The following is a look at the marquee games this week in baseball, girls soccer and boys lacrosse during the home stretch of conference play. (Rankings and records are current as of Monday).
BASEBALL
Arapahoe (8-6) at Cherokee Trail (4-9), Tuesday 4 p.m.: Coach Jim Dollaghan has already led Arapahoe to signature victories against ThunderRidge and Grandview in his first season on the bench as the Warriors face the defending 5A state champion Cougars, who are are fighting for their playoff lives after being ranked 35th in the latest RPI.
No. 6 Regis Jesuit (10-3) at Douglas County (11-3), Wednesday 4:15 p.m.: Senior ace and TCU commit Caleb Sloan highlights a deep Regis Jesuit pitching staff that also features senior Michael McPeek and junior Nathan Schraeder. The Huskies sit alone atop the Continental League standings at 5-0 heading into their Monday game at Legend.
GIRLS SOCCER
No. 3 Chaparral (9-0-3) at No. 10 Regis Jesuit (7-1-2), Thursday 7 p.m.: Junior striker Eliot Edwards leads the undefeated Wolverines into a pivotal Continental League road showdown against Regis Jesuit. The Raiders are paced by a pair of seasoned seniors in Sydney Pulver (six goals) and Karli Eheart (five goals) to compliment one of the best defenses in the state.
No. 1 Valor Christian (9-0) at 5A No. 4 Grandview (6-3-1), Friday 7:30 p.m., Legacy Stadium: Two of the top programs in Colorado face off in non-conference play. Senior midfielder Brianna Johnson and Valor Christian look to mold themselves for a 4A championship push against coach Tari Wood and the two-time defending 5A state champion Wolves.
BOYS LACROSSE
No. 8 Wheat Ridge (10-2) at Monarch (9-2), Wednesday 4 p.m.: Wheat Ridge’s lone in-state loss came at the hands of No. 2 Cherry Creek on March 17, so expect senior attack Zach Hall and the Farmers to pose a serious challenge for a potent Coyotes team led by juniors Tyler Bradley (24 goals) and Jared Hodell (23 goals).
No. 7 Kent Denver (10-2) at No. 1 Regis Jesuit (8-3), Wednesday 7:30 p.m.: The Sun Devils are fresh off a decisive 11-5 victory over rival Colorado Academy last Wednesday as they look to continue their momentum against top-ranked and high-powered Regis Jesuit. The Raiders feature five scorers with a dozen goals or more this spring.
