Colorado high school football playoffs primer: Favorites, challengers, dark horses and burning questions

The leaves have turned, an autumn chill has whisked its way into the Front Range and dozens of high school football teams in Colorado have turned in their pads. It's state playoff time -- for everyone but Class 3A, that is — and the brackets are set. Here's what to watch for with the big boys in Class 5A and 4A: Class 5A The Favorite Valor Christian — The lone 5A team to go through the regular season unbeaten, top-seeded Valor (10-0) is the clear favorite. Stacked with future college talent, including the nation's fifth-ranked senior running back in Oklahoma-bound Gavin Sawchuk, the Eagles have won 10 straight by double digits. The defense has allowed just 9.8 points per game, while the offense has punished opponents through the air (165.4 yards/game) and on the ground (247.0 yards/game). The one question yet to be answered: How will the Eagles respond if pushed into an uncomfortable position late? The Challengers Cherry Creek — The two-time defending 5A champions remain formidable, even if many of the faces have changed from the team that steamrolled through the playoffs last fall. The loss of senior running back Keegan Holles was significant, but the defense is as sturdy as ever. Led by junior edge rusher Blake Purchase (14.0 tackles for loss, 11.0 sacks through Week 9), the Bruins (8-2) allowed just 11.2 points per game en route to a share of their sixth straight Centennial League title. If the offense finds another gear, watch out.