The kids have been waiting all week for Friday night and there is another massive slate of big high school football games across Colorado. After a heavy dose of big showdowns in Week 1, teams are starting to learn more about each other and the next few weekends will be crucial in determining which teams are state championship contenders.
With a loaded night of games, here is a quick breakdown of what we’re watching along with some thoughts from several Mile High Sports staff members.
More football coverage at Colorado Preps:
- Scoreboard
- Week 2 rankings
- 5A-3A overview for Week 2
- 2A-6-man overview for Week 2
- Colorado Preps Scoreboard Show Week 1
Class 5A
(3) Columbine at (5) Legend
The defending 5A champion Rebels picked up right where they left off in 2023. They rolled to a 40-15 win over ThunderRidge in Week 1. After heavy senior losses, Columbine sits at No. 3 in the Colorado Preps poll and still has to earn the respect from media and coaches around the state and this Week 2 showdown with Legend is a great opportunity to do just that.
The Titans are anything but a pushover, however. They beat Fruita Monument 41-0 in Zero Week and then battled to a 21-14 win over a top-10 opponent in Grandview in Week 1. Jaden Lawerence and Ryken Banks have each rushed for over 100 yards and scored at least two touchdowns so far this season.
Doug Ottewill: “We’re about to find out if Legend – who jumped up a spot in our polls after an impressive wins over Fruita Monument and Grandview respectively – is for real. Beating Grandview on the road is one thing. Beating the defending state champ, a perennial powerhouse that features a time-tested single-wing offense, is another. Beating Columbine for any up and coming team – especially this early in the season – is a big ask. This is a battle of wills – big play ability on the Legend side versus the time of possession mastery of Columbine – so we’ll see who can stick to their guns.”
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Class 4A
Palisade (3A) at (3) Montrose
The Red Hawks have looked good through their first two games of the season, but will see a tougher challenge in Joe Ramunno’s triple option offense. Montrose will counter with a strong running game itself as Elijah Womack has already started stacking up touchdowns and senior quarterback Chris Mock should be back after missing the Week 1 win over Greeley West while fighting a bit of a bug.
Palisade grabbed a thrilling win over defending 2A Delta to start its season and would love to take down another Western Slope opponent this week. Branson Springer threw for a touchdown and ran for a score in the 30-27 win over the Panthers.
Cody Roark: “Palisade is coming off of a great win last week against Delta, but Montrose is a different type of powerhouse. Coach Rammuno always has his kids prepared, but Montrose will be too much in the second half.”
(9) Ponderosa at (8) Rampart
These teams are on polar opposites of results last week. Rampart had a thrilling win over Lewis-Palmer while the Mustangs suffered a big loss to Palmer Ridge.
This is a big week for both teams as they look to establish their place in the Colorado Preps rankings. The Mustangs are looking to get some big plays out of Max Mervin while the Rams will lean on the running game behind Camden Bruns.
Shawn Drotar: “Rampart is already off to a 2-0 start, including a 39-0 season-opening, blowout win over Falcon, and a 15-14 squeaker over Lewis-Palmer. Next on their docket are my Ponderosa Mustangs, who came out flat against – and were subsequently flattened by – Palmer Ridge in last week’s opener. Pondo will need to be vastly better on the road, starting with senior quarterback Marcus Price, who had a night to forget in the 42-7 debacle. Things don’t look to get any easier on the road in Colorado Springs, however.”
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Class 3A
(1) Holy Family at (4) Roosevelt
The defending 3A champion Tigers rolled to a 41-6 win over Northridge to start the season. Monte Samaras threw for three touchdowns and the Tigers ran for an additional three scores in the blowout win.
The Roughriders battled to a 28-20 win over Northfield in Week 1 and are savoring the chance to face last year’s champions. If they get a big game out of Luc Vigil (192 rushing yards, 2 TDs last week) then they might be able to pull off the upset.
Aniello Piro: “Holy Family looks to continue upon their quest to defend their 3A state championship. After a dominant 41-6 victory over Northridge last week, the Tigers will look to continue their winning ways against Roosevelt. The Tigers are loaded with talent on offense, notably quarterback Monte Samaras and running back Anthony Scott. Should the Tigers continue to total up the points, they’ll be in a good position to win this game.”
(4A No. 7) Dakota Ridge at (3) Green Mountain
The Rams are coming off a big win over a Windsor team that many pegged to be the team to beat in 3A. Simon Lunsford proved his mettle at quarterback, throwing for 124 yards and 2 touchdowns in the win.
The Eagles faced a tough 5A Chatfield team last week, ultimately falling short. Kellen Behrendsen helped them keep pace by throwing for 291 yards and a touchdown. Landon Kalsbeck nearly broke the century mark as he ran for 97 yards and a touchdown.
Dan Mohrmann: “Props to Dakota Ridge for scheduling tough early. After losing to a 5A Jeffco team last week, there’s no reason to think the Eagles can’t play the part of big brother in Week 2. A win would give them a lot of confidence heading into their next showdown with Mesa Ridge. Green Mountain is playing with house money facing a 4A team after beating one of 3A’s top squads last week. This game is going to be one of the more exciting ones to watch on Friday.”