PUEBLO — The 1A, 3A and 5A state football championships are to be contested on Thursday.
1A (Limon vs. Strasburg)
3A (Roosevelt vs. Durango)
5A (Cherry Creek vs. Valor Christian)
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PUEBLO — The 2A and 4A state football championships are to be contested on Thursday.
2A (Eaton vs. Lamar)
8-man (Sedgwick County vs. Sanford)
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There may not be two teams with more different styles heading into championship weekend than Loveland and Palmer Ridge.
The contenders for the Class 4A football title each grabbed impressive wins over tough opponents in their semifinal games and remain alive heading into the season’s final days of play. But their methods in getting there are vastly different from each other.
Coming off three straight 3A titles, the Bears (6-0) continue to play their brand of football that features a high-flying, pass-heavy offense and combine it with a physical, unrelenting brand of defense.
In just six games, quarterback Luke McAllister threw for over 1,600 yards and 23 touchdowns. He’s spoiled when it comes to target options as Kaden Dudley, Anthony Costanzo and Marcellus Reed have all proven to be top-notch talents this season.
Cam Jones has been a big defensive presence as he leads the team in sacks with five and has even pulled down an interception. The team overall has forced 14 turnovers on the year which played a big factor in playoff wins over Pine Creek and Fountain-Fort Carson.
McAllister is trying to end his career the same way his predecessor Ty Evans did, but winning two state titles in a row and he knows that he has a group talented enough to get it done.
“I know my team has my back,” he said earlier this year. “I love this team and love the way they handle things.”
On the other side of the field, Loveland (8-0) may have the exact formula needed to slow down Palmer Ridge’s offense.
Loveland rushes for 340 yards per game and has a tendency to put together long sustained drives that end with points being scored. Zach Rakowsky leads the way, averaging 153 yards per game and he’s found the end zone 16 times.
It’s an old-school style of play that Loveland backs up with with a suffocating defense that has totaled nine sacks on the year and forced 20 turnovers in just eight games.
Loveland has been playing with postseason intensity since the final game of the year, a 27-26 overtime win against Skyline. The team rode its defense to a big win over Broomfield (the 2019 4A runner-up) in the quarterfinals before slowing down No. 1 Dakota Ridge – who had just put up 76 points a week earlier – to reach the state championship game.
“To get that kind of experience, you get more from the last five minutes of those games,” Loveland coach Jeff Mauck said after the Skyline win. “So much of who you are as a person is tested in those moments.”
He’s hoping those moments have tested his boys enough to be ready for a state championship game. The last time Loveland played for a state title was 2018 and the result was every bit as good as they had hoped for. They took down Skyline 62-14 to claim the programs seventh state crown.
The 4A football championship game will kick at 6 p.m. on Friday and will follow the 2A title game between Lamar and Eaton.
ENGLEWOOD — Loveland’s historically rich football program is heading to its 15th state championship game.
The No. 4-seeded Indians upset top-seed Dakota Ridge 20-14 at Randy Penn Stadium on the campus of Englewood High School on Saturday afternoon in the Class 4A state semifinal.
“We’ve been in dogfights before. It’s nothing new to us,” Loveland senior Zack Rakowsky said moments after the final horn sounded. “Dakota Ridge is a really tough opponent. We knew if we played our kind of football we’d walk out of here with a win.”
Loveland (8-0 record) scored touchdowns on its first three offensive possessions against Dakota Ridge (7-1) to jump out to a 20-7 lead midway through the second quarter. Junior Tyson Williams finished off the opening drive of the game with a 12-yard touchdown run to cap off an 80-yard, 10-play drive.
Following a quick scoring drive by Dakota Ridge that was capped off by a 3-yard touchdown catch by senior Cavica Wilkerson from quarterback Ben Gultig, the Indians answered again with another 80-yard scoring drive.
Loveland sophomore quarterback Garrett Harstad scored from 2 yards out to give the Indians a 13-7 lead.
“Loveland did a good job of running the ball,” Dakota Ridge coach Ron Woitalewicz said. “We couldn’t get a stop in the first half.”
The Eagles had scored on 13 consecutive drives dating back to their state quarterfinal victory a week ago when they went 12-for-12, but Loveland ended that streak forcing Dakota Ridge to punt with just under 8 minutes left in the second quarter.
The next play would be the biggest offensive play of the game for Loveland. Rakowsky took an inside handoff and raced into the end zone for a 73-yard run to extend Loveland’s lead to 20-7.
“The momentum after that you could feel it on our sideline,” Rakowsky said of the longest play from scrimmage of the game. “It was just great blocking. I wasn’t even touched. I thank my offensive line for that.”
Rakowsky carried the offensive load for the Indians with over 20 carries for nearly 200 yards on the ground.
Both defenses found their footing in the second half. In fact, the only score after halftime came on an 87-yard punt return for a touchdown by Dakota Ridge junior Dante Capolungo with 6:40 left in the fourth quarter to cut Loveland’s lead to 20-14.
“I thought it was going out of bounds, but then it took that one hop and from there I knew I was off,” Capolungo said. “I was able to get the touchdown to flip the game and the momentum. We had a chance.”
Dakota Ridge did have a golden opportunity after the Eagles’ defense forced a 3-and-out by Loveland. The Eagles took over on their 41-yard line with 4:21 remaining. However, after getting an initial first-down Dakota Ridge’s drive stalled.
Loveland junior Ian Loomis sacked Gultig on a 4th-down play to give the ball back to the Indians. Loveland managed one more first-down run by Rakowsky and ran out the clock to end the game.
“It is just so thrilling,” Loomis said of his monster sack that ended the Eagles’ final offensive drive. “On fourth downs that is my best time. Fourth downs just get my going and I just go through the line.”
Loomis had a key sack in the third quarter that ended another Dakota Ridge drive.
“I really thought it would be our defense that was going to win this game,” Loomis said. “I think we put them in uncomfortable positions.”
Loveland is now back in a familiar position, play for another state title. The Indians have a 7-7 record in state championship games. Loveland’s last title came just two years ago in 2018 where the Indians defeated Skyline.
Palmer Ridge — a powerhouse in 3A before moving up to 4A this season — will be Loveland’s opponent in the 4A title game next week. The Bears (6-0) defeated Fountain-Fort Carson 28-12 in the other 4A semifinal Saturday afternoon.
“I think we are ready for it,” Loomis said of the upcoming 4A title game against Palmer Ridge. “We were so motivated coming into this game facing the No. 1 team. I think we’ll come in and beat Palmer Ridge.”
The Eagles were trying to head to their first state title game since 2004. Dakota Ridge lost to ThunderRidge 35-29 in the 4A state championship game 16 years ago.
“I’m so proud of these kids because they gave up a lot,” Woitalewicz said. “They sacrificed social time. They all went remote (learning) so they didn’t get quarantined. They didn’t hang out with friends. They really sacrificed so they could have this season. We knew they season would be special.”
Woitalewicz’s 2019 squad came within seconds of advancing to the title game last season. Broomfield defeated Dakota Ridge 17-15 with a last-second field goal at Jeffco Stadium. The crushing defeat has definitely motivated this year’s senior-laden team.
“These seniors were great leaders. They set a high standard for us to come back next year,” Capolungo said of Dakota Ridge’s back-to-back state semifinal appearances. “They showed all us young guys how to be a complete team.”
Loveland advanced to the Class 4A football state championship game after a stunning 20-14 win over top-seeded Dakota Ridge.
It was semifinal Saturday as all seven classes were in action. That means that each championship matchup has been set up ahead of next week’s Championship Weekend at CSU Pueblo.
Here is how the day played out.
Browse a database of state football championship games through history at this link.
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(1) Cherry Creek 35, (4) Pomona 7
Cherry Creek scored on a Hail Mary as the first half ended to turn a one-score game to a 21-7 advantage, and the Bruins’ offense kept it up in the second half as they advanced to a third-straight title game.
Julian Hammond III threw two touchdowns, and star defensive back/offensive threat Myles Purchase had three touchdowns. Cherry Creek’s Gunnar Helm and Chase Penry each had receiving scores.
Cherry Creek, the defending champions, will be making its 19th appearance in a state title game, and third straight.
Find a photo gallery from the game here.
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(2) Valor Christian 45, (3) Legend 0
Already up 14-0 after the first quarter, Valor Christian exploded for 31 second-quarter points as the Eagles advanced to the program’s 10th state title game.
Valor score two rushing touchdowns in the first quarter, including one from Jordan Norwood, and then their special teams (blocked punt return from Mitchell Bigelow) and defense (Luke Meyer’s 17-yard fumble return) added two more scores early in the second.
Jackson Zimmermann added a receiving score, and Gabe Sawchuk scored on the ground.
Valor Christian is 8-1-0 in its previous trips to a championship game.
Find a photo gallery from the game here.
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(4) Loveland 20, (4) Dakota Ridge 14
Loveland scored all of its points in the first half, and its defense held firm to secure a second championship game appearance in three years.
Tyson Williams had a 12-yard rushing touchdown which opened the scoring in the first quarter. After Dakota Ridge took a 7-6 lead, Loveland’s Garrett Harstad scored from 3 yards out.
Then, in the second quarter, Zack Rakowsky broke off a 73-yard rushing score for Loveland.
Loveland moves on to make its 15th championship game appearance.
A complete recap of the game is available here.
Find a photo gallery from the game here.
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(2) Palmer Ridge 28, (6) Fountain-Fort Carson 12
Palmer Ridge is headed to a fourth-consecutive state championship game, but their first in 4A after winning three-straight 3A titles.
Luke McAllister threw three touchdown passes for the Bears, who led 14-6 at halftime, and then had a touchdown each in the third and fourth quarters.
Find a photo gallery from the game here.
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(1) Roosevelt 49, (4) Pueblo South 19
A tight game through the first two quarters, Roosevelt’s Brig Hartson scored from 6 yards out in the final minute of the first half to put his team up 21-13.
Pueblo South’s Jace Bellah scored in the third quarter to cut it to 21-19, but Roosevelt close the game with 28 unanswered points.
This will be Roosevelt’s third championship game appearance, and first since 2015.
A complete recap of the game is available here.
Find a photo gallery from the game here.
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(3) Durango 34, (2) Holy Family 14
Durango built a 21-0 halftime lead, one it extended to 28-0 early in the third quarter as the Demons flexed their muscle in the win.
“The kids just executed our game plan perfectly,” Durango coach David Vogt told the Colorado Preps Scoreboard Show. “Our offense just really was rolling.”
Jordan Woolverton led the way for Durango with two rushing touchdowns, a passing score, and an interception on defense. Gage Mestas had two touchdowns: one receiving, and one rushing. Ben Finneseth also added a 40-yard rushing touchdown.
It is Durango’s first appearance in a championship game since 1988, and fourth overall. They are 0-3-1 all-time in title games.
“Every year, that’s our goal: To make it to the state championship,” Vogt said. “To accomplish that, it’s great for everybody who has ever been in the program. Everybody is so happy for the program, and the town is just elated, too.”
Find a photo gallery from the game here.
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(5) Eaton 27, (1) Resurrection Christian 13
This will be Eaton’s first appearance in a state championship game since 2003, and the program’s eighth overall. Eaton has won one championship before, in 2000.
“The look on the players’ faces, it’s classic. It just brings tears to your eyes. Excited for them, that their hard work is playing off. You just love to see that look on their faces,” Eaton coach Zac Lemon told the Scoreboard Show.
Eaton led 14-7 at the half, and pushed their lead to 27-7 in the fourth quarter.
“We knew it was going to be a battle in the trenches. It wasn’t easy, but our guys battled,” Lemon said. “We did a little ‘bend, but don’t break.’ Guys played selfless, and excellent.”
Find a photo gallery from the game here.
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(7) Lamar 7, (6) Delta 6
Lamar’s lone score came less than a minute into the second quarter, when Zane Rankin hit Blake Buxton for a 38-yard touchdown. A Luis DeLaTorre extra point immediately after ultimately proved to be the difference in this game.
“Zane put it right on him for the touchdown,” Lamar coach Jason Tice told the Scoreboard Show.
The lead held through halftime and into the third quarter when Delta’s Nathan Scharnhorst scored from 6 yards out with 8 minutes remaining in the quarter. The extra point attempt, though, was not good.
“Our defense stood tall,” Tice said. “The defense really did a nice job today.”
Lamar will head to a title game for the first time since 1963.
“We’ve got great kids. This senior class is remarkable. It’s one of the best senior classes I’ve ever been a part of,” Tice said. “These guys just go out there and they play for one another. As a coach, that’s all you can ask for.”
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(1) Limon 24, (4) Wray 14
The Badgers, two-time defending champions, are headed back to the title game.
Tied at halftime, Limon took a 14-7 lead with three minutes to play in the third following a long drive.
“Our kids did a really nice job,” Limon coach Mike O’Dwyer told the Scoreboard Show. “We had talked all week that this game was going to be 3 and 4 and 5 yards, and the team that can sustain that drive and not make mistakes and turn the ball over would win. I really thought our kids did a nice job. We ate up about 8 and a half minutes.”
The Badgers added a field goal early in the fourth to go ahead 17-7.
“To make it a two-score game, you felt a little bit more comfortable,” O’Dwyer said.
Wray cut the lead to 17-14 three minutes later, but Limon sealed the game with a touchdown pass with two minutes remaining.
“It was a great team effort on the defensive side,” O’Dwyer said.
Limon has the most championships of any program in the state, with 19. They have been to a title game 27 times before, also the most in the state.
Find a photo gallery of the game here.
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(2) Strasburg 27, (6) Centauri 14
For the fifth-straight year, Strasburg will head to the championship game. The squad has played Limon each of the past two seasons.
Down 14-0 in the first half, and 14-6 at halftime, Strasburg got a rushing touchdown and a two-point conversion midway through the third quarter to tie things at 14-14. Then, with five minutes to play in the fourth quarter, another rushing score gave Strasburg a 21-14 lead.
“When we got down 14-0, nothing was working for us offensively. Centauri came out and they were flying around the football,” Strasburg coach Brian Brown told the Scoreboard Show. “We told the boys, ‘We’re not used to this, but we got to keep our composure.’ Our boys, they never seem too worried about what the score is. They just know that if they keep doing the things they do best, good things will happen.”
They then sealed the game with a pick-6 with three minutes to play.
Strasburg will be making its seventh appearance in a championship game.
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(1) Sedgwick County 46, (4) Dove Creek 6
The Cougars have advanced to their sixth-straight state title game, and are looking to become just the second program to ever win six consecutive championships. Only Limon has done it before, from 1963-68.
“I think later on down the road, we’ll be able to look back and realize what had happened. Right now, we’re just a one-day-at-a-time team, just like everybody else,” Sedgwick County coach Chris Michel told the Scoreboard Show.
Sedgwick County scored four times on the ground, once through the air, and also had a 64-yard punt return for a score. The Cougars led 40-6 at halftime.
“We do a really good job, when we get some momentum, of capitalizing on that,” Michel said.
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(2) Sanford 16, (6) Merino 14
This marks the first time in program history that Sanford will play for a state football championship.
“Beyond excited,” Sanford coach Joe Cary told the Scoreboard Show. “We’re extremely excited to be able to go and do this.”
Sanford trailed 14-8 at halftime in a physical game. They went ahead 16-14 in the fourth quarter on a speed-option play.
“The kids never dropped their heads,” Cary said. “Never once did they let the doubt creep in. They just fought and fought.”
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(1) Fleming 52, (4) Granada 46
It was a shootout back-and-forth kind of game between the two teams that saw a number of lead changes.
Granada led 46-38 in the fourth quarter, but a long touchdown run cut it to 46-44 for Fleming. The Wildcats then took the lead for good on an 8-yard pass.
“It was a great game,” Fleming coach John King told the Scoreboard Show.
Fleming, the defending champion, will head back to the championship game for a second year in a row, and for the seventh time in program history.
“I’m sure it’s going to be one heck of a test for us again,” King said.
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(2) Stratton/Liberty 36, (3) Cheyenne Wells 15
It’ll be a fourth-straight title game appearance for the Knighted Eagles, and a rematch of last year’s title game, won by Fleming.
Against Cheyenne Wells, Stratton/Liberty trailed 15-14 at halftime. They closed with 22 unanswered points.
“I thought we just played harder, with more heart, and more urgency, in the second half,” Stratton/Liberty Toby Kechter told the Scoreboard Show. “The second half, we just ran right at them and we finally found some holes.”
This will be Stratton/Liberty’s 15th championship game in program history.
“We’re excited. You take away our best player Week 2, and our kids really stepped up,” Kechter said. “They played with a lot of heart and desire and want-to.”
After a thrilling week of Colorado playoff football games, teams roll into semifinals this weekend. With upsets in nearly every big-school classification, intriguing matchups have been set as teams prepare to earn a chance to get to the Neta and Eddie DeRose ThunderBowl in Pueblo to compete for state football championships.
Here is a look at the semifinal games for the big-school games this weekend.
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(4) Pomona at (1) Cherry Creek
Date and time: Nov. 28, 1 p.m.
Breakdown: Two coaches very familiar with each other will face off once again as they each look to claim another state title. Dave Logan led Cherry Creek to the 5A crown last year and has a team loaded with talent once again in 2020.
Quarterback Julian Hammond has thrown for over 1,000 yards and 17 touchdowns and he also has the experience of leading the Bruins (7-0) to a state title. Cherry Creek won their quarterfinal game over Regis Jesuit 29-6 thanks to big plays from James Walker and Myles Purchase.
Pomona fell behind early in its quarterfinal game against Eaglecrest but behind Ian Dexter’s 101 rushing yards and the team’s six total rushing touchdowns, the Panthers grabbed a 49-14 win to advance.
Cherry Creek beat Pomona 12-7 in last year’s semifinals and the Panthers certainly wouldn’t mind evening the score this weekend.
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(3) Legend at (2) Valor Christian
Date and time: Nov. 28, 1 p.m.
Breakdown: Without Gavin Sawchuk, it seemed like Valor Christian’s game against Cherokee Trail was going to get a whole lot tougher. But Zach Wiley had other plans.
The backup ran for four first-half touchdowns to help the Eagles (6-0) to a 49-14 win over the Cougars. A few of those touchdowns were set up by brilliant completions from Sean McNair to Tyler Larson.
Valor is looking to get back to the state title game after getting beaten in the state quarterfinals a year ago.
Speaking of backup running backs, no one had a better weekend than Legend’s Bryce Vaz.
The junior broke out for 310 yards and six touchdowns as the Titans (7-0) beat Fairview 56-35 to advance to the state semifinals for the first time in the program’s history. Vaz spent his freshman year at Valor and is looking forward to displaying his ability against his former school.
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(4) Loveland at (1) Dakota Ridge
Date and time: Nov. 28, 1 p.m.
Breakdown: Dakota Ridge wasn’t messing around when the postseason got underway as it scored 10 offensive touchdowns to beat Montrose 76-34 in the quarterfinals.
Ben Gultig ran for 101 yards and a touchdown and Noah Triplett accounted for three of the Eagles’ seven total rushing touchdowns on the day.
Loveland’s trip to the semifinals came thanks in part to a major boost on the defensive side of the ball.
Joe Killian’s pick-six was came at a crucial time and led the team to a 28-7 win over Broomfield, the 2019 4A runner-up. Zack Rakowsky had a banner day running the ball, amassing 183 yards and two touchdowns.
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(2) Palmer Ridge at (6) Fountain-Fort Carson
Date and time: Nov. 28, 1 p.m.
Breakdown: Palmer Ridge is in search of its fourth straight state title and its first in 4A. The Bears (5-0) looked strong in their 32-7 win over Pine Creek in the quarterfinals.
Luke McAllister threw for 367 yards and five touchdowns, four of which landed in the hands of Marcellus Reed.
The Palmer Ridge passing attack will be countered by one of the best running backs in the state.
Q. Jones put his talent on a full display in the Trojans (6-1) 41-38 win over Ponderosa last week. Jones ran for 332 yards and three touchdowns in the win.
Palmer Ridge is on the road because of a rule in 4A through 6-man which allows teams with fewer postseason home games to host.
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(4) Pueblo South at (1) Roosevelt
Date and time: Nov. 28, 1 p.m.
Breakdown: Roosevelt was nearly the victim of a major upset at the hands of Fort Morgan in the quarterfinals.
A last-second field goal from Brecken Sawyer gave the Roughriders (6-0) the win and moved them on to the semis. Cooper Walton was also crucial to the win as he punched in two rushing touchdowns.
Pueblo South advanced to the semifinals due to Mead forfeiting their game last week because of COVID-19 issues.
The Colts (5-0) have looked strong all year as George Longoria has rushed for 816 yards and 12 touchdowns in just four games. South beat Vista Ridge 35-28 in its most recent game.
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(3) Durango at (2) Holy Family
Date and time: Nov. 28, 12 p.m.
Breakdown: Holy Family made a big statement in its playoff opening win against Evergreen. The Tigers (7-0) maintained a balanced offensive attack as Michael White threw for 242 yards and four touchdowns.
Oscar Sena caught five passes for 162 yards and two touchdowns and the team overall rushed for 133 yards and a pair of scores.
Durango’s banner season continued as the Demons beat Lutheran 47-6 in the 3A quarterfinals.
Jordan Woolverton threw for 154 yards and three touchdowns while Ben Finneseth ran for 130 yards and scored two touchdowns.
Loveland football beat Broomfield 28-7 to advance in the Class 4A playoffs.
The state football playoffs are underway this week. Each bracket consists of eight teams with quarterfinals taking place this week before semifinals are played next week, ahead of the state championship games, all of which will be played at Colorado State University Pueblo.
With four games in all seven classifications, here is a breakdown of this week’s big-school matchups:
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(8) Regis Jesuit at (1) Cherry Creek
Date and time: Nov. 20, 4 p.m.
Breakdown: There has been no slowing down for Cherry Creek (6-0) since the Bruins claimed the 5A title last December. They haven’t been shy about putting up points and have only surrendered 28 total points all year. Quarterback Julian Hammond has thrown for 1,027 yards and 17 touchdowns while James Walker II has rushed for 566 yards and four touchdowns.
Regis Jesuit (5-1) has put together some impressive wins this season but fell to Legend, the only playoff team on its schedule. The Raiders have been paced all year by senior running back David Dody. Through the course of the season, he has rushed for 514 yards and nine touchdowns.
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(5) Eaglecrest at (4) Pomona
Date and time: Nov. 20, 5 p.m.
Breakdown: As has been tradition in recent years, Pomona (6-0) has taken care of business this season. The Panthers won a key battle with Columbine to end the regular season and officially punch their ticket to the postseason. A big reason for that is Jack Pospisil. The senior has rushed for 593 yards and 10 touchdowns this year.
A Week 1 shootout made a lot of people pay attention to Eaglecrest’s (4-1) offensive potential. The Raptors got solid games from JP Luketu (547 rushing yards, 11 touchdowns) and anything can happen when quarterback Khalil Howard finds wide receiver Ty Robinson.
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(7) Cherokee Trail at (2) Valor Christian
Date and time: Nov. 19, 6 p.m.
Breakdown: Under first-year head coach Donnie Yantis, Valor Christian (5-0) is looking to return to the state title game for the first time in two years. To get there, they’ll rely on Gavin Sawchuk, who has rushed for 993 yards and 16 touchdowns.
After dropping the first two games of the year, Cherokee Trail (4-2) battled its way into the 5A field. Quarterback Jayden Lavigne has been a big reason for those four straight wins as he’s totaled 1,287 passing yards and 13 touchdowns.
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(6) Fairview at (3) Legend
Date and time: Nov. 21, 2:30 p.m.
Breakdown: In the first four games of the season, Legend surrendered just seven total points to its opponents. The Titans are looking strong heading into the postseason thanks in large part to the running game of Connor Eise (798 yards, eight touchdowns) and the complementary passing attack of Kalen Shoemaker (890 yards, 14 touchdowns).
After finding its footing through the first two games of the year, Fairview found its rhythm offensively. The Knights scored at least 42 points in each of their last four games of the year. Liam O’Brien threw for a staggering 310 yards per game and 18 total scores to just one interception.
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(8) Montrose at (1) Dakota Ridge
Date and time: Nov. 21, 3 p.m.
Breakdown: Dakota Ridge (6-0) meant business from the second the first whistle blew to start the season. The Eagles outscored their first three opponents 155-26 and haven’t looked back since. Ben Gultig is completing 69 percent of his passes and has totaled 920 yards and 14 touchdowns.
A tough schedule put Montrose (4-2) right on the bubble, but they’ll have a chance to pull off a major shocker on Saturday. The team showed it can play with the best in 4A after leading Palmer Ridge at halftime of their game back on Oct. 30.
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(5) Broomfield at (4) Loveland
Date and time: Nov. 20, 6:30 p.m.
Breakdown: A hard fought victory over Skyline last week kept Loveland (6-0) undefeated on the year and more importantly, battle tested heading into the postseason. Zack Rakowsky leads Loveland with 860 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns.
After getting to last year’s state title game, Broomfield (5-0) has every intention of making a return trip. Sophomore Cole Lacrue has shown poise at the quarterback position while throwing for 841 yards and nine touchdowns. As a team, the Eagles have forced a staggering 16 takeaways.
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(7) Pine Creek at (2) Palmer Ridge
Date and time: Nov. 21, 1 p.m.
Breakdown: Arguably the most anticipated matchup of the week sees two teams who both claimed state titles last year. Palmer Ridge (4-0) won the 3A title while Pine Creek enters the postseason as the defending 4A champ. Luke McAllister has paced the Bears offensively with 1,070 passing yards and 16 touchdowns.
Playing a full 5A schedule should make Pine Creek (2-2) battle tested heading into the tournament. Beau Freyler and Zion Hill have rushed for a combined 555 yards and four touchdowns this year.
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(6) Fountain-Fort Carson at (3) Ponderosa
Date and time: Nov. 21, 10:30 a.m.
Breakdown: A strong showing in the regular season saw Ponderosa (6-0) go undefeated. That included a thrilling last-minute win over Montrose on Nov. 6. Quarterback Jack Hanenburg has shown strong leadership all year as well as solid play. He has thrown for 1,078 yards and 11 touchdowns this year.
Fountain-Fort Carson (5-1) got rare regular season retribution to end the year by knocking off Rampart, the very team that handed FFC its lone loss of the season just a week earlier. Q. Jones is in the conversation for 4A player of the year as he averages over 232 rushing yards per game and has scored 16 rushing touchdowns this season.
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(8) Fort Morgan at (1) Roosevelt
Date and time: Nov. 21, 1 p.m.
Breakdown: Since beating Mead 21-20 in overtime on Oct. 16, Roosevelt (5-0) has been the clear No. 1 in the 3A field. Brig Hartson is the catalyst of the team’s offense as he’s thrown for 838 yards and 13 touchdowns while also rushing for 204 yards and two scores.
With just one loss in the regular season, Fort Morgan (4-1) is looking to pull off a major upset in the quarterfinals. Briggs Wheatley has thrown for 563 yards and rushed for 417 and will need to pace the Mustangs in their bid to shake up the 3A field.
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(5) Mead at (4) Pueblo South
Date and time: N/A
Breakdown: COVID-19 concerns prompted Mead (5-2) to withdraw from the game. Pueblo South (5-0) wins via forfeit and advances to the semifinals.
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(7) Evergreen at (2) Holy Family
Date and time: Nov. 20, 6 p.m.
Breakdown: If there is one thing Holy Family (6-0) likes to do, it’s score points. The Tigers cross the 30-point mark in all but one of their games this season. Michael White and Trevin Johnson give the offense a bit of balance as White has thrown for 903 yards while Johnson has rushed for 786.
Losses to Palisade and Durango got Evergreen (4-2) off to a 2-2 start, but the Cougars finished strong to earn a postseason berth. They’ll have to rely on Noah Martens (871 rushing yards, three touchdowns) to control the time of possession and keep Holy Family off the field.
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(6) Lutheran at (3) Durango
Date and time: Nov. 21, 1 p.m.
Breakdown: An undefeated regular season has given Durango (5-0) confidence that it can claim its first state football title since 1954. Jordan Woolverton has a cool command of the Demons offense, throwing for 629 yards and six touchdowns while adding five rushing touchdowns.
The lone loss of the year for Lutheran (4-1) came in the regular season finale against Holy Family. The Lions are hoping that a steady passing attack from Clayton Jacobs (1,082 yards, 13 touchdowns) will be too much for Durango to hang with.
The final football coaches poll of the 2020 fall season is here.
The rankings, voted upon by coaches, are the official polls of the Association. This poll factors into postseason seeding.
Complete rankings for all classes are below.
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Voted upon by coaches around the state. New voters can sign up by emailing rcasey@chsaa.org. These rankings will factor into postseason seeding. More information is available here.
| Class 5A | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RK | TEAM | W-L | PTS | PVS | LW |
| 1 | Cherry Creek (18) | 6-0 | 189 | 1 | W |
| 2 | Valor Christian (1) | 5-0 | 169 | 2 | Bye |
| 3 | Pomona | 6-0 | 149 | 3 | W |
| 4 | Legend | 6-0 | 119 | 6 | W |
| 5 | Fairview | 6-0 | 88 | 7 | W |
| 6 | Eaglecrest | 4-1 | 83 | 4 | L |
| 7 | Columbine | 4-1 | 76 | 5 | L |
| 8 | Regis Jesuit | 5-1 | 67 | 8 | W |
| 9 | Cherokee Trail | 4-2 | 53 | 9 | W |
| 10 | Ralston Valley | 4-2 | 29 | 10 | W |
| Others receiving votes: | |||||
| Grandview 15, Legacy 5, Castle View 3. | |||||
| Dropped out | |||||
| None. | |||||
| Class 4A | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RK | TEAM | W-L | PTS | PVS | LW |
| 1 | Dakota Ridge (13) | 6-0 | 171 | 1 | W |
| 2 | Ponderosa | 6-0 | 142 | 3 | W |
| 3 | Palmer Ridge (4) | 4-0 | 138 | 2 | Bye |
| 4 | Loveland (1) | 6-0 | 126 | 5 | W |
| 5 | Broomfield | 5-0 | 110 | 4 | Bye |
| 6 | Fountain-Fort Carson | 5-1 | 75 | 8 | W |
| 7 | Skyline | 5-1 | 56 | 6 | L |
| 8 | Brighton | 5-1 | 44 | – | W |
| 9 | Pine Creek | 2-2 | 43 | 7 | L |
| 10 | Montrose | 4-2 | 37 | 10 | W |
| Others receiving votes: | |||||
| Windsor 16, Fruita Monument 12, Rampart 11, Vista Ridge 5, Longmont 1. | |||||
| Dropped out | |||||
| Windsor (9). | |||||
| Class 3A | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RK | TEAM | W-L | PTS | PVS | LW |
| 1 | Roosevelt (7) | 5-0 | 122 | 1 | W |
| 2 | Holy Family (3) | 6-0 | 118 | 2 | W |
| 3 | Durango (3) | 5-0 | 108 | 3 | W |
| 4 | Pueblo South | 4-0 | 96 | 5 | W |
| 5 | Mead (1) | 5-1 | 93 | 4 | W |
| 6 | Lutheran | 4-1 | 70 | 6 | Bye |
| 7 | Fort Morgan | 4-1 | 42 | 8 | W |
| 8 | Palisade | 4-2 | 34 | 9 | W |
| 9 | Evergreen | 4-2 | 33 | – | W |
| 10 | Canon City | 3-2 | 19 | 10 | L |
| Others receiving votes: | |||||
| Conifer 16, Discovery Canyon 8, Pueblo County 7, Pueblo East 4. | |||||
| Dropped out | |||||
| Conifer (7). | |||||
| Class 2A | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RK | TEAM | W-L | PTS | PVS | LW |
| 1 | Resurrection Christian (10) | 5-0 | 136 | 1 | Bye |
| 2 | Sterling (3) | 5-0 | 125 | 2 | Bye |
| 3 | Pagosa Springs (1) | 5-0 | 106 | 3 | Bye |
| 4 | Platte Valley | 5-1 | 97 | 5 | W |
| 5 | Lamar | 5-1 | 70 | 6 | W |
| 6 | Eaton | 4-2 | 69 | 4 | L |
| 7 | Delta | 4-1 | 63 | 8 | Bye |
| 8 | Moffat County | 4-1 | 55 | 7 | W |
| 9 | University | 3-2 | 29 | 9 | W |
| 10 | Valley | 3-3 | 8 | 10 | L |
| Others receiving votes: | |||||
| D’Evelyn 4, La Junta 4, Severance 2, Berthoud 1, Englewood 1. | |||||
| Dropped out | |||||
| None. | |||||
| Class 1A | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RK | TEAM | W-L | PTS | PVS | LW |
| 1 | Limon (12) | 4-0 | 144 | 1 | Bye |
| 2 | Strasburg (1) | 6-0 | 122 | 2 | W |
| 3 | Florence | 5-0 | 105 | 3 | W |
| T4 | Centauri (1) | 6-0 | 91 | 4 | W |
| T4 | Hotchkiss (1) | 6-0 | 91 | 6 | W |
| T4 | Wray | 5-1 | 91 | 5 | W |
| 7 | Meeker | 5-1 | 65 | 7 | W |
| 8 | Holyoke | 5-1 | 53 | 8 | W |
| 9 | Colorado Springs Christian | 3-1 | 31 | 9 | Bye |
| 10 | Highland | 4-2 | 19 | 10 | W |
| Others receiving votes: | |||||
| Peyton 5, Yuma 5, Monte Vista 2, Gunnison 1. | |||||
| Dropped out | |||||
| None. | |||||
| 8-man | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RK | TEAM | W-L | PTS | PVS | LW |
| 1 | Sedgwick County (19) | 6-0 | 190 | 1 | W |
| 2 | Fowler | 6-0 | 155 | 2 | W |
| 3 | Sanford | 5-0 | 150 | 3 | Bye |
| 4 | Rangely | 6-0 | 110 | 4 | W |
| 5 | Merino | 5-1 | 103 | 5 | W |
| 6 | Dove Creek | 4-1 | 83 | 6 | Bye |
| T7 | Crowley County | 3-1 | 59 | 7 | Bye |
| T7 | Simla | 5-1 | 59 | 9 | W |
| 9 | Mancos | 3-1 | 53 | 8 | Bye |
| 10 | Swink | 5-1 | 47 | 10 | W |
| Others receiving votes: | |||||
| Holly 18, Elbert 6, Dayspring Christian Academy 3, Gilpin County 3, Pikes Peak Christian 3, Vail Christian 2, Calhan 1. | |||||
| Dropped out | |||||
| None. | |||||
| 6-man | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RK | TEAM | W-L | PTS | PVS | LW |
| 1 | Fleming (12) | 5-0 | 165 | 1 | W |
| 2 | Stratton/Liberty (4) | 4-0 | 152 | 2 | Bye |
| 3 | Cheyenne Wells (1) | 5-0 | 136 | 3 | Bye |
| 4 | Granada | 5-1 | 122 | 4 | L |
| 5 | Prairie | 5-1 | 96 | 5 | W |
| 6 | Eads | 3-2 | 75 | 7 | Bye |
| 7 | Briggsdale | 3-1 | 66 | 8 | W |
| 8 | Kit Carson | 3-1 | 30 | – | W |
| 9 | Genoa-Hugo | 4-2 | 27 | – | W |
| 10 | Cheraw | 4-2 | 26 | 6 | L |
| Others receiving votes: | |||||
| Sierra Grande 12, North Park 11, Mountain Valley 5, Hi-Plains 3, Idalia 3, Manzanola 3, Branson/Kim 2, Peetz 1. | |||||
| Dropped out | |||||
| North Park (9), Mountain Valley (10). | |||||