Five impact games in Week 8 of high school football
Week 8 of the Arizona high school football season might be the most enticing so far. Nearly every team currently projected to make the Open Division faces a major test, creating a top-heavy version of this week’s five matchups that will shape playoff pictures across the state:
Liberty at Basha, Friday 7 p.m.
This matchup could be a preview not just of a future Open Division showdown, but of the Open Division championship game.
Through a combined nine games, Liberty and Basha are outscoring their opponents by an average of 38.6 points per game. In Navi Bruzon (Liberty) and Demond Williams Jr. (Basha), this game features two of the best junior quarterbacks in the state. Together, they have 27 touchdowns and just one interception. On defense, Anthony Ruiz and My’Keil Gardner are an uber-athletic line duo for Liberty, while Basha’s gotten 5.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss out of Jack Bleier.
At this point, it would take something of a miracle for either school to not make the Open Division. But the winner will be making a serious statement of intent regardless — especially if they do so in dominant fashion.
Chandler at Casteel, Friday 7 p.m. For five weeks, Casteel has quietly gone about its business, establishing itself as a likely Open Division school and the No. 5 team in The Republic’s Week 8 rankings with little hype. Since escaping Williams Field, 23-20, on Sept. 16, the Colts have crushed Casa Grande and Tolleson by a combined 93 points.
On Friday, they’ll step firmly into the limelight, hosting Dylan Raiola and
Chandler. Even keeping it close would be impressive, but don’t discount Casteel’s chances to pull off the upset. Quarterback Landon Jury might not be a five-star Ohio State commit like Raiola, but he’s averaging 250 total yards and over four touchdowns per game.
Plus, Casteel likely needs to win one of its three upcoming showdowns against Chandler, Hamilton and Basha. As Gilbert learned last year, going winless against that gauntlet can be enough to keep you out of the Open.
On the Chandler side, there are fewer questions to answer. The Wolves have already proven themselves in a 35-0 win over Notre Dame Prep and a 31-21 win over Saguaro. But going on the road to an Open-caliber school is never easy.
Desert Edge at Saguaro, Friday, 7 p.m.
A month ago, Saguaro didn’t expect to have this much on the line by early October. Coach Jason Mohns knew his schedule was tough — that’s the deal in 6A — but seeing the reigning Open Division champ at 2-3 is shocking regardless.
After Friday’s loss to Liberty, the Sabercats’ season is hanging by a razor’s edge. Another loss would likely bump them out of the Open. And although Desert Edge and Highland (Saguaro’s next opponent) aren’t as daunting as Bergen Catholic, Chandler and Liberty, both could pose some problems.
To alleviate the concerns that have built over the past two weeks, the Sabercats need to come out and dominate on Friday night. Desert Edge, meanwhile, could use the boost of hanging tight with Saguaro after last month’s deflating, 27-6, loss to Highland that killed much of the preseason hype around this team.
Notre Dame Prep at Desert Mountain, Friday, 7 p.m.
In The Republic’s Week 8 rankings, Desert Mountain comes in at No. 1 in 5A, while Notre Dame Prep is No. 2. That, in itself, makes this a game to watch. But there are also Open Division ramifications to consider ahead of next week’s AIA rankings release.
Entering this weekend, The Republic has Desert Mountain tabbed as the final Open Division team. Because they play a 5A schedule, the Wolves likely need to win out to stay in the state’s top eight, and Notre Dame Prep is the biggest obstacle in their path.
But what about the other sideline? Notre Dame Prep’s only loss is to Chandler. If they beat Desert Mountain and win out, could the Saints sneak in? It’s certainly possible.
However, it’s the loser of Friday night’s showdown that will have the inside track on December hardware. Neither school is likely to win an Open title, but either would be a favorite in the 5A playoffs.
Poston Butte at St. Mary’s, Friday, 7 p.m.
While the Open-relevant matchups will take much of the focus this week, there are some games to watch at the lower levels. None is bigger than this showdown between Poston Butte and St. Mary’s.
Poston Butte dropped a 50-43 thriller to Higley on opening night, but has since looked every bit as good as last year’s 4A No. 1 seed that reached the state championship game. St. Mary’s, meanwhile, has struggled a bit in its 2-2 start. A win over Poston Butte, though, would re-establish the Knights as 4A contenders.