The Ralston Valley (Arvada, CO) varsity football team will host Arvada West (Arvada, CO) in a home playoff game today at 12:00 PM at Ralston Valley High School. This game is part of the 2024 CHSAA State Football Playoffs – Class 5A tournament.
Arvada West vs Ralston Valley High School Football Game Info:
What: Colorado High School Football
Who: Arvada West vs Ralston Valley
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 12:00pm.
Bracket: 2024 CHSAA State Football Playoffs – Class 5A
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Arvada West vs Ralston Valley
The Ralston Valley Mustangs (9-1) are set to host their league rivals, the Arvada West Wildcats (7-4), in a home playoff game today at 12:00 PM as part of the 2024 CHSAA State Football Playoffs – Class 5A. The game will take place at Ralston Valley High School in Arvada, Colorado.
Team Overview
Ralston Valley, ranked 6th in the state, enters the game with a strong 9-1 record, undefeated in league play (5-0). Their overall success has been driven by their dynamic offense, scoring an average of 29.1 points per game. Led by quarterback Zeke Andrews, who averages 204.6 passing yards per game, and a solid rushing attack led by Bryson Diebel, the Mustangs have proven themselves to be a balanced and formidable team.
In contrast, Arvada West, ranked 18th in the state, comes into the matchup with a 7-4 record. While the Wildcats have faced challenges on the road, with a 3-2 away record, they have shown resilience throughout the season, averaging 33.6 points per game. Quarterback Logan Duhachek has been key for Arvada West, posting 230.4 passing yards per game and helping lead the team to a strong overall offensive output.
Recent Meeting
The Mustangs won the last meeting between the two teams on October 31, 2024, with a 17-7 victory. Ralston Valley’s defense held Arvada West to just seven points in the second half, and the Mustangs secured the win with a dominant 14-point fourth quarter. That victory added to Ralston Valley’s strong record and their momentum heading into the playoffs.
Key Matchup
This playoff game will feature an intriguing battle between Ralston Valley’s high-powered offense and Arvada West’s dynamic passing game. Arvada West relies heavily on the arm of Duhachek, but the Mustangs’ defense, led by Matt Gates (10.9 tackles per game), has been tough throughout the season, limiting opponents to just 161 total points across 10 games.
On the offensive side, Ralston Valley will look to exploit their strength in both the passing and running game. Bryson Diebel’s ability to control the ball on the ground, coupled with Zeke Andrews’ precise passing, gives the Mustangs the offensive balance to keep the Wildcats’ defense guessing.
Scouting Report
- Arvada West
- Strengths: Powerful offense led by Duhachek, strong rushing attack (188.9 yards per game)
- Weaknesses: Vulnerability to high-scoring teams, inconsistency on the road
- Key Player: Adrian Symalla (100.5 rushing yards per game)
- Ralston Valley
- Strengths: Balanced offense, tough defense, strong home field advantage
- Weaknesses: Inconsistency in scoring, especially early in games
- Key Player: Zeke Andrews (204.6 passing yards per game)
The Road to the Playoffs
Both teams have faced a tough schedule, with Ralston Valley managing a perfect 5-0 league record. They also took down several strong opponents, including a thrilling 35-34 victory over Columbine. Arvada West, on the other hand, has had a mixed league record of 2-3, but they’ve had impressive wins, including a 48-6 victory over Denver South and a 29-21 win over Denver East.
Final Thoughts
With a chance to advance further in the state playoffs, both teams are expected to bring their best to the field. Ralston Valley’s well-rounded play, combined with their home-field advantage, makes them the favorite in this matchup. However, Arvada West’s explosive offense and playmaking ability will certainly test the Mustangs.
The game kicks off at 12:00 PM at Ralston Valley High School. Don’t miss the action as these two rivals battle for a spot in the next round of the 2024 CHSAA State Football Playoffs.
