The Class 4A playoff picture is further proof the 16-team format is ideal, even with a swollen field of 55 teams in the mix.
Sure, one could argue about which order the teams should be seeded (as always), but the matchups seem to have most coaches satisfied.
The records, thankfully, spoke loudly. Three teams are undefeated, six have just one loss, and five have two losses. That leaves just Loveland (7-3) and George Washington (6-4) as the teams with fewer than eight wins.
“Every team is solid,” Pueblo South coach Mark Haering said.
And for those left out, there can be few gripes.
Only four teams that finished the season with winning records will stay home this week: Pueblo Centennial, Brighton, Aurora Central and Grand Junction.
Looking for new faces from last season’s playoff picture? Got five of them: George Washington, Wheat Ridge, Mesa Ridge, Cherokee Trail and Loveland.
If you’re looking for postseason rematches from last season, you’ll have to wait until the next round when Ralston Valley could meet Broomfield (the Mustangs won 22-7 last year).
Looking for feel-good stories? Got a lot of them:
How about Montrose, behind linemen Derek Sykes, J.C. Franklin and Ty Shaw, winning its first league title in 16 years? Or Cherokee Trail’s prolific passing attack carrying the Cougars into the playoffs in their first year at 4A? Or Wheat Ridge emerging from the woodwork with a 9-1 mark and the high seed from the rough-and-tumble Mountain Plains League? Or Fountain-Fort Carson winning the Pikes Peak League in its second season at 4A? George Washington is in the postseason for the first time since 2001.
Or how about Colorado Springs-based Mesa Ridge having its first winning season and consequently its first playoff berth under first-year coach Rob Braaten?
“The kids are real excited,” Braaten said.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
4A football
MONARCH (10-0) VS. BROOMFIELD (8-2)
And you thought this rivalry was done since Broomfield moved out of the Skyline League? This should be a real treat considering the history of these proud programs, each with veteran coaches. Both teams run the ball and take away the run extremely well. Neither is exceptionally fast and both have struggled throwing the ball when forced. A true even battle. This could be one of the best No. 1 vs. 16 matchups in a long, long time.
GEORGE WASHINGTON (6-4) VS. RALSTON VALLEY (9-1)
Good news, bad news for the Patriots. First, the good: The Patriots win a league title and deserve to be in the playoffs. They have speed in the backfield and skill in the key positions. Bad news: They get 2005 semifinalist and preseason No. 2 Ralston Valley. The Mustangs are physical and will dominate if the Patriots try to run it right at them. Getting into the open will be key for the Patriots, offensively. The Mustangs need to get back to playing without the mistakes that have hurt them down the stretch.
WHEAT RIDGE (9-1) VS. WASSON (8-2)
Your 4A old-school offering of the week is here. Farmers vs. Thunderbirds. Two teams reborn after some rough stretches and led by coaches passionate about winning – and winning right. Wheat Ridge’s physicality has been hard to match. Wasson’s lack of has been its downfall in the past two seasons. However, the T-Birds can counter with quick-strike players, a little more speed than the Farmers and general athleticism. This will be about tempo and style, the team that imposes it should win it.
FOUNTAIN-FORT CARSON (9-1) VS. LITTLETON (8-2)
Speed will be on display at arguably 4A’s best home stadium. Both teams have tremendous skill players and speed on both sides of the ball, although the Trojans might have the quicker defense. The Lions, however, have a more established passing game to keep them on their toes. Running backs Jamaal Johnson (Trojans) and Marcus Brogan (Lions) are worth the trip. Johnson is fast and shifty, Brogan is churning power.
GREELEY WEST (10-0) VS. MESA RIDGE (8-2)
Welcome to the playoffs, Mesa Ridge. The Grizzlies’ first winning season earns them a date with a veteran-coached Spartans’ program. The key to this game is Grizzlies running back Kenny Galbearth, who ran for more than 2,000 yards this season. If the Spartans stop him, everything tips in their favor. That all starts up front where Greeley West is bigger and more physical than what Mesa Ridge saw on a week-to-week basis. Of course, the Spartans’ offense commands respect with a passing and ground game led by the Morgan brothers – Rex and Blake.
THUNDERRIDGE (9-1) VS. PINE CREEK (9-1)
If two-time defending champion ThunderRidge could say something right now, it might be a nonchalant whistle. Remember the Grizzlies? They kind of hope you don’t. Just like in 2004 when they strolled into the playoffs nice and quiet and left screaming with a state trophy overhead. Pine Creek has its hands full, especially on offense. The Eagles don’t spread it out too much, which could make cracking the Grizzlies’ defense tough if they let them stack the box.
MONTROSE (8-2) VS. CHEROKEE TRAIL (9-1)
Stop us if you’ve heard this before: Montrose gets into the playoffs against an up-and-comer from the Skyline League? Last year it was Littleton, this time it’s the Cougars, who are playing their first season in 4A. If you like a matchup of different styles, this is it. The Indians will run, the Cougars will pass. Neither does the other exceptionally well. The Indians want things bunched up and physical, the Cougars want things fast and spread out. This should be good.
PUEBLO SOUTH (10-0) VS. LOVELAND (7-3)
You might develop a bruise just reading this. Either that or your dentist will urge you to watch this game from a safe distance. Line ’em up, smash ’em up, and run, run, run. Both programs are a playoff tradition and both want to run you over and then demoralize you with a well-timed pass. There will be few secrets here. It all comes down to individual execution.
(BRIAN FORBES)
Playoffs: In bracket order
FIRST ROUND
(16) Broomfield (8-2) at (1) Monarch (10-0), Saturday, 1 p.m., Warrior Field
(9) Ralston Valley (9-1) at (8) George Washington (6-4), Saturday, 1 p.m., All-City Stadium
(13) Wasson (8-2) at (4) Wheat Ridge (9-1), Friday, 7 p.m., Jefferson County Stadium
(12) Littleton (8-2) at (5) Fountain-Fort Carson (9-1), Friday, 7 p.m., Guy Barickman Stadium
(14) Mesa Ridge (8-2) at (3) Greeley West (10-0), Saturday, 1 p.m., District 6 Stadium
(11) Pine Creek (9-1) at (6) ThunderRidge (9-1), Friday, 7 p.m., Shea Stadium
(10) Cherokee Trail (9-1) at (7) Montrose (8-2), Saturday, 1 p.m.
(15) Loveland (7-3) at (2) P. South (10-0), Friday, 7 p.m., Dutch Clark Stadium
Quarterfinals: Nov. 18
Semifinals: Nov. 25
Championship: Dec. 2 at Invesco Field
