Based on all the scheduling changes that took place last week, we toss out the weekly story on top games with an asterisk. This list is based on games that were on the original schedule at the start of the year but we realize some will change and others may not be played at all. PHOTO BY LANCE WENDT
Each game on the list involves at least one and often two teams either already in the playoff bracket or fighting to get in. Some will serve as elimination games as the winner should advance while the loser is probably out of the post-season discussion.
CLASS 5A
Pomona (5-0) at Columbine (4-0) (THURS)
Cherry Creek (5-0) at Eaglecrest (4-0) (SAT)
Regis (4-1) at Pine Creek (2-1) (SAT)
NOTES: The top two games are regular heavyweight clashes that big school fans always look forward to. Winners should grab a top four seed in the playoffs and play at home in round one. Creek and Eaglecrest was pushed back two days to Saturday so the Raptors can play coming off quarantine where they missed last week’s game. We could also see the same thing with Pomona-Columbine as the Rebels were the same boat as Eaglecrest in week five. Regis and Pine Creek (4A) are likely both in their playoff bracket at this point but a loss puts them squarely on the bubble.
CLASS 4A
Skyline (5-0) at Loveland (5-0) (THURS)
Rampart (4-1) at Pueblo West (3-1) (SAT)
Windsor (4-1) at Brighton (4-1)
Erie (3-2) at Broomfield (5-0)
Dakota Ridge (5-0) at Chatfield (3-2)
NOTES: Playoffs unofficially begin this week as the top three games likely serve as elimination battles. Skyline and Loveland are two of six remaining unbeaten teams but neither are assured of a playoff berth; even with a win. The clubs are somehow tied for 13th in the most recent RPI standings but the winner should find a spot in the bracket. Rampart is coming off a huge win over Fountain Fort Carson that bumped them to #8 in RPI. Pueblo West did not play last week due to COVID and their only loss is against the same Trojans. They’re #6 in RPI. Again the winner could be in and the loser likely drops out. Windsor fell from the unbeaten ranks last week with an overtime home loss to Broomfield. Brighton has won three straight since falling to the Eagles in week two. Brighton is ranked higher in RPI (#7) compared to Windsor (#11). Broomfield and Dakota Ridge are favored to get wins and close the regular season at 6-0. That scenario should easily get both into the playoffs.
CLASS 3A
Conifer (4-1) at Evergreen (3-2)
Canon City (3-1) at Durango (4-0)
Pueblo East (2-3) at Pueblo County (3-2)
Summit (1-1) at Fort Morgan (3-1)
NOTES: It’s been somewhat of a crazy stretch in Class 3A. Just when you think the playoff race has settled down a bit, a few teams post surprising wins to expand the number of teams remaining in contention. That happened over the weekend as Evergreen slammed Green Mountain and Conifer moved past Palisade. Those wins kept both the Cougars and Lobos very much alive for the bracket and now they play in a very important Mountain Bowl. Conifer shot up to #4 in RPI by beating Palisade while Evergreen is now #9. The winner should get in. Canon City’s rally vs Pueblo South fell short on Friday night but they remain in the discussion but may have to upset Durango on the road this week to get a post-season bid. Durango is 4-0 and probably already in the bracket, but they’re also playing for the top overall seed. They’re #2 in RPI. Canon City is #11. Pueblo County is #12 in RPI and a win keeps them in the chase depending on what happens elsewhere. Teams immediately in front of them in the RPI chase are Evergreen, Green Mountain and Canon City. Fort Morgan had to bow out of their game with Roosevelt last week and now they host Summit in a game delayed a day to allow the Mustangs to come out of quarantine. They’re #13 in RPI and must win to remain in the race.
CLASS 2A
Platte Valley (4-1) at Eaton (4-1)
Severance (3-2) at Resurrection Christian (5-0)
Valley (3-2) at Brush (1-3) (SAT)
NOTES: It appears that Platte Valley and Eaton are both in the playoffs and their matchup on Friday will help determine seeding. But the game may be even more important now due to the loss by Delta against Moffat County on Friday. Delta, with a win probably would have secured a top four seed in the bracket but now a spot could be open. Moffat County of course is in the running but now the winner between the Broncos and Reds could be as well. Platte Valley is #4 in RPI and Eaton #7. Severance is #14 in RPI and clings to playoff hopes. They must upset Resurrection Christian to have any chance. The Cougars are #2 in RPI and continue to battle Sterling for the top overall playoff seed. Valley is #9 in RPI and needs a win at Brush to stay in the playoff chase. They will also need some help from others most likely.
CLASS 1A
Centauri (5-0) at Monte Vista (4-1)
Peyton (4-1) at Colorado Springs Christian (3-1)
Limon (4-0) at Holyoke (4-1)
Yuma (3-2) at Wray (4-1)
NOTES: The playoff bracket is taking shape in Class 1A but those plans could be scuttled with upsets this week. Monte Vista is #14 in RPI and must upset Centauri to have any chance to get in. Centauri has slowly moved up to #6 in RPI and a win this week could push them into the top four seeds. Colorado Springs Christian (#7) and Peyton (#10) are squarely on the playoff bubble. The winner will stay in contention but the loser will not. Holyoke is down to #12 in RPI so they may need a win to stay in the pairings. Limon is atop the RPI but will have a short week of practice as they’re coming off quarantine. Win or lose, the Badgers should be in the playoffs. Wray slid to #8 in RPI following a wild loss at 2A Platte Valley but the Eagles get into the playoffs by beating Yuma. Yuma is up to #11 in RPI and could replace Wray in the pairings with an upset in the annual Harvest Cup.
EIGHT MAN
Holly (2-1) at Fowler (5-0)
Mancos (4-1) at Sanford (5-0)
Dolores Huerta (2-2) at Simla (4-1)
Swink (4-1) at Calhan (3-2)
NOTES: Going into the final week, there’s likely up to 13 teams battling for the eight available playoff positions. Sanford and Fowler are both unbeaten and seem to be locks for post-season bids but they might eliminate Holly and Mancos from the bracket with wins this week. Holly is #9 in RPI and Mancos is down to #12 with last week’s loss to Dove Creek. Holly has had a crazy year scheduling and last played in a loss to Sedgwick County last Monday. Simla and Swink are numbers 5-6 in RPI and right now in position for a playoff berth. But games this week are must wins for them to remain in contention. DH Prep and Calhan have also proven to be tough outs late in the season.
SIX MAN
Mountain Valley (3-0) at Sierra Grande (3-2)
Briggsdale (2-1) at North Park (3-2)
Stratton/Liberty (4-0) at Cheyenne Wells (5-0) (SAT)
Hi Plains (1-2) at Kit Carson (2-1)
NOTES: Stratton/Liberty and Cheyenne Wells will draw most of the attention this week and it’s well deserved as the winner will likely battle Fleming for the number one playoff seed. Both teams will likely be at home in round one regardless of outcome. The other three games must be played for four teams to have a chance at making the playoffs. Mountain Valley, Briggsdale, Hi Plains and Kit Carson have all played just three games this year and the magic number to become playoff eligible is four. So, any cancellation could have a negative effect on their future. Mountain Valley could sneak in the bracket with a win over Sierra Grande as the Indians are very strong in the RPI. And this game won’t hurt their situation there. Briggsdale could not play a key game with Fleming last week and must win at North Park to remain in post-season contention. North Park could also move past the Falcons and into the bracket with a home win. Hi Plains (COVID) and Kit Carson (Injuries) both have struggled getting on the field this year. Kit Carson has the better playoff chance as they sit #9 in RPI and Hi Plains is down to #16.
