HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: TOP GAMES Arizona Avenue is setting for much-awaited finale
1. Battle ground
Chandler (9-0) at Hamilton (9-0), Friday, 7 p.m.
It’s dubbed “The Battle on Arizona Avenue,” and since 2013, Chandler has owned it. The Wolves have won the past five state championships and have strung together 45 wins. But this is Hamilton’s best team under coach Mike Zdebski, who righted the ship after that 3-7 first season in 2018. It was the only year Hamilton didn’t make the playoffs. Have they finally caught up to the Wolves? Stay tuned.
2. West side fireworks
Glendale Cactus
(4-5), Friday, 7 p.m.
Cactus, it seems, has zoomed past everybody in the Northwest Valley as the top football program. But this is a rivalry like none other in this part of the Valley. And even if Peoria has struggled this year, the Will Babbcoached Panthers will play their hearts out against a team poised to make an Open Division playoff run. Cactus’ defense, led by Aki Pulu and Ata Teutupe, is one of the best in the state at any level.
3. Snow Bowl
Phoenix Mountain Pointe (4-5) at Phoenix Desert Vista (4-5), Friday, 7 p.m.
This is dubbed the “Ahwatukee Bowl,” but at least for this game, let’s call it the “Snow Bowl,” after beloved Desert Vista public-address announcer Jim Snow, who recently died. His voice will be missed. Nobody wants to end the regular season with a losing record. At least, they’re not coming into this year’s finale without a win for either team. Mountain Pointe won last year’s Ahwatukee Bowl. This is for community pride, and yet, with the Open taking at least five 6A teams, both are headed to the 6A playoffs.
4. Saving grace
(9-0) at Peoria
Peoria Liberty (7-2) at Peoria Centennial (3-6), Friday, 7 p.m.
These teams look they’re headed in opposite directions. Actually, they’re both headed to the playoffs. But a win by Liberty may put it in the Open. Centennial,
win or lose, will be playing in the 6A tournament. If Centennial loses its seventh game, it would be as many losses as the last four seasons combined. A win would pump up the Coyotes with their brutal schedule to believe anything can happen in the 6A bracket.
5. Running man
Mohave Valley River Valley (10-1) at Chandler Valley Christian (10-1), Friday, 7 p.m.
This 3A quarterfinal matchup feature two tremendous backs -- River Valley’s Zach Hammett and Valley Christian’s Kaden Majercak. It could produce a fast game. Or there could be a lot of touchdowns. Hammett has been at a different level, rushing for 36 touchdowns and gaining 2,179 yards on the ground.
6. Charter challenge
American Leadership Queen Creek (8-1) at Benjamin Franklin Queen Creek (6-3), Friday, 7 p.m.
These schools met two years ago for the 3A championship that ALA won. They’re in 4A now, but ALA QC could be headed to the Open, while Ben Franklin goes to the 4A bracket. Ben Franklin will try to keep ALA QC’s dynamic offense, led by QB Logan Hubler, off the field with a well-executed Double Wing T.
7. Sizzling Silbor
Scottsdale Chaparral (5-4) at Phoenix Pinnacle (3-6), Friday, 7 p.m.
Both of these teams are headed to the 6A playoffs next week. It’s always a great rivalry. Pinnacle coach Dana Zupke cut his coaching teeth at Chaparral under Ron Estabrook. Pinnacle needs to figure a way to get the offense in a rhythm to try to keep QB Brayten Silbor off the field.
Silbor has passed for at least 350 yards in each of the past three games, but the Firebirds are only 1-2 during that span.
8. Cloud nine
Phoenix Brophy Prep (6-3) at Gilbert Williams Field (7-2), Friday, 7 p.m.
Williams Field, led by running back Kaden Cloud (150 rushing yards on 12 carries last week) is coming off its biggest win, beating a hot Mesa Red Mountain team. Brophy doesn’t want to stumble into the 6A playoffs, after its offense was bottled up a week ago in a 21-9 loss to Liberty. But the tough competition is going to help the Broncos be battle tested in the postseason.
9. Locking up
Glendale Mountain Ridge (7-2) at Phoenix Sandra Day O’Connor (5-4), Friday, 7 p.m.
These teams could possibly meet again next week in the first round of the 6A playoffs, depending on how games go Friday. SDO’s brutal schedule in the first half of the season seems to have it prepared for the postseason. But the Eagles, led by a great linebacking corps, will have to try to contain Mountain Ridge’s dynamic duo of QB Brendan Anderson and Terrance Hall, who have put up big numbers all year.
10. Going deep
Phoenix Horizon (8-1) at Scottsdale Notre Dame (6-3), Friday, 7 p.m.
Both teams lost to Scottsdale Saguaro. They have a chance to make deep runs in the 5A playoffs with Saguaro going into the Open. But Horizon still has an outside shot at the Open, as well. This would give the Saints a chance to make another run to the final like they did in Coach George Prelock’s first two seasons in 2017 and ’18.