POST PREPS: A preview of Saturday’s state football semifinals — from Class 5A to 3A.

Denver Post preps editor Kyle Newman breaks down Saturday’s semifinal matchups in Classes 5A, 4A and 3A. The season culminates with the championship games Dec. 2.

Class 5A

No. 3 Columbine (11-1) at No. 2 Eaglecrest (12-0)

Noon Saturday, Legacy Stadium

The rushing-oriented Rebels (3,462 yards and 44 touchdowns on the ground) battle an Eaglecrest team with big-play potential through the air via quarterback Jalen Mergerson and his array of weapons. This game ultimately comes down to the big dudes up front, where Columbine’s seniors Kevin Singer (66, 268) and Kai Valentino (6-3, 300) and sophomore Andrew Gentry (6-8, 285) will be pitted against the likes of Eaglecrest juniors Barrett Miller (6-5, 260) and Matt Youngblood (6-0, 324) and sophomore Reece Atteberry (6-5, 255).

No. 4 Pomona (10-2) at No. 8 Grandview (10-2)

5 p.m. Saturday, Legacy Stadium

Both programs are operating at peak swagger, as Grandview pulled off the upset heard ’round the Rocky Mountains with a 28-16 win over top-ranked Valor Christian last week, while the Panthers — the two-time state runner-up to those very Eagles — believe the path has been cleared for them to win their first 5A title. If senior linebacker Julius Carter Jr. and the Wolves’ defense can put a lid on the production of Panthers quarterback Ryan Marquez (easier said than done, seeing as he threw five touchdowns with ease last week), Grandview is fully capable of a second straight heavyweight toppling.