Colorado Class 5A, 4A, 3A Football: Semifinals Preview

Video: Jake Heimlicher highlights
Watch the Regis Jesuit defensive standout against Eaglecrest

As the semifinals draw nearer in the largest three classifications, much of the talk is about rematches and potential rematches. But other teams have designs on something new.

Take Regis Jesuit (Aurora).

While many eyes will be on the other semifinal, where Valor Christian (Highlands Ranch) and Cherry Creek (Greenwood Village) meet for the sixth time in the past three seasons – including a 25-24 Creek win in the 2014 final – Regis will be taking on Pomona (Arvada). Many have already alluded a potential Valor Christian-Pomona final, which would be a rematch of last season's 29-26 Valor win.

Regis Jesuit, meanwhile, would be more than happy to shake things up. The Raiders (11-1) enter on a 10-game winning streak and are seeking their first-ever state crown. They are 0-2 all-time in championship games, most recently appearing in 2009. But while the Raiders are trying to crash the party, they aren't complaining that the other three semifinalists are garnering more of the attention.

"We have not used being under the radar as motivation," second-year coach Danny Filleman said. "We just focus on who we are and what we do. We don't worry about all the clutter."

What they have done has been impressive. The Raiders knocked off previously unbeaten Eaglecrest (Aurora) 34-24 behind a monster defensive performance by defensive end Jake Heimlicher. The Raiders' offensive attack is led by quarterback Justin Lamb, running back Alfred Jones and wide receiver Quentin Birch. Regis was shut out in a Week 2 loss to Mullen (Denver), but has not scored fewer than 34 points since.

"The biggest thing that changed was the attitude at practice," Filleman said. "We didn't have a great week of practice Mullen week and it showed. We made too many mistakes, but our team responded. They hated the feeling of losing a game and have worked hard to continually get better each practice."

Pomona also enters hot for its home contest (1 p.m., Saturday, North Area Athletic Complex), but the Panthers will be without dynamic playmaker Max Borghi. The junior tore his ACL in a 42-21 win over Columbine (Littleton) in the quarterfinals, but the Panthers (11-1) have plenty left in the cupboard.

Quarterback Ryan Marquez and running back Cameron Gonzales were key members of the offensive attack for last season's runner-up squad last season, and their roles just became magnified for this one.  The Panthers, who also enter winners of 10 straight, also have talented sophomore receiver Billy Pospisil in the fold.

The Valor Christian-Cherry Creek matchup (1 p.m., Saturday, Stutler Bowl) features two teams cresting. Valor (9-3) demolished Grandview (Aurora) 66-35 in the semifinals, and Creek went on the road to knock off No. 2 Mullen 34-17.

Michigan-bound quarterback Dylan McCaffrey leads Valor with 29 touchdown passes and a mere five interceptions. He has spread the wealth, as 11 different players have caught a touchdown for the Eagles. Cherry Creek counters with QB Trey Windham, who has thrown for 18 touchdowns and run for 13. Junior receiver Dimitri Stanley has caught 13 touchdowns of his own.

MaxPreps Colorado state football brackets

Class 4A

For much of the season, Windsor didn't have the look of a team destined to repeat as champions. That has changed, as the No. 8 Wizards (9-3) arguably are the hottest team in the field. They knocked off previously unbeaten and top-seeded Denver South 42-21 in the quarterfinals and are starting to resemble the 2015 title-winning squad.

Windsor will travel to Broomfield for the semifinals (1 p.m., Saturday, Elizabeth Kennedy Stadium) in hopes of avenging a 37-25 loss to the Eagles in Week 3. The Wizards will lean on the talents of running back Brandon Ramirez, QB/running back Brad Peeples and sack-happy linebacker Corte Tapia.

Broomfield (10-2), seeking its first title-game appearance since 2001 and first title since 1984, routed Ponderosa (Parker) 61-32 in the semifinals and returned three interceptions for touchdowns in the third quarter. Behind first-year coach Blair Hubbard, who replaced retired Gary Davies, the Eagles have thrived behind sophomore quarterback Steven Croell, running back Jalon Torres and receiver Ryan Mazzola.

Pine Creek (Colorado Springs) and Chatfield (Littleton) will meet in the other semifinal (1 p.m., Saturday, Jefferson County Stadium) in a rematch of a wild Week 1 contest. Chatfield won that one 50-39 and has been mostly untouchable in its first year in 4A, save for a Week 4 loss to 5A Columbine.

The Chargers (11-1), led by senior running back Dalton Keene, will be facing a Pine Creek squad making its fourth straight appearance in the semis. The Eagles (10-2) won it all in 2013 and 2014 and are getting a stellar season from quarterback Brock Domann. They'll be seeking their fourth trip to the championship game in six seasons.

Class 3A

One semifinal features two undefeated teams in Silver Creek (Longmont) and Discovery Canyon (Colorado Springs). The other features two-time defending champion Pueblo East, which is steamrolling toward a third. But don't count out the Eagles' opponent.

Mead (Longmont) has been a bracket-buster as the 11th seed and is coming off a dramatic 44-40 home win against Palisade in the quarterfinals. The Mavericks (9-3) now will look to keep its upset-minded ways going at home against Pueblo East (1 p.m., Saturday).

"We don't really look at where were at or what has happened in the past," said Mead coach Jason Klatt, whose program was revived in 2009. "We focus on the day and task at hand. We try to be the best we can be today. Our guys are resilient and mentally tough and are focusing on trying to be the best we can be on Saturday."  

Mead quarterback Riley Glynn has tossed 21 touchdowns and only one interception, and running back Nathan Mackey has rushed for 1,720 yards and 13 scores. The Mavericks will oppose a Pueblo East squad led by running back Bryson Torres. The senior has rushed for 1,505 yards and 25 TDs for the Eagles (11-1).

"East is big and physical," Klatt said. "They have a great running back and very strong defense. They control the game with their offensive and defensive line play and, therefore, control the clock. They also have a group that believes they are going to be successful every game.  It will be a challenge for us."  

Something will have to give when Silver Creek travels to Discovery Canyon (1 p.m., Saturday). Discovery Canyon (12-0) proved its mettle by defeating Pueblo East by 15 earlier this season and is coming off a 33-26 comeback win at Fort Morgan in the quarterfinals. The Thunder has thrived on a multifaceted running game that averages 309 yards a contest and features four ball carriers who have gained at least 600 yards. Senior Josh Tomjack leads the way with 892 and 17 touchdowns.

Silver Creek (12-0) edged Lewis-Palmer (Monument) 28-27 in the quarterfinals, and the Raptors boast playmakers in quarterback Dylan Ordway, receiver Khari Harrison and running back Andreik Knechtel. The latter departed the Lewis-Palmer game due to injury but could be back for this one.