Benjamin Franklin quarterback Gavin Wyler is straight up dominating right now, dropping jaws with 1,048 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and zero interceptions already this season. This dude looks even stronger than last year’s team that only lost in the 3A final to Round Valley. If you aren’t paying attention to the early action in Arizona high school football, you’re missing some wild early season action, with pivotal matchups set for September 24th and 25th as MaxPreps/AIA rankings start to take shape.
Battles at the Top of the Charts
On Thursday, September 24th, it’s a massive clash at Central when Chandler (3-1) takes on Brophy Prep (3-1) at 7 p.m. This game is huge for both teams as they jostle for position in the 6A rankings and Open playoff seedings. Chandler’s Will Mencl, who racked up five touchdowns against Brophy last year in a 45-34 win, is back with his go-to receiver, Jai Jones, looking to tear it up again. But don’t sleep on Brophy; they made a smart move two weeks ago, shifting Ryder Noche to running back, and he’s responded with two straight 100-yard games. That’s a serious threat.
Then on Friday, September 25th, it’s Benjamin Franklin against Valley Christian (4-1). Valley Christian just routed Crismon 43-14, but they’re gonna be tested against Wyler’s potent Benjamin Franklin squad. They’re also dealing with some real drama after some players came off the sideline during a skirmish last week against Crismon and are now facing one-game AIA suspensions. Ouch. Also on Friday, the classic big-school rivalry kicks off at 7 p.m. when Mesa Mountain View (2-2) faces Mesa (2-2). Both teams have common losses to Peoria Centennial and play tough defense; this one looks perfectly matched. The big question is, which bracket are they headed for?
Wild Cards and Comebacks
There are some other seriously intriguing matchups this week. Chandler Basha (2-2) is at Mesa Red Mountain (3-1) on September 25th at 7 p.m., with Basha trying to heal after losing eight starters to injuries two weeks ago. Still, they pulled off a 30-22 win last week against Peoria Liberty after tough losses to Orange Lutheran and Pinnacle. Red Mountain answered their own 45-35 loss to Phoenix Sandra Day O’Connor with a tight 31-28 win over Gilbert Williams Field. Then you’ve got Centennial (4-0) heading to Queen Creek Casteel (0-4) on September 25th at 7 p.m. Casteel’s 0-4 record hides a brutal first-half schedule; they’re still ranked No. 15 in 6A by MaxPreps, putting them in playoff territory even without a win. QB Tee Smith is a dynamic dual threat, but Centennial’s defense, led by Luke Franklin, is one of the state’s best. Casteel needs to start winning these close games, no doubt.
Don’t forget Eagar Round Valley (5-0) at Payson (4-1) on Thursday, September 24th at 7 p.m. Payson got caught by surprise last week with a loss to ALA Mesa North, but they’re a resilient bunch. Round Valley gets running back Brody Crick back, and that makes their offense even more explosive. He’s been eased back into play over the last two games after missing the first three. Finally, Phoenix St. Mary’s (4-0) is set to clash with Yuma Gila Ridge (3-1).
This Thursday and Friday are absolutely packed with pivotal matchups that will really start to define who’s for real in Arizona high school football. You can even jump online and vote for the game you think is the best matchup of the week! Get ready, because these games are going to be wild.
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.
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