The Boulder High Panthers opened their 2025 5A State Playoff run in style Tuesday night, defeating the No. 24 ThunderRidge Grizzlies 4–2 at Recht Field. On a cool fall evening with a vocal home crowd, the ninth-seeded Panthers struck early, fought through momentum swings, and closed out a hard-fought win to move into the Round of 16.

It didn't take long for Boulder to show its intent. In just the second minute, senior Hayden Neale (Player of the Game) opened the scoring after a pinpoint assist from Jesus Castillo. Neale's first shot hit the post, but he alertly followed his rebound and buried it for a 1–0 lead.

Moments later, ThunderRidge equalized on a controversial goal. Goalkeeper Joey Schwab appeared to have secured the ball on the ground, but a Grizzlies attacker poked it loose and in. Despite Boulder's protests, the goal stood, making it 1–1.
 

Boulder responded with composure. In the 20th minute, senior James Quesenberry found space at the top of the box and ripped a low shot into the left corner for a 2–1 advantage. Just a minute later, Levi Turner dazzled the home crowd, slicing through defenders before finishing to make it 3–1. The Panthers took that lead into halftime with control of the game.

The second half, however, was anything but comfortable. ThunderRidge pushed hard through midfield and found another goal midway through, closing the gap to 3–2. With the Grizzlies pressing and emotions running high, Boulder needed a spark.

At that point, head coach Hardy Kalisher decided to tweak his lineup, with several players dealing with knocks and the team needing more size and strength in the center of the field. He shifted Hayden Neale into a midfield role — a smart move, as Neale has repeatedly shown he thrives when facing upfield, building speed on the attack rather than playing as a true No. 9 with his back to goal. The adjustment paid off almost immediately. In the final third of the match, Neale picked up the ball about 20 yards out, unleashed a bullet that kissed off the post, and found the back of the net to make it 4–2 Boulder.

The last ten minutes were frantic, with multiple yellow cards as Boulder worked to kill off ThunderRidge's late push. Zac Sheinbaum anchored the back line, keeping the defense organized under pressure. Schwab finished with seven saves, and the Panthers held firm until the final whistle.

Final Score: Boulder 4, ThunderRidge 2

Stats:

• Goals: Neale (2), Quesenberry (1), Turner (1)

• Assists: Castillo (2), Neale (1)

• Saves: Schwab (7)

• Player of the Game: Hayden Neale

Next Up: The Rivalry Reignites — Boulder vs. Fairview

If the soccer gods love drama, they got their wish. In the Round of 16, Boulder will meet its crosstown rival Fairview High School in what promises to be one of the most electric games of the Colorado playoffs.

The two schools, separated by just four miles, have battled for city bragging rights for decades. Boulder won the regular-season meeting 4–3 in front of more than 600 fans, but this time, the stakes are higher — win or go home.

Tale of the Tape

Both teams enter with nearly identical resumes. Fairview sits at 10-3-3, ranked eighth in the state, while Boulder follows close behind at 12-4 and ranked ninth. Boulder's perfect 6-0 conference record shows its consistency, while Fairview's undefeated mark in league play (3-0-2) speaks to its resilience against top competition.

Offensive Edge

Statistically, Boulder holds a slight edge in attack. The Panthers have scored 41 goals to Fairview's 37, and senior forward Hayden Neale has been the difference-maker all season. With 13 goals and 10 assists, Neale ranks among the top producers in Colorado.

Fairview's attack revolves around #11 Owen Gilbert, who leads the Knights with 8 goals and 8 assists. Both players are dangerous creators, but Boulder's supporting cast — including James Quesenberry, Mikel Mackey, and Jesus Castillo — provides a deeper pool of threats in the final third. If Boulder can maintain its quick-passing rhythm and exploit space behind Fairview's back line, the Panthers could dictate the tempo.

Defensive Battle

Defensively, the advantage may tilt toward Boulder. Senior goalkeeper Joey Schwab has been one of the best in the state, posting a 0.937 goals-against average. Supported by captain Zac Sheinbaum and a disciplined back line, Boulder has allowed just 13 goals in 16 matches.

Fairview, while sturdy, has shown occasional vulnerability against high-press teams and has conceded 28 goals this season. In a rivalry that often turns chaotic, composure under pressure could decide the outcome, and Boulder's recent playoff experience might give them the edge there.

Common Opponents and Intangibles

Against common opponents, Fairview holds a 5-2-1 record while Boulder sits at 4-4. The Knights' consistency against top-tier 5A teams like Legacy and Cherry Creek shows they can compete at a high level, but Boulder's shutout victories over Fairview, Monarch, Broomfield, and Westminster demonstrate the Panthers' ability to lock down opponents when they're in rhythm and all players are available.

Ultimately, the matchup feels nearly even — Fairview's possession-oriented attack versus Boulder's pace, pressure, and balance. The real X-factor might be the atmosphere itself. Rivalry games have their own energy, and Boulder's veterans remember the electric 4-3 win earlier this fall. Fairview will be looking for revenge, but Boulder enters this rematch with confidence and a belief that their best soccer is still ahead of them.

Next Game:

5A State Playoffs – Round of 16

#9 Boulder vs. #8 Fairview

Tuesday, November 4 • 7:00 PM • Location TBD

It's Boulder vs. Fairview — for the city, for pride, and for a spot in the quarterfinals.
 

Check Out Game Photos