Ten of the best high school football games to watch in Colorado this week. Our game of the week is Pomona vs. Ralston Valley.
Class 5A
Bear Creek (5-2) vs. Columbine (7-0)
Today, 7 p.m., Jefferson County Stadium
This is always one to watch, the passing Bears against the running Rebels in a Big 6 matchup, two Jefferson County teams that have been going at it for many years. . . . Bears quarterback Sean Flanagan has a 5A-leading 20 touchdown passes (three last week against Chatfield). . . . Of Columbine’s seven opponents, only Arapahoe has a winning record. . . . A main Bears objective: stopping the Rebels’ Cameron McDondle, who has 1,161 yards and 17 TDs.
Horizon (6-1) vs. Fort Collins (4-3)
Today, 4 p.m., J. Ray French Field
The Hawks have won six in a row. They have allowed only 38 points since getting shut out in Week 1. . . . Horizon wins at least a piece of the Front Range League crown with a victory. . . . Five Hawks rushed for TDs in last week’s 40-14 rout of Fossil Ridge, including Andrew Patrick (team-high 138 yards). . . . The Lambkins didn’t protect a fourth-quarter lead against rival Rocky Mountain and lost in overtime.
ThunderRidge (5-2) at Regis Jesuit (5-2)
Friday, 7 p.m., Lou Kellogg Stadium
The mistake-prone Grizzlies were reeling after last week’s 33-14 loss to co- Continental-leading Highlands Ranch. But they get another opportunity against the defending league champion Raiders, who are tied with the Falcons for the southern suburban lead at 3-0. . . . The Raiders have won four consecutive games with a 118-point barrage. . . . Regis Jesuit has thrown nine interceptions, but running back Jordan Jungers has piled up 940 yards and 12 TDs.
Rangeview (5-2) at Westminster (5-2)
Friday, 7 p.m., District 50 Memorial Stadium
This showdown figures to determine the East Metro champion. . . . The Raiders have won 12 consecutive league games. . . . Armon Brown had 230 yards rushing and two TDs, helping Range- view beat Northglenn 35-28. . . . Westminster took a big hit, losing 42-14 to Gateway last week, but has a playoff berth for the first time since 1991. A victory ensures playing for at least a share of the league title in Week 9.
Class 4A
Longmont (8-0) at Broomfield (6-1)
Friday, 7 p.m., Elizabeth Kennedy Stadium
The Trojans lead the Northern at 4-0; the Eagles are 3-0. . . . Longmont hurdled Greeley West 28-27 last week. Quarterback Forrest Wetterstrom was 7-of-9 passing for 112 yards and two TDs. He also rushed for 85 yards and a TD. . . . Broomfield was pounded by Monarch 42-14 in Week 3 but is on a four-game roll, including last week’s 49-13 drubbing of Thompson Valley. Jose Fraire rushed for three TDs.
Class 3A
Mountain View (5-2) vs. Silver Creek (6-1)
Friday, 7 p.m., Everly-Montgomery Field
The winner of this game will be up one with two to play in the Northern. . . . Mountain Lions senior Tanner Stark needed just 15 carries to gain 196 yards and score three TDs last week in a 50-9 rout of Skyline. . . . Silver Creek has been dominant, winning six consecutive games by at least 21 points. . . . Austin Apodaca ranks second among all classes in yards passing (1,871) and touchdown passes (24). He has thrown only four interceptions.
Class 2A
The Academy (6-1) at Faith Christian (5-2)
Friday, 7 p.m.
Exclusive control of the Flatirons awaits this winner. . . . The Academy Wildcats, seeking their first playoff berth, have lost only to Alamosa (by one point) and are facing their toughest opponent. . . . Barron Underwood’s 1,378 yards rushing and 15 TDs lead The Academy. . . . The Eagles, up and down in a more demanding schedule, are fresh off a 47-0 waxing of Mead. . . . Alex Buchmann has 1,201 yards passing, and Oran Tool paces a balanced running game with 458 yards.
Brush (7-0) at Strasburg (5-2)
Friday, 7 p.m., Winter Field
The Beetdiggers are riding high, and they’re thankful after surviving a 42-41 shootout with Eaton in overtime last week. . . . Quarterback Mitch Tormohlen has thrown for 10 touchdowns and running back Connor Weisser has rushed for 10 touchdowns, including last week’s game-winner. . . . Strasburg is one of three teams a game off the Patriot pace set by Brush. . . . Eleven Indians had a rushing attempt in last week’s 40-20 victory over University. . . . Jordan Ross’ eight TDs power the Strasburg running game.
Class 1A
Peyton (6-1) at Burlington (7-0)
Friday, 7 p.m., Consbruck Field
This winner will have no less than a tie for the South Central title. . . . It has been a big year so far for Peyton star Cole Ellis — 406 yards passing (six TDs) and 861 yards rushing (seven TDs). . . . Defending 1A champion Burlington has won 18 games in a row, eight in league play. . . . The Cougars continue to get contributions from everywhere. Christian Ramos, averaging 8.7 yards per carry, has 11 touchdowns. Stetson Corman has thrown for nine TDs.
