Are upsets on tap in football’s top bracket?
Heavyweights set to clash in Open Division
It’s time for the biggest bracket, the Open Division. There are eight teams, seven from 6A and one from 5A. There has been debate on the final two teams that made it through the Arizona Interscholastic Association computer seeding system.
But it’s time to put up and shut up. Which teams have what it takes to get to the super four? Let’s break down the state high school football quarterfinals and predict the outcomes. The games are 7 p.m. Friday at the higher seed schools.
Open Division
No. 8 Phoenix Sandra Day O’Connor (7-3) at No. 1 Peoria Liberty (10-0)
It was a month ago that Liberty wasted no time putting away O’Connor, winning 53-0, causing SDO coach Brian Cole to call the Lions the best team he’s seen in 15 years. How much room can O’Connor make up since then? Cole is as good as any coach in the state in making adjustments. It’s why he’s won state titles in three different conferences. But, even as good as wide receiver/cornerback Ben Currence is, it’s going to take a perfect game to make sure this one isn’t over by halftime. The Lions have plenty of firepower, starting with quarterback Navi Bruzon, tailback Zach Wallace and a bevy of talented receivers, led by Prince Zombo. The defense, led by ends My’Keil Gardner and Anthony Ruiz, is relentless.
Liberty 49, O’Connor 14
Prediction:
No. 5 Scottsdale Saguaro (7-3) at No. 4 Chandler Hamilton (8-2)
This is a toss-up game. Saguaro quarterback Devon Dampier sliced through Hamiton’s defense last year in the Open semifinals in a 31-24 win with 204 yards and three touchdowns rushing on 16 carries. He only threw eight passes in that game. Hamilton this time around will try to get Dampier to rely more on his arm. The Huskies have fast, physical defenders, led by outside linebackers Alex McLaughlin and Taye Brown. And, on offense, QB Beckham Pellant has come a
long way since early in the season when he replaced Roch Cholowsky, who injured his knee. Pellant is starting to run the offense the way Nicco Marchiol did last year, sticking his nose in there on designed run plays.
Hamilton 18, Saguaro 14
Prediction:
No. 6 Peoria Centennial (8-2) at No. 3 Chandler (8-2)
This could be great defensive battle with Centennial’s tough, late schedule, giving Liberty its toughest game since the Saguaro game, providing confidence for its meeting with Chandler. The Wolves are hungry to get back on track after losing two of their last three games to Basha and Hamilton. They may not have tailback Ca’lil Valentine well enough for the Coyotes. But sophomore Xavier Valdivia played well in the 19-17 loss to Hamilton. Chandler’s offensive line is going to have to keep the pocket clean for pro-style QB Dylan Raiola, who will need to get on the same page with his receivers. Centennial will try to bring heat with two-way end Noah Carter a beast on the edge. Centennial also has a strong secondary led by Kenny Worthy III. Chandler’s defense is so good it could pitch a shutout. That means this absolutely has to be the best game ever played by Centennial’s offensive line and Kavaughn Clark is going to have to try burst through
the smallest of seams. If Centennial goes with freshman Kainan Manna at quarterback, he won’t be intimidated. He’s unflappable in big games and has an arm and accuracy with a quick release that could be the X factor.
Chandler 21, Centennial 17
Prediction:
No. 7 American Leadership Queen Creek (9-1) at No. 2 Chandler Basha (9-1)
ALA Queen Creek is the odd team in as the only 5A team in the Open. So the Patriots have nothing to lose. As a 4A team last year, coach Ty Detmer got them in the Open, and gave Hamilton a run for a half. ALA Queen Creek has size and talent and a cool customer quarterback in Drew Cowart, a battering ram back in Mitch Jensen, with a physical receiver and punt returner in Ryan Meza. Their defense is pretty good, too, with Ryker Scott (13 sacks) and Gage Rogers (14) combining for 27 of their team’s 57 sacks. But try catching junior QB Demond Williams Jr. No easy feat. Williams can beat you with his arm and his legs, and with so many playmakers, and such a stout defense, led by linebackers Wyatt Milkovic and Jackson Browning and defensive backs Cole Martin and Miles Lockhart, the Bears just have too much to deal with.
Basha 42, ALA Queen