Player of the Year

Cooper Vais, Jr. RHP/SS, Arvada West

The Texas commit was an unstoppable force for the Class 5A runner-ups, batting .458 with seven homers plus a 0.62 ERA and 113 Ks on the mound.

Coach of the Year

Matt Eades, Pueblo County

In his ninth season, the 2005 Pueblo County graduate guided the Hornets to their first crown with a 4-0 mark the Class 4A state tournament.

Pitchers

Blake Swift, Sr. RHP, Pueblo County

The CHSAA Class 4A Player of the Year and Otero College commit put the Hornets on his back en route to the title with a 1.51 ERA in 15 games.

Hudson Alpert, Sr. RHP, Regis Jesuit

After returning at midseason from elbow surgery, the Vanderbilt commit had a 1.91 ERA in seven games, and also hit .449 for the Class 5A champs.

Ethan Wachsmann, Sr. RHP, Grandview

The Wake Forest commit touched 100 mph this season as opponents hit .159 vs him; threw a no-hitter, and had a 2.10 ERA in 9 games with 66 Ks.

Hunter Vitello, Jr. RHP, Denver South

The DPS standout threw a no-hitter against Ralston Valley in the Class 5A regional opener. He logged 101 strikeouts and just 15 walks, with a 2.17 ERA.

Gunnar Garrison, Sr. RHP, Eaton

The Arizona State commit with a mid-90s heater was a centerpiece of Eaton’s Class 3A Final 4 team, with a 1.62 ERA in 11 games with 116 strikeouts.

Jake Watts, Jr. RHP, Ralston Valley

The Mustangs’ ace and Evansville pledge posted a 2.50 ERA in 8 games, with 70 strikeouts while limiting hitters to a paltry .146 average.

Colten Smith, Jr. RHP, Legend

The BYU commit with a low-90s fastball was critical in Legend’s Class 5A Final 4 run, posting a 3.00 ERA in 10 games and rising up down the stretch.

Mikey Kroll, Jr. RHP, Regis Jesuit

A one-two punch in the Raiders’ rotation behind Alpert, Kroll threw four shutout innings in the Class 5A title game and had a 2.73 ERA in 8 games.

Josh Weaver, Sr. RHP, Fruita Monument

In addition to being a force in the lineup, the Wildcats’ ace and Cowley commit had a 1.52 ERA in 11 games, including 92 Ks to just 11 walks.

Sawyer Tipton, Sr. RHP, Mountain Vista

With a 1.84 ERA in 12 games, Tipton was the Golden Eagles’ unquestionable ace, and the Lehigh commit also racked up 79 strikeouts to 23 walks.

Max Goldberg, Sr. LHP, Cherry Creek

The Boston College commit dominated this spring, with a 1.79 ERA in 10 games, 73 Ks to 21 walks, and held opponents to a .195 average.

Catchers

Cole Teltschik, Sr., Discovery Canyon

The Thunder’s powerful backstop and Missouri State commit led all classifications with 13 homers while hitting .593 with a ridiculous 2.096 OPS.

Brayden Reiner, Sr., Arvada West

A two-way senior pillar for the Class 5A runner-ups, the Newman University commit had a .410 on-base percentage; also was 11-0 with a 0.92 ERA.

Peter Worth, Sr., Northfield

The Washington University in St. Louis commit dominated with a .492 average, 26 RBIs and a 1.428 OPS in a spring that featured a natural cycle.

Walker Blanchard, Sr., Elizabeth

The Scottsdale Community College commit helped the Cardinals to the Class 3A state tournament, hitting .403 with a .494 on-base percentage.

Infielders

Damian Alvarez, Sr. SS, University

CHSAA’s Class 3A Player of the Year and centerpiece of UHS’s title team hit .546 with 26 extra-base hits; McLennan Community College commit.

Luc Gaca Thiele, Sr. 3B, Fossil Ridge

The Columbia commit batted .479 with a .585 on-base percentage and 33 RBIs as part of a dynamic infield duo alongside junior Brady Bradford.

Bret Baldwin, Jr. SS, Ralston Valley

The Washington commit hit .429 with a team-high seven homers while showcasing range, athleticism and arm strength from the middle infield.

Deion Cesario-Scott, Sr. 1B, Regis Jesuit

The Alabama A&M commit was a feared power presence in the Raiders’ lineup, batting .427 with seven homers, a .780 slugging and 1.344 OPS.

Cory Dean Carver, Sr. SS, Montezuma-Cortez

The Navy commit showcased speed, power and a high-contact approach, with a .580 average, seven homers, 21 steals and a .649 on-base percentage.

Matt Hegerle, Sr. SS, Bear Creek

The athletic UC Davis commit was the heartbeat of Bear Creek; he batted .477 with a .575 on-base percentage, 26 steals and a 1.267 OPS.

Chase Massey, Sr. SS, Regis Jesuit

The Continental League Player of the Year and Boston College commit led the Raiders with nine homers; hit .404 with an .830 slugging, 1.317 OPS.

Hunter Howard, Sr. SS, Palisade

The Glendale Community College commit hit .463 with six homers, 30 RBIs and only six Ks; also dominated on the mound with a 1.22 ERA.

Nick Hernandez, Sr. 2B, Pueblo County

The Hornets’ intelligent, dynamic leadoff hitter was the highlight of a deep lineup, hitting .435 with a .547 on-base percentage and 1.123 OPS.

Bryce Jackson, Sr. 1B, Broomfield

The Fort Hayes State commit was a force to be reckoned with in the box, with a team-high .480 average, .570 on-base percentage and six homers.

Outfielders

Zach Mediavilla, Sr., The Classical Academy

TCA’s do-everything speedy superstar batted .527 with seven triples, 25 RBIs, 31 steals and broke the school record for hits in season with 49.

Jackson Crawford, Jr., Mountain Vista

The Golden Eagles’ preeminent power hitter and USC commit blasted seven homers with a .349 average, .476 on-base percentage and a 1.211 OPS.

Dylan Paulson, Jr., Golden

The Demons’ top hitter batted .548 to lead Golden to its sixth straight Class 4A/3A Jeffco League title; had eight homers, 42 RBIs and a .946 slugging.

Silas Meuli, Sr., Legend

The Chandler Gilbert Community College commit was an offensive pillar for the Titans, batting .392 with four homers and a .568 on-base percentage.

Tanner Craytor, Sr., Fairview

The Knights’ slugger and Wofford commit led Class 5A with 11 homers to help Fairview to the Class 5A state tournament; batted .469, 1.660 OPS.

Baylor Schultz, Sr., Ponderosa

Schultz was key to a youth-laden Mustangs team that made the Class 4A Final 4, batting .393 and posting a 1.30 ERA in 12 games.

Tyce Smith, Sr., Cherry Creek

A multi-year cog in the middle of the Cherry Creek lineup, Smith led the Bruins with a .468 average, .602 on-base percentage and 1.279 OPS.

Jacob Olson, Sr., Regis Jesuit

The Oregon commit consistently flashed leather in center field for the Class 5A champs while hitting .388 with six homers, four triples and a .728 slugging.

Beau Friesen, Sr., Arvada West

A breakout star for the Wildcats en route to the Class 5A state title game, the San Diego pledge hit .438 with 44 RBIs and also blasted nine homers.

Utility

Maddox Burnett, Sr. RHP/UTL, Erie

A BYU commit who could hear his name called in the upcoming MLB Draft, Burnett hit .551 and also posted a 1.77 ERA with 105 Ks in 11 games.

Dane Dial, Soph. 3B/RHP, Pine Creek

Dial was key in Pine Creek’s Class 5A Final Four run, batting .400 with a .504 on-base percentage and seven homers; also had a 1.77 ERA in 12 games.

Aaron Jaquez, Sr. RHP/1B/OF, Falcon

The centerpiece on the Class 4A runner-ups was a two-way behemoth; McLennan Community College commit hit .629, and also had a 2.60 ERA.

Tristan Mullis, Jr. INF/OF, Pine Creek

Mullis paced Pine Creek with a .514 average, which included 6 triples, 6 homers, a .581 on-base percentage, .916 slugging and 1.497 OPS.

Andrew Henderson, Sr. 3B/RHP, Grand Junction

The Indiana State commit was the Tigers’ star en route to the Class 4A state tournament; hit .437, and posted a 1.53 ERA in 11 games with 86 Ks.

“You don’t make any money doing any of that stuff,” Peter Bayer said with a laugh.

His heart and hope lie inside a grey warehouse a few miles from Highway 34 in Weld County, his heaven a canvas of black netting and neon-green paint. A symphony of popping balls and pinging bats alternate solos while a low, angry chorus of whirring fans wage a losing battle against a 94-degree afternoon.

“These bigger names, they all focus on the college-and-above market,” Bayer, a former Regis Jesuit baseball standout, explained. “What I want to bring is this amazing big space as an oasis to take 13- and 14-year-old kids and build them up, to just have an awesome space to have access to all these things.”

Head 7 miles east of the Scheels in Johnstown, turn right in the middle of nowhere, and you’ll eventually run into the , a 22,000-square-foot indoor training facility that opened Saturday to more than 200 curious kids, parents, coaches, and patrons in its first 90 minutes.

The place puts the “art” in state-of-the-art. It’s wired with Trackman technology, the same kind used at Major League stadiums across North America, including Coors Field. Two new HitTrax machines are on the way. The bulk of the complex is taken up by six long batting cages, at least four extendable pitching mounds and a 100-feet-by-30-feet practice field.

“If I was 12 years old, what would I want to do?” “And that’s what I’m trying to do here.”

“Do the parents of those 12-year-olds know?” I wondered, “that it’s run by a guy on Major League Baseball’s ineligible list?”

“I get it every so often,” Bayer said. “It’s obviously less now than it was before … it’s not like I’m out there lying to kids about what I did. At least this way, I can be a positive role model.”

***

Bayer turned 31 in March. The way he sees it, the baseball gods put him on the scenic route to his life’s calling: Teaching. Kids. Paying it forward.

He grew up in Parker, under the shadow of Ponderosa High School. He grew into a 6-foot-4 fireballer, a righty who helped anchor Regis Jesuit’s state title winners in 2011. Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss was a family friend and mentor.

His college chapter started at Richmond and ended at Cal Poly Pomona. He discovered Driveline, one of the country’s cutting-edge baseball labs. His fastball velo max went from 88 mph before Driveline to 95 mph after. Tampa Bay selected him in the ninth round of the 2016 MLB amateur draft.

“‘OG,’ that’s what the kids call me,” Bayer chuckled. “‘You’re like a Driveline OG.'”

The Rays traded him to the Athletics in 2018. Two years later, COVID-19 shut down the minor-league season entirely. A $400 stipend wasn’t cutting it. Bayer delivered for DoorDash. He wasn’t just looking for a quick buck. He was looking for any buck. He took up online betting. He went to online forums. He found betting experts. It became a short-term, competitive fix.

“You get your sport taken away from you, so you resort to something else to fulfill a competitive thing in your mind,” Bayer says. “This was something I could do. I was sitting at home and going crazy because I couldn’t play my sport.”

MLB’s investigation found he had conducted 100 baseball-related wagers from May-August 2020. It accused him of placing at least 25 wagers worth $1,000 or more, and at least a dozen involving the A’s, his organization at the time.

Bayer doesn’t deny the action. He denies the volume and specifics of MLB’s report.

“I think I had a stupid mindset,” he said. “(It was), ‘I have nothing left to lose. I can’t play.'”

In February 2021, Major League Baseball launched an investigation into the pitcher and placed him on administrative leave. In April 2022, he was moved to the ineligible list.

A spokesperson for Major League Baseball emailed the following statement to The Post: “After a thorough investigation, it was determined that Mr. Bayer repeatedly bet on baseball in violation of Major League Rule 21 and MLB’s Policy on Sports Betting and engaged in other misconduct that was not in the best interests of baseball. Therefore, he was placed on the ineligible list, where he remains.”

Rule 21 (d) (1) says that any “player, umpire, or Club or League official or employee, who shall bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball game in connection with which the bettor has no duty to perform, shall be declared ineligible for one year.”

Bayer applies for reinstatement every November. Kids he’s worked with shot video testimonials pleading on his behalf. Former teammates did, too. , now with the University of St. Thomas, has worked with Bayer since 2019 and was so moved that he emailed MLB commissioner Rob Manfred directly last fall to ask for clemency.

“He’d be great as a college coach,” Phillips says. “The decision (MLB) made to not even let him be a coach, it was tragic. He could still be a player, even. He’s really special.”

Initially, he was told it would be a one-year suspension. Only that one year keeps marching into perpetuity.

“The thing that was unfortunate, to be honest with you, was that my mental health got really (expletived),” Bayer said.

“Anybody in my shoes, it’s like, ‘Oh, man.’ You’re just holding onto hope. It was a lot. So ultimately, it was like, I don’t know. I had to move on.”

He played independent ball. Mexico. The Rocky Mountain Vibes in Colorado Springs. Dancing around the periphery, staying sharp in case a window opened up. It never did.

“The insane thing is, if I try to go to Coors Field and say, ‘Hey, I want to work for the Rockies as a sales rep,’ and sell tickets, I can’t do that,” he says. “I literally can’t be involved.”

Friends and former confidants on college baseball staffs still went out of their way to recommend him. He’d inquired about becoming a coach at a collegiate program at least three times since 2022.

“The (athletic department) would say, ‘With his background, we don’t want to risk it,'” Bayer said.

“And I’m not saying that this isn’t justified. Or isn’t fair. But there are so many MLB players out there that did horrible things and they’re just, ‘Oh, whatever, that’s fine.’ As bad as the thing is, there are still a lot of people in my corner, a lot of friends who know the type of person I am.  And that I am a good person. I just get to now build this (facility) out, so now that’s where my focus is.”

***
Bayer can still bring the heat. Quietly. He was at Coors Field a couple weeks ago and took a turn at the speed-pitch booth, just for giggles.

BAMI

Ninety-six. No warm-up.

“I know, 100%, I could still play professional baseball,” Bayer says. “That’s the crazy part of it.

“It’s been a whirlwind of life. A whirlwind of a 10 years. A lot of people would’ve lost their mind or would go off the deep end. I obviously did that in 2020 for a little bit. But I think (I’m) slowly but surely picking up the pieces. I’m doing the right things.”

With the right people. Pete got the coaching bug early. He worked with 40-45 players last year as an independent contractor. His clientele included two players from greater Loveland who were driving all the way to Centennial for workouts. One of them was the son of Endless Garage owner and entrepreneur Justin Summers, who knew of a warehouse in southwest Greeley already set up for softball training.

“(Summers said), ‘There’s this amazing facility up here, we think you’d be the perfect guy to run this,'” Bayer recalled.

“It’s kind of how it was supposed to happen. In a crazy, weird, stupid way, maybe this was all kind of happened for a … I don’t know.”

“For a reason?” I asked. “For a purpose?”

“I can’t obviously change the past. But I can make the best out of every day and build the future. That’s what this is about.”

With that, a staffer in glasses closes in, just behind Bayer’s right shoulder, and hovers. Question for the boss.

“Sorry to interrupt,” he said. “But do you know where the microphones are?”

Bayer points to a far wall. Then he cocks his head back wearily and smiles, the grin of a man who bet on himself. And won.

All-Star Park, Lakewood

Consolation Game #1: Friday, 10 a.m. — Legend vs. Pine Creek

Consolation Game #2: Friday, 12:30 p.m. — Arvada West vs. Legend/Pine Creek

Championship Game #1: Saturday, 10 a.m. — Regis Jesuit vs. TBD

Championship Game #2 (If Nec.): Saturday, 12:30 p.m. — Regis Jesuit vs. TBD

Regis Jesuit, runner-up the last two seasons, will likely roll out ace Hudson Alpert on Saturday morning. The senior righty and Vanderbilt commit can shut down any of the lineups left. Legend is playing for the Titans’ late teammate, Tyler Harvey. Pine Creek sophomore third baseman/right-hander Dane Dial is one of the top young players in the state. And don’t count out Arvada West, which is chasing its first crown since Roy Halladay led them to 1994 championship. The Wildcats’ two aces (Cooper Vais and Brayden Reiner) could pitch them to the if-necessary title game.

Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs

Consolation Game #1: Friday, 10 a.m. — Ponderosa vs. Palisade

Consolation Game #2: Friday, 12:30 p.m. — Falcon vs. Ponderosa/Palisade

Championship Game #1: Saturday, 10 a.m. — Pueblo County vs. TBD

Championship Game #2 (If Nec.): Saturday, 12:30 p.m. — Pueblo County vs. TBD

are within one win of the program’s first title, and feature ace right-hander Blake Swift. The senior has a 1.34 ERA in 14 games, and threw a complete-game shutout against Grand Junction in the tournament opener. Ponderosa features a young lineup, but senior outfielder/southpaw Baylor Schultz is the Mustangs’ catalyst. Palisade, which beat Ponderosa 1-0 in the tournament opener, features five players with three homers or more. And Falcon, which is capable of three wins this weekend, is headlined by senior right-hander/first baseman Aaron Jaquez, .

Butch Butler Field, Greeley

Consolation Game #1: Friday, 10 a.m. — D’Evelyn vs. The Classical Academy

Consolation Game #2: Friday, 12:30 p.m. — Eaton vs. D’Evelyn/The Classical Academy

Championship Game #1: Saturday, 10 a.m. — University vs. TBD

Championship Game #2 (If Nec.): Saturday, 12:30 p.m. — University vs. TBD

University is seeking its sixth title and first since 2019 after smashing rival Eaton in the semis. The Bulldogs lost 3-2 to Coal Ridge , and are making their fifth straight championship appearance — with the prior four all ending in runner-up. So University, headlined by senior Damian Alvarez and junior Derek Casillas, has no shortage of motivation. D’Evelyn features sophomore star Leo Vigil, while The Classical Academy has senior stalwart Zach Mediavilla. And don’t count out (15 titles) beat University 5-2 on April 4.

Hobbs Field at the Runyon Sports Complex, Pueblo

Consolation Game #1: Friday, 10 a.m. — Denver Christian vs. Yuma

Consolation Game #2: Friday, 12:30 — Monte Vista vs. Denver Christian/Yuma

Championship Game #1: Saturday, 10 a.m. — Forge Christian vs. TBD

Championship Game #2 (If Nec.): Saturday, 12:30 p.m. — Forge Christian vs. TBD

Forge Christian, that also won titles in 2007, ’11 and ’16 as Faith Christian, won its first two tournament games by a combined score of 27-3 before edging Monte Vista 3-2 in The Fury feature a dominant freshman pitcher, right-hander Jake Stocker, who has a 0.97 ERA. Senior shortstop Ben McLean paces the offense. Denver Christian, last year’s runner-up and the champs in 2023 and ’24, has a trio of capable arms. Yuma boasts sophomore catcher Jesus Rodriguez. And Monte Vista’s stars are senior Azariah Hurtado and junior Judah Howe.

“What’s the offseason schedule like?” the Sand Creek High wrestling coach was asked Friday morning, as the mats at Ball Arena began to bustle again.

“There is no offseason,” Betterman said.

This weekend, three wrestlers from Sand Creek High, a public school in Colorado Springs, advanced to or beyond the girls’ 4A semifinals of the Colorado state wrestling championships at Ball. All three wrestle for a girls’ program in its very first season of existence. All three, improbably, are freshmen: Peggy Dean (100 pounds), Stella Isensee (105 pounds), and Karris Carter (130 pounds). All three came by way of the Betterman Elite Wrestling Club, a youth academy in Colorado Springs run by Betterman’s husband Joe, a former Team USA wrestler.

Sand Creek wrestlers only actually attend classes in person on Monday and Wednesday during the school year, Betterman said. On Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, they arrive at the Betterman Elite gym at 8 a.m., practice from 9-11, shower, eat lunch, do online classes, and then have a second training session at 4:30 p.m. They take roughly one month off from this schedule in August. Last spring, the academy sent Dean and others — then in eighth grade — to Tallin, Estonia, for the largest wrestling tournament in Europe.

Dean won a gold medal.

“When we’re looking at the big goals, we’re looking at the Olympics for Peggy Dean, Karris Carter, all those girls,” Betterman said. “So these are just little stepping stones we’re hitting. We don’t put a lot of pressure on winning state titles and these little things.

“Those little things just happen, when you have those high expectations, and those high goals.”

Youth movement

Sand Creek’s triumvirate of prodigies is just a microcosm, truly, of a wide array of younger contenders at the 2026 state wrestling championships this weekend. Eleven different freshmen wrestlers advanced to the semifinals at Ball Arena in the 5A boys’ and girls’ brackets alone.

It’s indicative of a larger trend in Colorado and beyond. To be a powerhouse wrestling program, schools “have to have a feeder program,” as Betterman said — a youth club in the area that can pipe in young talent ready to reach a state stage from Day 1.

“Back in my day, it was the local tournaments,” said 37-year-old Pueblo East head coach Tyler Lundquist. “Now the guys are in bigger buildings than this from 5 years old, until they’re in high school. So the show’s not too big for them, most of these guys.”

Take Air Academy freshman Dylan Saba, a young man whose father wrestled and whose mother, Hillary Wolf Saba, was a two-time Olympian and whose brother Michael is committed to NC State for wrestling. Earlier this season, as Air Academy coach Brandon Lucero recounted, Saba was matched up with reigning 4A 106-pound state champion Tristan Pino, of the Sand Creek High boys’ team.

“This is a normal match for me,” Saba told Lucero, as Lucero recalled. “This is normal.”

Saba, Lucero said, pinned Pino in the second period of the match.

“I take every guy the same. Doesn’t matter … I just trust myself, and I know I’m good enough to beat, I think, anyone in the country,” Saba said Friday.

This extended to state, where Saba has been cutting down from 126 pounds to 120 pounds in preparation since January. This was not a strategy to avoid a more difficult matchup; instead, Saba and Lucero were running directly towards two-time state champion Drake VomBaur of Severance. The goal? Try and beat the toughest possible draw to set Saba up to four-peat at state championships throughout his high school career, a feat only accomplished by 34 wrestlers in Colorado prep history.

“If we get this one, I think he’s going to be pretty tough to stop,” Lucero said. “Which is why we kinda hit the toughest kid (in VomBaur), I could say, could be pound-for-pound in the tournament — to go kinda push that and see if we could do it.”

Saba has a wrestling mat in his basement, and started when he was 4. He is a unicorn at Air Academy, which does not have a traditional feeder youth club. It’s “tough,” as coach Lucero said, to compete with programs in Colorado that do. So from August until November, Lucero drove his wrestlers every day, 45 minutes up I-25 to train at Black Fox Academy, which feeds talent to 5A powerhouse Ponderosa High School.

‘There is no offseason’

It’s become impossible to become a wrestling power in Colorado and beyond, Lucero said, if programs don’t train year-round. Especially if they don’t have a relationship with a youth club.

“It’s making me old fast,” Lucero said. “It¶¶Ňőap taken a lot of life out of me, because you’ve gotta turn around really fast, and get kids good quickly.”

At Pueblo East — the favorite in the boys’ 4A bracket — Lundquist holds sessions four days a week in all seasons of the year. They will practice again on Monday, just two days after the state finals. This is a race for advancement, and a race to keep up. And Lundquist has a self-described “blue-chip” talent in freshman Uriah Duran, whose father runs one of the “bigger youth clubs in Pueblo,” Lundquist said.

Duran advanced to the boys’ 4A 113-pound finals after beating Severance sophomore Tatum Garcia 10-0 by major decision Saturday. The freshman is an instinctual wrestler, Lundquist said, who doesn’t need much coaching beyond managing clock and cautions.

“It¶¶Ňőap very rare that you see a guy — let¶¶Ňőap say, 132 pounds and up as a freshman — having high success,” Lundquist said. “But these smaller-weight guys, right, I mean, their athleticism and their savvy, it just seems to get better and better and better and better.”

Freshman success in heavier-weight classes became less rare this weekend in Colorado, though, as Pomona’s Donovan Symalla toppled Grandview senior Jonathan Montes Gonzalez 4-1 to advance to the final of the boys’ 5A 157-pound class. Symalla began wrestling at the Pomona Wrestling Club, a direct feeder for Pomona’s program, when he was 8. He’s “worn a Pomona singlet forever,” as head coach Sam Federico said.

“I don’t know if he’s going to win this tournament,” Federico said earlier Friday, of Symalla. “He’s got some seniors that are in the semifinal that are really good … I mean, at this point, they’re good, and they’re men.

“And Donovan doesn’t drive a car yet, you know what I mean?”

He did not need a license, however, to beat Gonzalez on Friday night. And Federico anticipates freshmen in Colorado are only going to get “tougher and tougher” as years pass and youth feeders grow, a sentiment shared by a host of coaches in the area.

“The level of wrestling, it doesn’t stop,” Betterman said. “It keeps elevating every year, because of programs like this.”

Air Academy freshman Saba wants to four-peat. Lundquist thinks Pueblo East freshman Duran can four-peat. Sand Creek High athletic director Mario Romero thinks the girls’ program can challenge for a state title in two years, once they import more talent from Betterman Elite.

The only thing that might be standing in the way of this youth movement, ultimately, is the youth underneath them.

“I can definitely sense it,” Dean said, after advancing to the girls’ 4A 100-pound final Friday.

“I obviously want the younger people to become better than me, and the people younger than them to become better than them. The competition, and the levels, are definitely rising.”

No. 8 Pine Creek (5-3) vs. Regis Jesuit (4-4)

When/where: 6:30 p.m. Friday at Kellogg Stadium

Last meeting: Pine Creek 28, vs. Valor Christian 14, Oct. 26, 2024

Streaming/Radio: , 92.5 FM

Regis Jesuit gets another shot at a statement win with Pine Creek coming to Aurora. Three of the Raiders’ four losses have come against teams currently ranked in the Post Preps Top 10, and the other was to an out-of-state power. Now they’ve got Pine Creek and No. 5 Legend to close out the regular season and are sitting on the edge of getting to host a first-round game in the 5A state playoffs. Pine Creek’s three losses are also to current Post Preps Top 10 teams, and the Eagles have work to do in order to vault back into the top 8 of the CHSAA seeding index and earn a first-round bye.

Grandview (4-4) vs. Eaglecrest (6-2)

When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Legacy Stadium

Last meeting: Grandview 38, vs. Eaglecrest 15, Oct. 25, 2024

Streaming:

Eaglecrest may not be in the Post Preps Top 10, but the Raptors are No. 7 in the ranking system that matters most — the CHSAA seeding index. That means the Raptors have a shot at earning a first-round bye in the 5A state playoffs if they manage to win out. Easier said than done, of course, with Grandview and Arapahoe on the docket the last two weeks. Grandview is smarting after a 14-7 loss to Cherokee Trail and could use another win if it wants to host a first-round playoff game — especially with Cherry Creek looming in Week 10.

CLASS 4A

Frederick (6-2) vs. Monarch (6-2)

When/where: 7 p.m. Thursday at Spangenberg Field

Last meeting: Monarch 21, at Frederick 20, Oct. 25, 2024

Streaming:

A league title will be on the line for the second straight year when Frederick and Monarch meet in Lafayette. The Coyotes won the last meeting and are 4-1 over their last five games with Malakhi Payne, uh, bringing the pain with 798 yards and 11 TDs rushing. The junior RB will need to produce more of that to trade haymakers with Frederick’s explosive offense. Matt Loyd’s Golden Eagles are averaging 39.5 points per game over their current six-game win streak, with the senior combination of QB Preston Kissinger (1,406 yards, 15 TDs on 79.2% passing) and SB Sonny Delpizzo (1,637 total yards) doing much of the damage.

Bear Creek (6-2) vs. Ponderosa (5-3)

When/where: 7 p.m. Thursday at EchoPark Stadium

Last meeting: Ponderosa 41, at Bear Creek 0, Oct. 25, 2024

Streaming:

Ponderosa finds itself back in the 4A mix after posting back-to-back shutouts of Highlands Ranch and Golden. Jaron Cohen’s Mustangs have risen all the way to No. 11 in the latest CHSAA seeding index and could climb higher with a win over Bear Creek. The Bears are trying to get right after losing two straight to Golden and Heritage, the last a 35-21 setback that saw Heritage pull away with a 21-point third quarter. Tom Thennel has turned things around in his return to Lakewood, but the Bears’ hopes of hosting a state playoff game may rest on winning this one.

No. 1 Dakota Ridge (8-0) vs. Golden (6-2)

When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Marv Kay Stadium

Last meeting: Dakota Ridge 47, vs. Golden 21, Oct. 25, 2024

Dakota Ridge and Golden head to the Colorado School of Mines campus to renew a series that’s gone the Eagles’ way seven of the last nine years. Dakota Ridge is chasing its third unbeaten regular season in the last six seasons, and has looked invulnerable through eight weeks. The Eagles have beaten all eight of their opponents by double-digit margins, getting touchdowns from their defense and special teams with regularity. With Golden coming off a shutout loss to Ponderosa, the Demons must turn things around quickly.

Cheyenne Mountain (7-1) vs. Grand Junction (6-2)

When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Stocker Stadium

Last meeting: Grand Junction 32, at Cheyenne Mountain 15, Oct. 25, 2024

Streaming:

Nobody has been able to stop the Cheyenne Mountain offense through eight weeks. Even in their lone loss of the season, the Red-Tailed Hawks managed to put 45 points and 350 rushing yards against No. 8 Sand Creek. The bigger challenge will be stopping a Grand Junction attack that’s dangerous in its own right. The Tigers have scored 138 total points since a shutout loss vs. No. 5 Durango, with senior RB Matthais Martinez-Santana averaging 10.7 yards per carry over that period. First to 40 wins?

No. 4 Broomfield (7-1) vs. No. 6 Riverdale Ridge (8-0)

When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Riverdale Ridge Stadium

Last meeting: Broomfield 22, vs. Riverdale Ridge 13, Oct. 25, 2024

Streaming:

Is Riverdale Ridge ready to join 4A’s elite? The Ravens have feasted on a schedule that, through eight weeks, includes nary a team with a winning record. The combined record of their eight opponents: 11-52. Now, the Ravens get a chance to prove they’re ready for prime time with the reigning 4A champion Broomfield Eagles coming to Thornton. Riverdale Ridge has shut out three opponents this season and is giving up an average of just 5.6 points per game. Do that against the high-powered Eagles (40.0 points per game), and the rest of 4A will take notice.

CLASS 3A

No. 6 Lutheran (5-2) vs. No. 3 Holy Family (6-1)

When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Mike G. Gabriel Stadium

Last meeting: Lutheran 42, vs. Holy Family 35, Oct. 25, 2024

They sit on opposite ends of the Denver metro, but Lutheran and Holy Family have created one of 3A’s better football rivalries in recent years. The two programs have met five times since 2020, with Holy Family holding a 3-2 edge, including a 3A championship game win in 2023. Now they meet with a league championship likely up for grabs, with both teams coming off back-to-back shutout victories. Holy Family has a pair of big-game wins over Mead and Roosevelt on its resume. Lutheran needs one of its own to climb into the top eight of the CHSAA seeding index.

No. 5 Mountain Vista (5-0) vs. No. 4 Valor Christian (4-1)

When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Valor Stadium

Last meeting: Mountain Vista 62, vs. Valor Christian 21, Oct. 4, 2024

Radio: 92.5 FM, Altitude Radio

A year ago, Mountain Vista blasted Valor Christian for its first win against the 5A juggernaut in nine tries. No doubt, Valor has had this game circled ever since. With junior quarterback Marquise Reese taking over this fall, Vista has shown it has staying power. But knocking off Valor two years in a row is a tall order. The Eagles are coming off a stunning 38-14 loss at No. 2 Ralston Valley that saw them get shut out in the second half. If Valor wasn’t already focused on revenge, that result surely got its attention.

No. 8 Pine Creek (3-2) vs. No. 6 Legend (4-1)

When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at EchoPark Stadium

Last meeting: Legend 24, at Pine Creek 7, Oct. 5, 2024

Streaming:

Legend and Pine Creek finished 1-2 in the 5A Southern League standings a year ago. Whoever wins this one will be in the driver’s seat after the first week of league play. Legend rebounded well from an overtime loss to No. 3 Arvada West, routing Castle View, 55-13, last week. The Titans offense is as explosive as any with Boston College commit DJ Bordeaux (1,406 total yards) taking snaps. Pine Creek had trouble stopping top-ranked Cherry Creek a week ago. More troubling, the Eagles were shut out for the first time in the MaxPreps era (since 2004).

No. 9 Grandview (3-2) vs. Arapahoe (2-3)

When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at LPS Stadium

Last meeting: Arapahoe 25, at Grandview 13, Oct. 4, 2024

Streaming:

Who will be the team to challenge Cherry Creek atop the Centennial League? The winner of this game has finished either tied for first or second in the standings each of the past four years. Grandview is battle-tested, with its two losses coming to No. 2 Ralston Valley and No. 6 Legend. The Wolves outscored their last two opponents 81-10 following those setbacks, with RB Chris Blanks running for 240 yards combined. Arapahoe has won three straight in this series, but is 0-2 against ranked 5A opponents.

CLASS 4A

Heritage (3-2) vs. No. 7 Golden (5-0)

When/where: 7 p.m. Thursday at NAAC Stadium

Last meeting: Heritage 28, vs. Golden 7, Oct. 3, 2024

Streaming:

Are the Golden Demons for real? This test against a talented Heritage Eagles squad should reveal a lot. While Golden enters the matchup unbeaten, the Demons’ five opponents have a combined record of 2-25. Heritage hasn’t lost to a 4A opponent, with its two losses coming to Littleton rivals Arapahoe and Columbine. The quarterback matchup between Heritage senior Jamison Seese (1,443 total yards) and Golden junior Thatcher Matthews (1,128) should be a good one.

Ponderosa (3-2) vs. No. 1 Dakota Ridge (5-0)

When/where: 7 p.m. Thursday at Jeffco Stadium

Last meeting: Dakota Ridge 14, vs. Ponderosa 0, Nov. 22, 2024

Streaming:

The top-ranked Eagles looked every bit the 4A title contender through a nonleague gauntlet that included wins over two 5A teams (Chatfield and Cherokee Trail), a top-10 3A team (Pomona) and an out-of-state squad. Now comes a rugged 4A South Metro League schedule against teams with a combined 20-5 record. While Ponderosa accounts for two of those losses, the Mustangs just beat Falcon and 5A Chaparral by an 83-43 margin. Junior QB Noah Anacleto threw for 651 yards and 10 TDs in those wins. With three receivers (Blake Katsoff, Derek Niday, Troy WcWhorter) already over 300 yards this season, he’s got weapons.

Bear Creek (5-0) vs. Highlands Ranch (4-1)

When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Halftime Help Stadium

Last meeting: Highlands Ranch 43, at Bear Creek 20, Oct. 4, 2024

Streaming:

Speaking of the 4A South Metro League, Bear Creek and Highlands Ranch meet in a clash of rising 4A powers that could have a big impact on playoff seeding down the line. Bear Creek blew out every team it faced in a breezy nonleague schedule (5-20 combined record) behind prolific junior QB Riley Wilson (1,284 yards, 16 TDs passing). Now, the Bears are 5-0 for the first time in 20 years and looking to avenge last year’s loss to Highlands Ranch. The Falcons, 4-1 for the second straight season, are fitting in nicely at the 4A level. Considering who’s left on the schedule, a win here would be big.

CLASS 3A

No. 6 Holy Family (3-1) vs. No. 2 Mead (4-0)

When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Mead HS

Last meeting: Mead 22, at Holy Family 15, Oct. 4, 2024

Good luck getting into the end zone vs. Mead. Only two have done so through four games, and both of those TDs came in the second half of blowouts. The degree of difficulty goes up a notch this week, however, with the Mavs welcoming Holy Family to Longmont for both teams’ nonleague finale. Holy Family is coming off a stunning 35-14 loss at Pueblo East. Prior to that, the Tigers had been averaging 39.0 points per game. Cut down on the turnovers — Pueblo East had four takeaways last week — and these Tigers are dangerous.

No. 10 Eagle Valley (6-0) vs. Steamboat Springs (4-0)

When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Gardner Field

Last meeting: Eagle Valley 49, vs. Steamboat Springs 14, Oct. 4, 2024

There is only one matchup of unbeatens in the entire state Friday night, and shockingly enough, it’s happening in Steamboat Springs. While Steamboat Springs is chasing its first 5-0 start to a season in 16 years, Eagle Valley has already matched the program’s highest win total in 10 years. Eagle Valley senior Keaden Lake (773 all-purpose yards, 16 TDs) is a touchdown waiting to happen. A sturdy Steamboat Springs defense (7.25 points allowed per game), led by ball-hawking safety Luke Jordan (6 INTs), awaits.

Cherokee Trail (1-1) vs. No. 5 Mountain Vista (3-0)

When/where: 7 p.m. Thursday at Halftime Help Stadium

Last meeting: Mountain Vista 42, at Cherokee Trail 0, Sept. 13, 2024

Streaming:

A week after taking down ThunderRidge, Cherokee Trail can make an even bigger statement against another Highlands Ranch program. Senior Logan Posey has been a man possessed through two games, running for 352 yards and four TDs on 37 carries, including 115 yards in a loss to Pine Creek in Week 1. The Cougars will need more of that if they want to keep the ball away from Mountain Vista’s explosive offense.

Skyridge-Utah (4-0) vs. No. 1 Cherry Creek (3-0)

When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Stutler Bowl

Last meeting: Skyridge 24, vs. Cherry Creek 14, Aug. 30, 2024

Streaming:

Could the Cherry Creek Bruins actually be … underdogs? With the Skyridge Falcons, , coming to Greenwood Village, that might be the case. The Lehi, Utah, program is 90-18 since 2017, with four state title game appearances and one state championship. The Falcons beat Cherry Creek a year ago and are led by an FBS recruit at quarterback in dual-threat Kaneal Sweetwyne. One thing is for certain: Creek’s defense will be put to the test.

No. 3 Ralston Valley (2-0) vs. Mullen (1-1)

When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at De La Salle Stadium

Last meeting: Ralston Valley 27, vs. Mullen 0, Sept. 13, 2024

Is Mullen football back? The Mustangs hung with California power Crean Lutheran for three quarters in their season opener, then beat Castle View 30-13 a week later behind a salty defensive effort. Mullen now embarks on a three-week gauntlet that starts with Ralston Valley’s visit and is followed by a trip to Valor Christian and a home meeting with Regis Jesuit. RV has scored 76 points through two weeks, with senior quarterback Zeke Andrews (649 total yards, 8 TDs) picking up right where he left off in 2024.

Loveland (2-1) vs. No. 7 Pine Creek (1-1)

When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at D20 Stadium South

Last meeting: Pine Creek 41, at Loveland 14, Sept. 13, 2024

The Loveland team that lost its season opener to Pueblo West is not the same one heading south this week. The Red Wolves were missing multiple starters in that 17-7 setback. Since then, they’ve beaten 5A Fossil Ridge and 3A Mountain View, the latter by a score of 72-0. Junior QB Jackson Gebhardt started both Loveland wins and threw for 435 yards and three TDs combined. A rested and sturdy Pine Creek defense awaits after a bye, with junior RB Xavier Lukes coming off a 213-yard outburst.

No. 4 Legend (3-0) vs. No. 6 Arvada West (3-0)

When/where: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Jeffco Stadium

Last meeting: Arvada West 25, vs. Legend 7, Nov. 2, 2018

Streaming:

Fresh off a 34-33 escape at Fairview, the Arvada West Wildcats welcome Boston College quarterback commit DJ Bordeaux and the Legend Titans to Jeffco Stadium. Bordeaux has 806 total yards and 13 TDs (10 passing, 3 rushing) through three weeks, while the Legend defense has posted two shutouts and seven takeaways. A-West has an explosive offense as well, with Navy running back commit Adrian Symalla averaging 121 rushing yards per game. But can the Wildcats keep up with the Titans?

CLASS 4A

No. 6 Heritage (1-1) vs. Northfield (1-1)

When/where: 6 p.m. Thursday at Evie Garrett Dennis Stadium

Last meeting: Mesa Ridge 50, vs. Northfield 47, Sept. 6, 2024

This game got a lot more interesting after Northfield pulled off a stunning 10-7 upset of Mesa Ridge last week — a game that featured three Nighthawks interceptions. The Northfield defense allowed just 149 total yards in that win. But the degree of difficulty goes up a notch against a dangerous Heritage offense led by QB Jamison Seese and pile-driving senior RB Mo Thenell (443 total yards). The Eagles are looking to get right after losing to 5A rival Arapahoe in the annual Milk Jug Classic.

No. 10 Ponderosa (1-1) vs. 3A No. 7 Roosevelt (1-1)

When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Roosevelt High

Last meeting: Roosevelt 42, at Ponderosa 24, Sept. 12, 2024

A year after the Rough Riders rolled into Parker and hung 21 fourth-quarter points on Ponderosa in a stunning 42-24 victory, the Mustangs make a return trip looking for revenge. Pondo responded to a Week 1 loss at Palmer Ridge with a 40-0 drubbing of Rampart that featured 390 total yards, nine tackles for a loss and three sacks. Roosevelt is looking for the same sort of response after the Rough Riders lost 41-26 at Holy Family last week.

Pueblo West (2-1) vs. 3A No. 6 Lutheran (1-1)

When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Lutheran High

Last meeting: Pueblo West 47, vs. Lutheran 21, Sept. 13, 2024

The Lutheran Lions survived a 26-25 nailbiter at Fort Morgan last week and now get a Pueblo West team coming off a 17-7 loss at 3A No. 2 Pomona. The Cyclones were limited to just 167 total yards in that loss, but they had their way with Lutheran a year ago down in Pueblo. Lutheran senior QB Eli Abramson may have found a go-to target in sophomore Tav Burt, who reeled in five passes for 127 yards in last week’s win at Fort Morgan.

No. 9 (1-0) vs. No. 3 (1-0)

When/where: 7 p.m. Thursday at EchoPark Stadium

Last meeting: Legend 21, at Grandview 14, Aug. 30, 2024

Streaming:

There are debuts, and then there’s whatever you call Boston College commit DJ Bordeaux’s first game as Legend’s starting QB last week vs. Fruita Monument: 237 yards and five TDs on 12-of-15 passing with 43 yards rushing and a TD. Grandview has a future college QB of its own in Idaho commit Blitz McCarty. Scoreboard operator, prepare thyself.

No. 1 (1-0) vs. (1-0)

When/where: 5 p.m. MT Friday at Austin-Tindall Sports Complex, Orlando, Fla.

Last meeting: N/A

Streaming:

In what’s become an annual rite of passage for Creek, the Bruins head out of state to take on another prep power in Sarasota, Fla.’s Cardinal Mooney. The game will be played on neutral ground near Orlando, but only one team is crossing two time zones. The Cougars have won 24 games and one state title over the past two seasons. And just like Creek, they have a four-star defensive tackle in Notre Dame-bound senior Elijah Golden.

No. 4 (10-2 in 2024) vs. (1-0)

When/where: 6:30 p.m. Friday at Tiger Stadium

Last meeting: Ralston Valley 48, vs. Erie 38, Aug. 30, 2024

Streaming:

After slapping 67 points on Brighton in a Week 0 victory, the Erie Tigers welcome the Mustangs, looking to further establish themselves as contenders in the 5A realm. These two engaged in a wildly entertaining shootout in Week 1 last season, and more of the same could be on tap Friday. Does Mustangs quarterback Zeke Andrews dare test Oregon State commit Braylon Tolliver, who already has one pick-six in 2025, in the Erie secondary?

No. 2 (1-0) vs. No. 6 (0-1)

When/where: 6:30 p.m. Friday at Lou Kellogg Stadium

Last meeting: Valor Christian 17, vs. Regis Jesuit 0, Aug. 30, 2024

Streaming:

Valor Christian went into a deluge last week in the Springs and came out a soaking-wet winner vs. Pine Creek, thanks in large part to the all-everything talents of senior Cash Spence (three TDs). Now comes a visit to Regis, where the youthful Raiders are in the midst of a three-game trial by fire that included Cherry Creek in Week 0 and Arizona juggernaut Brophy College Prep in Week 2. Regis has won two of three in this annual showdown of private school powers.

(1-0) vs. (8-4 in 2024)

When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at LPS Stadium

Last meeting: Mountain Vista 35, vs. Arapahoe 0, Aug. 30, 2024

Streaming:

Mountain Vista’s Marquise Reese showed life after record-breaking QB Austyn Modrzewski can be just fine after leading the Golden Eagles to a 49-45 win over California power Liberty last week. The junior QB threw for 410 yards and five TDs in his debut start, with receivers Ja’Pree Jennings (9 catches, 119 yards) and Brooklyn Bailey (4-134) both topping 100 yards. Arapahoe has long been known for its stingy defense. That’ll be tested on Friday.

CLASS 4A

No. 7 (8-4 in 2024) vs. No. 4 (10-2 in 2024)

When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Don Breese Stadium

Last meeting: Palmer Ridge 44, at Ponderosa 7, Aug. 29, 2024

This is the fifth meeting between these two 4A rivals since 2021, and Palmer Ridge has won each of the previous four. That includes a 44-7 thrashing of the Mustangs in last year’s season opener in Parker. With both teams making significant replacements on both sides of the ball, this game should offer an early glimpse at each team’s status as a title contender.

(8-4 in 2024) vs. No. 1 (11-2 in 2024)

When/where: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Jeffco Stadium

Last meeting: Chatfield 38, vs. Dakota Ridge 23, Aug. 30, 2024

Streaming:

Dakota Ridge has had this one circled on the calendar for quite a while. Nearly 365 days to be exact. “A lot of people say it¶¶Ňőap not a rivalry anymore, but we’re here to change that narrative,” CSU commit and starting Dakota Ridge lineman Jace Winchester said of 5A Chatfield earlier this month. The Chargers have beaten Dakota Ridge four straight times, but this Eagles team is loaded and motivated to make an early statement.

CLASS 3A

No. 3 (10-2 in 2024) vs. No. 6 (9-4 in 2024)

When/where: 4 p.m. Friday at Trailblazer Stadium

Last meeting: Green Mountain 19, at Windsor 13, Aug. 29, 2024

Streaming:

A year ago, this game served notice that the Rams were in good hands with new head coach Anthony Rankin taking over the Green Mountain program. Now it will be an early indicator of whether or not the Rams can reload after losing senior quarterback Simon Lunsford and several weapons. A potential matchup to watch: Green Mountain edge rusher and UC Davis commit Corbin Wade vs. Windsor offensive lineman and Oklahoma commit Deacon Schmitt.

Note: All stats taken from .

Welling, a sophomore from Heritage, won both the Class 5A 100- and 200-meter dashes Saturday in the CHSAA state track and field championships at Jeffco Stadium.

She held off Fossil Ridge junior Addyson Smith in a photo finish in the 100. Welling’s time, 11.75 seconds, was a new personal best and the fastest time in the state this season. Valor Christian junior Ellie Londo, who won this race a year ago, finished behind the lead duo but was disqualified.

“I honestly didn’t know who won. It was so close,” Welling said. “I wasn’t sure if I leaned enough, or if she leaned more, or what was going on. Looking up and seeing my name, it felt pretty good. I love racing here.”

Welling caught the running bug before the start of her freshman year. But she was DQ’d last year because of a false start.

The incredible finish to her sophomore season continued in the 200, when she again held off Smith with a personal best time of 23.96 seconds.

“I don’t think it¶¶Ňőap fully hit me yet,” Welling said. “This is everything I wanted and more this year. I’m just feeling great right now.”

The girls hurdles crème de la crème. A year after the graduation of Grandview elite hurdler Gabriella Cunningham left a void in the event, Ponderosa senior Payton Becker and Fountain-Fort Carson junior Alexa Queen left no doubt about who the top girls hurdlers in Class 5A are.

Becker, a Wyoming commit, won the 5A 100-meter hurdles in 13.79 seconds, edging Queen, who came in at a personal record 13.99. Then Queen, who remains uncommitted but has the talent to run in college, got Becker back in the 300. Queen ran 41.66 and Becker ran 41.73, both of those marks being PRs. Queen took an early lead in the 300, and Becker closed the gap at the end but couldn’t catch up.

The two hurdlers hugged in a moment of mutual respect following the 300 hurdles.

“I messed up the first half of the (300) race, because I psyched myself out on the first couple hurdles, stuttered and lost a lot of momentum,” Becker said. “The back part of the race, I was playing catch up, but I’m proud of myself for how hard I fought.”

Queen said, “not winning in the 100 hurdles motivated me to come back and get (the 300).”

“This is my last race today, and I was going to empty the tank,” Queen said. “I knew it was going to hurt no matter what when I finished, so I might as well be proud of myself afterwards.”

In the Class 4A 300-meter race, Niwot senior Reese Casper set the standard for Colorado this year with a 41.35 to win the title by over a second over runner-up Reagan Falletta of Pueblo East. The Kansas State commit also won the 4A 100-meter hurdles in 14.22.

Another triple sweep for 1A star: Even when she can’t stop winning, Roxy Unruh finds some nits to pick.

Unruh, a junior from Cheyenne Wells, romped through the girls Class 1A 100, 200 and 400 meters finals Saturday. She set a new 1A meet record in the 200 and 400, breaking … her marks from last year.

But there was that pesky 100.

“There’s always something you can always improve on, right?” Unruh said. “I was really proud of my start. It was beautiful, honestly. But I was so happy with my start, I forgot my second zone of acceleration.”

Still, Unruh is now a three-time state champion in the 100 and 400, with two more individual titles in the 200. And she’s got another year to continue collecting medals and continue to improve her record-setting times.

“This year, I got a lot better mentally, not even the conditioning,” Unruh said. “Once you learn how to run the races the right way, it is life-changing.”

A school resource officer received a tip about a student bringing a device to the school south of Parker at around 9:28 a.m.,

The officer and found a suspicious device in their backpack.

Ponderosa High School was evacuated and searched by a bomb team and an explosive detection dog and no other devices were found, the sheriff’s office said. Students were allowed to return to class after the building was cleared at around 11:40 a.m.

Spokesperson Cocha Heyden declined to release further details about the device and said the case is still being investigated.

This is a developing story and may be updated.