Although this is the kind of main event showdown that would get all the attention on a Friday, the Thursday meeting between Regis Jesuit and Ralston Valley will have major implications for the landscape of Class 5A football.
It is by far the marquee matchup perhaps for all football games in the state for Week 4.
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Arvada West at (1) Cherry Creek
Fresh off a rebound win against Chatfield, the Bruins face a resilient Arvada West team that has built some confidence in the last couple of weeks. Creek has outscored their opponents 72-29 so far this season and is trying to remain unbeaten against in-state teams.
(4) Ralston Valley at (2) Regis Jesuit (Thursday)
This is by far the biggest of game of the week in the entire state. Both teams look like they could be playing deep into November and this could even be a potential playoff preview. Raiders quarterback Exander Carroll has been solid, throwing for 459 yards and give touchdowns.
Diano Benallo was huge in the Mustangs win over Grandview last week. He ran for 153 yards and a touchdown and averaged over 10 yards per carry in the win. If he feasts on the ground again, the Mustangs could get their second major upset win in as many weeks.
Arapahoe at (3) Columbine
The Rebels have looked strong all year, although Arapahoe could present its toughest challenge thus far. Both Marquane Taylor and Josh Snyder had rushed for over 200 yards each in the first two games of the season, demonstrating that the ball control style of play is very much alive in 2022.
Arapahoe is coming off a loss to Regis Jesuit and is hoping to avoid dropping two games in a row.
Liberty (Ariz.) at (5) Valor Christian
The Eagles have looked strong since their season-opening loss to Regis Jesuit. The team has rushed for nearly 700 combined yards with Roman Bradley leading the way with 153. Trey Stott has scored a team-high three rushing touchdowns.
(6) Grandview at (4A 4) Fruita Monument (Thursday)
Not many people expected Grandview to fall into a quick 20-0 hole against Ralston Valley next week. This will be a good measurement of how the Wolves will respond to the loss. Quarterback Liam threw for 206 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 57 yards in a score in the loss to the Mustangs.
This will be a good test for the Wildcats who already have an impressive win over Montrose this year. They’ve been dominant on the ground having almost rushed for 1,000 yards as a team in just three games. Kaison Stegelmeier leads the team with 290 yards while Corben Rowell has a team-high four rushing touchdowns.
Chatfield at (8) ThunderRidge (Thursday)
In three wins this season, the Grizzlies are outscoring their opponents 138-40. Cole Hanchett leads the team in rushing yards with 210 and Alexander Kambesis has a team-high four rushing touchdowns this season.
The Chargers are looking for their first win since making the jump up to 5A.
(9) Pine Creek at Denver East
The Eagles bounced back from their first loss of the season with a good win over Vista Ridge and highly-touted quarterback Brayden Dorman. Mason Miller rushed for 181 yards and two touchdowns and recorded an interception on defense in the win.
(10) Mountain Vista at Legacy (Thursday)
The Golden Eagles need to careful as Legacy is looking for revenge for last year’s 5A playoff matchup. Mountain Vista sophomore quarterback Austyn Modrewski has been one of the best passers this season as he throws for over 300 yards per game and already has 10 touchdowns to his names.
