A rundown of the top high school football games coming up in Week 9 across the state:
Class 5A
No. 9 Cherokee Trail (6-2) at No. 1 Cherry Creek (8-0)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Legacy Stadium
Last meeting: at Cherry Creek 35, Cherokee Trail 14, on Oct. 19, 2018
What: Two weeks after upsetting one 5A giant (Grandview), the Cougars take on an even bigger one: the undefeated Bruins, who are a win away from clinching a share of the 5A Metro East League title. Creek has allowed just one touchdown through three league games, winning by a 109-10 margin. The Cougars will lean on senior LBs Julian Williams and Austin Jandik and safety Matty Bartels to slow down a Creek offense loaded with weapons.
No. 4 Columbine (7-1) at No. 7 Pomona (5-3)
When/where: 7:30 p.m. Thursday at NAAC Stadium
Last meeting: at Columbine 35, Pomona 13, on Oct. 19, 2018
What: The Panthers have faced three ranked opponents so far this season, and lost to them all. They get another shot against a Columbine team coming off its first loss — 24-23 to Ralston Valley. The Panthers have won four straight, with junior WR Jack Pospisil emerging the past two weeks with 220 receiving yards and four touchdowns. If Pomona can upset the Rebels, a likely showdown with Ralston Valley for the 5A Metro West League title awaits in Week 10.
ThunderRidge (5-3) at No. 3 Valor Christian (7-1)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Valor Stadium
Last meeting: at Valor Christian 34, ThunderRidge 7, on Nov. 16, 2018
What: The only thing standing between the Eagles and a meeting with Highlands Ranch for the 5A Metro South League crown is the Grizzlies. ThunderRidge brings a balanced attack to Valor Stadium, with senior WR Chris Franquemont riding a five-game TD streak. Keeping that run alive against Valor will be a challenge, especially with juniors Eli Miller (54 tackles, 11.0 for loss), Elijah Hamilton (54 tackles, 9.0 for loss) and Jack Howell (38 tackles, two interceptions) flying around.
Class 4A
No. 5 Chatfield (6-1) at No. 7 Dakota Ridge (6-1)
When/where: 6 p.m. Thursday at Jeffco Stadium
Last meeting: Dakota Ridge 31, at Chatfield 21, on Oct. 18, 2018
What: The Chargers can take a stranglehold on the 4A Jeffco League and score a measure of revenge with a win over the Eagles on Thursday. The Chatfield defense — led by senior LBs Landon Phalen and Colin Simcox with 64 tackles apiece — has hit its stride in league play, going two weeks without surrendering a touchdown. After squeaking out a 13-12 win at Grand Junction last week, the Eagles have some work to do to jump-start their offense.
Air Academy (6-1) at No. 6 Pueblo West (6-1)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Cyclone Stadium
Last meeting: Pueblo West 42, at Air Academy 0, on Oct. 19, 2018
What: Sam Beers can add another chapter to his burgeoning legend Friday as the Kadets get a shot at their first ranked opponent since Week 1. The freshman running back has topped 100 yards in six straight games — all wins — while compiling 1,272 yards and 22 touchdowns on 159 carries. A Cyclones defense that has given up just one field goal since a 41-13 loss to No. 1 Pine Creek in Week 5 will offer plenty of resistance.
Class 3A
No. 7 Durango (5-2) at No. 3 Pueblo South (6-1)
When/where: 6 p.m. Friday at CSU Pueblo Stadium
Last meeting: Pueblo South 21, at Durango 10, on Oct. 19, 2018
What: The Demons offensive machine, which has churned out averages of 52.3 points and 478.5 yards during its current four-game win streak, heads east to take on a Colts squad powered by the legs of junior RB George Longoria (1100 rushing yards, 10 TDs). Take away the second half of Pueblo South’s narrow 24-19 loss to No. 1 Palmer Ridge, and it’s arguably been the best team in Class 3A.
Wild cards
2A No. 1 Rifle (7-0) at 2A No. 8 Basalt (6-1)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Basalt
Last meeting: at Rifle 35, Basalt 14, on Oct. 19, 2018
What: The top-ranked Bears bring their physical run game to Basalt with an eye on notching their eighth straight double-digit win to start the season. The Bears have piled up 2,378 yards and 33 touchdowns on the ground so far, with senior Levi Warfel (1,273, 18 TDs) accounting for more than half of both. A Basalt defensive front featuring senior linemen Lander Mcnamee (19.0 tackles for loss) and Ernesto Lopez (12.0 TFLs) has a knack for plugging up holes.
1A No. 4 Florence (7-0) at 1A No. 6 Centauri (6-1)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at La Jara
Last meeting: at Florence 12, Centauri 7, on Oct. 19, 2018
What: The two stingiest defenses in Class 1A meet in a non-conference showdown. Florence enters Friday night having allowed just 6.3 points per game through seven contests, while Centauri isn’t too far behind at 7.2. The top-ranked Huskies lean heavy on a run game featuring junior Owen Busetti (85 carries, 1,130 yards), while the Falcons spread things around to a stable of backs.
* All rankings courtesy of CHSAANow poll.
