Regis Jesuit (8-0) vs. Highlands Ranch (7-1)
Today, 7 p.m., Shea Stadium
The visiting Raiders, ranked No. 2 in The Denver Post/9News Class 5A poll, have been impressive all season and continue to point toward their best finish. An undefeated regular season would be uplifting for a program that last made the big-school final in 1983. . . . Regis Jesuit’s defense, topped by leading tackler Michael O’Dwyer, has given up only 94 points. . . . A Highlands Ranch victory forces a tie with the Raiders for the 5A Continental League title, and a three-way tie if Chaparral downs Mountain Vista on Friday.
Rangeview (8-0) vs. Thornton (3-5)
Friday, 7 p.m., Five Star Stadium
Rangeview is on its second of three meetings on the road. . . . The Raiders have clinched at least a tie for the 5A East Metro and beat second-place Northglenn, a game off the pace, in Week 7. . . . In 72 attempts, quarterback Jaleel Awini has 16 touchdown passes and one interception. . . . Long-struggling Thornton has been outscored by an aggregate 206-27 the past four weeks, including 91-6 by Hinkley and Westminster, which are a combined 5-11. . . . However, Thornton, 4-35 from 2006-09, has its most victories since 2005.
Ralston Valley (8-0) vs. Fairview (4-4)
Friday, 7 p.m., Christian Recht Field
In Ralson Valley’s 11th season, and first in 5A, the Mustangs are one of an unusually high five programs still unbeaten this late. They outlasted Pomona a week ago and are in command of the Super 6. . . . Ralston Valley has thrown for only three touchdowns. . . . Last week, Fairview had enough to beat Boulder for the third time in a row, 10-7. . . . Sophomore RB Cole Schiefele got his chance after injuries hampered the Knights’ backfield and he delivered the game-winning 27-yard TD in the third quarter.
Longmont (6-3) |vs. Loveland (4-4)
Today, 7 p.m., Ray Patterson Field
This will be it for Longmont. The Trojans played in Zero Week and will have a bye in Week 10. . . . Both teams lost to 4A Northern-leading Broomfield, so it will weigh heavy for the runner-up spot. . . . Loveland lost three of its first four games but has since reversed itself — the Indians enjoyed three Northern blowouts around an 10-7 setback in nonleague at Fruita Monument. . . . Leaning on bruising rusher Connor Medberry remains the Indians’ thing. The senior had a school-record 315 yards Oct. 1 against Niwot.
Widefield (7-1) at Pueblo West (6-2)
Friday, 7 p.m., Cyclone Stadium
Control of the 4A Foothills is at stake. . . . Widefield’s first stumble was frustrating — the Gladiators led longtime area power Pueblo South 14-7 at halftime, then surrendered 22 consecutive points. . . . The Glads’ Chris Ashe is averaging 8.0 yards per carry, he has piled up 1,668 yards and 24 TDs. . . . Since edging previously top-ranked Pine Creek in Week 6, Pueblo West has thumped two foes by a combined 93-7. . . . Playmaking QB Connor Roumph has thrown nine TDs, seven to TE Ian Imamura.
Wheat Ridge (8-0) vs. Prairie View (5-3)
Friday, 7 p.m.
Top-ranked Wheat Ridge has won nine consecutive regular-season games and 27 of 28 since the beginning of 2008. . . . Nick Swanson’s 5-yard TD run in the first quarter last week began a 22-0 victory against Standley Lake, the Farmers’ third shutout of the season. . . . Prairie View is coached by Rocky Schneider, The Denver Post MVP of the 1993 6A championship game for Overland. . . . Trask Green-Schoenfeld leads all ThunderHawks rushers with 879 yards. Josiah Cannon has added nine rushing touchdowns.
Ponderosa (6-2) at Valor Christian (5-3)
Friday, 7 p.m.
After a 14-7 setback to No. 1 Wheat Ridge in Week 1, Ponderosa has won six of seven games with the only loss to 5A Highlands Ranch. . . . The Mustangs have won their past three by a combined 151-9. . . . The winner will have control of the 4A South Metro. . . . Valor Christian, defending 3A champion, began 1-3 with all losses to 5A programs. . . . The Eagles have given up five points over the past 16 quarters. . . . Freshman Christian McCaffrey has rushed for 10 TDs, caught passes for two more and completed a pass.
Skyview (6-2) vs. John F. Kennedy (4-4)
Saturday, 1 p.m., All-City Stadium
The Wolverines are in command of the 3A Metro North. They ended a 28-game losing streak in coach Bill Nelson’s first year, in 2006, and realize what’s in front of them — after JFK, second-place Centaurus awaits. . . . Workhorse RB Kyle Bowers has been terrific with 1,339 yards and 19 TDs. . . . The Commanders still have an outside shot at a piece of their first league championship since 1993. . . . JFK’s Kyle Trinidad has rushed for seven TDs and Braden Miltenberger has thrown for nine.
Bishop Machebeuf (6-2) at Faith Christian (6-2)
Friday, 7 p.m.
Breakout season? You can’t understand unless you’re a Buffalo. Bishop Machebeuf is assured of its first winning season since 1989. . . . From 1990-2009, the Buffs were a woeful 38-142. . . . The winner will clinch at least a tie for the 2A Flatirons, up one with one to play. . . . Bishop Machebeuf’s Kevin Murphy has tossed for 11 touchdowns. . . . Defending state champion Faith Christian, after going 49-2 from 2006-09, began 2010 2-2. But the Eagles have won four straight games, including 131 points their past eight quarters.
Limon (8-0) at Burlington (7-1)
Friday, 7 p.m.
The winner earns the 1A South Central crown. . . . No. 2 Limon had early work — the Badgers beat Byers by six points and were able to down longtime nemesis Akron by 35-27. . . . Limon has won each of its past four games by at least 27 points. . . . Brett Schmidt has risen as one of 1A’s better options. He has piled up 1,196 yards rushing and 18 TDs. . . . Ten of Spencer Cure’s 50 completions have gone for touchdowns for No. 3 Burlington. . . . The Cougars have won six straight games.
