COLLEGES ON RADAR
Mile High interested in games
CLASS 5A
No. 8 Pomona (1-2) at No. 2 Cherry Creek (3-0) 7 p.m. Friday at Stutler Bowl Last meeting: Cherry Creek 35, at Pomona 34 (OT), on Sept. 13, 2018
What: Two of the state’s stingiest defenses meet at the Stutler Bowl. The Bruins have yet to be challenged in outscoring opponents 115-16 and figure to get their first major test of the season against the Panthers, who have already played and narrowly lost to two top-10 teams (23-13 at No. 5 Regis Jesuit and 17-13 vs No. 3 Valor Christian).
CLASS 5A
Mullen (2-1) at No. 5 Regis Jesuit (3-0)
7 p.m. Friday at Regis Jesuit Last meeting: at Mullen 28, Regis Jesuit 21, on Sept. 14, 2018
What: The metro’s preeminent parochial school powers meet after finding themselves on different ends of blowouts last week — Regis a 49-14 winner over Highlands Ranch, and Mullen a 35-0 loser to Cherry Creek. Another lopsided score is unlikely Friday, with four of the past five meetings between these two decided by eight points or fewer. * All rankings courtesy of CHSAANow poll. CLASS 4A
No. 6 Chatfield (2-1) at Fruita Monument (1-1)
6 p.m. Thursday at Stocker Stadium, Grand Junction Last meeting: Fruita Monument 38, at Chatfield 27, on Sept. 14, 2018
What: The sixth-ranked Chargers have rebounded well from an opening-week loss to Jensen Beach (Fla.), posting wins over Rampart (35-26) and Brighton (42-10). Can they stand up to the Wildcats’ relentless groundand-pound attack? Fruita Monument will certainly leave them little choice — 100 of the team’s 110 snaps this season have been runs. CLASS 3A
No. 2 Mead (3-0) at 3A No. 8 Roosevelt (1-1) 7 p.m. Friday at Roosevelt Last meeting: at Mead 41, Roosevelt 0, on Sept. 14, 2018
What: The Roughriders got an extra week to prepare for Mead — and they’ll needed every minute of it. The Mavericks promise to bring four quarters of the most physical run game 3A has to offer. Jason Klatt’s squad has already piled up 1,006 yards on 99 carries through three games, with six different ball carriers scoring touchdowns. WILD CARD
5A No. 3 Valor Christian (2-1) at 4A No. 1 Pine Creek (2-0)
6 p.m. Thursday at Pine Creek Last meeting: at Valor Christian 28, Pine Creek 7, on Sept. 14, 2018
What: The battle of the Eagles presents an interesting opportunity for Pine Creek to state its claim as the best team in the state, regardless of classification. The 4A Eagles have looked sharp early on in piling up 111 points and 1,084 yards of offense in just two games. Pine Creek RB David Moore III (26 touches, 455 yards, six TDs) is the engine powering it all. WILD CARD
4A No. 8 Loveland (1-1) at 5A No. 6 Ralston Valley (3-0)
7 p.m. Thursday at North Area Athletic Complex
Last meeting: at Loveland 21, Ralston Valley 17, on Sept. 13, 2018
What: Few teams have looked more impressive that Ralston Valley in racking up victories over Mountain Vista, Fairview and Poudre (combined score 132-40). Now comes an opportunity to avenge one of two regular-season losses from 2018. Many of the faces have changed on Loveland’s sideline. After a 41-14 win over Thompson Valley, the Indians just might be starting to gel.