6 Colorado prep football games to watch in Week 8
A rundown of the top high school football games coming up in Week 8 across the state:
No. 4 Ralston Valley (7-0) at No. 1 Columbine (7-0)
When/where: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Jeffco Stadium
Last meeting: Columbine 29, at Ralston Valley 14, on Oct. 11, 2018
What: A battle of 5A Metro West League powers is also a meeting of the two of the state’s stingiest defenses. Ralston Valley DE/OLB Braden Siders has been an absolute terror with 10 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles this fall, while QB Walker Brickle has blossomed as a senior with 1,468 yards and 20 TDs on 99-of-148 passing. On the other side, seniors DE Justin Lohrenz (6.0 TFLs) and RB Tanner Hollens (1,025 total yards and 17 TDs) lead an uber-talented Columbine roster.
No. 7 Eaglecrest (6-1) at No. 2 Cherry Creek (7-0)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at the Stutler Bowl
Last meeting: Cherry Creek 14, at Eaglecrest 13, on Oct. 12, 2018
What: The Bruins run into a Raptors squad coming off a 56-26 drubbing of Overland. Touchdowns won’t be so easy to come by against Creek, which has allowed as many points through seven games as it has accumulated tackles for loss (47). Between DT Gus Zilinskas (8.0 TFLs), LB Delonte Dickey (7.0), DE Arden Walker (6.0) and LB Marcus Alexander (6.0), the Bruins are loaded with players who can create negative plays. Raptors dual threat QB Max Marsh must be decisive.
Golden (5-1) at No. 4 Chatfield (5-1)
When/where: 4 p.m. Friday at Jeffco Stadium
Last meeting: Chatfield 36, at Golden 19, on Oct. 12, 2018
A pair of 4A Jeffco League rivals face off with early pole position in the standings on the line. Neither team has lost a game in Colorado this season, with both of their losses coming in Florida during Week 1. Golden QB Joey Mancuso (984 yards on 50-of-85 passing) and WR Kevin Mulligan (20 receptions, 470 yards) have developed a special connection. Chatfield’s secondary has generated seven interceptions, including two by senior Shane Compton.
Mesa Ridge (4-2) at No. 1 Pine Creek (5-1)
When/where: 6 p.m. Thursday at District 20 Stadium Last meeting: Pine Creek 49, at Mesa Ridge 7, on Oct. 12, 2018
The Grizzlies have an opportunity to vault themselves into the discussion of state contenders with an upset of the top-ranked Eagles. Mesa Ridge has had a series of offensive outbursts led by senior QB Kyle Gaster (802 total yards, 12 TDs). Trying to match touchdowns with the Eagles and senior RB David Moore III (95 carries, 1,323 yards, 17 TDs), however, is a tall order.
Thomas Jefferson (5-1) at No. 4 Discovery Canyon (5-1)
When/where: 1 p.m. Saturday at District 20 Stadium Last meeting: Discovery Canyon 39, at Thomas Jefferson 32, on Oct. 12, 2018 What: The Spartans have ripped off five consecutive wins. Wyoming commit Keshaun Taylor and senior Craig Patterson headline an athletic Spartans receiving corps, while MLB Avery Shunneson (59 tackles, 6.5 TFLs) leads a stout defense.
Holy Family (3-3) at No. 6 Frederick (6-0)
When/where: 7 p.m. Thursday at Frederick
Last meeting: Frederick 41, at Holy Family 23, on Oct. 12, 2018
What: Holy Family is looking to string together two straight wins for the first time this season. HF quarterback Calahan Carter (1,644 yards on 96-of-156 passing) will test a Frederick defense that has forced 14 turnovers, including nine interceptions (each from a different player).
* All rankings courtesy of CHSAANow poll.