The CHSAA state football playoffs are in full swing, and the Round of 16 in Class 5A and 4A delivered some jaw-dropping moments that left fans on the edge of their seats. But here's where it gets controversial: Are the top-seeded teams truly unstoppable, or are we witnessing the rise of underdog stories that could shake up the brackets? Let’s dive into the action and explore the highlights, upsets, and matchups that have everyone talking.
Class 5A: Where Giants Clash and Underdogs Bite
In Class 5A, the stage is set for some epic showdowns. No. 1 Cherry Creek (10-0) hosts No. 17 Fountain-Fort Carson (8-3) on Friday at 7 p.m., with the winner advancing to face the victor of Arapahoe vs. Fairview. Speaking of which, No. 9 Arapahoe (7-4) travels to No. 8 Fairview (9-1) in a game that could go down to the wire. And this is the part most people miss: Fairview’s undefeated record at home might just be the X-factor here. Meanwhile, No. 13 Fort Collins (9-2) takes on No. 4 Legend (9-1), and No. 12 Erie (7-4) faces No. 5 Valor Christian (8-2), setting up a quarterfinal bracket that’s anyone’s game.
One of the most thrilling matchups saw No. 2 Ralston Valley (11-0) dominate No. 15 Columbine (6-6), 35-12. Senior QB Zeke Andrews returned from injury in style, throwing and rushing for touchdowns, while junior Levi Rillos added two more TDs. Ralston Valley now faces Mullen, who pulled off a nail-biter against No. 7 Pine Creek (7-4), winning 21-18. Senior Nick Marcoux’s late-game heroics—a go-ahead touchdown catch and a game-sealing interception—sent Mullen to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2016. Bold question: Can Mullen keep the momentum going against the undefeated Mustangs?
No. 6 Arvada West (10-1) made history by advancing to the quarterfinals for the first time in 16 years after a 31-15 win over No. 11 Grandview (6-6). Senior QB Logan Duhachek and Noah Meurer connected for three long touchdowns, while Jaxson Pyatt’s rushing TDs sealed the deal. They’ll face the winner of Eaglecrest vs. Mountain Vista, another matchup to watch.
Class 4A: Where Dominance Meets Resilience
In Class 4A, No. 1 Dakota Ridge (11-0) continued its unstoppable run with a 49-7 rout of No. 16 Golden (8-4). The Eagles scored 42 points in the first half alone, proving why they’re the team to beat. They’ll face Pueblo West (8-3), who edged out No. 9 Northfield (9-3), 16-14, in a defensive battle. Controversial take: Is Dakota Ridge’s dominance good for the league, or does it make the competition predictable?
No. 5 Heritage (8-3) punched their ticket to the quarterfinals with a 42-13 win over No. 12 Grand Junction (9-3), thanks to senior Mo Thenell’s four touchdown runs. They’ll face the winner of Ponderosa vs. Durango, while No. 7 Monarch (9-2) secured a 14-7 overtime win against No. 10 Riverdale Ridge (11-1). Junior QB Nico Rizzello’s game-winning touchdown run and Braden Ballad’s clutch defensive play sent Monarch to the quarterfinals for the first time in 12 years. Thought-provoking question: Can Monarch’s defense carry them even further?
No. 3 Palmer Ridge (11-0) survived a scare from No. 14 Mesa Ridge (6-6), winning 19-16, while No. 6 Broomfield (9-2) demolished No. 11 Vista Ridge (8-4), 49-3. Freshman Kashus Clarvoe’s two touchdowns highlighted Broomfield’s dominance, setting up a quarterfinal clash with Palmer Ridge. Final debate: Which team has the edge in this high-stakes matchup?
As the playoffs heat up, one thing is clear: every game is a battle, and every team has something to prove. Who will rise to the top? Let us know your predictions in the comments—we want to hear your take on these matchups and whether you think the underdogs stand a chance!
