There is a lack of Class 4A football games involving ranked teams facing off against each other. And that can be good for the ranked teams.
With league showdowns on the forefront, each ranked team will have a chance to grab a win and maintain their spots as the regular season winds down over the next couple of weeks.
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Air Academy at (1) Palmer Ridge
The Bears improved to 7-0 thanks to a 21-0 win over Pueblo West last week. Orlando Aranda carried the ball 20 times for 90 yards.
The Kadets have their own standout rusher in Sam Beers who has totaled 1,441 yards and 19 touchdowns this season.
Adams City at (2) Broomfield
The Eagles continue to fly high thanks in large part of the efforts of quarterback Cole LaCrue. The senior has thrown for 1,246 yards and rushed for another 475. Broomfield rolled to a 42-0 win over Aurora Central last week.
Skyline at (3) Loveland (Thursday)
In a 42-0 road win over Grand Junction Central last week, Garrett Harstad ran for 204 yards and three touchdowns to power the Red Wolves offense. Harstad has been arguably the best running quarterback this season, totaling 1,153 yards and 18 touchdowns.
(4) Montrose at Coronado (Saturday)
It’s safe to say that the rough start to the Red Hawks’ season is well behind them. They have rolled to five straight wins as they make a push for a league championship. They get a Saturday afternoon showdown with a winless Coronado team on Saturday.
Vista PEAK at (5) Denver South (Thursday)
The Ravens haven’t seen the field since their Sept. 29 win over Ponderosa. A forfeit win over Gateway bumped them to 6-1 and this game against Vista PEAK should be a way for them to ease back into rhythm as they make a push for the League 5 title.
Far Northeast at (6) Ponderosa
The Mustangs rebounded from their loss to Denver South with a 35-6 win over Vista PEAK last week. Zach Stryker threw for 174 yards and two touchdowns while also running for 104 yards in that win.
Far Northeast comes into the game riding a two-game winning streak after they dropped three out of four before that.
Aurora Central at (7) Fruita Monument (Thursday)
The Wildcats hit a bit of a stumbling block as they lost two of three, but got a 35-14 win over Grand Junction last week. Corben Rowell rushed for a team-high 154 yards while Amari Wilson found the end zone twice.
Cheyenne Mountain at (8) Vista Ridge
The Wolves decided to counter Air Academy’s running game with a high-flying air attack last week. Brayden Dorman threw for 527 yards and six touchdowns to lead Vista Ridge to a 64-20 win over the Kadets.
The standout senior could put up similar numbers against the Red-Tailed Hawks on Friday.
Rampart at (9) Mesa Ridge
In a big win over Coronado, Isaiah Jones rushed for 146 yards and two touchdowns. Sophomore quarterback Bryce Riehl only threw the ball 12 times but completed six passes for 145 yards and three touchdowns.
Standley Lake at No. 10 Heritage
The Eagles followed up their Week 6 win over Fruita Monument with a 42-0 win over Adams City in Week 7. Noah Shoes was efficient through the air with 108 passing yards and three touchdowns.
