The story of Week 3 is to see if teams in Class 5A, 4A and 3A get settled into a Colorado schedule. A lot of the top teams in these classifications have ventured to play a variety of out-of-state teams. Just last weekend 5A powerhouse schools Cherry Creek and Valor Christian defeated Millard North (Neb.), 42-0 and Las Vegas-Faith Lutheran, 49-21, respectively.

Cherry Creek, the reigning 5A state champ, will keep its out-of-state tour going when it takes on Skyridge (Utah), 7 p.m. Sept. 12.

However, most all other state teams in the three biggest classifications will take on fellow Colorado foes. There will be a mix of rivalry games and tough battles.

Let the fun begin. Here’s a sample of games that should take the prep center stage this week.

Class 5A

No. 3 Legend (3-0) at No. 6 Arvada West (3-0), 7:30 p.m., Sept. 12

Legend just missed reaching the 5A summit a year after losing to Cherry Creek 13-10. The Titans are playing with purpose this season, tallying a perfect record with wins over Fruita Monument (63-10), Grandview (28-16) and Columbine (43-0).

Legend is led by senior QB DJ Bordeaux (672 yards passing, 10 touchdowns, and 134 yards rushing with 3 TDs). Senior RB Ryken Banks has added 299 yards rushing and 3 TDs).

Arvada West kept its record perfect last week with a narrow 34-33 win over Fairview. The Wildcats have won games this season over Fountain-Fort Carson (34-13), Mountain Range (56-0) and Fairview.

AW quarterback Logan Duhachek has completed 34 of 56 passes for 591 yards and nine scores. He has seen a boost from RB Adrian Symalla (363 yards rushing, two TDs).

What stars step up will be the key to claiming the victory in this key battle.

Class 4A

No. 3 Dakota Ridge (2-0) at No. 10 Mesa Ridge (1-1), 7 p.m. Sept. 12

Dakota Ridge began the season with a 23-12 win over rival Chatfield and then the Eagles clubbed Winter Springs, Fla., 38-7.

Now, Dakota Ridge will try to keep things rolling against Mesa Ridge.

QB Kellen Behrendsen (367 yards passing, and two touchdowns). RB Landon Kalsbeck (16 carries, 178 yards and two scores) also has been a key contributor for the Eagles.

Mesa Ridge is coming off a tough 10-7 upset defeat to Northfield out of Denver. The loss by the Grizzlies was shocking considering the Nighthawks were coming off a season-opening loss to 3A Roosevelt 35-0. That trouncing was short-lived by Northfield as it held Mesa Ridge’s offense in check.

The Grizzlies must have a short-term memory and being led by senior QB Leland Frescaz has thrown for 183 yards. Fellow senior RB Tre Salas has 80 yards rushing. Jakehlan Watts leads the team with eight catches for 87 yards.

Class 3A

Pueblo East (1-1) vs. Pueblo South (1-1), 7 p.m., Sept. 12 at Dutch Clark Stadium

This is a true rivalry game – known as the Cannon Game. The Cannon Game has a Civil War Cannon given to the victor. The first Cannon Game was held in 1976, and the series is a significant source of school pride and tradition in Pueblo.

South was a dominant force in the Cannon Game in a lopsided series, but since 2016 this game has been a true rivalry. The Cannon boomed Gold in 2016, 2018, 2022 and 2024.

The 2025 game looks to be a bitter battle as well.

East is coming off a tough 22-20 loss to Discovery Canyon, while South captured its first win of the season 40-17 over Falcon.

East’s offense is fueled by junior QB Dolphka Lewis, a dual threat. He has 64 yards passing and 273 yards rushing with five TDs.

The Eagles will need Lewis at his best and he will need a little help from his friends if they want the Cannon to Boom Gold on Friday night.

After a 42-0 drubbing at the hands of Mead in its opener, Pueblo South cured its ills by hammering Falcon last week.

South’s offense is led by a solid offensive line and QB Caeden Herrera (528 yards and five TDs). Senior Chace Hurley leads the team with 117 yards rushing. Jordan Trujillo has 59 yards rushing.

With 10,000 fans expected in the stands at storied Dutch Clark Stadium, the winner will definitely be the team that handles the pressure best.