The Cherry Creek varsity football team from Greenwood Village, CO, will face Grandview High School from Aurora, CO, in a home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 PM at Cherry Creek High School. This game is part of the 2024 CHSAA Class 5A State Football Playoffs.

Grandview vs Cherry Creek High School Football Game Info:

What: Colorado High School Football
Who: Grandview vs Cherry Creek
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 CHSAA State Football Playoffs – Class 5A
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Grandview vs Cherry Creek

Cherry Creek High School’s top-ranked football team from Greenwood Village, CO, will host Grandview High School from Aurora in a Class 5A quarterfinal playoff rematch on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 PM. The two teams met earlier this month, with Cherry Creek securing a 35-18 victory. As they face off again, here’s a breakdown of both teams’ strengths and season records.

Season Records and Rankings

Cherry Creek enters the playoffs with a dominant 9-1 record, ranked first in both the state and Class 5A, and an undefeated 5-0 league record. With a .900 win percentage, Cherry Creek has established itself as a powerhouse this season, outscoring opponents by a wide margin with 390 points scored and only 122 points allowed. Grandview, with a 6-5 record and ranked 17th in the state, has also performed well, particularly in league play, holding a 3-2 record and a solid .545 win percentage.

Team Scoring and Performance

Cherry Creek’s offense has been explosive, averaging 39 points per game. They’ve shown strength particularly in the first two quarters, averaging 12.7 points in the first and 12.4 in the second, often taking an early lead. Grandview averages 25.7 points per game, with a balanced scoring approach across all quarters, although they tend to peak in the second quarter, where they average 6.9 points.

Previous Matchup Recap

When Cherry Creek and Grandview faced off earlier this month, Cherry Creek took control early, scoring 14 points in the first quarter and extending the lead through the game to secure a 35-18 win. Grandview’s defense will need to find ways to contain Cherry Creek’s high-powered offense to avoid another early deficit.

Key Statistical Comparisons

• Offense: Cherry Creek’s offensive strength is evident in their average of 436.6 total yards per game, with a balanced attack of 216.7 rushing yards and 219.9 passing yards. Grandview, while also balanced, averages 302.4 yards per game, with standout performances in both passing and receiving.
• Defense: Cherry Creek also has a defensive edge, averaging 83.9 tackles and 3.1 sacks per game, compared to Grandview’s 67.2 tackles and 1.9 sacks. The defense, led by key players like Aiden Knapke, will be crucial in limiting Grandview’s scoring opportunities.

Key Players to Watch

• Cherry Creek:
  • Jayden Fox (#1): Leading Cherry Creek’s ground attack, Fox averages 127.8 rushing yards per game and 7.8 points per game.
  • Brady Vodicka (#13): Cherry Creek’s quarterback averages 210.5 passing yards per game, and his 222.8 total yards per game make him one of the team’s most valuable offensive players.
  • Aiden Knapke (#0): With 8.5 tackles per game, Knapke anchors Cherry Creek’s defensive efforts.
• Grandview:
  • Caleb Llamas (#22): Grandview’s leading rusher, Llamas averages 84.2 yards per game and will play a critical role in the offense.
  • Blitz McCarty (#12): The quarterback has been reliable in the passing game, averaging 152.5 passing yards and 147.5 total yards per game.
  • Brandon Kahre (#24): Defensively, Kahre averages 7.9 tackles per game and will be key in countering Cherry Creek’s high-powered offense.

Common Opponents

Both Cherry Creek and Grandview played against Arapahoe, Smoky Hill, Cherokee Trail, and Eaglecrest this season, with Cherry Creek going undefeated against these teams (4-0) and Grandview holding a 3-1 record. Notably, Cherry Creek’s defense allowed just 10 total points across these four games, showcasing their strong defensive lineup.

Game Outlook

With Cherry Creek’s home-field advantage and recent win over Grandview, they enter as the favorites. Grandview, however, will look to make adjustments and counter Cherry Creek’s explosive offense and staunch defense. If Grandview can disrupt Cherry Creek’s rhythm and capitalize on early scoring chances, they have a chance to turn this rematch into an upset.

This quarterfinal clash promises to be an intense game as both teams vie for a spot in the Class 5A semifinals, with Cherry Creek seeking to maintain their dominance and Grandview aiming for redemption.