The regular season is hitting the home stretch and each game counts just a bit more every week. In Class 4A, three ranked teams begin Week 7 with Thursday night games as they try to cement their status as playoff teams.
There are no top 10 games on the schedule which gives each team a chance to hold their place in the rankings once this slate of games conclude on Saturday.
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(1) Palmer Ridge at Pueblo West
This would have been a top-10 showdown if the Cyclones hadn’t lost to Mesa Ridge last week. Palmer Ridge is coming off a 49-0 win over Rampart where Derek Hester had 164 passing yards and 90 rushing yards. He also scored two rushing touchdowns and the Bears had five combined rushing touchdowns in the win.
West took Palmer Ridge to the limit in the playoffs last year and surely have revenge on its mind. Jacob Trader had 118 rushing yards and two touchdowns in last week’s loss to the Grizzlies.
(2) Broomfield at Aurora Central (Thursday)
Cole LaCrue shined on a big stage last week as the Eagles beat Dakota Ridge 55-24. The senior quarterback threw for 217 yards and two scores and also ran for 148 yards and three touchdowns. He should have another big game Thursday to help the Eagles remain undefeated.
Grand Junction Central at (3) Loveland (Saturday)
Last week’s win over Erie was the best of the season for Loveland. Garrett Harstad rushed for 150 yards and two scores while Trey Olsen added 129 and a touchdown. The Red Wolves dropped the season opener to Fossil Ridge but have been dominant on the field since then.
Gateway at (4) Denver South
The Ravens made waves with their win over Ponderosa in Week 6. Joseph Capra threw for 171 yards and ran for 130 yards. He also scored two rushing touchdowns. What was most impressive was that South held Ponderosa’s offense scoreless in the first half and to 17 points overall.
Falcon at (5) Montrose
The Red Hawks are clearly over their slow start after getting their fourth straight win last week. They beat Grand Junction Central 51-20 to improve to 4-2 and are ready to host a 2-4 Falcon team on Friday.
(6) Ponderosa at Vista PEAK
The Mustangs have been through a gauntlet as they’ve seen Legend, Palmer Ridge and Denver South the last three weeks. They came out of that stretch 1-2 but coach Jaron Cohen feel’s they’re a better team for it. While not completely healthy, Zach Stryker threw for 142 yards and a touchdown and also rushed for 74 yards.
Grand Junction at (7) Fruita Monument (Thursday)
The Wildcats were stunned by a 20-13 loss to Heritage last week and should rebound in a big way against a struggling Grand Junction team. Amari Wilson scored a rushing touchdown last week and will probably try and ignite the offense early in Thursday’s game against the Tigers.
(8) Vista Ridge at Air Academy
Brayden Dorman put together another air show, throwing for 342 yards and six touchdowns in last week’s 46-8 win over Northfield. For the year, Dorman has thrown for 1,957 yards and 26 touchdowns. If he can find a rhythm early against the Kadets, the Wolves could put the game out of reach sooner than later.
(9) Mesa Ridge at Coronado
A 21-14 win over Pueblo West powered the Grizzlies into the top 10. Isaiah Jones rushed for 107 and a touchdown and sophomore quarterback Bryce Riehl remains comfortable in his role as he threw for 163 yards in the win.
(10) Heritage at Adams City (Thursday)
The Eagles new to the top 10 thanks to a road win over Fruita Monument in Week 6. Zyriq Siegler rushed for six yards per carry and scored the team’s lone rushing touchdown in that game. Noah Shoes threw for two scores while completing just four passes. The Eagles have only lost to Mountain Vista and Arapahoe, a pair of 5A teams, this season.
