Denver Christian, Elizabeth, and Palmer Ridge lead Colorado high school football playoff race

Colorado high school football enters its 2026 postseason with three undefeated programs leading their respective classes. The postseason schedule begins Friday for Class 2A, with remaining divisions opening their brackets the following week. These teams and players define the current landscape of the state's high school football scene.

Bret McGatlin has transformed Denver Christian into the top-ranked team in Class 1A. The Thunder went 2-7 before his arrival and 4-5 the year prior. They now possess a 37.25-point average margin of victory. Senior Quinn Barkema, who plays running back and middle linebacker, anchors the team's offensive and defensive lines.

Elizabeth enters the bracket as the favorite in Class 2A, seeking redemption after a 35-0 loss to Wellington in the previous year's title game. Head coach Michael Zoesch, in his 12th season, leads a squad that recently defeated The Classical Academy 27-17 to secure the No. 2 seed. The Cardinals have a bye this week and rely on defensive ends Cash Buron and Tyler Hanak.

Palmer Ridge is dominating its new division after dropping to Class 3A for this two-year cycle. The Bears, who lost last year's Class 4A title to Dakota Ridge, have a 28.4-point average margin of victory. Their closest contest was a 29-14 win against New Mexico's La Cueva on Aug. 28. Holy Family, led by junior Gage Gunderson, offers the primary challenge. Gunderson leads the state with 27 rushing touchdowns and 1,718 yards.

The Class 4A title race remains undecided. Broomfield and Ponderosa are undefeated, while Roosevelt sits at 8-1 and holds the No. 1 ranking. Montrose, at 7-2, has lost only to teams in higher classifications. Several other teams, including Monarch, Loveland, and Pueblo West, remain capable contenders in a crowded field.

Cherry Creek remains the favorite in its division despite breaking a 27-game win streak by forfeiting its season opener to an ineligible player. The Bruins showed vulnerability in September with close wins against Legend and Valor Christian. Valor Christian and Mountain Vista are the most likely candidates to challenge the dynasty's status.

Individual performances are shaping the narrative across divisions. Fairview's Ki Ellison and Mountain Vista's Marquise Reese lead the state in passing yards with 3,180 and 2,832 respectively. Ellison threw for 633 yards and seven touchdowns in a recent win over Legacy. Valor Christian's Jackson Coleman has caught 46 passes for 950 yards and 12 touchdowns. Sand Creek is on the bubble for its first playoff appearance in the MaxPreps era, ranked No. 22.