High school football teams across the Western Slope saw significant action in Week 6, marking the second half of the season and the intensifying push for playoff berths. Local teams like the Delta Panthers, Palisade Bulldogs, and Grand Junction Tigers secured key wins, while others faced tough competition in a pivotal stage of the schedule.
The Delta Panthers continued their dominant run, securing a 47-0 victory over Gunnison. This win pushed their season record to 7-0 and their league record to 4-0, marking their "hottest start since their state title in 2023." Offensive efforts from Mack Lockhart, Cole Morlan, and Scott Floyd were crucial in the surge that gave the Panthers a 41-0 lead early in the game, triggering a running clock before halftime. The Panthers are scheduled to visit Basalt next week.
At Stocker Stadium, the Palisade Bulldogs defeated Eagle Valley 45-14, extending their league winning streak to 10 games. The Bulldogs' offense saw Aidan Shiao and Carter Hayward each score rushing touchdowns, with Jonas Lincoln adding a long touchdown run. The defense also made key contributions, recording two interceptions in the first half from Carter Hayward and Jax Bavor, and holding Eagle Valley scoreless through the first two quarters. The Bulldogs had entered the game on a nine-game league winning streak, which their latest victory further solidified.
In road action, Grand Junction made a successful "grand trip to Greeley," defeating Northridge 43-0. Meanwhile, Fruita Monument was outpaced by the Broomfield Eagles, falling 51-10 in their contest.
Cedaredge returned to the win column with a 14-7 victory over Moffat County.
Further afield, in a rematch from the 2025 postseason, the Montrose Red Hawks hosted the Palmer Ridge Bears. Palmer Ridge, the team that ended Montrose's season last year, started strong, taking a 21-0 lead in just the first quarter. Montrose attempted a comeback in the second half, but the Palmer Ridge offense proved too powerful, ultimately winning 56-28.
The North Fork Miners, currently the top-ranked team in Class 1A, maintained their undefeated record with a 48-8 win over Grand Valley. Alex Csere contributed with a significant return, setting up a touchdown run by Bently Farmer. North Fork now stands at 5-0 on the season. The Grand Valley Cardinals are still searching for their first win and will travel to Moffat County for their next game.
