Mullen must deal with Grandview’s running game

Mullen (2-2) at No. 4 Grandview (4-0)

7 p.m. Friday at Legacy Stadium

Last meeting: Grandview 56, at Mullen 3, on Sept. 21, 2018

What: The Wolves have yet to meet a defense that can slow down their ground game, with 1,370 yards, 19 touchdowns and countless tacklers left in their wake. Now comes a date with the Mustangs and big, bad defensive lineman Aidan Keanaaina — a Notre Dame commit with 6.0 tackles for loss to his name. Mullen gave No. 6 Regis Jesuit everything it could handle in a down-to-the-wire loss last week. Can they do the same against the fourth-ranked Wolves?

Castle View (4-0) at No. 10 Legend (4-0)

When/where: 1 p.m. Saturday at EchoPark Stadium

Last meeting: at Castle View 42, Legend 21, on Sept. 21, 2018

What: A south suburbs matchup between two teams on the rise, the winner of this will solidify a spot among 5A’s top 10 just ahead of league play. The Sabercats, fresh off a win over rival Douglas County, bring in a three-headed running attack featuring juniors Ian Peirce and Zane Wodark and senior fullback Jordan Jackson. The Titans have a pair of explosive backs of their own in 100-plus-yard-per-game rushers Blake Rarog and Connor Eise.

No. 4 Dakota Ridge (3-0) at No. 7 Ponderosa (1-2)

When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at EchoPark Stadium

Last meeting: Ponderosa 41, at Dakota Ridge 10, on Sept. 22, 2018

What: After a brutal start to the schedule that included a pair of ranked 5A opponents (Legend and Columbine) and a one-point win at Windsor, the No. 7 Mustangs got two weeks to prepare for another stiff test from Dakota Ridge. With 20 tackles for loss, including 13 sacks, through three games, the Eagles bring a playmaking defense that promises to put plenty of pressure on dual threat QB Jack Hanenburg.

No. 1 Palmer Ridge (3-0) at No. 3 Pueblo South (3-0)

7 p.m. Friday at CSU-Pueblo

Last meeting: Palmer Ridge 41, Pueblo South 7, on Nov. 10, 2018, in 3A state playoffs

What: The third-ranked Colts have been giant killers early on this season, notching wins over ranked teams in each of their first three games. Now comes the biggest giant of them all — two-time defending champion Palmer Ridge. The Bears have given up just eight points in three games while compiling 18 touchdowns with a nearly even split of 519 yards passing and 505 rushing. Needless to say, QB Logan Petit (626 yards total offense, eight TDs) and the Colts have their work cut out for them.

5A No. 1 Columbine (4-0) at Olathe (Kan.) North (3-0)

7 p.m. Friday

1A No. 2 Strasburg (3-0) at 1A No. 1 Limon (3-0)

at Olathe North

Last meeting: at Columbine 48, Olathe North 12, on Sept. 21, 2018

What: The Rebels head east — way east — for a rematch with a Kansas 6A state semifinalist, now ranked No. 2 in the biggest class. Columbine cruised a year ago — just as it has in four double-digit wins this season — but things might not be so easy on Olathe North’s turf. Junior RB Arland Bruce IV (73 carries, 583 yards, 10 TDs) has serious home-run potential, and senior QB Caleb Nelson has completed 61.2% of his passes for 470 yards and three TDs in three games.

When/where: 2 p.m. Saturday at Lloyd Gaskill Field

Last meeting: Limon 13, Strasburg 7, on Nov. 24, 2018, in 1A state championship

What: In a rematch of last year’s 1A state title game, defending champion Limon hosts Strasburg in a matchup that will decide early pole position in this year’s race. The Strasburg offense (26.0 points per game) hasn’t been as explosive as Limon’s (41.3 ppg) so far this season, but if their last meeting is any indication, this one will be all about the D.