It’s going to be a great week for football in Colorado — probably the best week of football all season long. Here’s why.
PREPS
• No. 1 Valor Christian and No. 2 Cherry Creek meet in the Class 5A title game for a third time in four seasons, a rematch of the Bruins’ 21-0 win last year. But the undefeated Eagles, led by senior running back and Oklahoma commit Gavin Sawchuk, are the heavy favorites this time around. Both programs prepared all fall, and traveled out of state, with eyes on this match-up. Saturday, 2:30 p.m., Empower Field
• No. 5 Erie and No. 7 Chatfield square off for the Class 4A title. The undefeated Tigers, led by senior tailback/safety Caleb Theisen, have won one title (Class A in 1997). Same with Chatfield (Class 5A in 2001), who boasts a pair of dynamic weapons in senior Jake Marschall and freshman Brock Narva. It’s been a long time coming back to this stage for two class programs. Saturday, 11 a.m., Empower Field
• No. 5 Mead and No. 3 Fort Morgan battle for the Class 3A title. The Mavericks’ lone title came in six-man in 1949, while the Mustangs (led by senior QB Briggs Wheatley) have won two titles in school history (1992, 1999). Saturday, 1 p.m., CSU-Pueblo ThunderBowl
COLLEGE
• The seasons for the state’s Division I FBS programs, Colorado and Colorado State, have mercifully come to an end. The Buffs finished 4-8 after losing 28-13 to Utah on Friday, while the Rams finished 3-9. CSU had six straight losses to end an embarrassing second season for coach Steve Addazio. And up in Greeley, Division I FCS Northern Colorado finished 3-8 in Ed McCaffrey’s first official year as head coach.
• Colorado School of Mines advanced to the NCAA Division II quarterfinals for the first time in program history by blasting Bemidji St. 55-6 on Saturday. Now, quarterback John Matocha and the high-powered Orediggers host Angelo State for a shot at the semis. Saturday, noon, Marv Kay Stadium (RMAC Network)
NFL
• The Broncos’ roller-coaster season continues coming off a 28-13 upset win over the Chargers. Now at 6-5 and firmly in the divisional hunt, Denver travels to Kansas City for a primetime showdown against the Chiefs, who have defeated the Broncos 11 consecutive times. Denver opened as a 9.5 point underdog. Sunday, 6:20 p.m., Arrowhead Stadium (NBC)
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