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<p>Week six kicks off tomorrow, meaning most teams are officially over the midseason hump and entering league play.</p>
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<p>Quite a few big-time games are going on during the opening week of league play, this article will preview the match-ups I will attend and the players I will watch this week.</p>
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<p><em>Player stats and team rankings</em> <em>are referenced from MaxPreps</em> <em>only.</em></p>
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<p style="font-size:25px"><strong>Denver South (4-1) at #9 Ponderosa (4-1) | September 29, 2022 | 7:00 P.M.</strong></p>
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<p>Denver South will travel to Ponderosa to open league play between two powerful programs ranked in the top 10 of the 4A classification.</p>
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<p>Denver South's only loss was to Golden in week four, whereas Ponderosa will be looking to bounce back this week after losing to a powerful Palmer Ridge program.</p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Pregame Perceptions</strong></p>
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<p>This game will be played between two evenly matched teams, making it possible to go either way. The Ravens have a dynamic offense that can dominate on the ground and through the air, forcing defenses to be sound against both. The Mustangs' offense also has a strong balance between the run and pass game, putting this contest in the hands of the defenses and whichever offense can control the time of possession.</p>
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<p>If Ponderosa's defensive front can apply pressure against the pass while containing the run, they will have an excellent opportunity to disrupt what the Ravens do best. If the defense for Denver South can stop the run and force the Mustangs to go to the air, they should be able to create opportunities for takeaways to give their offense a chance to capitalize with points.</p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size">Top Denver South Ravens</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150187' first='Joseph' last='Capra'] </strong>| 2023 QB | 59 of 78 for 1,011 YDS 16 TD, 0 INT; 38 CAR, 523 YDS, 11 TD<br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='251267' first='Chevelle' last='Early']</strong> | 2024 RB | 42 CAR, 325 YDS, 5 TD<br><strong>Orlando Guevara </strong>| 2024 RB/ATH | 31 CAR, 225 YDS, 2 TD; 13 TCK, 1 TFL, 1 INT, 1 PBU<br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='242109' first='Rashad' last='Caldwell'] </strong>| 2023 WR | 25 REC, 462 YDS, 10 TD; 6 TAC<br><strong>CJ Morm </strong>| 2023 WR | 25 REC, 396 YDS, 3 TD<br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150169' first='Jake' last='Perruccio'] </strong>| 2023 WR | 6 REC, 152 YDS, 2 TD<br><strong>Brooks Vitale </strong>| 2024 LB | 41 TCK, 2 TFL, 1 sack<br><strong>Sharif Boyland </strong>| 2023 LB | 21 TCK, 5 TFL, 1 sack, 1 FMB REC<br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='247229' first='OJ' last='Thomas'] </strong>| 2023 FS | 17 TCK, 1 TFL, 2 PBU, 1 INT</p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size">Other Ravens to watch</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150209' first='Jonah' last='Buerk'] </strong>| 2024 LB<br><strong>Armani Vegas </strong>| 2024 CB<br><strong>Andrew Shepard </strong>| 2024 LB</p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size">Top Ponderosa Mustangs</p>
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<p><strong>Zach Stryker </strong>| 2023 QB | 63 of 96 for 820 YDS 10 TD, 4 INT; 57 CAR, 490 YDS, 9 TD<br><strong>Ethan Rodriguez </strong>| 2023 RB/LB | 37 CAR, 259 YDS, 3 TD; 42 TCK, 2 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 FF, 1 FMB REC, 1 PBU<br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='335500' first='Lyam' last='Edwards'] </strong>| 2023 DB/WR/ATH | 22 REC, 316 YDS, 4 TD; 21 TCK, 2 INT, 2 PBU<br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='232160' first='Max' last='Mervin'] </strong>| 2025 WR/DB | 22 REC, 336 YDS, 5 TD; 3 TCK, 1 INT<br><strong>Carson Keach </strong>| 2024 WR/DB | 13 REC, 134 YDS, 1 TD; 35 TCK, 2 INT, 1 PBU<br><strong>Cape Olsen </strong>| 2023 LB | 64 TCK, 12 TFL, 7 QB HUR, 2 sacks<br><strong>Westen Hoffschneider </strong>| 2024 DE/RB | 39 TCK, 9 TFL, 2 sacks, 2 FF, 1 QB HUR; 2 CAR, 6 YDS, 1 TD<br><strong>Blake Branham </strong>| 2024 LB | 38 TCK, 2 TFL, 5 QB HUR, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 1 PBU<br><strong>Dawson Hadwiger </strong>| 2023 LB/TE | 23 TCK, 5 TFL, 2 PBU, 1 INT, 1 QB HUR</p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size">Other Mustangs to watch</p>
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<p><strong>Blake Pollock </strong>| 2023 DE/TE<br><strong>Sean Davis </strong>| 2024 RB/LB<br><strong>Dylan Karsteter</strong> | 2024 WR/DB</p>
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<p style="font-size:25px"><strong>Vista Ridge (3-2) at Northfield (4-0) | Friday, September 30, 2022 | 7:00 P.M.</strong></p>
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<p>This match between the Vista Ridge Wolves and the Northfield Nighthawks is not a league game, but it still has the potential to be an exciting contest with significant implications. The Wolves will be traveling to Denver following a two-game win streak, whereas the Nighthawks will be looking to maintain their lossless record as they prepare for one of their toughest matches of the season.</p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Pregame Perceptions</strong></p>
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<p>Vista Ridge has arguably the most dynamic passing offense in the state, including two big-time Pac-12 commits. The biggest questions coming into this game are will the Nighthawks' defense be able to contain the powerful Wolves' passing attack and will their offense be capable of taking the upper hand in a potential shootout.</p>
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<p>Northfield will be tested heavily in this match-up. If the Nighthawks come out of this match victorious, they will enter league play as serious contenders for their league and the postseason. </p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size">Top Vista Ridge Wolves</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='22744' first='Brayden' last='Dorman'] </strong>| 2023 QB | 107 of 145 for 1,615 YDS, 20 TD, 6 INT; 13 CAR, 106 YDS, 3 TD<br><strong>Nayshaun Hall</strong> | 2025 RB | 43 CAR, 190 YDS, 2 TD<br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='22764' first='Brandon' last='Hills']</strong> | 2023 WR | 43 REC, 753 YDS, 10 TD<br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='50576' first='Keyshawn' last='Dooley']</strong> | 2023 WR/ATH | 32 REC, 587 YDS, 7 TD; 6 TCK, 3 PBU, 1 INT<br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='22768' first='Gavin' last='Jenkins'] </strong>| 2023 WR | 17 REC, 221 YDS, 1 TD<br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='212251' first='Kobe' last='Dooley']</strong> | 2026 WR/ATH | 9 REC, 123 YDS, 3 TD; 3 TCK<br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150080' first='Joseph' last='Garnett']</strong> | 2023 ILB | 44 TCK, 10 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 PBU<br><strong>Micah Kennedy</strong> | 2023 LB | 33 TCK, 7 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 QB HUR<br><strong>Solomon Arnds-Volcin</strong> | 2023 LB | 30 TCK, 6 TFL, 3 PBU, 1 FMB REC, 1 BLK PNT</p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size">Other Wolves to watch</p>
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<p><strong>Austyn Larson</strong> | 2024 <br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150158' first='Auston' last='Nash'] </strong>| 2023 DE <br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='143643' first='Wesley' last='Wright']</strong> | 2023 DB</p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size">Top Northfield Nighthawks</p>
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<p><strong>Christain Love </strong>| 2024 QB | 41 of 76 for 595 YDS, 10 TD, 2 INT; 41 CAR, 145 YDS, 4 TD<br><strong>Amarion Richardson</strong> | 2023 RB | 19 CAR, 202 YDS, 5 TD<br><strong>Marcus Wiley</strong> | 2024 RB | 22 CAR, 167 YDS, 1 TD<br><strong>Kamrin Joyce-Fairley</strong> | 2024 WR | 15 REC, 196 YDS, 4 TD<br><strong>Zack Ryan</strong> | 2023 WR | 9 REC, 123 YDS, 1 TD; 1 CAR, 23 YDS, 1 TD<br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='447857' first='Jack' last='Easterly'] </strong>| 2024 MLB | 44 TCK, 3 TFL, 1 INT, 1 FMB REC<br><strong>Connor Reece </strong>| 2024 OLB | 38 TCK, 3 TFL, 1 sack, 2 FF, 2 FMB REC<br><strong>Marck Cox </strong>| 2023 DL | 22 TCK, 5 TFL, 2 sacks, 2 FMB REC, 1 FF<br><strong>Jalen Robinson </strong>| 2024 CB | 14 TCK, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 1 FF</p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size">Other Nighthawks to watch</p>
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<p><strong>Ryan Manning</strong> | 2023 WR <br><strong>Kardell Collins Jr</strong> | 2023 CB<br><strong>Evan Roberts</strong> | 2024 DE</p>
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<p style="font-size:25px"><strong>#4 Grandview (4-1) at #25 Eaglecrest (5-0) | Saturday, October 1, 2022 | 6:00 P.M.</strong></p>
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<p>The Grandview Wolves will travel to take on the Eaglecrest Raptors to begin their league play. The Wolves' only loss came in week three to a top-tier Ralston Valley team, whereas the Raptors will be riding a five-game win streak into their toughest match-up through the first six weeks. </p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Pregame Perceptions</strong></p>
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<p>This Centennial League rivalry has turned into a highly-anticipated game with significant implications for league contenders. The Wolves have a well-rounded program with a roster flooded with talent on both sides of the ball. The Raptors also have many highly talented players on the roster, making this a compelling contest.</p>
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<p>With this game being Eaglecrest's first game against a top-ranked opponent, the focus will be on whether or not the Raptors can stave off Grandview's offensive by keeping the Wolves' defense on the field. Grandview will have questions of their own, like will they be able to stop a dynamic run offense, and can they keep the Raptors from scoring on special teams?</p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size">Top Grandview Wolves</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='218297' first='Liam' last='Szarka'] </strong>| 2024 QB | 64 of 112 for 924 YDS, 12 TD, 4 INT; 30 CAR, 284 YDS, 5TD <br><strong>Donavon Vernon</strong> | 2025 RB | 56 CAR, 508 YDS, 8 TD<br><strong>Chase Dahir</strong> | 2023 RB | 46 CAR, 303 YDS, 2 TD; 3 REC, 70 YDS, 1 TD<br><strong>Davion Henderson</strong> | 2023 WR | 23 REC, 340 YDS, 3 TD<br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='376593' first='Simon' last='Kibbee']</strong> | 2023 TE | 18 REC, 231 YDS, 3 TD<br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='251308' first='Xavier' last='Neto']</strong> | 2025 WR | 10 REC, 206 YDS, 4 TD<br><strong>Max Kibbee </strong>| 2023 LB | 29 TCK, 2 TFL, 1 sack<br><strong>Nkongolo Wa-Kalonji </strong>| 2024 DE | 24 TCK, 1 TFL, 1 PBU<br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='247228' first='Gibson' last='Leafgreen'] </strong>| 2023 DB | 19 TCK, 1 TFL, 6 PBU<br><strong>Preston Emken </strong>| 2024 | 22 TCK, 1 TFL, 1 sack</p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size">Other Wolves to watch</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='149330' first='Mulumba' last='Wa-kalonji']</strong> | 2023 DE/LB<br><strong>Caleb Renner</strong> | 2023 DL<br><strong>Braden Powers </strong>| 2025 WR</p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size">Top Eaglecrest Raptors</p>
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<p><strong>Jacob Schmitt </strong>| 2023 QB | 40 of 71 for 583 YDS, 10 TD, 3 INT; 46 CAR, 131 YDS<br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='247069' first='Diego' last='Cearns']</strong> | 2023 RB/ATH | 99 CAR, 828 YDS, 7 TD; 5 REC, 85 YDS, 1 TD; 114 KOR YDS, 1 TD<br><strong>David Torres</strong> | 2023 RB | 14 CAR, 136 YDS, 1 TD<br><strong>Logan Ryan</strong> | 2024 WR | 5 REC, 138 YDS, 2 TD<br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1282691' first='Burke' last='Withycombe']</strong> | 2025 WR | 6 REC, 109 YDS, 3 TD<br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='271108' first='Tyson' last='Clark']</strong> | 2023 WR/DB | 14 REC, 106 YDS, 2 TD<br><strong>Peyton Taylor </strong>| 2023 CB/ATH| 21 TCK, 3 PBU, 2 INT; 196 RET YDS, 3 TDS; 2 REC, 49 YDS, 1 TD<br><strong>Cam Chapa </strong>| 2024 DB | 45 TCK, 4 INT, 2 FF, 2 PBU<br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1507884' first='Ramadje' last='Owens'] </strong>| 2025 QB/ATH | 43 TCK, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 1 QB HUR, 1 INT, 1 INT TD</p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size">Other Raptors to watch</p>
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<p><strong>Zach Mueller</strong> | 2023 LB<br><strong>Brennen Stagner</strong> | 2023 LB<br><strong>Jalin Jones</strong> | 2023 DB</p>
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<p style="font-size:25px">Other notable week six matchups</p>
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<p><em>There are more than a few games kicking off this week worth watching. Here is a look at my top runner-up games and a name to know from each team.</em></p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size">#18 Legacy (3-2) at Rangeview (2-2) | Thursday at 6:30 P.M.</p>
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<p><strong><em>Kullen Lerma </em></strong><em>- Legacy - 2024 QB/FS </em><br><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='246920' first='Armani' last='Patterson'] </em></strong><em>- Rangeview - 2023 RB</em></p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size">#1 Cherry Creek (4-1) at Cherokee Trail (3-2) | Thursday at 7:00 P.M.</p>
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<p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='259298' first='Jordan' last='Herron']</em></strong><em> - Cherry Creek - 2024 RB </em><br><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='289488' first='Noah' last='Greer']</em></strong><em> - Cherokee Trail - 2023 WR</em></p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size">Poudre (4-1) at Rocky Mountain (3-2) | Friday at 4:30 P.M.</p>
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<p><strong><em>Quentin Harms </em></strong><em>- Poudre - 2023 QB</em><br><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='274578' first='Will' last='Pryor']</em></strong><em> - Rocky Mountain - 2023 DE</em></p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size">#14 Pine Creek (4-1) at #19 Fountain-Fort Carson (4-1) | Friday at 7:00 P.M.</p>
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<p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='251217' first='Mason' last='Miller'] </em></strong><em>- Pine Creek - 2025 RB/LB</em><br><strong><em>Michael Madrid </em></strong><em>- F.F. Carson - 2023 LB</em></p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size">#16 ThunderRidge (5-0) at #24 Mountain Vista (4-1) | Friday at 7:00 P.M.</p>
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<p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='209840' first='Kaden' last='Shouse'] </em></strong><em>- ThunderRidge - 2023 LB </em><br><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='232153' first='Austyn' last='Modrzewski'] </em></strong><em>- Mountain Vista - 2025 QB</em></p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size">Pueblo West (4-1) at Mesa Ridge (3-2) | Friday at 7:00 P.M.</p>
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<p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='251317' first='Gavin' last='Lockett'] </em></strong><em>- Pueblo West - 2025 QB</em><br><strong><em>Bryce Riehl </em></strong><em>- Mesa Ridge - 2025 QB</em></p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size">Silver Creek (3-2) at Skyline (3-2) | Friday at 7:00 P.M.</p>
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<p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='251273' first='Cole' last='Rogers']</em></strong><em> - Silver Creek - 2024 RB/FS</em><br><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='62236' first='Logan' last='Miller'] </em></strong><em>- Skyline - 2023 WR</em></p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size">Steamboat Springs (3-1) at Eaton (3-1) | Friday at 7:00 P.M.</p>
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<p><strong><em>Jesse Harmic </em></strong><em>- Steamboat Springs - 2024 QB</em><br><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='22789' first='Morgan' last='Tribbett'] </em></strong><em>- Eaton - 2023 DE/LB</em></p>
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Week six kicks off tomorrow, meaning most teams are officially over the midseason hump and entering league play.
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