Prep Football Preview: Week 4 Games to Watch
Denver Post preps editor Kyle Newman breaks down the biggest games to watch in Week 4 of the Colorado high school football season: Valor Christian (3-0) at Pomona (3-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday, NAAC:
The No. 1 Eagles battle the No. 2 Panthers from Arvada in a rematch of the past two Class 5A championship games, both won by the powerhouse from Highlands Ranch. But Pomona, which has won the regular-season matchup over Valor Christian each of the past two seasons, has the firepower necessary to make it three victories in a row thanks to Washington State commitment Max Borghi. He has six rushing touchdowns in two games this year and will play opposite Valor Christian star Luke McCaffrey, who will see time at quarterback, wideout, running back and returner. Chatfield (2-1) at Columbine (3-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jeffco Stadium
After an out-of-state loss in Zero Week, 4A No. 3 Chatfield reeled off consecutive blowout wins thanks to scoring 50-plus points in each and a defense that has allowed just one touchdown over the past eight quarters. Senior running back Ben Frenette is key against the 5A No. 7 Rebels, who have received solid quarterbacking from junior Logan Dearment in addition to having a capable running back corps highlighted by sophomore Tanner Hollens and senior Ted Mullin. Grandview (2-1) at Cherry Creek (2-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday, Stutler Bowl:
The showdown between the Centennial League rivals gives each team a chance to gain momentum heading into the finale of nonconference action next week. Coach John Schultz’s Wolves look to their array of playmakers, such as senior wideout/defensive back Julius Carter Jr., to earn a bounce-back win after losing to No. 3 Eaglecrest. Meanwhile, coach Dave Logan’s Bruins will probably ride a talented rushing duo in sophomore Jayle Stacks and junior Alec Pell, along with a defense led by junior free safety Carson Brantley. Rampart (3-1) at Ponderosa (3-0),
7 p.m. Friday, Echo Park
In a top-tier 4A clash, the No. 9 Rams travel to Parker to take on the No. 2 Mustangs. Rampart is led by senior running backs Chris Yoo and Keion Cross, plus a hard-nosed defense defined by senior linebacker Chris Schockey and senior free safety Jared Behm. But early title favorite Ponderosa has an overwhelming arsenal to match, with senior quarterback Sterling Ostdahl and senior wideout Kade Ongna highlighting an offense that can rack up 50-plus points on any given Friday. Regis Jesuit (2-1) at Highlands Ranch (3-0), 6 p.m. Saturday, Shea Stadium
The 5A Top 10 battle between the No. 4 Raiders and the No. 6 Falcons matches two hard-nosed lines against each other. Regis Jesuit senior Sean Dunnington heads up the Raiders’ big men, who have proved they can control the trenches on both sides of the ball, while juniors Drake Nugent and Austin Johnson provide size and experience up front for Highlands Ranch. The quarterback battle is also key, with Raiders seasoned senior Justin Lamb mirroring Highlands Ranch senior Kyle Weston.