It’s a late date, this Week 8, as just three weeks remain in 2019’s regular season.
And it’s getting good – just five undefeated teams in Class 5A remain and two of them, Columbine and Ralston Valley, will meet on Friday.
While the race is on to sit atop the standings, so is the chase for late-season positioning at the bottom of the 24-team playoff bracket.
Below are a dozen offerings for your viewing pleasure marked accordingly:
Best bets
Arapahoe (5-2) vs. Grandview (6-1), Friday, 7 p.m., Legacy Stadium
Both took hits in the second week of the Metro East — Arapahoe went down to Cherry Creek 24-7 and the Wolves were knocked off by Cherokee Trail 26-7. … The Warriors’ scoring differential is just 102-93 to demonstrate how close their games have been – they’ve won by one, two 12, 18 and three points, and lost by 10 and 17. … The Wolves’ Noah Schmidt remains 5A’s rushing leader despite 86 yards in Week 6 against Eaglecrest and 102 last week. He also has been held without a TD since tallying 13 in his first five games. … Grandview is seventh in 5A scoring (245 points) and 10th in defense (101).
Eaglecrest (6-1) vs. Cherry Creek (7-0), Friday, 7 p.m., Stutler Bowl
In the Metro East, the host Bruins have won 10 of the past 14 meetings, including nine-of-12. … Since falling 14-11 to Grandview, Eaglecrest drilled Overland 56-26 in Week 7. … Senior QB Max Marsh continues to head the Raptors’ statistical listings. He has thrown for 1,044 yards and seven TDs, and rushed for 468 yards and six TDs. … The Bruins have been dominant, winning every outing by at least 14 points. … Interesting receiving balance for Cherry Creek – Chase Penry has six TD catches, and Gunnar Helm, Dante Orlando and Jayle Stacks each have five.
Ralston Valley (7-0) vs. Columbine (7-0), Friday, 7 p.m., Jefferson County Stadium
Game of the year to date in 2019? … In the Metro West, the Mustangs and Rebels account for two of the last five undefeated teams in 5A. … Ralston Valley has taken over the 5A scoring lead, by 323-300 over Columbine. Defensively, Columbine is second in points permitted (52) and Ralston Valley third (70). … Mustangs QB Walker Brickle threw for three TDs in last week’s 58-17 pounding of Mullen. Chase Wilson rushed for two. RV also tacked on two defensive TDs, an interception return and a fumble recovery in the end zone. Both were in the first quarter. … Rebels senior RB Tanner Hollens’ tremendous season continues – he has 868 yards rushing for 15 TDs. … Since first meeting in 2014, when RV won 38-14, the Rebels have taken the past three, including last year’s matchup by 29-14.
Also keep an eye on …
Arvada West (0-7) vs. Lakewood (4-3), Thursday, 7 p.m., Jefferson County Stadium
While the Wildcats are still seeking their first victory, the Tigers and Keondre Beauty (16 catches, 15.8 yards average, three TDs) are trying to shake off consecutive losses in the Metro West.
Fairview (6-1) vs. Fossil Ridge (2-5), Thursday, 6 p.m., French Field
At the top of the Front Range, sophomore Grant Page (5A-leading 680 yards on 41 receptions for 11 TDs) and the Knights are chasing their sixth victory in succession.
Overland (3-4) vs. Cherokee Trail (5-2), Thursday, 7 p.m., Legacy Stadium
Jayden Lavigne threw for two TDs as the Metro East’s CT rolled to 341 yards of balanced offense in a 26-7 trouncing of previously undefeated Grandview, probably coach Joe Johnson’s best win since coming over from ThunderRidge; ‘Blazers hope to snap second two-game skid this season.
Rocky Mountain (4-3) vs. Legacy (1-6), Thursday, 7 p.m., Adams 12 North Stadium
The host Lighting broke into the win column last week, but the Lobos, who also own Fort Collins after handling Poudre and Fossil Ridge, want to keep their piece of the Front Range lead with three games to play.
Valor Christian (6-1) vs. Rock Canyon (1-6), Thursday, 7 p.m., EchoPark Stadium
The Eagles are 20-1 under second-year coach Ed McCaffrey. Sophomore RB Gavin Sawchuck is third in 5A with 937 yards on the ground (along with 13 TDs). And the Jaguars are struggling in the Metro South
Castle View (6-2) vs. Highlands Ranch (2-5), Friday, 7 p.m., Shea Stadium
Big doings in the Metro South – the visiting SaberCats, coming off a whipping at the hand of Valor, had to score late to down Mountain Vista 20-17 as Zane Wodark rushed for two TDs; the Falcons, after an ambitious nonleague, have won two in a row, including a personal biggie, 21-18 over ThunderRidge last week.
Doherty (1-6) vs. Regis Jesuit (7-0), Friday, 7 p.m., Lou Kellogg Stadium
In the South, tough-luck Doherty’s demanding schedule continues against the Raiders, who are bidding for their first undefeated regular season since 2010 and currently have Bryce Sloan, Jackson Connelly and Ty Maguire combining for 77 receptions.
Legend (6-1) vs. Douglas County (1-6), Friday, 7 p.m., Douglas County Stadium
The Titans and junior WR Blake Doud (six catches, 128 yards, two TDs) were provided with their first taste of real adversity in last week’s 39-21 loss at Regis Jesuit in the South. Response time will be monitored.
Mullen (2-5) vs. Pomona (4-3), Friday, 7 p.m., NAAC
In the Metro West, the Mustangs continue to have issues; meanwhile, coach Jay Madden’s Panthers are doing more things by committee and their losses have been to the defending state champion (Valor Christian) and two of the five remaining undefeated teams (Cherry Creek and Regis Jesuit).
