8 Colorado high school football games to watch in Week 9

CLASS 5A

Arvada West (6-2) vs. Chatfield (6-2)

When/where: Thursday, 7 p.m. at Jeffco Stadium

Last meeting: Chatfield 42, Arvada West 0, September 29, 2023

A league title may seem a little far away for Arvada West and Chatfield, but both programs still have a real chance to earn a first-round bye in the 5A state playoffs. And a win here would go a long way towards securing that. A-West outscored Denver East three times last week en route to a tough 29-21 win over the Angels. That kind of defensive effort will be necessary against Chatfield, which has a quarterback who can throw it all in sophomore Cash Williams (1,125 yards, 12 TDs) and plenty of weapons to distribute the ball to.

Fossil Ridge (5-3) vs. No. 10 Fairview (8-0)

When/where: Friday, 7 p.m. at Christian Recht Field

Last meeting: Fairview 55, Fossil Ridge 28, October 20, 2023

Fairview has won five league titles in the last six seasons. If this year’s Knights want to reach that standard, they’ll have to beat Fossil Ridge to do it. Fairview was dominant on both ends in a 68-49 shootout win over Fort Collins. Still, the Knights have only beaten one 5A program (Arvada West) that currently has a winning record. Consider a matchup against senior QB Nick Kubat (1,881 yards, 25 passing touchdowns), San Diego State commit Marcus Mozer (40 catches, 631 yards) and Co., a true test.

Eaglecrest (5-3) vs. Grandview (4-4)

When/where: Friday, 7 p.m. at Legacy Stadium

Last meeting: Grandview 39, vs. Eaglecrest 32, September 29, 2023

Could this be a must-win for Grandview’s playoff hopes? Since the Wolves are ranked 22nd in the CHSAA RPI, that could very well be the case. A fourth-quarter touchdown prevented a potential upset of Cherokee Trail with a 14-13 victory last week. Oddly enough, the Raptors lost to the Cougars by the same score. That was the first of two straight losses for Eaglecrest, which could use a win as it faces a Week 10 matchup against Arapahoe.

No. 8 Regis Jesuit (5-3) vs. No. 7 Pine Creek (5-3)

When/where: Saturday, 1 p.m. at D20 Stadium South

Last meeting: Pine Creek 21, at Regis Jesuit 17, October 6, 2023

Regis Jesuit struggled early in the season with a freshman quarterback taking snaps, dropping three in a row against a killer line of Valor Christian, Brophy Prep (Ariz.) and Cherry Creek. The Raiders and prodigy signal-caller Luke Rubley are now reaping the benefits. Regis has rattled off five straight wins and averaged 38.8 points per game, while Rubley’s rushed for 1,020 yards and nine touchdowns on a 62.7% passing rate. A trip to the Springs to take on Pine Creek will show how far they’ve come.

CLASS 4A

No. 7 Riverdale Ridge (8-0) vs. No. 4 Broomfield (7-1)

When/where: Friday, 7 p.m. at Elizabeth Kennedy Stadium

Last meeting: N/A

How dangerous is Riverdale Ridge in Class 4A? This is the week we find out. The Ravens have steamrolled everything in their path, outscoring their opponents 332-22, en route to a program-best 8-0 start. The problem? None of these eight teams currently have a winning record. Now comes a date with 4A blue blood Broomfield, which has outscored its last three opponents 162-0 and is undefeated against 4A competition. The Ravens’ defense, led by senior Colton Lancaster (37 tackles, 10 for loss), hasn’t given up a point in 14 quarters. Something has to give.

Monarch (6-2) vs. No. 9 Frederick (6-2)

When/where: Friday, 7 p.m. at Frederick High

Last meeting: Monarch 30, at Frederick 23, August 31, 2023

When the Coyotes take on Frederick on Friday night, it will be for the league title and possibly a first-round bye. The latter has achieved six consecutive wins since the start of the season with losses against Broomfield and Mead and has reached the 40-point mark in all six victories. Dual-threat senior QB Gavin Ishmael (2,180 total yards, 32 TDs) has been a force for the Golden Eagles, who are seeking their first unbeaten run through the league in 12 years. Expect a Monarch defense that has allowed just 19 points in its last three games.

CLASS 3A

Holy Family (4-3) vs. No. 5 Lutherans (7-1)

When/where: Friday, 7 p.m. at Lutheran High

Last meeting: Holy Family 33, vs. Lutheran 8, December 2, 2023