The opening week of Colorado high school football delivered a pair of contrasting victories that set the tone for the season.
Season Openers
Alamosa High School opened its campaign with a 20‑8 triumph over Buena Vista on August 21, a game highlighted by senior quarterback Evan Anderson’s two touchdowns.
Just a day later, Centauri High School rolled to a 31‑0 shutout of Pagosa Springs, showcasing a balanced attack that featured a prolific passing game and a ground‑and‑pound rush.
Key Performances
Grayson Hunzeker proved nearly flawless, completing 11 of 12 passes for 163 yards and a touchdown, while Caden Ruggles added two rushing scores and amassed 132 yards on the ground. Receiver Donovan Jarvies contributed five catches for 71 yards, helping sustain the offense.
Upcoming Matchups
The schedule quickly intensifies, with Alamosa slated to face Elizabeth High on August 27, while Monte Vista meets Florence on August 28 and Sanford takes on West Grand later that same night. Del Norte will square off against a combined Sargent/Sangre de Cristo team on August 28, a contest that will also serve as a home game for the rotating Sangre de Cristo and Sargent rotation.
League Realignment and 8‑Man Football
Center High School has transitioned to eight‑man football within the Big 6 Southern League, joining its SLV counterparts in a shift that reflects broader realignment efforts across the region. The new format will see Monument Academy host Center’s first 8‑man contest on August 28 at 7 p.m., a milestone for the program.
Playoff Echoes
Buena Vista’s runner‑up finish in the 2025 Class 1A state playoffs adds a layer of intrigue to the Southern League, reminding observers that the early season results may be a prelude to deeper postseason aspirations.
As the calendar turns, teams across the valley are poised for a series of regional battles that promise to shape league standings and playoff picture. The early excitement suggests that the coming weeks will be marked by competitive games, emerging star performances, and the continued evolution of high school football in southern Colorado.