(1) Grandview (10-0) at (17) East (7-3), All-City Stadium, Saturday, 1 p.m. Defending champion Wolves turned 21 the past week, as in consecutive games won, including six in the playoffs. . . . Angels carry Denver hopes behind running back Quentin Hildreth and tight end DaVaughn Thornton, also possesses speed and quickness.
(9) Cherry Creek (8-2) at (8) Bear Creek (8-2), Jefferson County Stadium, Saturday, 7 p.m. Bruins regrouped the past week after taking hits from Mullen and Grandview to end the regular season. . . . There can be no argument — Bruins’ T.J. Shantz is a player in both backfields. . . . Bears have had their defensive issues, but there’s little doubt about their scoring ability. Tommy Flanagan, Zach Thenell, Dajuan Mack and the boys know how to get into the end zone.
(4) Pomona (9-1) at (20) Chatfield (6-4), Jefferson County Stadium, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. It’s a rematch. Visiting Panthers won the first meeting, 48-28, in Week 6 in the Big 8 League. . . . Pomona’s Donovan Bowens has played through injuries and is about as good of a rusher as this state has. . . . Five of Chatfield’s games have been decided by six points or fewer.
(12) Arvada West (7-3) at (5) Columbine (9-1), Jefferson County Stadium, Saturday, noon. Another Big 8 do-over — Columbine downed the Wildcats 34-17 in Week 5. . . . State this for A-West: The ‘Cats entered the season with more holes than the Republican Party, yet here they are. . . . The Rebels will be without four starters because of suspensions from a party involving alcohol, according to athletic director Ed Woytek.
(15) Cherokee Trail (7-3) at (2) Rocky Mountain (10-0), J. Ray French Field, Friday, 7 p.m. First-year-in-5A Cherokee Trail dropped its opening two games but has settled in. . . . Mustangs have size, speed, talent and tight end Kendall Gregory-McGee. . . . The Lobos’ senior class is loaded with winners, notably quarterback Bryan Peters, receiver-returner Jake Stewart and receiver J.T. Leidholt.
(10) Chaparral (8-2) at (7) Mullen (8-2), Brother Bernard Kinneavy de La Salle Stadium, Saturday, 1 p.m. Wolverines have definitely turned it around in all areas. And there’s incentive — quarterback Jerry Slota, who has had a strong season, began his prep career at Mullen. . . . Hmm, Mustangs took only one in-state hit, yet somehow were seeded seventh.
(14) Douglas County (7-3) at (3) ThunderRidge (10-0), Shea Stadium, Friday, 7 p.m. In the season opener, its first-ever meeting, ThunderRidge won 41-35 in overtime. . . . In his past six playoff games, Huskies senior running back Jose Astorga has 1,145 yards and 17 touchdowns. . . . Grizzlies have been convincing in their first year in 5A. A healthy Chris Nwoke is arguably one of the top three rushers on any level.
(11) Poudre (8-2) at (6) Legacy (9-1), Adams 12 North Stadium, Friday, 7 p.m. These two played in Week 8. Legacy won 21-14. . . . Visiting Impalas aren’t that big but are $5 steak tough. Top rusher Josh Morton has been steady all season. . . . Legacy still trying to establish its offense, but its defense has been there every game. It helps that Legacy’s top national recruit, Nick Kasa, can line up wherever he wants.
Neil H. Devlin, The Denver Post
