The sidelines were filled to the brim with members of the Arizona Cardinals, notable Hamilton and Chandler alums, and any one who enjoys high school football in Arizona.
The hype is deserved and the Huskies won the show. With a final score of 21-14, Hamilton snaps the Wolves’ 45-game win streak against in-state opponents. It’s the first Battle For Arizona Ave. trophy for the program since 2013.
Now, coach Michael Zdebski’s squad will reset tomorrow, with a weight room session while they officially gain the No. 1 seed in the Open Division postseason. The celebration is on tonight, but the whole program wants more than this trophy. They want a ring to truly make up for the heartbreaking championship loss last year.
Nicco Marchiol showed yet again why he’s the favorite to win player of the year in Arizona. The future West Virginia QB dazzled when he needed to. Of course, Claudia Collins got him to sing Country Roads again.
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As for Chandler, a loss was bound to happen eventually. Better now than in the playoffs, as I’m sure that’s the message Rick Garretson has for his team.
Blaine Hipa played lights out at times, but was under duress all night from the Wolves’ front seven. Chandler made big stops on a few occasions, but a costly fumble in the red zone changed the tune of the game.
As far as the playoffs go, there shouldn’t be much competition for either program. Basha is the dark horse in the open and they have the skill position talent, but they may not be as physical on the lines as either of these two.
Expect a rematch on Dec. 11 inside Sun Devil Stadium. The Wolves will be the ones with “revenge” on their minds.
