Ten of the best high school football games to watch in Colorado this week. Our game of the week is Highlands Ranch vs. ThunderRidge.
Class 5A
Denver East (4-2) vs. Lakewood (5-1)
Today, 6 p.m., Jefferson County Stadium
Lakewood leads the Denver Prep League; the Angels are a half-game back. . . . East was blasted by 4A Broomfield last week, an example of odd scheduling — nonleague in the middle of the league season. . . . East’s Kadeem Hendrix has thrown for 10 touchdowns. . . . Lakewood has won nine of 10 DPL games since joining in 2010. . . . As quarterback Dylan Nelson goes, so do the Tigers — he’s the team leader in passing yards and TDs (386 and four) and rushing yards and TDs (463 and six).
Columbine (6-0) vs. Arapahoe (5-1)
Friday, 4 p.m., Littleton Public Schools Stadium
The Rebels’ Cameron McDondle, All-Colorado by The Denver Post a year ago, is at 1,001 yards rushing, 16 touchdowns and counting. Coach Andy Lowry has provided him breathers, but the strength of the Big 6 is here. . . . Columbine has surrendered only 55 points. . . . Arapahoe’s first loss, 40-23 to Bear Creek last week, included a 20-point hit to its defense in the fourth quarter. . . . Three-time 5A champion Mullen awaits Arapahoe in Week 8.
Grandview (5-1) vs. Cherokee Trail (4-2)
Friday, 7 p.m., Legacy Stadium
The host Cougars won last year’s nearby meeting 20-0, part of four consecutive shutouts after being shut out by Mullen. . . . Grandview led Smoky Hill 43-0 at halftime last week, including a 29-point first quarter. Casius Davis and Tanner Gentry each scored two TDs. . . . Cherokee Trail has scored 56 points in its past two outings. . . . Last week against Overland, Thomas Singleton passed for 111 yards and three TDs and rushed for 245 yards and two TDs.
Montrose (6-0) vs. Grand Junction (6-0)
Friday, 7 p.m., Stocker Stadium
The 4A Indians are coming off a bye week. . . . It’s a 5A-4A Southwestern opener for Montrose. Grand Junction is 1-0. . . . Angelo Youngren is Montrose’s first option — the sophomore has 779 yards rushing and 15 TDs. . . . Quarterback Drew Casebier, a junior, has six TD throws. . . . 5A No. 1 Tigers realize Montrose could be its toughest league foe. . . . Grand Junction’s top three rushers all average in double figure in yards per carry — Jerreon Davis (10.3), Sean Rubalcaba (11.3) and Kimani Robinson (13.0).
Class 4A
Longmont (7-0) vs. Greeley West (4-2)
Today, 7 p.m., District 6 Stadium
It’s a top-10 4A Northern matchup involving the league leaders. . . . The visiting Trojans, who played in Zero Week, will have a bye in Week 10. . . . Quarterback Forrest Wetterstrom has thrown for 15 touchdowns, and D.J. Fowler has rushed for 10 touchdowns. . . . Greeley West took a home hit against Broomfield two weeks ago but pasted city rival Central 38-7 in the previous round. . . . The Spartans will be playing their third of five consecutive games at District 6.
Castle View (6-0) at Valor Christian (6-0)
Friday, 7 p.m.
At least a share of the South Metro lead is at stake. . . . The Sabercats, facing their biggest foe in an abbreviated history, have won every game by at least 15 points. . . . Bryce Lich, Tyler Woodman and Austin Smith have provided steady rushing and scoring. Smith has 11 TD tosses. . . . Castle View has size up front, where the Eagles have been dominant. . . . On a 16-game winning streak, Valor Christian has permitted 19 points in its last four outings.
Class 3A
Holy Family (6-0) vs. John F. Kennedy (6-0)
Saturday, 10 a.m., All-City Field
The winner will be up one game with three to play in the Metro North. . . . The Tigers’ Connor Clay is coming off a sparkling 222 yards and two TDs in a 28-5 decision of Skyview. . . . Gintas Jarasius leads Holy Family with 21 catches for a whopping 29.9 average. . . . JFK, fresh from its biggest win in years, 21-13 over D’Evelyn, has it going on, notably Kyle Trinidad, who has 1,094 yards rushing and 18 TDs. . . . Make no mistake — the Commanders are stout up front on both sides.
Cañon City (6-0) vs. Lewis-Palmer (5-1)
Friday, 7 p.m., Don Breese Stadium
Cañon City’s Tigers are in command of the South Central, with the Rangers a half-game back. . . . Cañon City has shared the wealth — R.J. Stainbrook is tops on the team with 614 yards on the ground and seven TDs, but Tyler Templeton (six TDs), Brandon Rix (five) and Colt Palmer (four rushing, seven passing) aren’t far behind. . . . Six Lewis-Palmer backs have at least 132 yards rushing, headed by Nick Thornton’s 267. . . . The Rangers come off a 14-9 win of newer rival Palmer Ridge.
Class 2A
Eaton (5-1) at Brush (6-0)
Friday, 7 p.m., Beetdigger Stadium
The winner has the 2A Patriot League lead. . . . After losing 7-6 to 3A Windsor, Eaton has outscored its last five opponents by an aggregate 235-20. . . . Austin Eckler leads the Reds with 575 yards and 11 TDs. . . . Running back Connor Weisser missed the Wray game in Week 3, yet still leads the Beetdiggers with 525 yards and seven TDs. . . . Brush’s Mitch Tormohlen has nine TD passes among his 33 completions.
