It is getting to crunch time in Colorado high school football as the games take on extra meaning each week with teams jockey for playoff positions. As this happens, individual performances become even more important to help secure the needed wins.
The 5A Big Eight League continues its topsy turvy ways. First, Pomona beats Chatfield, then a struggling Bear Creek squad takes down Columbine and now Arvada West beats Pomona. In rather convincing fashion, the Wildcats upset the Panthers 31-14 on the strength of a strong game from Justin Castor and Gavin Glanz. The Glanz to Castor combo caused fits the entire game for the normally stout Pomona D. Castor had six catches for nearly 160 yards but it was Glanz that punished the Panthers all night. The senior signal caller threw for 290 yards and added a long touchdown run.
Lukas Lockett of Bear Creek is putting together a very strong season. He added to his impressive numbers by rushing for over 200 yards while scoring five times in a 34-7 upset win over league rival Columbine.
Steffen Bunting of Greeley West quietly continues his very strong season. The 5-9 180 pound back rushed for 218 yards and scored four times as the 4A Spartans beat up 5A Legacy 49-10. For the season Bunting is rushing for over 170 yards a game and has gone over the 200 yard barrier multiple times.
Receiver Mike Horan of Golden had a career game against Denver North as he caught eight passes for 250 yards and two scores. QB Ryan Stokes, working primarily with Horan, threw for over 300 yards and had five scores.
6-5 210 pound receiver Kyle Klein Loveland had a big night scoring on a screen pass and a 75 yard receptions as his Indians defeated Thompson Valley 30-3. For good measure, Klein also added a 60 yard grab. With great size and solid speed, Klein is a receiver to keep an eye on.
Jordan Passehl of Montrose rushed for 183 yards in a 34-31 win over Grand Junction Central. For the season the 6-2 200 pound RB/LB is posting over 120 rush yards a game while playing at a high level at linebacker.
Doing the heavy lifting in a game that saw Highlands Ranch dominate the time of possession against a talented Chaparral squad, sophomore Joe Hansley rushed over 200 yards as his squad upsets the previously unbeaten Wolverines 36-28.
Dakota Ridge quarterback Bolton Howes does not overwhelm but he is very efficient. Currently, the 6-0 190 pound junior is completing over 60% of his passes with eight touchdowns against only two interceptions. A solid game manager, who looks able to make all the throws, Howes is a player to watch. 6-2 junior Derek Vander Velde is averaging over 20 yards a reception this season on 20 catches and is becoming, with Howes, a very formidable passing combination.
If there is a player you feel should be part of the Phenoms shoot us an e-mail at ColoradoInsider@msn.com