Denver Post staff writer Jon E. Yunt takes a look ahead at the action in high school sports:
FOOTBALL
Intriguing to say the least
The nonleague slate of football games early in the season usually is about as interesting as watching grass grow. But Class 4A No. 2 Monarch hosting Class 5A No. 5 Cherry Creek on Friday night is tantalizing. People have been begging the Coyotes, who play their home games at Centaurus, to test themselves against 5A foes for years, and now they will.
Also of note this week: Did you notice who was off to a 2-0 start? The South Park Burros, who notched their second win over Cripple Creek-Victor last week, struggled, to say the least, over the last few seasons but are off to a flying start. Under the direction of former Bronco J.R. McMillin, the Burros open Metro North League play Saturday against Front Range Christian.
CROSS COUNTRY
Liberty Bell
The premier event on the Colorado cross country schedule is Friday at Heritage High School. Harriers from every corner of the state will be on hand for four divisions of both boys and girls races. Dakota Ridge’s dynamic duo of Evan Appel (the Class 5A boys champion) and Kaitie Vanatta (last year’s runner-up after two wins in Class 4A in 2005 and 2006) are expected to run.
VOLLEYBALL
Remember the Titans
The reigning Class 3A runners-up from The Classical Academy hit the meat of their Tri-Peaks League schedule tonight against Manitou Springs. Outside hitter Kerri Taylor and setter Lauren Alejo, who are just two of 10 returnees on the Titans’ roster, will face an even tougher test on Saturday against Buena Vista before next Thursday’s clash with defending state champion and rival Colorado Springs Christian.
FIELD HOCKEY
Tough Buffs
Smoky Hill is off to a great start, having already posted a victory over traditional foe Cherry Creek. The Buffs host Colorado Academy on Saturday at 11 a.m. at The Stutler Bowl. The Mustangs bounced back nicely earlier this week against the unified Fort Collins team (a.k.a. The Poudre School District Fire) after back-to-back one-goal losses to Cherry Creek and East to start the month.
