Week 8 of the Arizona high school football season is now complete. And boy does the media have some explaining to do.

The team at Arizona Varsity completed a roundtable discussion before last week’s games. One of the questions I posed (and I take full responsibility) was about programs that have been letdowns this season. That means teams who had lofty expectations not living up to them.

One of the programs mentioned the most was ALA Queen Creek, a frequent Open Division participant in year’s past that started the season 0-5. Well, the Patriots shut us up really quick.

Here’s a look at some of the top storylines from Week 8.

ALA Queen Creek silences doubters

Sure, the Patriots may still not be looked at as Open Division contenders, but goodness did they prove they can still be lethal.

ALA Queen Creek dominated in all facets of the game from start to finish Thursday night against Queen Creek. The bulldogs were without Tate Reynolds due to a leg injury, and the Patriots recognized the opportunity to pin their ears back and go in for the attack right away.

Multiple interceptions, including a big man pick-six, led to a running clock after the first half with the Patriots up 35-0. Offensively, Britt Dewitt was on fire through the air, connecting with Khalil Bender six times for 105 yards and two touchdowns. Dewitt had four total touchdowns through the air while Bobby Nesbitt found paydirt on the ground one time.

The 41-8 win by ALA Queen Creek, which followed a 49-7 trouncing of Desert Vista two weeks prior, has given the Patriots confidence heading into the final three games of the season.

And if they continue on this path, look out 6A Conference.

A star emerges in Tucson

Well, maybe he was always there we just didn’t take notice soon enough. Jaylee Abraham is now one of my favorite players in the state.

The sophomore running back at Desert View in Tucson is a monster and had a nasty stiff arm to show for it Friday night against Canyon Del Oro.

The 5-foot-8, 180-pound back tried to round the corner against the Dorados and ran into defenders before switching the ball to his outside arm and burying a defender into the ground. It was one of the most violent stiff arms I have ever seen at any level of football.

And let me remind you: He switched the ball into his other hand WHILE stiff arming. He made it look so smooth it was almost missed by the Arizona Varsity team when we saw the play on social media.

Abraham rushed 13 times for 226 yards and a touchdown against Canyon Del Oro. It was the third time this season he passed the 200-yard mark, and his sixth 100-yard game. His 1,167 total rushing yards this season have been key for Desert View’s 8-0 record and No. 8 ranking in the Statewide Media Poll. But that will likely improve, especially after the Jaguars came in at No. 2 in 5A according to the AIA rankings.

The Jaguars have a special player and are on the brink of a special season.

Down goes an undefeated team

This must have been a theme this week in football. Miami went down as the No. 2 team in college football. No. 5 Ole Miss, No. 7 Texas Tech (Go Devils) and No. 22 Memphis, too. All undefeated no more.

The same can be said now for Arizona College Prep, who ran into a buzz saw in ALA Gilbert North Friday night that gave the Knights their first blemish of the season. A lethal ACP offense led by quarterback Evan Heinrich was held at bay, despite Heinrich’s 190 yards of passing.

The ALA Gilbert defense was firing on all cylinders, holding ACP to just 14 points while the offense built a lead and never gave it up. The Eagles cruised to a 35-14 win and will likely move up considerably in the rankings.

Veritas Prep dominates Phoenix Christian

A new contender has entered the game for the 2A Conference title.

Scottsdale Christian still appears to be the top dog in the conference, but back-to-back losses by Phoenix Christian to the Eagles and Veritas Prep this past week has put the Falcons in the conversation.

Veritas is 9-0 on the year with a matchup with Glendale Prep in the 2A Region Crossover Game upcoming to end the season. Currently ranked No. 1 in the conference by the AIA, Veritas Prep can clinch the top seed with a win.

Other notable storylines

• Higley knocks off Brophy in overtime, 41-38
• Shadow Ridge pushed Williams Field to the limit in 22-16 loss
• Red Mountain outlasted Mountain View in the Battle of Brown Road, 23-22
• Peoria knocked off ALA West Foothills, 26-18
• Apache Junction picked up its first win in a 20-7 victory over ALA Mesa North
• Show Low beat rival Blue Ridge, 21-14

Hayden, Bagdad, St. David, Mogollon the top four seeds in the 1A playoffs