Friday Night Notebook: Here lies the Open Division…

The quarterfinals for big school playoffs are done and there is a lot to catch up on.

Here lies the Open Division…

So this year the Open Division computer rankings just happened to match up the four 6A teams against the four 5A teams.

And as expected, all four 6A teams advanced.

No. 1 seed Marana fought hard until the end before falling to No. 8 Hamilton 31-22. Hamilton is the first eight seed to win an Open Division game.

No. 6 Desert Mountain held its own against No. 3 ALA Queen Creek, but the Patriots gutted out a 20-14 win.

No. 2 Basha throttled No. 7 Horizon 36-14.

And No. 4 Liberty obliterated No. 5 Higley 64-26.

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ICYMI: Liberty exploded for 5 touchdowns in the 3rd quarter in a 64-26 win over Higley.

— Gridiron Arizona (@gridironarizona) November 23, 2024

I’ll say it now. The Open is dead. There is no need for it to continue anymore. All the best teams are in 6A or will be through realignment.

Toros are dangerous

Andy Litten knows how to take programs to the next level as soon as he steps on campus. In 2021, he led Horizon to the 5A title. 

On Friday the Toros dismantled Salpointe Catholic in the second half, ultimately winning 41-10.

Running back Reese Bosily exploded for three rushing touchdowns.

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HE CAN’T BE STOPPED

Reese Bodily just punched in another score. @MVToro_Football up 38-10 w/ 3:30 left in the 3rd. pic.twitter.com/nFErBQm6Ox

— Jordan Spurgeon (@spurge_) November 23, 2024

 Quarterback Brady Goodman is the real deal. The Toros’ defense is legit too, they have some dudes that fly all over the field.

Mesa Mountain View will face No. 1 Brophy in the semifinals.

Don’t forget Richard Taylor

It’s easy to see why so many people (not me) wrote off Richard Taylor’s Centennial Coyotes early in the season.

But a young core full of transfers is now playing its best football this year at the right time.

On Friday the Coyotes beat Casteel 37-14.

As the No. 14 seed, this team is dangerous. Back in week five on Bleacher Talk, I said Centennial would play for a 6A title. I’m sticking to it.

A match up against No. 2 Queen Creek next week will be a must-watch.

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Touchdown Queen Creek. Lucas George takes it in from 20 yards out and the rout is on.

34 unanswered points for the Bulldogs.

34-14 QC | 4:28 3Q pic.twitter.com/XIIg7JeY0n

— Zach Alvira (@ZachAlvira) November 23, 2024

Scorpions are stinging

Similarly to Centennial, many people wrote off Desert Edge early in the season after losses to tough opponents.

But coach Henri has this talented team playing cohesive ball right now.

The No. 7 seed went down South and beat No. 2 Tucson 30-14.

The talent on this roster speaks for itself. Now the chemistry and everything is clicking. Watch out, you will see Desert Edge competing for a gold ball for the second straight year.

Desert Edge faces No. 6 Verrado next