The 2025 Colorado high school football season concludes on Saturday at Canvas Stadium with championship games for the three largest classifications. Here’s a preview of the three title bouts in Fort Collins:
Class 5A
No. 1 Cherry Creek (13-0) vs. No. 2 Ralston Valley (13-0), 5 p.m.
It’s the Bruins’ dynasty against the Mustangs’ rise in this heavyweight clash between the two most dominant 5A forces this fall. Cherry Creek, making its eighth straight title appearance, is aiming for its 15th championship and sixth in the last seven years under head coach Dave Logan. Ralston Valley is in the title game for the first time, after losing in the quarterfinals last year and semifinals in 2022 and ’23. Both teams dominated every in-state opponent they faced up until last week’s semifinals, when both came from behind to win.
The Bruins sustained two key injuries recently in senior linebacker Braylon Hodge (knee) and junior offensive lineman Jackson Roper (lower leg). The Mustangs have played almost the entire season without their starting tailback, junior Colton Stratman (knee). Cherry Creek features the most elusive tailback in the state in Jayden Fox, a UNLV commit, while Ralston Valley is headlined by dual-threat QB Zeke Andrews. The key for both teams is physicality in the trenches as well as keeping the ball out of the hands of the opposing offense.
Class 4A
No. 1 Dakota Ridge (13-0) vs. No. 3 Palmer Ridge (13-0), 1:30 p.m.
This shapes up to be a classic title bout between two unbeaten teams. Palmer Ridge is seeking its fourth state title, but its first since 2019 (3A). Dakota Ridge, back in the championship game for the first time since 2004, has never worn a state football crown. A comparison of common opponents foreshadows a close game. Palmer Ridge beat Ponderosa 42-14, while Dakota Ridge beat Ponderosa 40-7. The Bears whipped Mesa Ridge twice (35-7, 19-6), while the Eagles shut out Mesa Ridge, 27-0.
The Eagles have a more wide-open offense, averaging 250 yards passing and 142 rushing. The Bears have cranked out 198 yards on the ground, but they can air it out, too, averaging 119 yards through the air. Eagles senior running back Landon Kalsbeck, who’s headed to Kansas State, is a force, averaging 9.5 yards per carry with 15 touchdowns. Senior quarterback Kellen Behrendsen can light up defenses in a hurry. He’s thrown for 3,140 yards, completing 81.9% of his passes for 38 TDs and only two picks. His favorite target is senior Nathan Rodriguez (61 catches, 1,076 yards, 11 TDs). Palmer Ridge senior QB Cole Harris is a dual threat (1,820 yards and 22 TDs passing, 529 yards and six TDs rushing). Senior running back Jackson McCabe has pounded out 1,003 yards and 17 TDs.
Class 3A
No. 1 Windsor (13-0) vs. No. 2 Pomona (12-1), 10 a.m.
Both teams have championship pedigrees. The Wizards are seeking their fifth state title (first since 4A in 2015), while the Panthers are chasing their third (first since 5A in 2017). Their common opponents this season portend a close game. Pomona beat Green Mountain 49-6, Roosevelt 23-15 and Severance 27-13. Windsor blitzed Green Mountain 55-0, beat Roosevelt 26-14, and took care of Severance twice (14-3, 28-7).
The Wizards grind out victories on the ground, averaging 259.8 yards, while throwing for just 55.9 yards per game. Pomona’s offense is more versatile: 215.0 yards rushing, 153.0 passing yards per game. Windsor’s top runner is senior Adrian Czyszczon (1,554 yards, 6.2 yards per carry, 22 TDs). The Panthers’ ground game is paced by senior Luis Santana (1,025 yards, 7.1 yards per carry, eight TDs). Panthers’ junior QB Tucker Ingersoll is the most versatile player on the field, having rushed for 475 yards and seven scores, while passing for 1,800 yards and nine TDs.
