CLASS 5A
No. 1 Cherry Creek (1-0) vs. No. 3 Ralston Valley (1-0)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Stutler Bowl
Last meeting: Cherry Creek 56, Ralston Valley 28, Dec. 6, 2025
Streaming:
Itap 28 wins and counting for Cherry Creek, which again features some of the state’s top FBS talent. Can Ralston Valley hang after getting taken to the woodshed in last year’s 5A title game? In that tilt, the Bruins raced out to a 28-0 second-quarter lead en route to their 16th straight state title. This year’s Bruins roster features senior offensive lineman Jackson Roper, a 6-foot-5, 305-pound UCLA commit, and 6-foot-6, 295-pound Liam Chang (uncommitted). Both are road graders who pave the way for junior back Elijah Cromwell, who has averaged 7.7 yards a pop during his first two seasons. Cromwell has his sights set on 1,500 yards rushing this season.
No. 2 Valor Christian (2-0) vs. Mater Dei (2–0)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)
Streaming:
To be the best, you’ve got to beat the best. The Eagles play an early-season schedule befitting a national power. They’ll find out how they measure up Friday night against one of the most storied high school football programs in the country. , not to mention three Heisman winners: Bryce Young, Matt Leinart, and John Huarte. Eagles junior QB Titus Huard, Colorado’s top recruit in the Class of 2028, has thrown for 528 yards in two games this season and is averaging 15.7 yards per completion.
No. 10 Mullen (0-1) vs. Arvada West (0-1)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Bernard Kinneavy Field at De La Salle Stadium
Last meeting: Arvada West 35, Mullen 14, Oct. 8, 2022
Something’s gotta give in this one. Mullen lost 21-13 to 4A Columbine in Week 1, while A-West got overwhelmed by Cherokee Trail, which jumped to No. 9 in this week’s Post Preps’ 5A rankings.
Class 4A
No. 2 Monarch (1-0) at No. 8 Broomfield (-1)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Elizabeth Kennedy Stadium
Last meeting: Broomfield 28, Monarch 17, Sept. 5, 2026
Streaming:
Familiarity breeds contempt. Monarch and Broomfield are less than 7 miles apart. Bragging rights — as well as an inside track in the 4A playoff race — will be on the line in this one. If the Eagles are to pull the upset, they’re going to have to slow down Coyotes’ senior back Malakhi Payne, who rushed for 267 yards and four touchdowns in an opening 39-13 win over Pomona.
No. 1 Montrose 2-0 vs. Palisade (2-0)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Montrose High School Stadium
Last meeting: Montrose 37, Palisade 20, Sept. 4, 2025
The top-ranked Red Hawks have averaged 47 points in their opening two wins while holding teams to 15 points. Palisade’s Gregory Moore rumbled for 216 yards and a touchdown in the Bulldogs’ 45-20 win against Lewis Palmer last week.
