The second week of the Arizona high school football season saw many of the state’s top teams facing off against out-of-state programs – some with national rankings next to their name.
The mantra “AZ vs Everybody” has been a rally cry of sorts for years now, with state pride elevated when a team looks outside state lines for an opponent.
There are times where things don’t go as planned. But there are also moments where local teams play up to the national competition and make a statement. That’s what transpired this week.
Let’s take a look at some of the biggest storylines from Week 2 of the Arizona high school football season.
Basha knocks off nationally-ranked Orange Lutheran
The Bears were dominant most of the game before things got dicey.
Orange Lutheran, the No. 23 team in the country, according to MaxPreps, rallied and closed the gap set by Basha quickly. It took one final stop from the Bears defense to hold off the Lancers and claim the 31-24 victory.
Monday, Basha’s ranking improved to No. 27 overall in the country, as the Bears continue to make a strong case as the team to beat in Arizona this season.
Liberty runs into buzzsaw in Corner Canyon
There’s a reason Corner Canyon is one of the top teams in the country, and the Chargers showed it Friday night against Liberty.
The Lions were outmatched in all facets of the game, as they left Draper, Utah, with a 45-14 loss. It’s uncharacteristic for the Lions to take a loss at all, let alone one that lopsided. But it came after dominating Mountain View the week prior.
So, take the Lions’ Week 2 stumble with a grain of salt.
AZ vs Everybody … was rough
Basha’s win over Orange Lutheran was undoubtedly the highlight of the weekend, with other programs such as Higley (vs Las Vegas Coronado), Brophy (vs Colorado’s Regis Jesuit), Corona del Sol (vs California’s Apple Valley), Shadow Ridge (vs Las Vegas Clark) and Williams Field (vs Washington’s Eastlake) all getting wins against out-of-state opponents.
While that may seem like a lot, there were unfortunately several teams that fell to out-of-state competition.
On Friday, Highland took its new icy white uniforms, equipped with a new white helmet, on the road to Anna, Texas, and lost to the Coyotes in a weather-delayed game that extended to Saturday morning.
Casteel fell on the road to Nevada power Liberty out of Henderson. Chandler lost a one-point battle with San Diego power Cathedral Catholic and Holtville came across state lines from California and knocked off Yuma Catholic.
On Saturday, Perry fell at home to Granite Hills, another top program in the San Diego area.
Knox Road still runs Ahwatukee … for now
The latest rendition of the Ahwatukee Bowl took place on a much earlier date than in year’s past. Much of that is due to the Pride now being in the 5A Conference, while Desert Vista has remained in 6A.
The rivalry is one that holds a special place in my heart. I covered it for seven straight years and saw close games, blowouts and everything in between. Some of the former players I saw during that span are now off doing great things at the next level.
So to not be in attendance for the ‘Tukee Bowl was difficult. But thankfully, we had great reporters such as Jason Skoda and Ben Stapley in attendance. Their coverage showed a dominant start from the Pride at Thunder Stadium, followed by a rally from Desert Vista to narrow the gap.
Ultimately, Mountain Pointe came away with a 55-35 victory to take a 15-13 all-time series lead.
It’s the second year with a 20-plus point margin between the two teams. The Pride were more athletic last season and may have been yet again this year. But the gap may be narrowing, thanks in large part to the job Jake McSpadden has done taking over the Thunder program that has been in turmoil the last four years. McSpadden is the first Thunder coach to remain with the program for his second year since 2020 when Dan Hinds coached his last game after 19 years.
The rivalry thrives when both programs are successful, and with McSpadden and new head Mountain Pointe coach Jon Roberts, the right leaders are in place for that to happen.
PS: If any Mountain Pointe players read this, look at the bottom of the trophy.
Chinle records first-ever win in Valley
Yes, you read that correctly.
For the first time ever, Chinle beat a team from the Phoenix area. The Wildcats started playing football in 1969.
Chinle came down to the far East Valley to face Apache Junction and came away with a 14-12 history-making victory.
Notables
Mountain View knocked off Mesa in a history East Valley rivalry
Valley Christian improved to 3-0 with a win over Blue Ridge
Benjamin Franklin took down Thatcher in a battle of the top 2 teams in the 3A Conference
Tempe is 2-0 for the first time since 2014. The Buffaloes went 10-0 that year.
Mica Mountain continues to roll with a 37-7 win over Canyon Del Oro
Saguaro took down Chaparral in the classic Scottsdale rivalry
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