We have two teams in Class 5A off to 6-0 starts that have yet to crack The Denver Post/9News poll.
Whether it’s parity created by realignment, the way the schedule fell, underestimation of emerging programs, the Boise State syndrome or just plain, dumb luck, neither seems worried about it.
“These teams that are ranked in the top 10, they’re tough,” Highlands Ranch coach Darrel Gorham said. “Unfortunately, we don’t rank 15.”
No, not even in a season that continues with Mullen way ahead of a long line of programs that are still trying to find out how good they really are.
Still, it’s different — Highlands Ranch and Ralston Valley, in its first season since moving up to 5A, have the same record as Mullen, Regis Jesuit, Columbine and Rangeview, an unusually high number of undefeateds this late.
Highlands Ranch, which had only one senior starter in finishing 7-3 in 2009, returned talent and experience from a group that surprisingly tied for the Continental League title.
“The kids have settled in and have done a good job focusing week to week,” Gorham said. Individually, he added, “we don’t have Notre Dame knocking down our door” looking for recruits.
The Falcons enter Week 7 tied with Regis Jesuit for the Continental lead.
As for Ralston Valley, coach Matt Loyd has been employing an unusual mix of shotgun and double-wing offense. Followers have seen wholesale changes during drives.
“For once in my 20 years, we have an abundance of linemen,” he said.
One bunch is bigger and slower, he said. The other is smaller but more athletic.
Hence, the Mustangs, who were never afraid to throw or operate out of a pro set while in 4A, have been free to mix their approach.
“It’s a way for everybody to contribute,” Loyd said. “It seems to be keeping everyone happy.
The Mustangs are tied with Pomona for the Super 6 lead.
“We’re pleased with the start,” Loyd said.
Footnotes.
In my younger days, I saw the Grateful Dead — including when the band’s founding members performed solo gigs — some 40 times. I indicate this to you because Pueblo West’s trainer is one Jerri Garcia. . . . Senior running back Nick Ufkes, 22 yards from reaching 1,000 for 2A top- ranked Aspen, tore knee ligaments last week against Basalt and is done for the season. . . . These guys are rare — Regis Jesuit linebacker Michael O’Dwyer not only piles up tackles and has a grade-point average higher than 4.0, he also qualified for the state swimming championships in the sprints the past winter. . . . Hoehne punished Manzanola 81-19 last week in 8-man. The Farmers’ 53 points in a quarter tied Montrose’s effort a year ago against Adams City, and their 75 points in the first half surpassed the previous mark of Woodlin (66 against Arickaree in 2005).
Neil H. Devlin: 303-954-1714 or ndevlin@denverpost.com
