As we’ve done throughout the season, Colorado Preps mixes in results from the previous week to the season overall to project playoff teams in each classification. This report focuses on the largest three classes (3A-4A-5A) and the update includes just one change overall from the previous week. PHOTO BY COREY GUILDNER
We again list our projected playoff clubs in alphabetical order but a new wrinkle this week includes a list of our predicted top four seeds. These teams would get the chance to play at home in round one of the shortened three week playoff schedule.
At times, our report refers to consensus rankings. This poll is produced each Thursday by Colorado Preps and totals up votes from the four components that will determine post-season qualifiers; RPI, MaxPreps, Coaches Poll (CHSAA) and Packard.
CLASS 3A
Only one member of our playoff bracket from last week suffered a loss as Green Mountain took a 31-24 road setback at Palisade last week. Despite that loss and a drop to #10 in the most recent RPI, we keep the Rams in the bracket this week. They have a tough battle with Evergreen this week but a victory should get them in as they’ll be favored in their finale with Battle Mountain.
Another key game on tap this week pits Palisade against Conifer. Both clubs improved to 3-1 with wins over the weekend. As mentioned, the Bulldogs held off Green Mountain and Conifer rallied late against Eagle Valley (28-27). Palisade is #3 in RPI and Conifer #7 so there’s a lot riding on the outcome.
Fort Morgan suffered a big loss to Mead a couple of weeks ago but they get the chance to climb back into the post-season discussion against Roosevelt this week. The Riders are ranked #1 in Class 3A by the coaches but sit only #9 in the RPI. Roosevelt though is in good shape since they have a win over Mead on their resume. A Fort Morgan loss drops them to 3-2 and maybe on the outside of the bracket at seasons end.
But maybe the top game on the schedule this week finds Holy Family against Lutheran. Each is 4-0 and neither has been challenged thus far. We believe both clubs are already in the bracket but the winner will have a strong case for a top four seed and home game in round one.
Canon City has two games this week. First they meet Pueblo Central on Monday night and a win there sets up a huge battle with Pueblo South on Friday. In that scenario, both clubs would be unbeaten with the winner moving very close to securing a post-season bid.
- Durango
- Green Mountain
- Holy Family
- Lutheran
- Mead
- Palisade
- Pueblo South
- Roosevelt
TOP CONTENDERS: Canon City, Conifer, Fort Morgan
TOP 4 SEEDS: Roosevelt, Durango, Pueblo South, Lutheran-Holy Family winner
CLASS 4A
Hard to believe that if the playoffs started this week, at least one unbeaten club in this division would not get in. Nine teams are still perfect entering week five so this continues to be the most difficult bracket to project.
All eight teams from last week’s playoff group picked up wins in week four so we keep all of them in our bracket again this week. Palmer Ridge and Fountain Fort Carson earned the most impressive wins as the Bears rallied past Montrose and the Trojans used explosive plays to down Pueblo West. All four teams entered the games unbeaten so Montrose and Pueblo West suffered what could be critical losses.
Both programs must quickly recover to play another important contest this week. Montrose faces Ponderosa and a road win gets the Indians right back in the playoff picture. Pueblo West must beat Vista Ridge to keep their chances alive. It’s the same scenario for the Wolves who have won two straight since their own loss to Fountain Fort Carson. The Trojans can’t rest either as they tangle with a Rampart club that also has playoff aspirations at 3-1.
Broomfield and Windsor collide on Thursday night in a very important matchup. Each team is 4-0. The survivor takes a huge step to securing a playoff berth. Right now we have Windsor in the bracket and Broomfield out but those roles will reverse if the Eagles pick up the road win. Broomfield has a big advantage in RPI. They’re #3 with Windsor at #11.
Pine Creek blew past Doherty last week to start the season 2-0. The Eagles face a stronger challenge this week against Legend (4-0). The Titans are a probably playoff entrant in Class 5A so a win should get the defending champs their regular spot in the pairings.
One more important result from last week saw Brighton get a victory over Erie. The result probably eliminated the Tigers from the playoff picture but kept the Bulldogs still in the discussion. The Bulldogs line up with Silver Creek this week before a critical game with Windsor in week six.
- Dakota Ridge
- Fountain Fort Carson
- Loveland
- Palmer Ridge
- Pine Creek
- Ponderosa
- Skyline
- Windsor
TOP CONTENDERS: Broomfield, Brighton, Vista Ridge, Montrose, Pueblo West
TOP 4 SEEDS: Dakota Ridge, Palmer Ridge, Fountain Fort Carson, Pine Creek
CLASS 5A
With two weeks left in the regular season, it appears at least six of the eight playoff berths are spoken for. The only questions on our list this week could be Legend and Grandview. Legend scored a big win over Regis a couple of weeks ago but still may need to beat 4A defending state champion Pine Creek to secure their spot. A Titans win likely leaves just one remaining playoff berth available entering the final week.
Grandview moved in ahead of Ralston Valley this week based on their win over Smoky Hill. That decision pushed the Wolves to #9 in RPI; two spots ahead of Ralston Valley. But they need a win over Cherokee Trail this week to stay there and even that may not be enough. They could again be overtaken by Ralston Valley if the Mustangs knock off Columbine. Such a win would easily balance out the loss to Pomona from earlier in the season.
Otherwise, the other six clubs, Cherry Creek, Columbine, Eaglecrest, Fairview, Pomona and Valor Christian seem to have locked up their place in the bracket.
- Cherry Creek
- Columbine
- Eaglecrest
- Fairview
- Grandview
- Legend
- Pomona
- Valor Christian
TOP CONTENDERS: Grandview, Regis, Cherokee Trail
TOP 4 SEEDS: Cherry Creek, Valor Christian, Eaglecrest, Pomona
