The state's top big-school rivalry will take center stage today when the high school football season comes to a close, but Championship Saturday 2008 will be notable for another reason, too.

The highlighted Class 5A title game between Cherry Creek (11- 2) and Mullen (11-2) certainly will be a clash of titans, but overall, the metro area will play host to four championship games at two neutral sites.

While the Centennial League rivals will follow the 4A championship game between Wheat Ridge (13-0) and Greeley West (12-1) at Invesco Field at Mile High, the 3A and 2A matchups will be paired at Legacy Stadium on the campus of Cherokee Trail High School in Aurora (25901 E. Arapahoe Road) for the first time.

Mullen is playing in its third title game in four years at Invesco Field (and fourth in five seasons), but that doesn't mean the Mustangs aren't excited about the opportunity to play again at the state's top venue.

"This is really a great venue for the teams - for the kids - and our thanks to the Broncos and everyone who is involved," Mullen coach Dave Logan said. "This is an opportunity for the kids to create a memory they will always have.

"We tell our players all the time that, in 20 years, when you come back for a reunion, it doesn't matter how many passes you throw or tackles you made," he said. "It is about the opportunity you have to play in a state championship game. What we try to talk about is to embrace the opportunity and let it soak in, understanding where you are but enjoying the trip."

Mullen beat Cherry Creek 21-7 on Oct. 10 during the regular season and has topped the Bruins in their two previous championship game meetings (2004, 1998). Of note, the winner also will take the overall lead in the series, which is tied 18-18.

In 4A, Wheat Ridge is seeking its second title in three years. The Farmers, who have gone 6-0 overall in the big game, are led by the classification's top player and CU recruit Parker Orms (2,533 yards rushing, 27 touchdowns). Greeley West, whose only loss was against 5A Legacy, is in the championship game for the first time.

The 3A game will pit unbeatens Glenwood Springs (13-0) and Fort Morgan (13-0). Under the previous playoff format, the Demons would have hosted the game instead of making the 360- plus-mile round trip.

"It'd be nice to play at home, but playing at a neutral site is going to be awesome," Glenwood Springs receiver Kevin Screen said.

Quarterback Dakota Stonehouse (3,284 total yards, 42 TDs) guides a Glenwood Springs offense that has averaged nearly 50 points a game in the playoffs. Fort Morgan counters with a defense that is yielding only 9.5 points a contest and has shut out four playoff teams this season.

Don't be late for the 2A game between Erie (12-1) and Olathe (13-0) - it doesn't figure to take long. The teams have combined for nearly 8,900 yards rushing this season (Olathe, 4,513; Erie, 4,346) and attempted only nine passes between them in the semifinals.

"It's going to be great, old- school, smash-mouth football," said Olathe coach Ryan Corn, whose Pirates are making their first title-game appearance.

Scott Stocker, Paul Willis and John Rosa contributed to this report.