Christian (7-2) won at Fruita Monument, 49-6: QB Titus Huard continued a torrid stretch of play with 109 yards and four touchdowns on 10-of-14 passing in the Eagles’ third straight blowout win. The sophomore has seven TD passes on 78.9% passing over that span, with just one interception. Senior Cash Spence grabbed two of Huard’s scoring throws on Thursday, Chase Hanosh carried the ball 12 times for 112 yards and a score, and sophomore Roger Garey added a pick-6. Next week: vs. Rock Canyon, 7 p.m. Oct. 30.
7. Fairview (8-1) won at Fossil Ridge, 45-20: Junior QB Ki Ellison ran in four TDs and senior UCLA commit Toray Davis tacked on two TDs of his own as the Knights raced out to a 45-0 halftime lead and cruised from there. Fairview is a win away from its fourth straight unbeaten run through league play. Next week: vs. Rocky Mountain, 7 p.m. Oct. 31.
8. Pine Creek (5-3) at Regis Jesuit, 6:30 p.m. Friday. Next week: vs. No. 9 Fountain-Fort Carson, 7 p.m. Oct. 31.
9. Fountain-Fort Carson (6-2) vs. Chaparral, 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: at No. 8 Pine Creek, 7 p.m. Oct. 31.
10. Mullen (4-4) at Horizon, 1 p.m. Saturday. Next week: vs. Rangeview, Oct. 31.
Class 4A
1. Dakota Ridge (8-0) at Golden, 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: at Bear Creek, 4 p.m. Oct. 31.
2. Montrose (8-0) vs. Widefield, 6 p.m. Friday. Next week: at No. 10 Pueblo West, 6 p.m. Oct. 31.
3. Palmer Ridge (8-0) vs. Rampart, 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: at Liberty, 6 p.m. Oct. 30.
4. Broomfield (7-1) at No. 6 Riverdale Ridge, 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: vs. Skyline, 7 p.m. Oct. 31.
5. Durango (6-2) vs. Liberty, 6 p.m. Friday. Next week: at No. 9 Vista Ridge, 6 p.m. Oct. 31.
6. Riverdale Ridge (8-0) vs. No. 4 Broomfield, 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: at Grand Junction Central, 7 p.m. Oct. 30.
7. Monarch (7-2) won vs. Frederick, 49-14: Junior running back Malakhi Payne (15 carries, 101 yards) topped 100 yards rushing for the sixth consecutive game, Abbott Lockwood ran in a pair of TDs, and junior QB Nico Rizzello threw a pair of TDs and ran for another in a league championship-clinching rout. Next week: at Silver Creek, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 31.
8. Sand Creek (8-0) at Centaurus, 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: vs. Grand Junction, 7 p.m. Oct. 30.
9. Vista Ridge (6-2) at Air Academy, 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: avs. No. 5 Durango, 6 p.m. Oct. 31.
10. Pueblo West (6-2) at Falcon, 1 p.m. Saturday. Next week: vs. No. 2 Montrose, 6 p.m. Oct. 31.
Fountain-Fort Carson is pounding the rock again, and looking dangerous doing it. The Trojans took down Regis Jesuit a week ago, with Da’kari Releford Jr. going off for 170 yards and two TDs to top 1,000 yards for the season. The Trojans will need more of that from the junior tailback if they want to keep pace with Boston College QB commit DJ Bordeaux and a Legend offense averaging 47.1 points per game.
Columbine (3-4) vs. No. 2 Ralston Valley (7-0)
When/where: 7 p.m. Thursday at NAAC Stadium
Last meeting: Ralston Valley 35, at Columbine 34 (OT), Oct. 18, 2024
Always a circle-the-date game on the Jeffco prep football calendar, this year’s edition appeared to lose a little luster when Columbine started the season 0-3. The Rebels have rebounded since, however, and were a last-minute touchdown away from upsetting unbeaten Arvada West last week for their fourth straight win. As it is, Andy Lowry’s Rebels stand as a gritty test for a Ralston Valley program that has won three of four against Columbine since 2022.
Eaglecrest (6-1) vs. No. 1 Cherry Creek (7-0)
When/where: 7 p.m. Thursday at Stutler Bowl
Last meeting: Cherry Creek 44, at Eaglecrest 0, Oct. 18, 2024
Can someone, anyone, challenge Cherry Creek in the 5A Centennial League? Eaglecrest is the next team up with the unenviable task of trying to slow down the Creek juggernaut. The Raptors have won five straight since a Week 2 loss at Fort Collins, but now they face a significant step up in class. All but one of Eaglecrest’s six wins have been against teams that currently sport a losing record. Hang with Creek on Thursday, though, and the Raptors are for real.
Mullen (3-4) vs. No. 8 Erie (5-2)
When/where: 6:30 p.m. Friday at Tiger Stadium
Last meeting: Erie 48, at Mullen 13, Oct. 18, 2024
Mullen spent its nonleague schedule hanging with 5A giants. Sooner or later, the Mustangs gotta take one down. They get another chance Friday with a trip north. The matchup features a pair of D-I tight ends in Erie’s Gabe Sema (Northern Arizona) and Mullen’s Mason Bonner (Michigan), as well as Oregon State commit Braylon Toliver (670 rush yards) going up against a salty Mullen defense headlined by future FBS edge rusher Troy Mailo. This should be fun.
Westminster (5-2) vs. Mountain Range (5-2)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at North Stadium
Last meeting: Westminster 28, vs. Mountain Range 15, Oct. 18, 2024
It’s been 10 years since Westminster won a league title, but former pro QB Chris Helbig has the Wolves atop the 5A Metro North in his first year leading the program. Cross-town rival Mountain Range has already won more games this season than any Mustangs squad in the last 11 years and has allowed just 23 total points over the last three weeks. Can they limit Westminster’s freshman wunderkind Santana Soriano (1,378 yards, 15 TDs passing) and a talented group of senior pass catchers?
CLASS 4A
Bear Creek (6-1) vs. Heritage (4-3)
When/where: 6 p.m. Thursday at LPS Stadium
Last meeting: Heritage 61, at Bear Creek 23, Oct. 17, 2024
Two teams coming off losses in the hyper-competitive 4A South Metro League meet looking to get back on track. Bear Creek saw its unbeaten season slip away in a disastrous second half against Golden, while Heritage was the latest victim of the Dakota Ridge powerhouse. Both teams can put up points in a hurry. Expect fireworks.
Mesa Ridge (3-4) vs. No. 2 Montrose (7-0)
When/where: 6 p.m. Friday at Montrose HS
Last meeting: Montrose 53, vs. Mesa Ridge 21, Nov. 23, 2024
Mesa Ridge took a big step forward with an upset of Pueblo West last week. The Grizzlies can take an even larger one this Friday with a trip to the Western Slope. The Red Hawks have beaten Mesa Ridge four times over the last three seasons, including a season-ender last fall in Montrose. Just staying within reach of the Red Hawks, who’ve taken double-digit leads into the third quarter in six of seven wins, is hard enough. Beating them? No team has done that in the regular season in the last 24 tries.
No. 3 Palmer Ridge (7-0) vs. No. 6 Vista Ridge (6-1)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Vista Ridge HS
Last meeting: Palmer Ridge 42, vs. Vista Ridge 7, Oct. 18, 2024
Palmer Ridge has been the dominant 4A program in the Pikes Peak region since moving up from 3A in 2020 — much to the chagrin of rival Vista Ridge. The two programs have met five times this decade, with the Bears winning all five by an average margin of 29.6 points. If the Wolves are going to ascend to the upper reaches of their classification, it starts with finally beating a Palmer Ridge team closing in on its fourth straight league title.
Lots of them, actually. If we’ve learned anything about CU recruiting in the Deion Sanders Era, it’s that if Coach Prime wants someone — like, really, really, really wants them — he gets them.
Meanwhile, Coach Prime’s health concerns are mounting. And the Buffs have played three QBs in six games because, as the old adage goes, they don’t really have one. Not one who can sling it consistently at a Big 12 level, at any rate.
After Kaidon Salter just tossed three interceptions at TCU, Ju Ju is the people’s choice again.
Build for the future!
The season’s already lost!
What’s the difference between 4-8 and 2-10?
If we don’t play Ju Ju this fall, we’ll lose him to the transfer portal! And that would be a tragedy!
Recruiting, at its core, is about salesmanship. Nobody sells — themselves, their school, a product, the future — the way Coach Prime sells. Charmers are charmers for life.
Ask yourself this, too: If Lewis is that hot, why hasn’t he beaten out the two guys who’ve been driving you crazy?
You’ve watched Salter for five games. You’ve watched backup Ryan Staub for two.
As Coach Prime points out, he sees what you saw.
Yet when asked about Ju Ju’s progress on Tuesday, Sanders said this, and bluntly:
We kid, we kid. But the hesitation, given precedent, is more than curious, isn’t it?
After all, Coach Prime has made a point of playing freshmen who earned his trust early. Seaton. Micah Welch. Omarion Miller. Dre’Lon Miller.
Lewis, though?
Not so much. Not yet, anyway.
“I mean, he’s young, and you can’t throw everything at him,” Sanders explained after playing Lewis for two rocky series vs. Delaware last month. “So you don’t want to do that. You don’t want him to feel like he failed.
“So you’ve got to proceed with — some guys want you to just throw him in there, and I’m too protective. I mean, I love the kid and I want the kid to be successful, so we’re very protective on what we do with him and what we can do with him and really how we call things with him. We want him to be in a situation to excel.”
Again, he sees what you see. He sees a young man who only turned 18 two-and-a-half weeks ago. And it doesn’t take much reading between the lines to see a QB who isn’t quite ready yet.
Although …
“I’ve never sat on the bench and said, ‘Whoa, I learned a lot today.’”
“Who learns sitting on the bench?” Coach Prime continued. “Who does that?”
Meanwhile, in BoCo, Lewis is … sitting on the bench.
Ju Ju sure as heck didn’t come here for that. He didn’t blow off his senior year of high school to watch the Buffs fold in the second half, week after week.
“Ju Ju was in there with a lot of rookies and freshmen, so to speak,” offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur said after the Delaware game. “And we believe in playing freshmen.”
Just not this one, apparently.
Still, the Buffs have a bye week coming up after the Cyclones visit. If there’s ever a time to change horses, that’s probably it.
1. Cherry Creek (6-0) won vs. Cherokee Trail, 49-12: The Bruins scored five touchdowns in the second quarter to break open their Centennial League opener and post their 19th straight win. Senior quarterback Brady Vodicka tossed three of his four touchdown passes during that fateful quarter, and Jayden Fox answered Cherokee Trail’s lone first-half score with a kickoff return TD. Creek has now topped 40 points in five of six games this season. Next week: at Arapahoe, 7 p.m. Oct. 9.
2. Ralston Valley (6-0) won vs. Chatfield, 55-22: Senior quarterback Zeke Andrews threw three TD passes to three different receivers and ran in another two scores to keep the Mustangs offensive machine rolling. Ethan Shirazi scored a pair of TDs, first with a pick-6 in the first quarter, then on a pass from Andrews that gave Ralston Valley a 49-14 lead in the third quarter. It was all academic after that. Next week: at Denver South, 4 p.m. Oct. 9.
3. Arvada West (6-0) won at Denver South, 45-7: The Wildcats are 6-0 for the first time in the MaxPreps era (since 2004) after topping 40 points for the third time this season. Tucker Rhoades had a pick-6 and quarterback Logan Duhachek three five touchdown passes (and five INTs) to lead the rout. Now A-West sets its sights on Columbine, a program A-West has beaten just once in its last eight meetings. Next week: vs. Columbine, 7 p.m. Oct. 9.
4. Valor Christian (4-2) lost vs. No. 5 Mountain Vista, 38-36: The Eagles fell for the second week in a row, this time in heartbreaking fashion. Chase Hanosh took a screen pass from Dawson Olk for a 57-yard touchdown to pull Valor within two points with 5:05 to go, but Halden Robinson’s diving one-handed interception on the two-point conversion kept the Eagles from tying the game. The Valor defense came up with a fourth-down stop at its 14-yard line to get the ball back with 1:47 left, but Olk’s desperation bomb was intercepted by Robinson again. Channing Fox had three rushing TDs in the loss, while Hanosh had a pair of scores. Next week: at Castle View, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 10.
5. Mountain Vista (6-0) won at No. 4 Valor Christian, 38-36: Junior defensive back Halden Robinson came up with two massive interceptions, including a diving one-handed snag on a potential game-tying two-point conversion, to hand the Golden Eagles their second win over Valor in as many years. Junior QB Marquise Reese tossed four touchdown passes and set up another with a bomb to junior Brooklyn Bailey that put Vista on the Valor 1-yard line. Hudson Modrzewski powered it in from there to give Vista a 38-21 lead with 3:21 left in the third quarter, then the Golden Eagles held on from there to stay unbeaten thanks in part to Braelynn Looney’s 30-yard field goal to close out the first half. Next week: at ThunderRidge, 7 p.m. Oct. 10.
6. Legend (5-1) won vs. No. 8 Pine Creek, 57-30: Senior QB DJ Bordeaux threw five touchdown passes, including two to senior Ryan Iglesias, to propel the Titans to a 50-14 lead going into the fourth quarter that was way too much for Pine Creek to overcome. Legend topped 50 points for the second straight game and third time this season. Next week: at Chaparral, 7 p.m. Oct. 10.
7. Fairview (5-1) won at Prairie View, 56-0: The Knights defense shut out an opponent for the second week in a row and third time in four games, and Fairview came away a winner in its 5A Front Range League opener. Fairview has barely been touched since losing to Arvada West by a point in Week 2, outscoring its last four opponents 228-41. Next week: at Fort Collins, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 10.
8. Pine Creek (3-3) lost at No. 6 Legend, 57-30: The Ealges offense didn’t come alive until much too late, with all but one of the team’s four touchdowns coming in the second half. Pine Creek has played a brutal schedule and paid the price, with all three of its losses coming against top 10 opponents (Cherry Creek, Valor Christian and Legend). Next week: vs. Douglas County, 7 p.m. Oct. 9.
9. Grandview (3-2) at Arapahoe, 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: vs. Smoky Hill, 7 p.m. Oct. 9.
10. Erie (4-2) won at Rangeview, 35-23: A week after knocking off 4A power Broomfield, the Tigers opened league play with a resounding win over the Raiders (4-2). After the two teams traded TDs in the second quarter, Erie scored four straight touchdowns between the third quarter and start of the fourth to take a commanding 35-15 lead that held up the rest of the way. Next week: vs. Vista PEAK Prep, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 9.
Class 4A
1. Dakota Ridge (6-0) won vs. Ponderosa, 40-7: Senior quarterback Kellen Behrendsen continued a torrid stretch of play, completing 25 of 28 passes for 325 yards and two touchdowns in a 4A South Metro League rout that saw the Eagles take a 34-0 lead into the fourth quarter. Senior Landon Kalsbeck scored three TDs (two rushing, one receiving), while Coby Stewart caught seven passes for 104 yards, Jaxson Arnold hauled in five balls for 96 yards and Jack Offerdahl piled up 168 all-purpose yards. Next week: at Heritage, 7 p.m. Oct. 10.
2. Montrose (6-0) won vs. Falcon, 57-6: Senior running back Elijah Womack ran in four of the Red Hawks’ first six touchdowns to lead Montrose to a 50-6 halftime lead that triggered a running clock. The Red Hawks have now won 23 straight regular-season games dating back to the 2023 season. Next week: at Doherty, 1 p.m. Oct. 11.
3. Palmer Ridge (6-0) won at Air Academy, 42-0: Six weeks into the season, and the Bears have yet to sweat it out in a second half. Palmer Ridge put 35 points on the Kadets in the first two quarters and cruised from there for their sixth straight win by 28 points or more. Next week: vs. No. 5 Durango, 6 p.m. Oct. 10.
4. Broomfield (4-1) vs. Longmont, 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: vs. Adams City, 7 p.m. Oct. 10.
5. Durango (5-1) won vs. Rampart, 47-7: Junior QB Grady Feeney popped for 303 total yards (149 passing, 154 rushing) and five TDs (2 passing, 3 rushing) to power the Demons to a blowout win in their league opener. Gus Halls needed only six carries to gain 113 yards and score a TD, while senior Oliie Peterson caught a pair of touchdown passes. The Durango defense has allowed just 19 total points during the team’s current five-game win streak, which started after a season-opening loss to No. 2 Montrose. Next week: at No. 3 Palmer Ridge, 6 p.m. Oct. 10.
6. Pueblo West (4-1) vs. Doherty, 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: at Mesa Ridge, 7 p.m. Oct. 9.
7. Golden (5-1) lost vs. Heritage, 56-28: The Demons stepped into the 4A South Metro League cauldron and got taken to the woodshed as Heritage broke open a 28-14 game with four touchdowns in the third quarter. Junior QB Thatcher Matthews and senior receiver Ethan Bonafede hooked up for a pair of TD passes for Golden, as Bonafede finished with 10 receptions for 100 yards. But it wasn’t near enough to match a Heritage offense that is averaging 42.25 points per game against competition outside Class 5A. Next week: at Bear Creek, 7 p.m. Oct. 10.
8. Vista Ridge (4-1) vs. Liberty, 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: at Rampart, 6 p.m. Oct. 11.
9. Riverdale Ridge (5-0) vs. Skyline, 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: at Longmont, 7 p.m. Oct. 10.
10. Monarch (4-2) did not play: The Coyotes got a bye before starting league play in the 4A North 1 League next Friday. Next week: at Loveland, 7 p.m. Oct. 10.
The football team’s game last week against George Washington was called off and will not be made up.
On Tuesday, though, Van Praag said he saw his team find a bit of that normalcy they’ve been looking for.
It just so happened to be at the Broncos’ practice facility.
The Evergreen High football and flag football teams traveled down to Dove Valley to practice at Denver’s indoor practice facility and then afterward heard from general manager George Paton and other members of the organization.
“We practiced two days last week at Chatfield, and so on that Tuesday, when we went to the Broncos facility, it was the first time we really had a real practice where the kids were really engaged and it felt like they were having fun,” Van Praag told The Post on Sunday. “It changed the entire perspective. The other two days were a little slower; the kids weren’t really focused, it was hard for them to focus and kind of get back into the swing of things.
“Being in the facility really just got the kids really excited. From the first warmup and getting dressed in the locker room all the way through the end of practice, it was really the first normal feeling — except for the location — for our team since the incident.”
Evergreen’s offensive line coach is longtime Tampa Bay center Ryan Jensen. In the aftermath of the shooting, Jensen reached out to the Broncos about a potential visit. Turns out, the team also needed a place to practice.
Soon, a plan came together.
Evergreen High remains closed, though a phased reopening begins this week with staff back in the building Monday and, eventually, students beginning a partial return to school Thursday and Friday.
“Our kids have been really resilient,” Van Praag said. “We’ve been together nearly every day since the incident — people within the program opening their homes to host the team — so we’ve spent from that Wednesday until really Thursday, we’ve spent just about every day together. It’s been wonderful. Every kid has opted in; nobody’s opted out. …
“They recognize that something terrible has taken place, but they don’t want that to define them. They’re getting out to work and they’re working hard and preparing for our first game this week.”
Evergreen’s junior varsity played Thursday against Golden, and now the varsity will return to play Friday at Severance.
“Honestly, they’re just excited to get out and play,” Van Praag said. “They can’t get back into their school, they can’t practice on their own field. All of those things are impacting them, and they just keep saying over and over again, ‘We want this to feel normal again. We want to get back to normal.’”
1. Cherry Creek (4-0) does not play. Next week: at No. 7 Pine Creek, 7 p.m. Sept. 25.
2. Valor Christian (3-0) vs. Mullen, 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: at No. 4 Ralston Valley, 7 p.m. Sept. 26.
3. Arvada West (5-0) won at Overland, 70-0. After nail-biting victories the past two weeks over Fairview (34-33) and Legend (35-34 in overtime), the Wildcats utterly annihilated the Trailblazers in a game that quickly got to a running clock. Next week: Bye.
4. Ralston Valley (4-0) won at ThunderRidge, 41-21. Grizzlies head coach Jay Madden was once the king of Jeffco football during his tenure at Pomona, when much of Arvada’s football talent walked his halls. Ralston Valley got a little payback on Madden on Friday, when first-quarter rushing TDs by Levi Rillos and Colby Kurtz put the Mustangs up 14-0 early. Ethan Shirazi then had multiple TDs in the second half to help the Mustangs pull away. Next week: vs. No. 2 Valor Christian, 7 p.m. Sept. 26.
5. Mountain Vista (4-0) does not play. Next week: vs. Overland, 7 p.m. Sept. 26.
6. Legend (3-1) does not play. Next week: at Castle View, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 26.
7. Pine Creek (2-1) at Arapahoe, 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: vs. No. 1 Cherry Creek, 7 p.m. Sept. 25.
8. Fairview (2-1) vs. Monarch, 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: at Smoky Hill, 7 p.m. Sept. 26.
9. Grandview (2-2) vs. No. 10 Rock Canyon, 6 p.m. Saturday. Next week: Bye.
10. Rock Canyon (3-0) at No. 9 Grandview, 6 p.m. Saturday. Next week: vs. Arapahoe, 7 p.m. Sept. 25.
Class 4A
1. Dakota Ridge (4-0) won vs. 3A No. 1 Pomona, 45-14. The Eagles passed another test with flying colors against the top team in Class 3A. A rushing TD and passing TD by Kellen Behrendsen got Dakota Ridge going, and Landon Kalsbeck added another score by ground to make it 21-0 before the end of the first quarter. Next week: at Cherokee Trail, 7 p.m. Sept. 26.
2. Broomfield (4-0) won 28-27 at Legacy: In this city rivalry, the Lightning went up 10-0 after the first quarter, but Broomfield outscored Legacy 22-3 in the second half to rally for the win. Donovan Brooks’ fourth-quarter TD pass to Gavin Montoya was the difference, then Rylee Sondrup’s interception with two minutes to go put the game on ice. Next week: at Erie, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 26.
3. Montrose (4-0) won 41-0 at Grand Junction Central: The Red Hawks dominated from start to finish, and took a 34-0 lead into halftime. Cade Saunders and Elijah Womack both had rushing TDs in the first quarter to accelerate the blowout, and Saunders also had a pick to set up another first-half score. Next week: vs. Fruita Monument, 7 p.m. Sept. 26.
4. Palmer Ridge (4-0) won vs. Longmont, 48-7. Through four games, the Bears defense hasn’t allowed more than two scores in a single contest while senior running back Jackson Mabe continues to run wild behind a potent offensive line. Next week: at Mesa Ridge, 7 p.m. Sept. 26.
5. Vista Ridge (4-0) does not play. Next week: at No. 10 Pueblo West, 7 p.m. Sept. 26.
6. Durango (3-1) won at 3A No. 9 Palisade, 17-6: Ollie Peterson’s receiving TD gave the Demons a 14-0 lead in the second quarter, and the Durango defense turned in a dominating performance, allowing only a pair of field goals. Next week: at Grand Junction, 7 p.m. Sept. 25.
7. Golden (3-0) vs. Poudre, 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: at Lakewood, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26.
8. Heritage (3-1) won vs. Mesa Ridge, 35-18: In the Eagles’ homecoming game, Mo Thenell’s short TD run gave Heritage the early lead. After Mesa Ridge scored 12 straight points, Camden Jensen’s TD reception followed by his rushing TD on a direct snap swung the momentum of the game in favor of the Eagles. Next week: at Columbine, 4 p.m. Sept. 25.
9. Riverdale Ridge (4-0) won at Thornton, 49-0. The Thornton rivalry wasn’t much of a contest as the newer school in town thumped the old. Next week: vs. Silver Creek, 7 p.m. Sept. 25.
10. Pueblo West (3-1) does not play. Next week: vs. No. 5 Vista Ridge, 7 p.m. Sept. 26.
GREENWOOD VILLAGE — The Massey Ratings require a recalibration.
Utah’s Skyridge entered Friday’s game against Cherry Creek as the No. 20 team in the nation, while the Bruins were ranked No. 93.
But the Bruins made those computerized rankings look buggy. They used a fast start and a furious finish to smoke Skyridge 51-28 at the Stutler Bowl, avenging their lone loss last season in the process.
It was Cherry Creek’s third victory over an out-of-state team in as many weeks, after hanging on to beat Cardinal Mooney (Florida) on the road two weeks ago and dominating Millard North (Nebraska) last week.
The performance against Skyridge suggests that Cherry Creek, owners of five of the last six Class 5A titles, is more than just a juggernaut in a flyover football state. This year’s Bruins — whose highest national ranking entering Friday among the three major services in Massey, MaxPreps and Rivals was No. 58 — have the size, speed and talent to play with just about anyone.
“This was a game for everyone who underestimates Colorado ball,” said Cherry Creek star running back Jayden Fox, who had three TDs and over 200 yards rushing. “They say we’re not a football state, we don’t have good enough athletes — but this game showed this program has those athletes, those star players.”
No, the Bruins aren’t a national heavyweight like Mater Dei, St. John Bosco, Bishop Gorman or Southlake Carroll.
But they possess a blue-chip frontman in defensive lineman Tufanua Ionatana Umu-Cais, a Washington commit who is a Navy All-American. They have one of the most dynamic running backs in Colorado in Fox, a UConn pledge who went scorched earth on Skyridge. And they have a slew of other Division I recruits around those headliners.
No wonder Cherry Creek’s had a tough time finding in-state opponents to fill out its non-conference schedule.
Fox was nearly untackleable in open space on Friday. When he got even the slimmest margin of daylight, he took off. While senior quarterback Brady Vodicka tossed three TDs and sophomore Elijah Cromwell was a complementary ground threat, Fox was the unstoppable star.
The Cherry Creek defense also set the tone early with interceptions by Michigan State commit Braylon Hodge on the game’s opening drive and then a pick-six by fellow senior linebacker Tate Matthews on the Falcons’ second drive. That gave Cherry Creek cushion for when Skyridge’s QB, Division I prospect Kaneal Sweetwyne, caught fire in the third quarter.
“The game started for them a little bit like the game started for us last year in Salt Lake,” Cherry Creek head coach Dave Logan said. “Their quarterback is about as good as we’ve seen in a long time, and so we tried to change up fronts, coverages, disguises. We made some plays early and we needed them, because that’s an excellent team.”
Cherry Creek coach David Logan, congratulates the team after the game against Skyridge at the Stutler Bowl Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, in Greenwood Village, CO. Cherry Creek won 51-28. (Rebecca Slezak/Special to The Denver Post)
With those two interceptions and Fox’s first carry in between leading to a 32-yard score, Cherry Creek went up 14-0 just 65 seconds into the game. The Bruins never looked back, despite Sweetwyne settling into the game and engineering four scoring drives to keep the Falcons from getting boat-raced.
Alijah Landrum-Hamilton’s slick moves on a screen pass led to a 40-yard TD, and Fox added on a 75-yard TD burst as Cherry Creek took a 27-14 lead into half. On the opening drive of the third quarter, the Bruins marched the field, capped by Louisiana Tech pledge Vodicka’s 16-yard TD pass to senior tight end Ty Goettsche (BYU).
After Skyridge made a third-quarter push and cut the score to 34-28, the Bruins used a field goal, a clutch defensive stop, and a 65-yard TD run from Fox to put the game on ice. On an outside zone play, Fox shed several tacklers and outran the Falcons’ secondary to quiet the Skyridge sideline and fan section, which had been energized up to that point.
“We started to feel like we won, but we had to remember, we have to play for 48 minutes,” Fox said. “… We went out in the fourth quarter and did what we did at the beginning of the game.”
By the time another Matthews pick set up Vodicka’s TD pass to senior tight end Anthony Betti, making it a 50-burger with 4:29 left, the game had turned into a homecoming celebration for Cherry Creek.
Can any Colorado team beat the Bruins this year? Odds seem slim.
After a bye, Pine Creek is the Bruins’ final non-conference challenger, a team the Bruins beat 21-14 last year. After that, Cherry Creek’s Centennial League slate should offer a challenge or two, but also more than a few running clocks.
Valor Christian is widely viewed as the one team with the athletes and muscle in the trenches to keep up with Creek, but the Eagles have lost four straight to Logan’s Bruins since 2020.
Judging by Cherry Creek’s first four weeks, Valor or anyone else in Colorado will need to play nearly perfect to beat the Bruins, as Legend almost did in a 13-10 loss in last year’s championship. Cherry Creek’s lost only three in-state games since 2019: the 2023 championship to Columbine, and league games to Grandview in 2022 and Arapahoe in 2021.
“This (4-0) start shows what we can do,” Tate Matthews declared. “All teams should be watching out for us coming up.”
Good luck, Colorado. Skyridge will send you its tattered battle plans during its long trip back to Utah.
1. Cherry Creek (3-0) vs. Skyridge (Utah), 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: Bye.
2. Valor Christian (3-0) did not play: After posting three straight double-digit wins, the Eagles got a break to prepare for a challenging three-week run of vs. Mullen, at Ralston Valley and vs. Mountain Vista. Next week: vs. Mullen, 7 p.m. Sept. 19.
3. Ralston Valley (2-0) at Mullen, 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: at ThunderRidge, 7 p.m. Sept. 19.
4. Legend (3-0) at No. 6 Arvada West, 7:30 p.m. Friday. Next week: Bye.
5. Mountain Vista (4-0) won vs. Cherokee Trail, 49-8: The Golden Eagles continued their red-hot start with a 42-point first half capped by Lucas Conklin’s blocked punt return and QB Marquise Reese’s touchdown scamper. Mountain Vista has now scored 40-plus in three of four games and appears as explosive as ever on offense. Next week: Bye.
6. Arvada West (3-0) vs. No. 4 Legend, 7:30 p.m. Friday. Next week: at Overland, 7 p.m. Sept. 19.
7. Pine Creek (1-1) vs. Loveland, 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: at No. 10 Arapahoe, 7 p.m. Sept. 19.
8. Fairview (1-1) at Boulder, 5:30 p.m. Friday. Next week: vs. Monarch, 7 p.m. Sept. 19.
9. Grandview (1-2) vs. Legacy, 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: Bye.
10. Arapahoe (1-1) at ThunderRidge, 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: vs. No. 7 Pine Creek, 7 p.m. Sept. 19.
Class 4A
1. Dakota Ridge (2-0) at Mesa Ridge, 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: vs. 3A No. 2 Pomona, 7 p.m. Sept. 19.
2. Broomfield (2-0) vs. Rocky Mountain, 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: at Legacy, 6 p.m. Sept. 18.
3. Montrose (3-0) did not play: The Red Hawks are chasing their second consecutive unbeaten regular season and are off to a good start, outscoring opponents 120-34. Next week: at Grand Junction Central, 8 p.m. Sept. 18.
4. Palmer Ridge (2-0) vs. Lewis-Palmer, 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: vs. Longmont, 7 p.m. Sept. 19.
5. Vista Ridge (4-0) won at Denver South, 29-20: Senior QB Colton Camba threw a pair of touchdown passes, the last to Deshaun Drain to put the game away in the fourth quarter, and Antonio Taylor returned a punt for a touchdown as the Wolves moved to 4-0 for the first time in 10 years. Next week: Bye.
6. Heritage (2-1) won at Northfield, 32-31: Senior Mo Thennell ran in his second touchdown of the night in overtime, and Brody Guetz’s point-after ended up being the difference after the Eagles stopped Northfield’s two-point conversion attempt on the game’s last play. Guetz also kicked the field goal that sent the game to overtime and completed an Eagles’ rally from down 15 in the third quarter. Nighthawks QB Cash Lacy connected with Devaughn Daniels for two TDs, but Northfield’s bid to beat 4A Top 10 teams in two consecutive weeks fell just short. Next week: vs. Mesa Ridge, 6 p.m. Sept. 18.
7. Golden (3-0) won vs. Thomas Jefferson, 21-14: Junior QB Thatcher Matthews ran in a pair of touchdowns and hooked up with Ethan Bonafede for a scoring pass to give the Demons a 21-0 lead in the second quarter. Then Golden held on for dear life as TJ senior QB Nick Radi threw a pair of touchdown passes to pull the Spartans within seven early in the fourth quarter. TJ had two chances at a tying drive, but came up empty. Next week: vs. Poudre, 7 p.m. Sept. 19.
8. Durango (2-1) did not play: After outscoring a pair of Farmington, N.M., schools 52-6 over the past two weeks, the Demons got a well-earned break ahead of what should be a stiff test at Palisade. Next week: at 3A No. 9 Palisade, 4 p.m. Sept. 18.
9. Riverdale Ridge (2-0) vs. Severance, 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: at Thornton, 7 p.m. Sept. 19.
10. Ponderosa (1-1) at 3A No. 7 Roosevelt, 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: vs. Falcon, 7 p.m. Sept. 19.
Comment: Bruins now have wins in Texas and Florida in last two seasons. Not too shabby. Next week: vs. Millard North (Neb.), 7 p.m. Friday
2. Valor Christian
2-0
2
W (42-15 at Regis Jesuit)
Comment: Eagles piled up 277 rushing yards at Regis last week. Is there a more physical o-line in the state? Next week: at Las Vegas-Faith Lutheran, 7 p.m. Saturday
3. Legend
2-0
3
W (28-16 vs. No. 8 Grandview)
Comment: Titans needed big game from RB Ryken Banks vs. Grandview, and senior delivered (19 carries, 125 yards). Next week: at Columbine, 7:30 p.m. Friday
4. Ralston Valley
1-0
4
W (34-21 at Erie)
Comment: Decent chance that win over Erie ages well over next two months. Next week: vs. No. 8 Grandview, 7 p.m. Thursday
5. Mountain Vista
2-0
NR
W (20-0 at Arapahoe)
Comment: Unranked to top five? Please accept our apologies. Golden Eagles have reached point where they don’t rebuild, they reload. Next week: vs. Erie, 7 p.m. Thursday
6. Fairview
1-0
7
W (41-7 at Legacy)
Comment: Combination of UCLA commit Toray Davis and senior Sabi Ruttgers looks frightening. Next week: vs. No. 7 Arvada West, 7 p.m. Friday
7. Arvada West
2-0
10
W (56-0 vs. Mountain Range)
Comment: Wildcats defense has allowed 13 points through two games. First major test of season awaits. Next week: at No. 6 Fairview, 7 p.m. Friday
8. Grandview
1-1
9
L (28-16 at No. Legend)
Comment: Wolves had Legend on the ropes in fourth quarter of last week’s loss. Solid showing. Next week: at No. 4 Ralston Valley, 7 p.m. Thursday
9. Pine Creek
1-1
8
W (35-21 vs. Cherokee Trail)
Comment: Junior quarterback Brady Walden more than looks the part for Eagles. Next week: Bye
10. ThunderRidge
1-0
NR
W (26-6 at Columbine)
Comment: An auspicious start for Jay Madden, whose Grizzlies took down Columbine in his T-Ridge debut. Next week: at Cherokee Trail, 7 p.m. Friday
Class 4A
Team
Record
Previous
Last week
1. Dakota Ridge
1-0
1
W (23-12 vs. Chatfield)
Comment: One week in, and Eagles already have avenged one of last year’s losses. Next week: at Winter Springs, Fla., 5 p.m. MT Friday
2. Broomfield
1-0
2
W (31-13 vs. Frederick)
Comment: Get to know Kashus Clarvoe. Freshman needed only eight carries to top 100 yards in his varsity debut. Next week: at Monarch, 7 p.m. Friday
3. Montrose
2-0
3
W (48-0 vs. Greeley West)
Comment: Red Hawks have allowed zero first-half points through two games this season. Next week: at 3A No. 10 Palisade, 7 p.m. Sept. 4
4. Palmer Ridge
1-0
4
W (42-14 vs. Ponderosa)
Comment: Ponderosa defenders will be seeing Jackson Mabe (189 yards, 4 TDs rushing) in their nightmares. Next week: at Doherty, 6:30 p.m. Thursday
5. Vista Ridge
2-0
NR
W (50-20 vs. Montbello)
Comment: Wolves made statement with win over Columbine, then rolled for 390 yards, 4 TDs rushing vs. Montbello. Next week: vs. Evanston, Wyo., 7 p.m. Friday
6. Heritage
1-0
5
W (46-13 vs. Severance)
Comment: Nobody had better Week 1 than senior RB Mo Thenell (287 total yards, 3 TDs). Next week: at Arapahoe, 7 p.m. Friday
7. Mesa Ridge
1-0
6
W (28-0 vs. Air Academy)
Comment: That score vs. Air Academy is slightly deceiving. Game was called early due to lightning. Next week: at Northfield, 6 p.m. Thursday
8. Pueblo West
2-0
9
W (39-34 vs. Pueblo County)
Comment: Next four weeks will say a lot about Cyclones: at Pomona, at Lutheran, bye, vs. Vista Ridge. Next week: at 3A No. 2 Pomona, 7 p.m. Friday
9. Golden
1-0
8
Bye
Comment: After rare Week 1 bye, Demons get back at it with road trip this week. Next week: at Brighton, 7 p.m. Friday
10. Riverdale Ridge
1-0
10
W (48-7 vs. Prairie View)
Comment: Going back to last season, Ravens have allowed single digits or less in eight of their last 11 regular-season games. Next week: at Poudre, 6:30 p.m. Friday
Class 3A
Team
Record
Previous
Last week
1. Thompson Valley
1-0
1
W (17-7 vs. Berthoud)
Comment: Eagles have won 15 straight dating back to 3A semifinal loss to Holy Family in 2023. Next week: at Greeley Central, 6:30 p.m. Thursday
2. Pomona
1-0
2
W (49-0 vs. Kennedy)
Comment: Emmitt Munson threw one TD pass, ran two in, and returned a punt for a score. No word on whether he also drove team bus. Next week: 4A No. 8 Pueblo West, 7 p.m. Friday
3. Windsor
1-0
3
W (55-0 at Green Mountain)
Comment: Nobody played better Friday night than Wizards, who dominated Green Mountain from start to finish. Next week: vs. Longmont, 7 p.m. Friday
4. Mead
1-0
4
W (42-0 at Pueblo South)
Comment: Nobody played better Thursday night than Mavericks, who’ve now allowed seven total points in last two games vs. Pueblo South. Next week: at Frederick, 7 p.m. Friday
5. Roosevelt
1-0
5
W (35-0 vs. Northfield)
Comment: A few numbers from the Riders’ shutout of Northfield: 10 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 2 interceptions and one fumble recovery. Next week: at No. 8 Holy Family, 7 p.m. Friday
6. Pueblo East
1-0
8
Bye
Comment: Eagles got week to recover from road win at Fort Morgan. Discovery Canyon should be another tough test. Next week: vs. Discovery Canyon, 7 p.m. Thursday
7. Lutheran
0-1
7
L (55-13 vs. Cooper, Texas)
Comment: Lions might’ve just played toughest game on their whole schedule. Next week: at Fort Morgan, 7 p.m. Thursday
8. Holy Family
1-0
9
W (49-6 at Northridge)
Comment: Tigers defense, which allowed 103 yards and forced four turnovers at Northridge, appears quite salty. Next week: No. 5 Roosevelt, 7 p.m. Friday
9. Green Mountain
0-1
6
L (55-0 at No. 3 Windsor)
Comment: Rams lost several core players from last year’s 3A semifinal team, and it showed in opener. Next week: at Newport Beach-Corona del Mar, 7 p.m. MT Friday
10. Palisade
1-0
NR
W (40-7 at Delta)
Comment: Does Western Slope have another contender? This week’s game against 4A power Montrose will reveal a lot. Next week: vs. 4A No. 3 Montrose, 7 p.m. Thursday
1. Cherry Creek (1-0) at Cardinal Mooney (Fla.), 5 p.m. Friday. Next week: vs. Millard North (Neb.), 7 p.m. Sept. 5.
2. Valor Christian (1-0) at No. 6 Regis Jesuit, 6:30 p.m. Friday. Next week: at Las Vegas-Faith Lutheran, 7 p.m. Sept. 6.
3. Legend (2-0) won vs. No. 9 Grandview, 28-16: Boston College QB commit DJ Bordeaux and junior Kellen Marchand hooked up for two TD passes, the second putting Legend ahead for good in the fourth quarter, and senior Ryken Banks ran for 125 yards and one TD to survive a Grandview upset bid. Bordeaux also threw three interceptions, but a stout Titans defense led by junior Kellen Brown (14 tackles, 1 INT) did enough to keep the Wolves at bay. Next week: at No. 5 Columbine, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 5.
4. Ralston Valley (0-0) at Erie, 6:30 p.m. Friday. Next week: vs. No. 9 Grandview, 7 p.m. Sept. 4.
5. Columbine (0-1) vs. ThunderRidge, 4 p.m. Friday. Next week: vs. No. 3 Legend, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 5.
6. Regis Jesuit (0-1) vs. No. 2 Valor Christian, 6:30 p.m. Friday. Next week: vs. Phoenix-Brophy Prep, 7 p.m. Sept. 5.
7. Fairview (0-0) at Legacy, 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: vs. No. 10 Arvada West, 7 p.m. Sept. 5.
8. Pine Creek (1-1) won vs. Cherokee Trail, 35-21: A lightning delay turned this into a late-night affair, but Pine Creek did enough work early on to take a 21-0 lead into halftime and eventually ride out Trevor Hudson’s first win as Eagles head coach. Caleb Petree and Xavier Lukes both ran in TDs to build the early lead, with Lukes scoring from 58 yards out. Next week: Bye.
9. Grandview (1-1) lost at No. 3 Legend, 28-16: Idaho commit Blitz McCarty threw a pair of touchdown passes, and Noah Galvez drilled a field goal to give the Wolves a 16-15 lead early in the fourth quarter. But the Titans offense answered with back-to-back touchdowns in the final frame to beat Grandview for the second straight season. Next week: at No. 4 Ralston Valley, 7 p.m. Sept. 4.
10. Arvada West (2-0) won vs. Mountain Range, 56-0: The Wildcats dominated on both sides of the ball en route to posting their largest margin of victory since beating Boulder by the same score on Sept. 1, 2022. A-West has outscored its first two opponents 90-13 and is 2-0 for the third straight season heading into a showdown with Fairview. Next week: at No. 7 Fairview, 7 p.m. Sept. 5.
Class 4A
1. Dakota Ridge (0-0) vs. Chatfield, 7:30 p.m. Friday. Next week: at Winter Springs, Fla., 5 p.m. Sept. 5.
2. Broomfield (0-0) vs. Frederick, 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: at Monarch, 7 p.m. Sept. 5.
3. Montrose (1-0) vs. Greeley West, 6 p.m. Friday. Next week: at Palisade, 7 p.m. Sept. 4.
4. Palmer Ridge (0-0) No. 7 Ponderosa, 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: at Doherty, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 4.
5. Heritage (1-0) won vs. Severance, 46-13: Senior running back Mo Thenell gashed Severance for multiple big plays, including a 91-yard screen pass from Jamison Seese and a 49-yard scoring run, as the Eagles offensive machine rolled to a decisive season-opening win. Next week: at Arapahoe, 7 p.m. Sept. 5.
6. Mesa Ridge (1-0) won vs. Air Academy, 28-0: Senior running back Trevon Salas ran in three touchdowns, and senior quarterback Leland Frescaz connected with Kobe Dooley for a score in a game that was called in the third quarter due to lightning. Next week: at Northfield, 6 p.m. Sept. 4.
7. Ponderosa (0-0) at No. 4 Palmer Ridge, 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: vs. Rampart, 7 p.m. Sept. 4.
8. Golden (1-0) on bye: The Demons had the weekend off after scoring a Week 0 victory over Rifle on Aug. 22. Next week: at Brighton, 7 p.m. Sept. 5.
9. Pueblo West (1-0) vs. Pueblo County, 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: at Pomona, 7 p.m. Sept. 5.
10. Riverdale Ridge (0-0) vs. Prairie View, 7 p.m. Friday. Next week: at Poudre, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 5.
Last meeting: Chatfield 42, at Arvada West 0, Sept. 29, 2023
A league title may be a bit of a longshot for Arvada West and Chatfield, but both programs still have a real chance to earn a first-round bye in the 5A state playoffs. And a win here would go a long way toward securing that. A-West picked off Denver East three times en route to a gritty 29-21 win over the Angels last week. That sort of defensive effort will be required against Chatfield, which has a quarterback who can sling it in sophomore Cash Williams (1,125 yards, 12 TDs) and plenty of weapons for him to spread the ball around to.
Fossil Ridge (5-3) vs. No. 10 Fairview (8-0)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Christian Recht Field
Last meeting: Fairview 55, at Fossil Ridge 28, Oct. 20, 2023
Fairview has claimed five league titles in the past six seasons. If this year’s Knights are to meet that standard, they’ll have to beat Fossil Ridge to do it. Throw out a 68-49 shootout win over Fort Collins, and Fairview has been dominant on both sides of the ball. Yet the Knights have beaten only one 5A program (Arvada West) that currently sports a winning record. Consider a matchup against senior QB Nick Kubat (1,881 yards, 25 TDs passing), San Diego State commit Marcus Mozer (40 catches, 631 yards) and Co., a proper test.
Eaglecrest (5-3) vs. Grandview (4-4)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Legacy Stadium
Last meeting: Grandview 39, vs. Eaglecrest 32, Sept. 29, 2023
Could this be a must-win for Grandview’s playoff hopes? With the Wolves sitting at No. 22 on the CHSAA RPI, that just might be the case. A fourth-quarter touchdown staved off a potential upset bid from Cherokee Trail in a 14-13 win last week. Oddly enough, the Raptors lost to the Cougars by the same one-point score. That was the first of two straight losses for Eaglecrest, which could use a win with a matchup against Arapahoe looming in Week 10.
No. 8 Regis Jesuit (5-3) vs. No. 7 Pine Creek (5-3)
When/where: 1 p.m. Saturday at D20 Stadium South
Last meeting: Pine Creek 21, at Regis Jesuit 17, Oct. 6, 2023
Regis Jesuit took its lumps with a freshman quarterback taking snaps to start the season, dropping three straight to a murderer’s row of Valor Christian, Brophy Prep (Ariz.) and Cherry Creek. The Raiders and wunderkind signal-caller Luke Rubley is now reaping the benefits. Regis has ripped off five straight wins, scoring an average of 38.8 points per game as Rubley’s racked up 1,020 yards and nine TDs on 62.7% passing. A trip to the Springs to take on Pine Creek will reveal just how far they’ve come.
CLASS 4A
No. 7 Riverdale Ridge (8-0) vs. No. 4 Broomfield (7-1)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Elizabeth Kennedy Stadium
Last meeting: N/A
Just how much of a threat is Riverdale Ridge in Class 4A? This is the week we find out. The Ravens have bulldozed everything in their path en route to a program-best 8-0 start, outscoring opponents 332-22. The problem? Not a single one of those eight teams currently have a winning record. Now comes a date with 4A blue blood Broomfield, which has outscored its last three opponents 162-0 and is unbeaten against 4A competition. The Ravens defense, led by senior Colton Lancaster (37 tackles, 10 for loss), hasn’t given up a point in 14 quarters. Something’s got to give.
Monarch (6-2) vs. No. 9 Frederick (6-2)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Frederick High
Last meeting: Monarch 30, at Frederick 23, Aug. 31, 2023
A league title and potentially a first-round bye will be up for grabs when the Coyotes head to Frederick on Friday night. The latter has won six straight since starting the season with losses to Broomfield and Mead, topping 40 points in all six victories. Dual-threat senior QB Gavin Ishmael (2,180 total yards, 32 TDs) has been electric for the Golden Eagles, who are eyeing their first unbeaten run through league play in 12 years. A Monarch defense that’s allowed just 19 points over its last three games awaits.
CLASS 3A
Holy Family (4-3) vs. No. 5 Lutheran (7-1)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Lutheran High
Last meeting: Holy Family 33, vs. Lutheran 8, Dec. 2, 2023
Nearly 11 months after meeting in the 3A championship, Holy Family and Lutheran renew their budding rivalry with the 3A Metro League title at stake. Holy Family beat Lutheran twice on its way to the 3A state title last fall, but now the Lions have the upper hand. Lutheran has won four straight since falling to 4A Pueblo West, with the combination of QB Eli Abramson (1,474 yards, 20 TDs passing) and RB Sawyer Wald (1,058 yards, 14 TDs rushing) piling up astronomical numbers in the process. Can Holy Family, which has played and lost to three ranked teams this fall, summon the defensive effort to slow them down?
No. 3 Pomona (5-2) vs. Mountain View (5-2)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Ray Patterson Stadium
Last meeting: N/A
Panther pride has returned to the Pomona football program in its first season at the 3A level. After suffering through a 3-17 stretch in its final two seasons at 5A, Pomona has transformed into a title contender behind dual-threat junior QB Emmitt Munson (1,781 total yards, 10 TDs) and a defense allowing just 8.0 points per game vs. 3A competition. Survive this trip to Mountain View, which saw a four-game win streak ended by No. 4 Thompson Valley last Friday, and the Panthers will move a win away from a winner-take-all Week 11 league showdown with those same T.V. Eagles.
Late this summer, before Columbine began defending its Class 5A football title, senior offensive/defensive lineman DJ Ironshell summed up the Rebels’ football philosophy.
“We just run the ball and let the pads do the talking,” he said.
The Rebels’ pads talked plenty of smack Friday in their 35-14 win over Arvada West at Jeffco Stadium. But the other key in Columbine’s 21st straight victory was its penchant for big plays in big moments.
The first two drives of the game illustrated the point.
A-West, expertly guided by junior quarterback Logan Duhachek, put together an opening 16-play, 52-yard drive to eat nearly nine minutes off the clock. The Wildcats had first-and-10 at the Columbine 17-yard line, but senior linebacker Rory Marez sacked Duhachek for a 9-yard loss. On the next play, sophomore Keith Fischer sacked Duhachek for 11 yards. The Wildcats had to settle for a 52-yard field goal attempt that fell short and wide.
“I think big plays was it for us tonight,” coach Andy Lowry said. “Our defense gave up a lot of yards in between but we got the big plays when we needed them. They had a lot of long drives but came up empty a lot.”
The Rebels’ rushing attack, as it almost always does, produced from the get-go. On Columbine’s first play from scrimmage, junior Mark Snyder bounced off a tackle at the line of scrimmage, cut inside, and sailed 80 yards for a touchdown.
“It wasn’t supposed to go that way, but I just cut back and was in the clear,” said Snyder, who rushed for 166 yards and three touchdowns on 11 carries. “I’m not sure they even knew I had the ball.”
That’s the way the night went. Talented A-West, which fell to 5-2, put up plenty of yards through the air and put together three impressive long drives, but the relentless Rebels (6-0) had a big-play answer every time.
A-West tied the game, 7-7, late in the first quarter on a perfect 26-yard yard touchdown pass from Duhachek to junior wide receiver Keegean Balistreri. Duhachek finished the night completing 30 of 41 passes for 338 yards and two touchdowns. But he also threw three interceptions.
The Rebels quickly retaliated, stinging the Wildcats with a six-play, 59-yard drive with Snyder powering in from the 3-yard line.
Two killer moments haunted A-West just before halftime.
With 16 seconds left, Columbine senior running back James Basinger pulled off a remarkable 20-yard TD jaunt — near the end zone he put a hand down to stay on his feet and pinballed off would-be tacklers — to put Columbine ahead, 21-7. Basinger rushed for 173 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries.
On the ensuing kickoff, A-West’s Caleb Gomez almost returned the ball for a touchdown, but he was dragged down at the 2 as time expired. The Wildcats were also called for holding during the return.
Snyder’s second game-buster of the night came on the fourth play of the second half. He burst through the middle for a 56-yard TD run to give the Rebels a 28-7 lead. That clinched the game for the Rebels.
“James (Basinger) and Mark (Synder) had some monster runs tonight,” Lowry said. “They’re pretty special.”
Columbine’s Mark Snyder (11) protects the ball while charging to the end zone for a touchdown against Arvada West LB Caleb Gomez (27) in the first quarter at Jeffco Stadium in Lakewood, Colorado Friday, Oct. 11, 2024. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Columbine has been dealing with an assortment of bumps, bruises and minor injuries, so practice time was limited for several players this week.
“We have some pretty low numbers (of players) this year and a lot of our guys are playing both ways, so we’re pretty beat up right now,” Lowry said. “This was a next-guy-up night for us. A lot of guys got reps tonight. Right now, we’re just trying to get healthy.”
Next up is a showdown against No. 6 Ralston Valley (6-1).
“We have a big week coming up,” he said. “Last year, our win against Ralston was kind of a turning point for us. They had beaten us the previous couple of years, but last year we came out and out-hit them. That kind of turned it around and everybody kind of noticed how tough our kids were.”
