Class 5A
No. 9 Cherokee Trail (1-0) vs. No. 3 Columbine (1-0)
When/where: 7 p.m. Thursday at Jeffco Stadium
The Rebels looked sharp in a 42-21 rout of Denver East in Week 1. Columbine attempted just four passes in a game it led 42-7 early in the fourth quarter, and running back Seth Cromwell busted loose for 152 yards and two touchdowns on just 11 carries. Cherokee Trail, which trailed by 11 early before beating Mullen 35-24, cannot afford the same slow start it had last Friday.
No. 10 Pomona (0-1) vs. No. 2 Cherry Creek (1-0)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Stutler Bowl
Last meeting: Cherry Creek 35-7, Nov. 28, 2020
A week after losing a heartbreaker to Grandview (30-29) on a last-minute touchdown, first-year Panthers coach Nate Johnson faces yet another Centennial League power — or should we say the Centennial League power? The Bruins, owners of the longest current win streak in Colorado at 24 straight, posted their fifth shutout in their last 10 games with a 42-0 victory over Doherty.
No. 8 Fairview (1-0) vs. Castle View (1-0)
When/where: 6 p.m. Friday at DC Stadium
Last meeting: Fairview 49-36 on Nov. 13, 2020
It appears the Knights have themselves another wunderkind quarterback. Freshman Bekkem Kritza completed 27 of 39 passes for 328 yards and three touchdowns in his varsity debut, while fellow frosh Jordan Rechel hauled in two of those TD throws in a win over Boulder. The degree of difficulty goes up a notch with a visit to Castle View, which just shut out Heritage, 27-0.
Class 4A
No. 7 Fruita Monument (1-0) vs. No. 5 Montrose (1-0)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Montrose
Last meeting: Montrose 28-27, Oct. 16, 2020
The Wildcats entered the fall with high expectations, then showed why in a dominating 42-17 win over 5A Highlands Ranch that saw them pile up 473 yards of offense. Montrose was just as impressive against Grand Junction Central (46-6). If this one is anything like last fall’s edition, Western Slope football fans are in for a treat.
Green Mountain (1-0) vs. No. 10 Golden (1-0)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at NAAC Stadium
Last meeting: Golden 42-27, Sept. 15, 2017
The Demons may have pulled off the upset of the week last Friday night, taking down then-No. 4 Broomfield behind a breakout performance from junior QB Jazel Riley IV (235 total yards, 2 TDs rushing and throwing). The 3A Rams, meanwhile, are attempting to knock off a 4A opponent for the second straight week after rolling for 390 rushing yards in a 35-14 win over Monarch.
Brighton (1-0) vs. No. 9 Chatfield (1-0)
When/where: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Jeffco Stadium
Last meeting: Chatfield 42-10, Sept. 12, 2019
Is it a little premature that one coach in the CHSAANow.com poll ranked Chatfield No. 1 in 4A? Maybe. But the Chargers’ wild 49-43 win over Longmont was certainly impressive, especially Jake Marschall’s 117-yard, 4-touchdown effort on the ground. With Brighton linebacker Max Cisneros (nine tackles, 3.0 for loss) on the other side of the field, this one could be fun.
Class 3A
No. 1 Roosevelt (0-0) vs. No. 4 Holy Family (1-0)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Holy Family
Last meeting: Holy Family 14-7, Sept. 27, 2019
Looking for an early 3A state title favorite? Whoever walks away from this with a “W” likely gets the nod. The Tigers escaped Pueblo with a 34-27 win over South last week, thanks in large part to explosive plays from tight end Dominic Mazzulla (four receptions, 190 yards). Now they get a Roughriders team that hits the field for the first time since losing last fall’s 3A final to Durango.
No. 9 Pueblo South (0-1) vs. No. 7 Discovery Canyon (1-0)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at D-20 Stadium
Last meeting: Pueblo South 31-22, Sept. 14, 2019
The Colts get a shot at redemption with their second ranked matchup to start the season. The big question is whether or not star QB Jace Bellah, who left last week’s loss to Holy Family with an injury, will be able to play. His absence would be felt against a Discovery Canyon defense that surrendered just one touchdown through three quarters in a 42-21 win over Lewis-Palmer.
