Colorado High School Football Showdowns: Week 10 Highlights

As the Colorado high school football season approaches its climax, Week 10 promises thrilling matchups featuring teams battling for playoff positioning and league titles. With significant implications for both rankings and morale, fans can expect intense action as teams fight for their chance at glory.

Key Matchups in Class 5A

No. 9 Fountain-Fort Carson (7-2) faces off against No. 8 Pine Creek (6-3) at D20 Stadium South on Friday at 19:00. Pine Creek, currently sitting eighth in the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) seeding index, is in desperate need of a win to secure a first-round bye in the upcoming state playoffs. A key player for the Eagles is junior running back Xavier Lukes, who has been on a roll with 206 yards and two touchdowns from 40 carries in last week’s comeback victory. In contrast, Fountain-Fort Carson counters with junior Da’kari Releford Jr., who has topped 100 rushing yards in eight of nine games this season. This matchup is sure to feature a physical ground game.

Another exciting encounter pits Eaglecrest (6-3) against Arapahoe (5-4) at LPS Stadium, also on Friday at 19:00. The winner is likely to claim the eighth and final first-round bye in the 5A bracket. Arapahoe is aiming for second place in the Centennial League and trails Eaglecrest in the CHSAA seeding index. Senior defensive standout Javon Jones of Eaglecrest will be looking to disrupt Arapahoe’s sophomore quarterback Theo Lee.

In a highly anticipated clash, No. 4 Arvada West (9-0) takes on No. 2 Ralston Valley (9-0) at NAAC Stadium at 19:30. This game carries enormous significance as it will determine the 5A Metro League title. Ralston Valley will be without starting quarterback Zeke Andrews, sidelined due to injury. Backup quarterback Logan Gabler shone in his first start, throwing for five touchdowns last week. However, he faces a formidable A-West defense that has allowed just 14.6 points per game.

Noteworthy Matches in Class 4A and 3A

In Class 4A, Grand Junction (7-2) visits No. 8 Sand Creek (9-0) on Thursday at 19:00. The stakes are high: the winner advances to the 4A state playoffs while the loser will end their season. Last year, Grand Junction ended Sand Creek’s season with a 28-0 victory. This time, Sand Creek will count on junior running back Ethan Mangrum, the state’s leading rusher with 1,861 yards, to secure a win on home turf.

No. 2 Montrose (9-0) is set to play No. 9 Pueblo West (7-2) at Pueblo West High School on Friday at 18:00. Montrose has dominated their opponents this season, entering every fourth quarter with at least a two-possession lead. They are poised to secure a second consecutive unbeaten regular season, while Pueblo West aims to upset the favorites.

In Class 3A, No. 6 Thompson Valley (7-1) takes on No. 5 Roosevelt (5-3) on Thursday at 19:00. The defending champions face a tough road to secure another league title, having only allowed 68 points all season. Meanwhile, Roosevelt’s senior running back Milo Pascual has been instrumental, amassing 351 yards and three touchdowns in recent games.

The final highlight in Class 3A features No. 4 Mead (7-1) squaring off against No. 1 Windsor (8-0) at Windsor High School on Friday at 19:00. Both teams vie for the 3A North 2 League title and a top seed in the state playoffs. Mead’s defense has been exceptional, with players like seniors Carter Woods and Josh Gonsalves leading the charge against a powerful Windsor run game.

In a compelling conclusion, No. 8 Eagle Valley (9-0) clashes with No. 9 Palisade (6-2) on Friday at 19:00. Eagle Valley is on the brink of achieving its first league title since 2005. However, they must overcome Palisade, a team that has historically dominated their matchups, winning 19 consecutive games against the Eagles.

As Week 10 unfolds, the excitement of high school football in Colorado is palpable, with teams poised to leave everything on the field in their pursuit of victory.