In the last week of non-conference action, here are the top area gridiron games to watch out for on Thursday and Friday:
Lakewood (4-0) at Fossil Ridge (3-1), Thursday 6 p.m. French Field: The Tigers are off to an undefeated start this fall thanks to the play of junior quarterback Ezekiel Sundberg (119.1 QBR) as well as the senior backfield duo of Rudy Maestas and Brock Miller, both of whom have eight TDs this fall. But the Sabercats have plenty of playmakers of their own, including senior quarterback Griffin Roberts, who is a threat to run and pass.
No. 5 Grandview (3-1) at Cherokee Trail (2-2), Thursday 7 p.m. Legacy Stadium: After a bounce-back victory over Cherry Creek last week, John Schultz’s Wolves will no doubt look to senior running back Hayden Blubaugh to carry the load against CTHS. Thus, the key battles in this game will occur in the trenches, as itap up to senior linebacker Josh Zambrano, senior defensive lineman Max Gonzales and the rest of the Cougars defense to stifle the Grandview attack.
No. 8 Valor Christian (1-3) at No. 9 Cherry Creek (2-2), Thursday 7 p.m. Stutler Bowl: Quarterback Dylan McCaffrey and the Eagles look to get back on track after losing a thriller to top-ranked Pomona last week, and this will be Valor Christian’s final arduous non-league test before they begin play in the Mount Lincoln Conference next week. As for the Bruins, the legitimacy of their defense has never been in question—rather, success against VCHS will come down to the strides sophomore quarterback Alex Padilla and the CCHS offense have made in practice since being held to just six points in a loss to Grandview last week.
No. 7 Fairview (4-0) at Arapahoe (2-2), Friday 7 p.m. Littleton Public Schools Stadium: The Knights haven’t skipped a beat since the graduation of last year’s star quarterback Thomas Creese, as senior signal caller Jake Willemsen already has 11 TDs and nearly 1,000 yards through the air. Willemsen’s big targets are seniors Quinn Sharp, David McWilliams and Tommy Wakefield. Meanwhile, the Warriors look to return to winning ways following consecutive losses and are led by senior quarterback Connor Desch and an array of potent running backs.
No. 6 Regis Jesuit (3-1) at Mountain Vista (3-1), Friday 7 p.m. Shea Stadium: Danny Filleman’s Raiders will have their hands full with the MVHS aerial attack managed by senior quarterback Judd Erickson, who leads all of 5A with 1,456 passing yards. But Regis Jesuit has its fair share of dynamic playmakers as well, for senior running back Alfred Jones, junior running back DJ Jackson and senior wideout Quentin Birch can each bust a big play at any given moment.
Monarch (2-2) at No. 6 Broomfield (3-1), Friday 7 p.m. Broomfield High School: After a narrow loss to Legacy in the season opener, first-year coach Blair Hubbard’s Eagles have reeled off three straight wins. BHS senior Jalon Torres is one of the most underrated running backs in Colorado, and for Monarch, a physical offensive line that complements the senior backfield tandem of Zach Bastres and Alex Bradfield is sure to test the strength of the Eagles’ defensive front.
No. 4 Pine Creek (2-2) at Ralston Valley (2-2), Friday 7 p.m. North Area Athletic Complex: In a showdown between a traditional 4A powerhouse and an established 5A program, the Eagles and the Mustangs will showcase smashmouth football at its finest. Pine Creek senior quarterback Brock Domann and freshman sensation David Moore III (354 yards and six TDs on the ground) make the Eagles offense elite, while Matt Loyd’s team is defined by quarterback Salvetti D’Ascoli, senior running back Shayne Whitmyer and senior running back Tyler Shannon.
