Zero Week Highlights
The opening week of the 2026 Colorado high school football season, colloquially known as Zero Week, brought a flurry of action across the state as teams took the field for their first varsity contests.
Roaring Fork High School, returning to varsity play after a JV‑only year, opened with a 41‑0 defeat at the hands of Gunnison in Carbondale, a result that underscored the challenges faced by the Rams.
Meanwhile, Battle Mountain is slated to host Roaring Fork on September 2 at 6 p.m., a matchup that will test the independent Rams against a traditionally strong opponent.
Gunnison, competing in the 2A Western Slope League, improved to 1‑0 with a victory over its opening opponent and is scheduled to host Grand Valley on August 28, adding early momentum to its campaign.
Basalt made a notable coaching debut, with Danny Popish taking the helm after succeeding Carl Frerichs; the Longhorns opened their season with a 21‑12 win at Rifle and are set to travel to Glenwood Springs on August 28 at 7 p.m.
Delta, a preseason favorite in the same league, secured a narrow 13‑7 triumph over Eagle Valley, positioning itself early as a contender for the Western Slope title.
Evergreen’s season opener ended in a 44‑2 loss to the 3A Demons, leaving them 0‑1, while Aspen opted out of play this week and will begin its second season on August 28 against North Fork in Hotchkiss.
The Colorado High School Activities Association has indicated that official football rankings will not be released until later in the year, leaving early assessments to local observers.