The Columbine (Littleton, CO) varsity football team is set to host Cherokee Trail (Aurora, CO) today at 3:30 p.m. for a home playoff game. This matchup is part of the 2024 CHSAA State Football Playoffs – Class 5A tournament.

Cherokee Trail vs Columbine High School Football Game Info:

What: Colorado High School Football
Who: Cherokee Trail vs Columbine
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 3:30pm.
Bracket: 2024 CHSAA State Football Playoffs – Class 5A
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Cherokee Trail vs Columbine

As the 2024 CHSAA State Football Playoffs in Class 5A heat up, the Cherokee Trail (Aurora, CO) varsity football team will travel to take on the Columbine (Littleton, CO) varsity football team today at 3:30 p.m. This exciting playoff matchup features two teams with very different season trajectories, but both are eager to continue their pursuit of a state championship.

Team Records and Rankings

Cherokee Trail enters the game with a 5-6 overall record, struggling to find consistency during the regular season with a 2-3 league record. The Cougars have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly on the road, where they are 4-2. However, their defense has struggled at times, allowing more points than they have scored. Despite this, Cherokee Trail’s ability to compete in high-pressure situations has earned them a playoff spot.

In contrast, Columbine has had a standout season with a 9-1 overall record, and they’ve been dominant in both home and away games. With a 4-1 league record and an impressive 5-0 road record, the Rebels have proven themselves as one of the top teams in Class 5A. Columbine has been a high-scoring, well-rounded team, averaging 37.1 points per game, and they’ve been a force on both sides of the ball.

Statistical Comparison

• Offensive Strength:
  Cherokee Trail has relied heavily on their rushing attack, averaging 126.9 yards per game, with Brian Tucker leading the way with 64.4 rushing yards per game. The Cougars’ passing game, directed by quarterback Tyson Smith, averages 148.1 yards per game. In comparison, Columbine’s offense has been much more explosive, particularly in the running game, where they average 351.6 rushing yards per game. James Basinger has been the centerpiece of the Rebels’ offense, rushing for an outstanding 156.9 yards per game. Additionally, Columbine has been efficient in the passing game, averaging 37.0 yards per game, though their primary focus remains the ground game.
• Defensive Comparison:
  On defense, Cherokee Trail has averaged 42.7 tackles per game, with Mateo Garreffa leading the team with 7.6 tackles per game. The Cougars have been effective at getting pressure, with 1.3 sacks per game. However, they will face a tough challenge against Columbine’s high-powered offense. The Rebels have been excellent defensively, averaging 73.7 tackles per game, with Lijah Vialpondo leading the team with 10.7 tackles per game. Columbine also excels at getting to the quarterback, averaging 2.4 sacks per game.
• Scoring Averages:
  Cherokee Trail’s offense has been inconsistent, with the Cougars averaging 18.1 points per game, including their strongest output in the fourth quarter. In contrast, Columbine has been one of the most explosive teams in Class 5A, averaging 37.1 points per game. Their offense is balanced, scoring efficiently throughout the game, particularly in the first and second quarters, where they put up an average of 18.2 points combined.

Key Players to Watch

• Cherokee Trail:
  • Brian Tucker: The star running back will be key to Cherokee Trail’s success. His ability to find lanes and gain yards on the ground will be crucial in keeping Columbine’s offense off the field.
  • Tyson Smith: The quarterback will need to manage the game effectively and make plays in the passing game, especially when the rushing attack is not enough to keep the chains moving.
• Columbine:
  • James Basinger: One of the top running backs in Class 5A, Basinger has been the driving force of Columbine’s offense. He will need to control the clock and wear down Cherokee Trail’s defense.
  • Lijah Vialpondo: The standout linebacker will be crucial in stopping the run and keeping Cherokee Trail’s offense in check. His ability to disrupt plays and make tackles in the backfield could be a game-changer.

Common Opponents

Both teams faced off against ThunderRidge this season. Cherokee Trail defeated ThunderRidge 35-7, while Columbine won 40-15 in their respective games. This common opponent result shows that both teams are capable of handling tough competition, but Columbine’s overall dominance this season sets them apart.

Playoff Implications

This game is a must-win for both teams, as a loss would end their playoff hopes. With Columbine’s impressive season and Cherokee Trail’s ability to rise to the occasion, this game promises to be an exciting and intense battle. Columbine enters as the clear favorite, but Cherokee Trail will be eager to pull off the upset and keep their postseason run alive.

Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. at Columbine High School, where fans can expect a packed stadium and a high-energy playoff atmosphere. The winner of this game will move on to the next round of the 2024 CHSAA State Football Playoffs in Class 5A.