The 2026 Arizona high school football season is nearly upon us, and trust me, the build-up is absolutely electric! We’re looking at a staggered kickoff, with the AIA 3A, 2A, and 1A conferences getting things rolling on August 20-21. Then, just a week later, the big boys in the 6A, 5A, and 4A conferences jump into action from August 27-29. This isn’t just about games starting, it’s about the entire football landscape shifting, and The Arizona Republic’s Richard Obert has been dropping all the crucial intel in the lead-up.
Obert’s Deep Dive: Who to Watch and Why They Matter
Richard Obert has been grinding, giving us the full scoop on everything we need to know. He’s previewing the season, breaking down the must-see teams, shining a spotlight on the top players at every single position, and even laying out conference predictions. We’re talking about a comprehensive breakdown here. Want to know who the top quarterback is for 2026? Or the toughest defensive lineman? Obert’s got rankings for the top 10 at every key position on both offense and defense, plus special teams. That means we’re talking about quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, offensive linemen, tight ends, and athletes on offense. On defense, he’s covered defensive tackles, edge rushers, linebackers, and defensive backs. And yeah, even returners, kickers, punters, and long snappers are getting their due. Plus, fans are getting a say with polls to pick their number one. It’s an exhaustive look at the talent pool, and it’s already sparking massive debate about who’s going to dominate.
Preseason All-Arizona Team Drops, Stars Prepare to Shine
After dissecting players across all those positions, The Republic didn’t just stop there. They rolled out their preseason All-Arizona High School Football Team. This isn’t just a list; it’s a statement about who the experts think will be the playmakers this year. We saw some serious talent come through CUSD Football Media Day on July 29, 2026, in Chandler, too. Basha defensive lineman Anitoni Tahi, wearing number 91, stood tall, looking ready to absolutely wreck some backfields. Hamilton’s wide receiver Roye Oliver III, number 3, was hyped up and clapping for his teammates, showing that leadership is already bubbling up. Chandler quarterback Will Mencl was getting some face time with Richard Obert himself, probably talking strategy. And Basha tight end Barry Adams, number 15, was also recognized. Coaches like Hamilton’s Travis Dixon, Chandler’s Ty Wisdom, and Perry’s Jeremy Hathcock were all there, talking about their expectations for the season. You know these guys are itching to prove why they belong on that final All-Arizona team, which won’t be revealed until after the championship games in December, along with the offensive and defensive players of the year.
The next few weeks are going to be wild as those 6A, 5A, and 4A powerhouses gear up to launch their seasons. Every snap matters, every play could change a team’s trajectory, and every one of these athletes is looking to make a statement. Keep your eyes peeled, because the journey to December’s championship , and those coveted individual awards , officially begins now.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply