Written by Claudia Collins, Eliav Gabay and Jordan Spurgeon
5A – Jordan Spurgeon
The defending champion is Higley (6-1). The Knights are off to another great start this year, with one of the most electrifying offenses in the state. The defense looks better this year too, led by multiple studs in the secondary.
Desert Edge (6-1) and Desert Mountain (7-0) both are playing like the teams to beat in 5A. However, both are currently ranked in the top eight so it’s possible at least one of them makes the Open Division. Desert Edge has been there before. Desert Mountain has some of the top talent that can match with any team in the state.
Horizon (5-2) high school is a sneaky team this year. Andy Litten got his team to Sun Devil Stadium two years ago en route to a 5A title. The defense is lights out this year.
ALA Gilbert-North (4-2) won the 4A championship last season. In 5A this year, the Eagles are playing well. The only losses came to 6A ALA Queen-Creek and to Higley. This could be a dark horse pick in the championship game.
If neither Desert Edge or Desert Mountain make the open, I believe they will face each other at Sun Devil Stadium. Give me Desert Edge to win that game. If only one ends up in the 5A bracket, give me that squad to win. If both make the open, Higley will defend its 5A title.
6A – Eliav Gabay
It’s truly the Wild West as far as who’s going to meet in the 6A championship.
A real toss-up when you consider the fact that to predict the best of 6A, it comes down to which teams may *just* miss the Open.
Saguaro (4-3), Hamilton (5-2), Highland (5-2), ALA Queen Creek (6-1), Perry (6-1), Pinnacle (5-2), Salpointe Catholic (6-1), and Williams Field (5-1) all have a realistic shot at 6A depending on who drops.
As of now, ALA Queen Creek looks primed to make the Open, but a loss to Highland next week can easily flip the script and finally give the back-to-back 6A Champion Hawks a chance to dance.
Between Perry, Pinnacle, and Williams Field – I’m not sure any of them end the season in the Open division. However, the best chance of these three would be Pinnacle, led by Wyatt Horton under center. The Pioneers face O’Connor, Centennial, and Saguaro to end the year, so if they can manage a 2-1 record, I’d be interested to see where they land.
Salpointe Catholic’s electric defensive front gives them a chance in any game, but don’t sleep on their ground attack that’s put up over 20 touchdowns thus far.
To me, the 6A title game will come down to Saguaro and Hamilton – two teams that still have a realistic shot at making the Open. If they don’t, however, I can see them being among the top dogs in what should be an absolute battle for 6A supremacy – no matter who ends up in or out.
Open Divison – Claudia Collins
It doesn’t look like we’re going to get a repeat Open Division State Title game this season.
Saguaro is undergoing a lot of change this season – a new head coach, a new QB (who’s sat out the last few games) and a new culture. With a 4-3 record, the Sabercats upcoming game against Liberty can be a huge indicator of how qualified they are to make an Open Division Championship run this season but they may be in too deep already.
The Liberty Lions (6-1) earned a spot on the top of my list on Week 1 and quite frankly, they haven’t budged since. Dominating Hamilton (no matter what week it is in the season) is no easy feat. Quarterback Navi Bruzon – the defending Gatorade and Cardinals Player of the Year is as dynamic and dominant as ever. Liberty has been an underrated program the last few seasons…this year they have the drive, momentum and talent to set this Lions team apart from those prior. Tonight, Liberty recorded its third shutout of the season against Salpointe Catholic.
While I don’t think Saguaro will repeat an appearance in the Open Division Championship game. I think Basha will. Heading into the 2023 season, I had no doubt that Demond Williams Jr. would lead the Bears to another open matchup at Sun Devil Stadium. However, depending on the week, the Bears and Lions trade places for the No. 1 spot on my list. Basha’s only loss was to Highland in Week 2. Highland (4-2) should make the Open this season but I don’t have them in my top four.
While Liberty and Basha trade places for the top two in my book. My No. 3 and No. 4 teams do the same.
In my three years covering high school football in Arizona, there has never been a doubt that Chandler belongs in the Open. Chandler’s (6-1) upcoming game against the defending Open Division Champs will be an opportunity to stake their claim as a top-three program this season (the AIA currently has the Wolves ranked at No. 4). Centennial v. Chandler was the No. 1 high school football game in the country on Oct. 6 and resulted in the Wolve’s only loss of the season.
The double OT win for the Coyotes makes Centennial a shoo-in for the top four in my book. Richard Taylor’s success became a headline last week as he tied for fourth all-time in high school football head coaching victories. I haven’t seen the Coyotes with my own eyes this season but they’re a force to be reckoned with. Here’s the thing – yes, the Coyotes are still undefeated…but their schedule hasn’t been as tough as the three programs on my list. Their statement win over Chandler makes them an undeniable contender for an Open Division Championship but until they play Liberty in the final regular season game I’m not sure I’d put them in the top 3.
