With week eight of the football season starting tonight, teams are focusing on league placement and RPI standings in the quest for a playoff berth.  That’s also our focus as we pick the most important games of the night.
 
Bear Creek at Legacy
Bear Creek is tied with Regis atop the Antero division so they need to keep winning to stay in the title chase as they’re just 21st in RPI points this week. Legacy is also in the post-season chase at #19.
 
Columbine at Northglenn
This game could have been for the outright lead in the Cameron conference but the Norse were knocked off by Mountain Range 20-9 which dropped them to 25th in the RPI. They likely need the upset to remain a factor in the playoff chase.  Columbine has already beaten Mullen and Fairview so they appear to be on their way to the league crown.
 
Fountain Fort Carson at Legend
Legend dropped to 24th in the RPI with last week’s loss at Poudre so they need to get back on the winning track to remain in the post-season picture. Fountain Fort Carson is coming off a tough loss to Highlands Ranch but they’re 11th in RPI points.
 
Rocky Mountain at Arvada West
Another game featuring teams battling for position within the RPI standings. The Lobos are 3-4 and 22nd in the RPI and Arvada West is 5-2 but 14th in this week’s standings.  Both clubs are 1-1 and tied for third behind Eaglecrest and Ralston Valley in the Wilson conference.
 
Dakota Ridge at Heritage
Dakota Ridge is 21st in the 4A RPI and Heritage 36th but both remain alive in the playoff picture as they’ve yet to lose a conference game. And a league title might be the only way they make the bracket.  Both teams are 2-0 and tied with high powered Chatfield for the Mountain conference lead.  Dakota Ridge challenges the Chargers next week and Heritage does so in week ten.
 
West Grand at Soroco
Ranked second in the eight-man division, unbeaten West Grand looks to keep a share of the Northwest lead with Gilpin County. Soroco is 5-2 on the season but has already lost to Gilpin county inside the conference so a loss eliminates them from the title picture.  A West Grand win sets up a championship showdown with Gilpin County in week nine.  West Grand is 6th in RPI points and Soroco 12th.