Class 5A
No. 1 Cherry Creek (13-0) vs. No. 2 Ralston Valley (13-0), 5 p.m.
It’s the Bruins dynasty against the rise of the Mustangs in this heavyweight battle between the two most dominant 5A powers this fall. Cherry Creek, making its eighth straight title appearance, is aiming for its 15th championship and sixth in the past seven years under head coach Dave Logan. Ralston Valley is in the title game for the first time, after losing in the quarterfinals last year and semifinals in 2022 and ’23. Both teams dominated every domestic opponent they faced until last week’s semi-finals, when both came from behind to win.
The Bruins recently suffered two key injuries to senior linebacker Braylon Hodge (knee) and junior offensive lineman Jackson Roper (lower leg). The Mustangs have played virtually the entire season without their starting tailback, junior Colton Stratman (knee). Cherry Creek has the most elusive tailback in the state in Jayden Fox, a UNLV commit, while Ralston Valley is led by dual-threat QB Zeke Andrews. The key for both teams is physicality in the trenches and keeping things out of the opponent’s hands.
Class 4A
No. No. 1 Dakota Ridge (13-0) vs. No. 3 Palmer Ridge (13-0), 1:30 p.m.
This looks to be a classic title fight between two undefeated teams. Palmer Ridge is looking for its fourth state title, but first since 2019 (3A). Dakota Ridge, back in the championship game for the first time since 2004, has never worn a state football crown. A comparison of common opponents predicts a close game. Palmer Ridge defeated Ponderosa 42-14, while Dakota Ridge defeated Ponderosa 40-7. The Bears defeated Mesa Ridge twice (35-7, 19-6), while the Eagles shutout Mesa Ridge 27-0.
The Eagles have a more wide-open offense, averaging 250 yards passing and 142 rushing. The Bears have put up 198 yards on the ground, but they can also blow it out, averaging 119 yards through the air. Eagles senior running back Landon Kalsbeck, who is headed to Kansas State, is a force, averaging 9.5 yards per carry with 15 touchdowns. Senior quarterback Kellen Behrendsen can light up the defense quickly. He has thrown for 3,140 yards and completed 81.9% of his passes for 38 TDs and just two picks. His favorite target is senior Nathan Rodriguez (61 catches, 1,076 yards, 11 touchdowns). Palmer Ridge senior QB Cole Harris is a dual threat (1,820 yards and 22 TDs passing, 529 yards and six TDs rushing). Senior running back Jackson McCabe has racked up 1,003 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Class 3A
No. 1 Windsor (13-0) vs. No. 2 Pomona (12-1), 10 a.m.
Both teams have championship pedigrees. The Wizards are looking for their fifth state title (first since 4A in 2015), while the Panthers are chasing their third (first since 5A in 2017). Their common opponents this season predict a close game. Pomona defeated Green Mountain 49-6, Roosevelt 23-15 and Severance 27-13. Windsor defeated Green Mountain 55-0, defeated Roosevelt 26-14 and twice upset Severance (14-3, 28-7).
The Wizards are racking up wins on the ground, averaging 259.8 yards while throwing for just 55.9 yards per game. Pomona’s offense is more versatile: 215.0 yards rushing, 153.0 passing yards per game. Windsor’s top runner is senior Adrian Czyszczon (1,554 yards, 6.2 yards per carry, 22 touchdowns). The Panthers’ ground game is keyed by senior Luis Santana (1,025 yards, 7.1 yards per carry, eight touchdowns). Panthers’ junior QB Tucker Ingersoll is the most versatile player on the field, having rushed for 475 yards and seven scores while passing for 1,800 yards and nine touchdowns.
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