Exciting Matchups Highlight Week 10 of Colorado High School Football

As the Colorado high school football season approaches its climax, Week 10 presents several compelling matchups that could significantly impact playoff positioning. Teams are set to battle for not only league titles but also crucial playoff berths, with a few games poised to capture the attention of fans across the region.

Key Matchups in Class 5A

The marquee game of the week features a showdown between No. 9 Fountain-Fort Carson (7-2) and No. 8 Pine Creek (6-3) on Friday at 19:00 at D20 Stadium South. Pine Creek, currently ranked eighth in the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) seeding index, is seeking a victory to secure a first-round bye in the upcoming 5A state playoffs. The Eagles will likely rely on junior running back Xavier Lukes, who has been instrumental with 206 rushing yards and two touchdowns in last week’s comeback win against Regis Jesuit.

Fountain-Fort Carson counters with its own star, junior Da’kari Releford Jr., who has surpassed 100 rushing yards in eight of the nine games this season. The physicality of both teams promises an intense contest.

In another significant 5A matchup, Eaglecrest (6-3) faces Arapahoe (5-4) at LPS Stadium, also on Friday at 19:00. The winner of this game could seize the eighth and final first-round bye, should Pine Creek falter. Arapahoe is currently competing for second place in the Centennial League and is riding a wave of momentum after winning four of its last five games. Meanwhile, Eaglecrest seeks to bounce back after a close loss to Grandview last week.

Title Contention in Class 4A

The stakes are equally high in Class 4A, where No. 4 Arvada West (9-0) takes on No. 2 Ralston Valley (9-0) at NAAC Stadium on Friday at 19:30. This matchup not only decides the 5A Metro League title but also showcases a critical storyline: Ralston Valley’s quarterback Zeke Andrews will miss the game due to injury, placing the responsibility on backup Logan Gabler. Gabler impressed in his first start last week, throwing for five touchdowns, but faces a tougher challenge against Arvada West’s formidable defense.

Another key game in 4A features Grand Junction (7-2) visiting No. 8 Sand Creek (9-0) on Thursday at 19:00. This contest is a win-or-go-home scenario. The Scorpions, powered by the state’s leading rusher, junior Ethan Mangrum, will try to avenge last year’s defeat that ended their season. In contrast, Grand Junction aims to maintain its playoff hopes after a successful season thus far.

Thrilling Challenges in Class 3A

The action continues in Class 3A as No. 6 Thompson Valley (7-1) squares off against No. 5 Roosevelt (5-3) at Roosevelt High School on Thursday at 19:00. The defending 3A champions are on a demanding path, facing their fourth top-10 opponent this season. Senior running back Milo Pascual has been a standout for Roosevelt, accumulating 351 rushing yards in his last two games. The matchup against Thompson Valley’s sturdy defense is sure to be a highlight.

No. 4 Mead (7-1) will host No. 1 Windsor (8-0) on Friday at 19:00, with the North 2 League title and a top playoff seed hanging in the balance. This rematch from last year promises intensity as both teams bring strong defenses and potent offenses to the field.

In one of the most intriguing narratives, No. 8 Eagle Valley (9-0) will visit No. 9 Palisade (6-2) for their regular-season finale. Eagle Valley seeks its first league title in nearly two decades but faces a formidable opponent in Palisade, which has historically dominated their encounters.

With these electrifying matchups, Week 10 of Colorado high school football is poised to deliver unforgettable moments as teams vie for playoff positioning and league supremacy. Fans are encouraged to tune in and witness the excitement unfold.