The CHSAA State Football Semifinals kick off Saturday afternoon (1 p.m.) with several local teams looking to punch their tickets to the title game.
Southern Colorado is guaranteed at least one team with the potential of up to three.
In Class 4A, (5-0) Palmer Ridge travels to (6-1) Fountain-Fort Carson in the first meeting between the programs.
A battle of prolific offenses, the Bears and Trojans average 40 points per game and more than 400 total yards. The two schools with plenty of star power to boot, boasting nearly a dozen Division I and II players between them.
"I don't think there's any reason we shouldn't win this, we've got all the tools we need to come out and do it but going to be a tough game for sure though," Bears senior tight/defensive end Cameron Jones said.
"It's like watching a football movie, we're going up against the best of the best," Trojans senior wide receiver Malik McClarity said. "Having the chance to beat them, go to the state championship, it's just an out of body experience."
Last year's state runner-up, (5-0) Pueblo South will head North to take on top-seed (6-0) Roosevelt in their Class 3A semifinal tilt. The Colts advanced after Mead forfeited due to COVID-19 issues.
Despite their own pandemic-related problems early in the season, the Colts have proven to be a legit contender with impressive wins over Pueblo East, Canon City and Vista Ridge.
Similar to 2019, PSHS will have to clinch away from Dutch Clark Stadium. Last year it was a fourth-down touchdown against Frederick, this year the team will again lean on veteran leadership against the Rough Riders.
"I think this game will bring out a lot of emotions, especially for the seniors that know this is it and we need to compete for another game," Colts junior quarterback Jace Bellah said.
"It's something we always talk about, you need to go on the road if you want a shot to play for the big one," head coach Ryan Goddard said. "This is our shot to go on the road and play a quality opponent."
No local team will travel further than (6-1) Lamar on Saturday when they head nearly seven hours west to battle (5-1) Delta.
After stunning Sterling 14-6 last week, the Savages are playing in their first Class 2A semifinal matchup since 1995.
If Lamar is able to pull out the victory, they'd head to the Thunderbowl for their first championship appearance since the early 1960s.
"Lock-in, focus, take every practice seriously because if we do this, we'll do something we haven't done in 60 years so we're just trying to get to that point and stay focused on the task at hand," Savages senior wide receiver Blake Buxton said.
"You have to approach it the same way each and every week," Savages head coach Jason Tice said. "I think if you do that you create a sense of normalcy even in the midst of a potentially amazing accomplishment."
News 5 Sports will have complete playoff coverage Saturday in our 5:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. shows.
