League matchups are on the forefront for Week 6 of the Class 4A football schedule and some big games are on tap. Among them is a Thursday clash between No. 3 Ponderosa and No. 8 Denver South.

Every single team ranked in the top 10 is in action which makes for an impactful week of games.

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Rampart at (1) Palmer Ridge

The Bears regained its status as the No. 1 team in 4A after battling to a win over Ponderosa last week. Gator Robinson had himself a day as he rushed for 215 yards and three scores, which wore down the Mustangs as time expired. Palmer Ridge sees a local foe in its first league game of the year as it hosts Rampart.

(2) Broomfield at (10) Dakota Ridge

Broomfield moved to 5-0 with a 32-7 win over Brighton last Friday. Quarterback Cole LaCrue had another sold day as he threw for 242 yards and three touchdowns. All three touchdown throws landed in the hands of Anthony Cobb.

A tough schedule has given Dakota Ridge three losses in its five games but in its final non-league contest, it can make a definitive statement about its status as a top-tier 4A team. In last week’s loss to Chatfield, Noah Triplett ran for 134 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

(8) Denver South at (3) Ponderosa (Thursday)

The Mustangs are coming off a tough loss to Palmer Ridge and coach Jaron Cohen is well-aware of the challenge that the Ravens pose on offense this week. To counter that, the Mustangs will have to generate a solid pass rush and maybe force a few turnovers. Cape Olsen accounted for a quarterback hurry last week and Max Mervin forced the lone turnover for Ponderosa as he picked off Derek Hester.

The problem is that Denver South quarterback Joseph Capra hasn’t thrown a pick all season. And factoring in his 1,011 passing yards and 16 touchdowns makes him one of the best passers in all of 4A. He’s looking to make life difficult for Ponderosa and come away with an upset win.

Heritage at (4) Fruita Monument

The Wildcats rebounded from their first loss of the season by beating Bear Creek 31-27 last Thursday. It was the Bears’ first loss of the season so there was a little bit of vindication with that victory. The Wildcats rushed for 306 yards as a team. Amari Wilson led with 104 yards and Corben Rowell scored all three rushing touchdowns.

After dropping two games to start the year, Heritage comes into Week 6 on a three-game winning streak.

Erie at (5) Loveland

The Red Wolves have strung together four straight strong performances and are looking like one of the top overall teams in 4A. Garrett Harstad rushed for 169 and scored three of Loveland’s seven rushing touchdowns in last week’s win over Greeley Central.

Erie has fallen out of the top 10 but looked strong in a 42-14 win over Windsor last week.

Grand Junction Central at (6) Montrose (Thursday)

The early season struggles seem to be well behind Montrose as it rolled to a 42-26 win over a good Lutheran team last week. The Red Hawks have now won three straight games and have a chance at No. 4 with Grand Junction Central rolling into town.

(7) Pueblo West at Mesa Ridge

After suffering its first loss of the season to Fountain-Fort Carson a couple weeks ago, the Cyclones rebounded after a bye week and beat Far Northeast 28-14. Gavin Lockett threw for 124 yards and two touchdowns while Jacob Trader rushed for 104 yards and two scores.

Mesa Ridge is coming off a big Community Day win over rival Widefield.

(9) Vista Ridge at Northfield

The Wolves have scored at least 50 points in their last two games and seem to have found their stride. Brayden Dorman threw for 391 yards and five touchdowns in last week’s win over Vista PEAK. Keyshawn Dooley and Brandon Hills each went for at least 160 receiving yards and scored two touchdowns each.