DB Film Room: 2026 CHSAA 5A Round 2 Matchups
Eight playoff games, sixteen secondaries, one question for every defensive back on the field: who wins the matchups in space? This is the Athlete Strategy Defensive Back breakdown of every Round 2 game in the 2026 CHSAA Class 5A bracket, with the keys each secondary has to hit to advance.
Use the interactive film room below to tap through each matchup, compare the tale of the tape, and make your own picks. Your quarterfinal slots fill in as you pick.
How We Grade a Playoff Matchup
Who is the target? When one receiver owns the targets, the secondary can roll help to him. When three or more receivers produce, every DB has to win his own rep.
How do they get there? Pass-first teams test your coverage. Run-first teams test your eyes, because play action is built to pull DBs off their keys.
Can the rush help? Sacks per game tell a DB how long he has to cover.
Who takes it away? Interception leaders show which DBs the quarterback has to account for.
Fri, Nov 13 | 7:00 PM | at Cherry Creek
The top seed opens after a bye. Cherry Creek's only loss is a 2-0 forfeit to Chatfield, and the Bruins have allowed 10.3 points per game, including wins over Valor Christian (16-15) and Legend (34-28 in overtime).
Heritage beat Cherokee Trail 28-21 in Round 1. The Eagles throw for more yards (192.3 per game) than they run for, and they have allowed 35.8 points per game.
DB Breakdown
Cherry Creek DBs: Cherry Creek's DBs face a Heritage passing game that spreads the ball around. Parker Terch (69.1), Trey Ogdon (45.8) and Brody Winkler (43.6) all average more than 40 receiving yards per game for quarterback Blake Swedlund (11 TD passes). Free safety Karson McKenzie leads the Bruins with 2 interceptions.
Heritage DBs: Heritage's secondary has to handle Alijah Landrum-Hamilton (99.3 receiving yards per game, 11 total TDs) and a Cherry Creek run game that averages 199.5 yards per game behind Elijah Cromwell (91.2 rushing yards per game, 13 total TDs). Jimmy Benedetto and Kaiden Vaughn lead Heritage with 3 interceptions each.
Keys to Win
Cherry Creek secondary must:
Three Heritage receivers produce, so every corner and nickel has to win his own rep with sound technique.
Win early downs. Put Swedlund in obvious passing situations where the 2.2 sacks per game rush can get home.
Tackle in space. Short completions cannot turn into explosive plays.
Keep McKenzie as the eraser over the top and keep everything in front.
Heritage secondary must:
Eyes on your key. Cherry Creek's 199.5 rushing yards per game sets up play action to Landrum-Hamilton.
Roll help toward Landrum-Hamilton in the red zone, where his touchdowns come.
Hunt the ball. Benedetto and Vaughn have 6 picks combined, and Heritage needs a short field.
Safeties must fit the run without losing depth on shots.
X-Factor Matchup: Alijah Landrum-Hamilton (Cherry Creek, WR) vs Jimmy Benedetto (Heritage, CB). A 99-yard-per-game receiver against a corner with 3 interceptions.
Fri, Nov 13 | 7:00 PM | at Grand Junction
The 8 versus 9 game is a clash of styles. Grand Junction runs for 234.2 yards per game and has allowed 13.1 points per game. Ralston Valley throws for 215.4 yards per game and beat Castle View 34-24 in Round 1.
Ralston Valley's three losses came to Cherry Creek, Mountain Vista and Chatfield. Grand Junction's two losses came to Loveland and Roosevelt.
DB Breakdown
Grand Junction DBs: Grand Junction's DBs face quarterback Logan Gabler (204.2 passing yards per game, 15 TD passes) and two receivers who also play corner: Phoenix Tomsick (83.3) and Levi Rillos (69.0, plus 2 INT). The Tigers have two ball hawks of their own in Preston Fife and Izaak Martinez, each with 3 interceptions.
Ralston Valley DBs: Ralston Valley's secondary will spend the night as run defenders first. Elias Morgan runs for 98.2 yards per game, and quarterback Andrew Neese has 14 TD passes on 149.1 passing yards per game, which points to an efficient play-action game. Paxton Webber leads the Tigers in receiving at 49.6 yards per game.
Keys to Win
Grand Junction secondary must:
Challenge Tomsick and Rillos at the line. Disrupt timing and make Gabler hold the ball.
Rally to the catch. Limit yards after contact on quick throws.
Fife and Martinez need to finish on the ball. Interceptions keep Ralston Valley from building tempo.
Two-way Ralston Valley players wear down. Stay physical through four quarters.
Ralston Valley secondary must:
Corners are force players. Set the edge and turn Morgan back inside.
Safeties trigger fast on run reads while keeping eyes ready for Neese play action.
Tackle with leverage. Run-heavy teams win by breaking arm tackles in the secondary.
Rillos and Tomsick play both ways, so the staff has to manage their snaps.
X-Factor Matchup: Phoenix Tomsick (Ralston Valley, WR/CB) vs Izaak Martinez (Grand Junction, CB/WR). Two two-way players who could see each other on both sides of the ball.
Fri, Nov 13 | 7:00 PM | at Fort Collins
Fort Collins is unbeaten at 10-0 and scores 42.5 points per game. Quarterback Jace Garcia throws for 302.0 yards per game with 36 TD passes, and the Lambkins beat Legacy (42-35) and Fairview (44-36) during the season.
Northfield beat Riverdale Ridge 41-10 in Round 1. The Nighthawks run for 203.8 yards per game and have allowed 16.8 points per game, which is a lower average than Fort Collins has allowed.
DB Breakdown
Fort Collins DBs: Fort Collins' secondary faces a run-first offense. Kaeden Williams runs for 134.1 yards per game, and sophomore quarterback AJ Jones has 11 TD passes on 97.7 passing yards per game. Fort Collins DBs Preston Mozer, Ben Larsen and linebacker Donovan Dumas each have 2 interceptions.
Northfield DBs: Northfield's DBs draw the toughest coverage assignment of their season: three Fort Collins targets with 60 or more receiving yards per game in Preston Mozer (94.2), Bode Hammerschmidt (77.6) and tight end Donovan Dumas (61.7). Corners Devaughn Daniels and DJ Lewis each have 2 interceptions.
Keys to Win
Fort Collins secondary must:
Be a run defender first. Williams is the Northfield offense.
Do not bite on the shot play. Low-volume passing teams often save their best throw for a key moment.
Mozer plays both ways. Manage his reps so he stays fresh on defense late.
Tackle in the alley. Corners must finish on the perimeter.
Northfield secondary must:
Disguise late. Garcia has 36 TD passes, so show one coverage and play another.
Pattern match and pass off crossers cleanly. Three receivers will test communication.
Account for Dumas at tight end with a linebacker or safety on every passing down.
Win third down and let the run game control the clock. The best pass defense is keeping Garcia on the sideline.
X-Factor Matchup: Preston Mozer (Fort Collins, WR/DB) vs Devaughn Daniels (Northfield, CB/WR). Fort Collins' top receiver against Northfield's top two-way corner.
Thu, Nov 12 | 7:00 PM | at Grandview
This is a rematch. Regis Jesuit won 24-21 at Grandview on October 22, so both secondaries have film on each other from three weeks ago. Regis Jesuit advanced by beating Fossil Ridge 49-21 in Round 1.
Grandview has allowed 12.2 points per game, with losses only to Cherry Creek (17-0), Northfield (10-6) and Regis Jesuit (24-21). Regis Jesuit throws for 234.5 yards per game behind quarterback Luke Rubley, who has 24 touchdown passes.
DB Breakdown
Grandview DBs: The Grandview secondary has to account for Colt Jones, who averages 101.9 receiving yards per game. Theo Shelburn adds 45.5 yards per game. Grandview's back end has ball skills of its own, led by Zach Johnston (4 INT) and Taitum Lucus Thompson (3 INT).
Regis Jesuit DBs: Regis Jesuit's DBs face a Grandview offense that throws for 135.9 yards per game with quarterback Lander Wise (11 TD passes). Blake Richmeier (44.7) and Timothy Arnold III (42.6) split the receiving work. The Regis secondary is one of the most dangerous in the bracket: Logan Singer has 5 interceptions and Colt Jones has 4 while also leading the team in receiving.
Keys to Win
Grandview secondary must:
Have a plan for Colt Jones on every snap. Know where he aligns and roll a safety to his side on third down.
Use the 2.4 sacks per game rush. Corners can play tighter when the quarterback has less time.
Study the October 22 film for the throws that beat you and take those routes away first.
Win the takeaway battle. Johnston and Thompson have 7 interceptions between them.
Regis Jesuit secondary must:
Respect the Grandview run game (143.0 yards per game) and fit your gap before you think pass.
Keep Wise in the pocket. A contained quarterback throws into your ball hawks.
Play the ball in the air. Singer and Jones have 9 combined interceptions.
Two-way players need conditioning. Jones playing receiver and free safety has to stay sharp in the fourth quarter.
X-Factor Matchup: Colt Jones (Regis Jesuit, WR/FS) vs Taitum Lucus Thompson (Grandview, CB). The leading receiver in this game against a corner with 3 interceptions.
Fri, Nov 13 | 6:00 PM | at Valor Christian
Valor Christian has allowed 11.3 points per game with four shutouts, and its two losses were 38-22 to Mater Dei and 16-15 to Cherry Creek. Quarterback Titus Huard has 29 TD passes.
Legacy beat Horizon 41-7 in Round 1. The Lightning score 40.3 points per game behind quarterback Andrew Gardner (253.4 passing yards per game, 36 TD passes), and they have also allowed 30.6 points per game.
DB Breakdown
Valor Christian DBs: Valor's secondary has to solve a passing game built around a tight end. Joey Jewett averages 100.9 receiving yards per game, with JT Tempas second at 61.3. Grant Cook leads Valor with 3 interceptions, and Brandon Wright and Keegan Stuhr have 2 each.
Legacy DBs: Legacy's DBs face Huard and Jackson Coleman (96.5 receiving yards per game, team-high scoring), with Everett Kieschnick adding 51.3 yards per game. Legacy's pass rush averages 2.6 sacks per game, the best rate in this matchup, which can shorten the time its corners need to cover.
Keys to Win
Valor Christian secondary must:
Safeties own the seam. Jewett lives in the middle of the field.
Match the tight end with your best cover safety or nickel and add help in the red zone.
Communicate on motion. Gardner's 36 TD passes come from multiple receivers.
Keep the shutout mindset. Make Legacy earn every yard with tackles in space.
Legacy secondary must:
Let the rush work. Hold coverage for the first three seconds and the sacks can follow.
Bracket Coleman on money downs. He is Valor's top receiver and top scorer.
Clean up the back end. Legacy allowed 84 to Fairview and 44 each to Fossil Ridge and Chatfield.
Takeaways matter. Jacob Fulcher and Joey Jewett have 2 interceptions each.
X-Factor Matchup: Joey Jewett (Legacy, TE) vs Valor Christian safeties. A 100-yard-per-game tight end against a secondary that has posted four shutouts.
Fri, Nov 13 | 7:00 PM | at Eaglecrest
Eaglecrest has allowed 13.4 points per game and owns wins over Regis Jesuit (21-6) and Northfield (19-9). Its losses came to Grandview (14-6) and Cherry Creek (31-17).
ThunderRidge beat Chaparral 35-7 in Round 1. Quarterback Noah Smyth has 22 TD passes, and the Grizzlies' defense averages 2.7 sacks per game.
DB Breakdown
Eaglecrest DBs: Eaglecrest's DBs face Smyth (201.7 passing yards per game) and leading receiver Camden Neumann (69.5), who also plays defensive end. Ben Perez and Rylan Johnson add more than 40 yards per game each. Jayden Bradley leads Eaglecrest with 4 interceptions.
ThunderRidge DBs: ThunderRidge's secondary will see a lot of run fits. Clyde Surrell runs for 106.9 yards per game, and quarterback William Brinkman throws for 143.8 per game with 9 TD passes. Jayanthony Green is the top target at 55.2 yards per game. Brennan Dopke leads ThunderRidge with 3 interceptions.
Keys to Win
Eaglecrest secondary must:
Eaglecrest averages 0.8 sacks per game, so corners must stay in phase longer than usual.
Locate Neumann on every snap. He is a big-bodied target who also rushes the passer.
Bradley's 4 interceptions make him the player Smyth has to avoid. Give him chances to read the quarterback.
Win the red zone. Eaglecrest has held opponents to 13.4 points per game by finishing drives.
ThunderRidge secondary must:
Fit the run. Surrell is the Eaglecrest offense, and secondary tackles decide run games.
Let the 2.7 sacks per game rush help you. Plaster receivers when Brinkman leaves the pocket.
Watch Green. He is listed at WR and QB, so be alert for trick plays.
Safeties stay disciplined against play action after a series of runs.
X-Factor Matchup: Camden Neumann (ThunderRidge, DE/WR) vs Jayden Bradley (Eaglecrest, DB). ThunderRidge's top target against a 4-interception defensive back.
Fri, Nov 13 | 6:00 PM | at Mountain Vista
This is the DB game of the round. Fairview throws for 379.7 yards per game and Mountain Vista throws for 331.5. Fairview beat Arapahoe 56-49 in Round 1.
Common opponents favor Mountain Vista. The Golden Eagles beat ThunderRidge (49-21), Ralston Valley (45-21) and Riverdale Ridge (42-13), while Fairview lost to all three. Mountain Vista's only loss came 26-17 to Seminole.
DB Breakdown
Mountain Vista DBs: Mountain Vista's secondary faces quarterback Ki Ellison (374.0 passing yards per game, 39 TD passes, 76.5 rushing yards per game) and three receivers with 80 or more yards per game: Steven Brown (102.6), Cashin Fejer (99.7) and Tommy Bauer (80.8). Mountain Vista's interception leaders have 1 each, so this group needs to create turnovers.
Fairview DBs: Fairview's DBs face Marquise Reese (315.7 passing yards per game, 31 TD passes) and Brooklyn Bailey, who leads this Round 2 field at 115.9 receiving yards per game. Luke Bentley (86.1) and Halden Robinson (52.4) round out the group. Fairview has allowed 36.4 points per game, and corner Addis Redwine leads the team with 2 interceptions.
Keys to Win
Mountain Vista secondary must:
Contain Ellison. A quarterback who runs for 76.5 yards per game extends plays and breaks coverage.
Mix zone and man so Ellison cannot predict where the open window will be.
Get the ball out of the air. This is the game for your DBs to break their interception totals.
Tackle on the catch. Three 80-yard receivers will turn short throws into long gains.
Fairview secondary must:
Bailey needs a plan. Shade a safety to him and make someone else beat you.
Stay on top. Reese has 31 TD passes, so deep-third discipline is required.
Communicate through stacks and bunches. Busts decide shootouts.
Value every stop. Fairview's offense can keep pace if the secondary gets a few.
X-Factor Matchup: Brooklyn Bailey (Mountain Vista, WR/CB) vs Addis Redwine (Fairview, CB). The top receiver in the Round 2 field against Fairview's top ball hawk.
Fri, Nov 13 | 7:00 PM | at Legend
Legend scores 37.1 points per game behind quarterback Kellen Mauck (26 TD passes). Its losses came to Grandview (28-24), Cherry Creek (34-28 in overtime) and Valor Christian (42-0).
Chatfield beat Denver East 38-12 in Round 1. Freshman quarterback Kai Hall has 17 TD passes, and the Chargers' defense averages 2.7 sacks per game. Chatfield holds a forfeit win over Cherry Creek, the team that beat Legend in overtime.
DB Breakdown
Legend DBs: Legend's DBs face Hall (218.4 passing yards per game) with Jaden Zeller (70.7) and Brigham Jones (64.8) as his top targets. Chatfield runs for only 102.0 yards per game, so this is a coverage game for the Legend secondary. Freddie Burke and Dash Modkins lead Legend with 2 interceptions each.
Chatfield DBs: Chatfield's DBs face three Legend receivers above 60 yards per game: Kellen Marchand (69.5), Recaredo Rios (63.0) and Freddie Burke (61.8). Chatfield has one of the best ball hawks in the bracket in free safety Blake Steffa (5 INT), plus Grady Bogseth with 3.
Keys to Win
Legend secondary must:
Make the freshman read it. Disguise coverage and show Hall looks he has not seen.
Chatfield's run game is light, so corners can play aggressive leverage on the outside.
Burke plays both ways. Keep him fresh for key coverage snaps.
Finish drives with red-zone coverage. Chatfield holds opponents to 18.7 points per game, so points will be at a premium.
Chatfield secondary must:
Steffa has to be the center fielder. Give him the depth to read Mauck's eyes.
Use the 2.7 sacks per game rush and cover tight for the first three seconds.
Three Legend receivers produce, so the corners have to win on islands.
Tackle in space against a Legend team that scored 46 or more points four times.
X-Factor Matchup: Kellen Marchand (Legend, WR) vs Blake Steffa (Chatfield, FS). Legend's leading receiver against the free safety with 5 interceptions.
Train Like a Playoff DB
Footwork, eye discipline, leverage and ball skills win in November. Athlete Strategy Defensive Back trains corners and safeties at every level.
Sources and notes: Seeds, records, results, schedules and statistics come from the MaxPreps 2026 CHSAA State Football Playoffs Class 5A bracket and MaxPreps team schedule, preview and stats pages as listed on November 12, 2026. MaxPreps statistics are entered by each team, so totals may not include every game. Points per game are season points for and against divided by games played. Keys to the game and X-factor selections are Athlete Strategy Defensive Back coaching analysis.
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