Colorado High School Football Rankings: Top 25 Teams – Sept. 20
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Never under estimate the heart of a champion. Cherry Creek just continues to find a way to win close games, and did it again on Friday over No. 2-ranked Valor Christian.
Another jam-packed slate is on deck as teams continue their quests for a state title. Below are the top 25 Colorado high school football teams, according to the Massey Ratings, as of September 20.
1. Cherry Creek (4-0)
In a matchup of the top two ranked teams in the state, the game more than lived up to the hype. The Bruins, led by their 3rd string quarterback Montae Johnson, trailed the entire game and didn’t take their first lead until just nine seconds left on the clock. Senior kicker Jolon Quintana hit from 27 yards out to pull out the 16-15 win. Valor Christian was up 12-0 heading into the 4th quarter following a short touchdown run by Garrett Beyer and a pair of long field goals by kicker Luke Brust. Bruin junior running back Elijah Cromwell scored from four yards out early in the 4th quarter to get Cherry Creek on the board. Following another Brust field goal to extend the Eagles lead to 15-7, Bruin running back Chance Phillips punched it in from three yards out with just over two minutes to play to cut the lead to 15-13. The Bruins’ two-point conversion failed, but they were able to recover the ensuing onside kick, which led to the game-winning scoring drive. There was some late game controversy as Valor Christian appeared to have turned the Bruins over on downs after a 4th down pass fell incomplete but they were ruled for a late hit on the quarterback to keep the drive alive. Johnson finished the game 10-for-20 passing for 126 yards and added another 31 on the ground. As good as both of these teams are, a rematch for the State Championship later in the year looks not only possible but probable. The Bruins will play at Cherokee Trail on Saturday.
2. Valor Christian (2-2)
In a matchup of the top two ranked teams in the state, the game more than lived up to the hype. The Bruins, led by their 3rd string quarterback Montae Johnson, trailed the entire game and didn’t take their first lead until just nine seconds left on the clock. Senior kicker Jolon Quintana hit from 27 yards out to pull out the 16-15 win. Valor Christian was up 12-0 heading into the 4th quarter following a short touchdown run by Garrett Beyer and a pair of long field goals by kicker Luke Brust. Bruin junior running back Elijah Cromwell scored from four yards out early in the 4th quarter to get Cherry Creek on the board. Following another Brust field goal to extend the Eagles lead to 15-7, Bruin running back Chance Phillips punched it in from three yards out with just over two minutes to play to cut the lead to 15-13. The Bruins’ two-point conversion failed, but they were able to recover the ensuing onside kick, which led to the game-winning scoring drive. There was some late game controversy as Valor Christian appeared to have turned the Bruins over on downs after a 4th down pass fell incomplete but they were ruled for a late hit on the quarterback to keep the drive alive. Titus Huard finished the night completing 12-18 passes, for 179 yards, and Jackson Coleman had four catches for 128 yards. As good as both of these teams are, a rematch for the State Championship later in the year looks not only possible but probable. The Eagles will play at Castle View on Saturday.
3. Ralston Valley (3-1)
The Mustangs moved to 3-1 with a 39-23 win over Fairview. Running back Sawyer Blomquist was the star of the game, rushing for 176 yards and four touchdowns. Quarterback Logan Gabler threw for 185 yards and added nine yards on the ground and a touchdown. The Mustangs will play at Rock Canyon on Friday.
4. Mountain Vista (3-1)
The Golden Eagles had it rolling offensively with a 49-21 win over Thunder Ridge. Colorado State quarterback commit Marquise Reese put up some video-game numbers on the night, throwing for 503 yards and four touchdowns. Receiver Luke Bentley had a career night, hauling in nine passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns and Brooklyn Bailey caught six passes for 118 yards and a touchdown. The Golden Eagles will play at Riverdale Ridge on Friday.
5. Palmer Ridge (4-0)
The Bears had a 28-0 shutout win over Air Academy to stay unbeaten on the season. Junior running back Micah Nocita rushed for 77 yards and two touchdowns, and quarterback Knox Tinlin was an efficient 8-13 for 107 yards and two touchdowns through the air. The Bears will host Pueblo West on Friday.
6. Eaglecrest (4-0)
In a battle of unbeaten teams, the Raptors prevailed in an exciting 29-27 win over a solid Cherokee Trail squad. Eaglecrest kicker Trey Patton hit a 27-yard field goal with 10 seconds left in the game to pull off the dramatic win for the Raptors. Patton hit three total field goals on the night and junior quarterback William Brinkman had a big night as well, completing 24-of-42 passes for 351 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver JayAnthony Green continued his strong play this season, hauling in 13 passes for 199 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The Raptors will play at Mullen on Friday.
7. Legend (2-2)
After a tough overtime loss to top-ranked Cherry Creek two weeks ago, the Titans got back in the win column with a 41-18 win over Regis Jesuit. Running back Jayden Scaife rushed for 154 yards and two touchdowns and junior quarterback Kellen Mauck threw for 196 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Freddie Burke did a little of everything, kicking a pair of field goals and adding an interception on defense. The Titans will host Arapahoe on Friday.
8. Grandview (4-0)
The Wolves had an impressive 26-0 shutout win over Arapahoe. Running back Maddox Johnson had a pair of touchdowns on the ground; Neelein Shead scored his first touchdown of the season and junior defensive back Timothy Arnold added a scoop-and-score. The Wolves will host Northfield on Friday.
9. Fort Collins (4-0)
The Lambkins jumped into the top 10 after a 56-9 win over Erie to move to 4-0 on the season. Junior quarterback Jace Garcia completed 26-of-33 passes for 444 yards and five touchdowns. Junior receiver Preston Mozer was his favorite target, hauling in seven passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns and Donovan Dumas went over 100 yards as well, with six catches for 123 yards and a score. The Lambkins will host Legacy on Friday.
10. Broomfield (4-0)
The Eagles had a dominant 50-0 shutout win over Denver East. Quarterback Slater Saunders was 10-of-15 for 113 yards and two touchdowns, and running back Brody Reidle had 100 yards on just eight carries and a touchdown. Dominik Byrd added 51 yards and a pair of rushing touchdowns, and receiver Gavin Montoya had a pair of receiving touchdowns. The Eagles will play at Denver South on Thursday.
Colorado High School Football Rankings: Nos. 11 – 25
11. Arapahoe Warriors (1-3)
12. Montrose (2-1)
13. Ponderosa Mustangs (4-0)
14. Columbine Rebels (3-1)
15. ThunderRidge Grizzlies (3-1)
16. Cherokee Trail (3-1)
17. Northfield Nighthawks (4-0)
18. Fairview Knights (2-2)
19. Mesa Ridge Grizzly (3-1)
20. Mullen Denver (2-2)
21. Castle View Sabercats (3-1)
22. Legacy Lightning (3-1)
23. Heritage Eagles (3-1)
24. Regis Jesuit Raiders (1-3)
25. Roosevelt Rough Riders (3-1)
For Colorado high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the Centennial State, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the state, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday/Saturday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the gridiron excitement across the state of Colorado.
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