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Way-Too-Early Colorado High School Football Top 25 Rankings

Lawrence Andrew Fernandezby: Lawrence Fernandez07/14/25lawandfern
A Cherry Creek assistant coach implores the Bruins' offense against Columbine during a Colorado high school football game.
A Cherry Creek assistant coach implores the Bruins' offense against Columbine. (Tanya B. Fabian/For The Coloradoan / USA TODAY NETWORK)

The excitement level for the return of Colorado high school football is matched only by the state’s elevation. With a landscape rich in talent and competitive spirit, the 2025 season promises thrilling matchups and standout performances from the Centennial State’s best and brightest student-athletes. From traditional powerhouses to rising contenders, these are the top 25 Colorado high school football teams, according to Massey.

The Massey Ratings, officially used during the BCS era, is a model that ranks sports teams by analyzing game outcomes, strength of schedule, and margin of victory.

1. Cherry Creek Bruins

After dropping its season opener against Skyridge, Cherry Creek rattled off 13 consecutive wins, including a triumph over Legend for the Colorado high school football Class 5A state championship. Last season just cemented the Bruins’ credentials as the top high school football program in the state, as they are now a staggering 59-6 over the last five seasons.

Cherry Creek has an enviable collection of talent on its 2025 roster. Louisiana Tech commit Brady Vodicka will facilitate the offense, which could mean handing the ball to running back Jayden Fox or throwing it to wide receivers Maxwell Lovett and Alijah Landrum-Hamilton. Tight end Ty Goettsche and offensive tackle Oliver Miller will protect Vodicka, while Tufanua Umu-Cais and linebacker Braylon Hodge bring the juice on defense.

2. Valor Christian Eagles

Valor Christian was only two victories away from soaring to the Class 5A state championship. However, eventual champions Cherry Creek eliminated the Eagles in the state semifinals, giving them only their second loss in 13 games.

Quarterback Titus Huard’s performance, plus the stability provided by Kannon Smith and Reis Russell on the offensive line, will go a long way in determining how far Valor Christian goes this year.

3. Mountain Vista Golden Eagles

While the Mountain Vista won its first 11 games, the team lost when it mattered most by dropping its Class 5A quarterfinal matchup against Fairview. That loss abruptly ended the Eagles’ promising season filled with shutouts and lopsided victories.

Mountain Vista gets a reset as they commence the 2025 Colorado high school football season against Liberty on August 22. 

4. Legend Titans

Legend lost two games by a combined five points last year, making it a season of what-ifs for the Titans. The team will open its 2025 season on Aug. 22 against Fruita Monument, and will then have games against Regis Jesuit, Pine Creek and Columbine, among others.

Boston College quarterback commit DJ Bordeaux is expecting big things as a senior, while Ryken Banks will try to impact both sides of the ball.

5. Columbine Rebels

The Rebels’ two losses during the 2024 Colorado high school football season came in contrasting fashion. After their one-point overtime loss to Ralston Valley, Valor Christian dominated them in the Class 5A quarterfinals 31-7.

Columbine can erase the disappointing end to their season by defeating Vista Ridge on August 22.

6. Pine Creek
7. Regis Jesuit
8. Ralston Valley
9. Arapahoe
10. Erie

11. Grandview
12. Fairview
13. Montrose
14. Broomfield
15. Palmer Ridge

16. Chatfield
17. Arvada West
18. Dakota Ridge
19. Fossil Ridge
20. Cherokee Trail

21. Castle View
22. Pueblo West
23. Legacy
24. Eaglecrest
25. Rock Canyon