A New Coaching Landscape
Practice will officially start in 13 days, and the first Week Zero matchups are scheduled for August 20, marking the unofficial kickoff of the 2026 high school football season in the Front Range. The excitement is palpable as teams across Boulder, Broomfield and Longmont gear up for a schedule that promises both familiar battles and fresh storylines.
Broomfield has appointed Chris Helbig as its new head coach, taking over from Robert O’Brien, while Frederick will be led by Daniel Francis after Matt Loyd stepped down. Both newcomers inherit programs with playoff aspirations and a desire to restore momentum after recent ups and downs.
Fairview and Erie are expected to remain powerhouses in the state’s largest classification, but they will face stiff competition from Legacy, which snapped a three‑year playoff drought last season, and from Centaurus, which was surprisingly left out of the 2025 postseason despite a strong case for inclusion.
Key Players to Watch
Ki Ellison of Fairview returns after a stellar campaign in which he threw for 2,964 yards and 35 touchdowns, positioning him as one of the most watched quarterbacks in the region. Meanwhile, Silver Creek will need to replace standout quarterback Nolan Gaccetta, a task that could reshape their offensive dynamics.
Skyview finally ended a nearly two‑year losing streak against Niwot last year, a victory that could signal a turnaround for the program. In Class 3A, Mead and Holy Family are projected to be major contenders, having split their regular‑season meetings and meeting again in the playoffs.
The broader context adds intrigue: the United States recently co‑hosted a FIFA World Cup for 39 days, but now American football is retaking center stage locally, with high school games becoming community focal points and recruiting hotspots.