Prep Football Preview: Week 7 Games to Watch
Denver Post preps editor Kyle Newman breaks down the biggest games to watch in Week 7 of the 2017 high school football season, the second week of conference play around the state.
Pueblo West (6-0) at Pine Creek (5-1), Thursday 7 p.m., D-20 Stadium.
In a clash of the Class 4A elite, the No. 8 Cyclones take on the defending champion No. 2 Eagles. Pueblo West’s senior running back core of Pierre Taylor and Devyn Morgan can match the pizzazz put forth by Pine Creek sophomore stud David Moore III. That means this game likely will be decided by which defense can contain the big plays in a Southern League game that was a 35-0 blowout in favor of Pine Creek last season. Mullen (3-3) at Columbine (5-1), Thursday 7 p.m., Jeffco Stadium.
The Mustangs meet the No. 8 Rebels in Mount Cameron action, with each coming off decisive wins in the league opener last week. Mullen likely will ride senior running back Alanzo Moon throughout the evening, while coach Andy Lowry said Columbine expects to get running back Ted Mullin back on the field after the senior was sideline the past few games with an injury. Last year, the game was decided by a blocked extra point in a Mullen overtime win.
Valor Christian (6-0) at Lakewood (5-1), Friday 4:30 p.m., Jeffco Stadium.
It’s a bit jarring to think that this year’s Valor Christian team — which has raced to an undefeated record despite playing elite in-state and out-of-state competition — could be even better than last season’s Eagles, who captured the 5A state title. But that appears to be the case so far, as star Luke McCaffrey and the Eagles roll into Lakewood looking to defeat a gritty Tigers team headlined by senior defensive backs Nick Pierro and Weston Lee. ThunderRidge (2-4) at Fairview (5-1), Friday 7 p.m., Recht Field: In a Mount Cameron meeting, this game will likely be the volta for both teams as Fairview (coming off a loss to Columbine last week) and ThunderRidge (back-to-back losses) are looking to regain momentum heading into the home stretch of the regular season. Senior running back Mariano Kemp is the heart and soul of the Fairview attack, while junior running back Spencer Lambert will be key in order for the Grizzlies to pull off the upset. Fountain-Fort Carson (4-2) at Highlands Ranch (5-1), Friday 7 p.m., Shea Stadium.
The Trojans head north for a Mount Lincoln battle against the resilient Falcons, who seem to find ways to keep winning despite adversity on and off the field. Senior running back Gavin Green anchors the Trojans offense while senior middle linebackers Iosua Maika and Jarren Sly are the team’s defensive linchpins against a No. 6 Highlands Ranch program hungry to continue to establish itself among the 5A elite. Listen to this game live on Post Preps Radio.