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Arizona big school football championships are set

Jordan Spurgeon

The final week of the Arizona high school season is here, in what feels like a flash.

It still seems like just yesterday the season was opening up wit 100+ degree temps coinciding.

Now it all comes down to the final two teams in the 4A, 5A, 6A and the Open divisions.

Here are the match ups with some nuggets as we move past semifinal weekend.

4A – #1 Yuma Catholic vs. #2 Canyon del Oro

Both teams enter Sun Devil Stadium undefeated. Both took down top 4A contenders handily in the semifinals.

There was much discussion about Canyon led Oro bouncing in and out of the Open rankings throughout the back half of the year. Many don’t realize that Yuma Catholic was always rated higher by the computers, but excluded from Open rankings due to a weird AIA rule calling them a 3A team playing in 4A.

These two teams are the farthest apart from each other (about 235 miles). Both towns will show out for their teams on Friday afternoon.

5A- #1 Higley vs. #2 Desert Edge

This rematch is shaping up to be the most exciting game of the weekend. Back in Week 4, these squads went in to overtime, with Desert Edge winning 38-22.

That was before both teams had all their transfers. Now the rosters are better, and both teams are playing great football.

Gunner Fagrell was the quarterback for the Knights, who would eventually be replaced by transfer Luke Haugo. But an injury to Haugo hoisted Fagrell back into the starter role and he’s excelling. Eddy Zubey’s team is averaging 64 points per game IN THE PLAYOFFS.

Watch out for running back Daxen Hall who is always scoring touchdowns.

Oh and the Knights are the reigning 5A champions looking to defend its crown.

Over at Desert Edge, Mark and Marcus Carter are proving their leadership style as co-head coaches works. It’s the first time the Scorpions are in the big dance with them at the helm. 

During a nail-biting 18-15 semifinal win over Horizon, the Carters did all the right things. Called the right plays. Let their talented players do what they do best. That’s the secret sauce this team. Talent that is bonded by strong leadership and passion for football and more importantly, love for one another.

Deshawn Warner is a force to be reckoned with on that defense, which is loaded with top tier talent.

The Scorpions were in the Open Division conversation for much of the season.

Now these squads will duke it out in what is shaping up to be an instant classic.

6A #3 Saguaro vs. #12 Red Mountain

Saguaro and Red Mountain are the two lowest seeds to make a title game among the big schools this year. But these programs are no strangers to the moment.

The Sabercats have competed in a title game in 10 of the last 11 years. 2020 was the lone year without an appearance, which is when they were forced to forfeit an Open match up with Salpointe Catholic due to a massive COVID-19 outbreak.

Coming into the playoffs, many favored Saguaro in 6A because all the best talent on the roster is finally healthy. A 5-5 record didn’t show who this team really is. 

Quarterback Mason Bray is making a name for himself this year. Schools should be calling…

Red Mountain finally gets back to ASU after three consecutive semifinals appearances. The road wasn’t easy as a 12 seed, with a 21-0 deficit to No. 1 Brophy Prep in the semifinals. But Kyle Enders doesn’t let his team ever get down on themselves.

Some may call the Mountain Lions a “Cinderella” story. Both Enders and Isaiah Savoie told me and Claudia Collins LIVE after a victory that this team expects to be here. 

The defensive unit is the anchor of this team. Linebackers Champ Gennicks, Carson Mauterer, and Jameson Wade bounce all over the field.

Open- #1 Liberty vs. #3 Centennial

Westside is representing in the Open this year. This game is a rematch from the final week of the regular season where Liberty beat Centennial 36-17.

Liberty is a machine in 2023. That victory over Centennial was the closest game Colin Thomas’ team played against an in-state opponent during the regular season.

That success continues in the playoffs, including a 54-12 route of Highland in the semis.

Reigning Arizona Gatorade Player of the Year Navi Bruzon took an extra leap forward this year. His numbers are video game like, and he only played two-to-three quarters most Fridays.

The Lions don’t have the most top-tier talent in the state but that isn’t stopping them from steam rolling every body. Culture beats talent a majority of the time.

Speaking of culture, Richard Taylor’s culture at Centennial is unchanged following years of success. Some thought the run was dwindling down, but 2023 buried that narrative. 

The defense is sound. The offense doesn’t make mistakes. That was the difference in a 35-27 victory over reigning Open champion Basha.

Noah Carter is arguably the best player for the Coyotes on both sides of the ball. He just makes plays.

4A and 5A championships will be played Friday night. 6A and the Open will be played on Saturday.

 

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Jordan Spurgeon enjoys covering sports all across the state and telling feature stories that impact people.

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