Pikes Peak No. 3 Rampart’s sudden rise to the top in 5A Metro girls soccer is familiar for No. 6 Doherty coach Jon Shub, who understands what it’s like to be an underdog.

   “They (Rampart) are kind of like us last year,” he said. “No one really gave us a chance.”

   An early advantage in the race for the conference title is up for grabs at 5:30 p.m. Friday when Doherty hosts undefeated Rampart at Garry Berry Stadium.

   Rampart (7-0, 1-0 5A Metro) has emerged as a league title contender with defending league champ Air Academy (4-1-1, 1-0) and last year’s runner-up, Doherty (4-1, 1-0).   The Rams are not surprised to be contending.

   “We always try to outwork our opponent, so that’s our goal for the next game too,” said scoring leader Jackie Hendrickson (nine goals).   New coach and former Rampart soccer player Bre Brubaker has benefited from the team’s efforts.

   “Our goal is to just outwork the other team and the defense does a nice job of not giving up a lot of shots, so it’s kind of a team effort there too,” she said.

   The Rams have relied on defense. Goalkeeper Liz Leitch gave up just her second goal in a 2-1 win over No. 10 Sand Creek (3-2, 0-1) on Tuesday.

   Hendrickson and Nikki Childs, who has eight goals, will challenge Spartans goalie Olivia Mills, who has allowed four goals in her first season starting. Doherty leaders Molly Quirk and Janae Deas have three and seven goals, respectively.

Lewis-Palmer’s Elise Dickey was defended by Pine Creek’s Kelly Stevens, left, during the Eagles’ home win Wednesday. Photo by (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)