Colorado High School Football Playoffs: Western Slope Spotlight

In the Centennial State, the fall is an active time of year. From the autumn colors of September and October to the high school playoff gridiron action of November, this time of year keeps Colorado on its toes.

Welcome to November. The Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) has prepared the 2025 postseason brackets. Our state is set for the “win or go home” matchups featuring communities like Montrose, Grand Junction, Fruita, and Delta. See what the first round of the 2025 postseason looks like below.

Western Colorado High School Football Playoff Preview

5A Playoffs: Fruita Monument Wildcats vs. Columbine Rebels

The Wildcats of Fruita Monument will represent the Western Slope in the 5A playoff bracket. According to MaxPreps, the Fruita Wildcats (18 seed) will face the Columbine Rebels (15 seed) on Saturday at 7 p.m. in Littleton, Colorado. Both teams finished the regular season with 5 wins and 5 losses. Game night temps will be in the 40s on Friday night in Littleton.

4A Playoffs: Grand Junction Tigers vs. Highlands Ranch ThunderRidge

The Grand Junction Tigers have earned the 12 seed in the 4A bracket this fall and will face the 21 seed Highlands Ranch. Grand Junction will host this opening round matchup at Stocker Stadium on Friday, November 7, at 6 p.m. The Tigers enter the playoffs with an 8-2 record. ThunderRidge will make its second trip across the state in as many weeks after falling to Fruita Monument on Halloween night.

2A Playoffs: Delta Panthers at Brush Beetdiggers

The Delta Panthers will represent the Western Slope in the 2A bracket as they travel to the plains for a matchup against the Brush High School Beetdiggers on Saturday, November 8. The 5 seed Brush High School enters the playoffs at 9-0 while Delta finished the regular season at 7-2. The winner of the 5 vs. 12 matchup plays the winner of the Elizabeth vs. Pagosa Springs game.

4A Playoffs: Montrose Red Hawks (First Round Bye)

4A Playoffs: Red Hawks Opening BYE. Sure, I’m a little biased toward the Montrose Red Hawks, but how on Earth are they ranked 2^nd going into the 4A playoffs? Dakota Ridge got the 1 seed, so the Red Hawks will take the 2 seed and both receive a first-round bye. The Red Hawks will await the winner of the game between Frederick and Bear Creek on Friday night (11/7).

How to Buy Tickets for CHSAA Playoff Games

GoFan is the official ticket partner for the CHSAA postseason. Most host schools across the state use GoFan, including Grand Junction, Fruita Monument, Delta, and Montrose. Tickets may vary slightly, but it’s usually $6 to $10 for students, and $8 to $12 for adults.

Some games are available to stream over the CHSAA partner NFHS network statewide. Monthly or annual subscriptions apply. Some schools, including Montrose and Delta, simulcast through their Pixellot cameras, feeding directly into the NFHS platform.

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