November 22nd 2024.
The Colorado high school football season is quickly approaching its end, with only three weekends left to determine who will come out on top. As we enter the quarterfinals, let's take a closer look at the remaining teams in each of the state's three largest classifications.
Class 5A
First up, we have an exciting matchup between No. 9 ranked Erie and No. 1 ranked Cherry Creek. Could the reigning 4A champion Tigers pull off a major upset at Stutler Bowl? Their recent success suggests they just might have what it takes to defeat the Bruins, who have won 10 straight games. But Cherry Creek has been a powerhouse in 5A for years, and it will take a near-perfect performance from Erie to end their streak.
Next, we have a showdown between No. 5 ranked Valor Christian and No. 4 ranked Columbine. These two teams rarely meet, but when they do, it's always in the state quarterfinals. In fact, this marks the fourth time since 2013 that they have faced each other in this round. The winner of this matchup has gone on to reach the state title game every time, making it a highly anticipated game. The key question here is whether or not Valor can slow down Columbine's strong running game.
In another highly-anticipated game, we have No. 7 ranked Fairview facing off against No. 2 ranked Mountain Vista. Both teams are undefeated and this game will determine who remains that way. Mountain Vista's senior QB Austyn Modrzewski recently broke the CHSAA career passing yardage record, so it will be up to Fairview's sophomore QB Ki Ellison and senior WR Jordan Rechel to keep pace.
Finally, we have No. 6 ranked Legend taking on No. 3 ranked Ralston Valley. Despite the loss of many key players from last season, Ralston Valley has managed to stay in the mix and is just one win away from their third consecutive state semifinal appearance. Their junior QB Zeke Andrews has proven to be a strong leader, but the Mustangs will have their hands full facing Legend's physical running game led by Wyoming RB commit Jaden Lawrence.
Class 4A
In 4A, there are some exciting matchups as well. First, we have No. 8 ranked Ponderosa facing off against No. 1 ranked Dakota Ridge. Ponderosa has improved greatly over the past month, but the question is whether or not they have what it takes to hang with the dominant Eagles, who have won 10 straight games by a combined score of 393-140. Keep an eye on Ponderosa's senior RB De'alcapon Veazy, who has been on fire during their five-game win streak.
Next, we have No. 5 ranked Broomfield taking on No. 4 ranked Palmer Ridge. These two teams met in the playoffs last year, with Palmer Ridge coming out on top. Broomfield will be looking for revenge this time around, especially with key players like Air Force CB/WR commit Mikhail Benner and QB Darien Jackson returning. But Palmer Ridge has their own strong players, including senior RB Avier Elvira and Air Force O-line commit Court Towns.
In another exciting game, we have No. 7 ranked Mesa Ridge taking on No. 2 ranked Montrose. These two teams have a history, with Montrose coming out on top in all three of their previous meetings. Mesa Ridge will be looking to change that this time around, but they will have to find a way to stop Montrose's powerful running game. If they can't, it looks like another trip to the semifinals for Montrose.
Finally, we have No. 11 ranked Heritage facing off against No. 3 ranked Pueblo West. Heritage is coming off a close win against Durango last week and will be relying on their junior QB Jamison Seese, senior RB Jett Balika, and Nebraska WR commit Tanner Terch to continue their impressive offensive performance. But Pueblo West's defense has been strong all season, allowing only 11.7 points per game. It will be a battle of strength vs. strength in this game.
Class 3A
In 3A, we have some exciting matchups as well. No. 8 ranked Discovery Canyon will take on No. 1 ranked Thompson Valley in a game that pits strength against strength. Discovery Canyon is on an eight-game win streak with a strong rushing attack, while Thompson Valley's defense has only allowed 65 points all season. It's anyone's game in this matchup.
Next, we have No. 13 ranked Severance taking on No. 5 ranked Green Mountain. Severance has had a tough season, narrowly losing to some of the top teams in 3A. But they pulled off a thrilling win against Palisade last week to advance to the quarterfinals. Can they keep their momentum going against a hot Green Mountain team led by senior QB Simon Lunsford?
In another exciting game, we have No. 6 ranked Windsor taking on No. 3 ranked Pomona. Both teams have had a strong season and are looking to secure a spot in the semifinals. Windsor's defense has been dominant, allowing only 45 points in their 10-game win streak, while Pomona has a strong win over Green Mountain under their belt. It will be a tough battle for both teams.
Finally, we have No. 7 ranked Pueblo Central facing off against No. 2 ranked Mead. Pueblo Central is coming off a close win against Lutheran last week and will be looking to continue their playoff success. But Mead has been on a roll, with their strong running game and impressive defense. It will be a tough matchup for Pueblo Central, but they are determined to make it to the semifinals for the first time since 2009.
As we look ahead to these exciting matchups, it's clear that the teams left in the playoffs are all strong contenders. Who will come out on top and secure a spot in the state semifinals? Only time will tell. Make sure to keep up with all the latest sports news by signing up for the Sports Omelette.
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