Class 5A
Chaparral (2-2) vs. Fairview (3-1)
When/where: 7 p.m. Thursday at Recht Field
Last meeting: Chaparral 37, vs. Fairview 8, Nov. 6, 2015
The Wolverines took down a 5A blue blood in Week 1 (35-21 vs. Eaglecrest), and get the chance to beat another on the road Thursday. The Knights rebounded from a Week 2 loss at Castle View with back-to-back shutout wins. Freshman DE Brock Kolstad (4.0 TFLs) is one of four Knights with three or more tackles for loss. The challenge against Chaparral: Containing do-everything quarterback Kylan Wilson, who has run and passed for over 100 yards apiece in all four games this season.
No. 3 Columbine (4-0) vs. No. 1 Valor Christian (4-0)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Valor Stadium
Last meeting: Columbine 37, at Valor Christian 30, Nov. 22, 2019
Two 5A heavyweights meet in a game that will say a lot about both teams’ state title hopes. Columbine is one of only two Colorado programs to beat Valor in the past four years (Cherry Creek is the other). If the Rebels are going to pull the upset again, ironman Seth Cromwell (501 yards rushing, 10 TDs) and Columbine’s ground-and-pound must control the ball. Given that Valor has held its four opponents to 20 points combined through four games, that’s easier said than done.
No. 2 Cherry Creek (3-1) vs. No. 5 Regis Jesuit (3-1)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at D. Kellogg Stadium
Last meeting: Cherry Creek 29, vs. Regis Jesuit 6, Nov. 20, 2020
For the second time in five weeks, the Raiders take on one of the top two teams in 5A. In Week 1, the Regis defense hung with top-ranked Valor Christian but ultimately lost 24-6. Now comes a test against a Creek team that’s won 25 consecutive games against Colorado opponents. The Raiders have outscored teams 129-45 since losing to Valor, with quarterback Exander Carroll throwing eight touchdown passes and running for 187 yards and two scores.
Class 4A
Vista PEAK Prep (3-1) vs. No. 10 Ponderosa (3-1)
When/where: 7 p.m. Thursday at EchoPark Stadium
Last meeting: First meeting
The Mustangs have come a long way since a 42-0 loss to 5A Legend in Week 1. The offense scored 35 or more points in the succeeding three games — all wins. Freshman QB Andrew Heidel, who threw four interceptions vs. Legend, has completed 22 of 37 passes for 291 yards and three TDs, and running back Zachary Pekarek has 315 yards and five TDs. The Bison are coming off their first loss, 27-26 vs. Heritage, with QB Jordy Ruiz throwing for 554 yards and eight TDs the last two weeks.
No. 1 Palmer Ridge (4-0) vs. Lakewood (3-1)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Jeffco Stadium
Last meeting: First meeting
The ascension of Palmer Ridge football continues with its first meeting against a 5A opponent in program history. The 3A power-turned-4A contender has been a wrecking ball thus far, with sophomore QB Derek Hester (908 yards passing, nine TDs) and senior WR/DB Anthony Costanzo (218 yards receiving, three interceptions) among the main reasons. The Tigers have plenty of firepower of their own, including senior RB Connor Ladd, who has 844 total yards and 12 TDs this season.
No. 4 Chatfield (4-0) vs. No. 2 Pine Creek (4-0)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at District 20 Stadium
Last meeting: Chatfield 50, at Pine Creek 39, Sept. 2, 2016
This meeting will offer an early litmus test for a pair of 4A contenders that started the season outside the state rankings. Pine Creek has barely been challenged through four weeks. Senior QB Josiah Roy (546 yards passing, 362 rushing) has taken another step in his development, and the defense has been lights out in holding teams to 27 total points. The Chargers will offer the sternest test yet, however, with a ground game that’s compiled 1,019 yards and 14 TDs.
No. 7 Erie (4-0) vs. Skyline (3-1)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Everly-Montgomery Field
Last meeting: Erie 34, at Skyline 17, Sept. 14, 2012
A week after steamrolling a short-handed Longmont squad 50-6, the Tigers’ degree of difficulty steps up a notch with a matchup against Skyline. Outside of a 33-21 loss to No. 8 Golden, the Falcons defense led by junior Maddox Leggett (31 tackles, 5.0 for loss) has been outstanding. They should provide plenty of resistance for sophomore QB Blake Barnett (659 yards passing, five TDs) and an Erie run game that averages 9.0 yards per carry.
Class 3A
No. 8 Holy Family (2-1) vs. 2A No. 2 Resurrection Christian (2-0)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Resurrection Christian
Last meeting: First meeting
In the first meeting between these two small private school powers, the Cougars get to punch up against their 3A counterparts to the south. Senior OLB/DE Justin Hawthorne (17 tackles, 5.0 for loss) leads a stout Resurrection Christian defense that has yet to surrender a point through two games. Extending that streak against the Tigers will be a tall task, with senior running back Jacob Lawver entering the game with 100-plus yards rushing in two of three games this season.
