The 2026 Arizona high school football season opens with a loaded three-day schedule featuring championship contenders, a historic rivalry, an upset-watch matchup and a nationally televised Open Division rematch.

Saguaro reportedly has only 33 players across its entire football program entering the 2026 season.

One of Arizona’s most anticipated high school football games will receive a national spotlight during the opening week of the 2026 season.

Elite quarterback play often grabs the headlines, but every great passing attack needs a game-changing wide receiver. Arizona enters the 2026 season with one of its deepest groups of pass catchers in recent memory, featuring Power Four commits, explosive playmakers, and rising underclassmen ready to break out.

Quarterback play across Arizona has reached another level heading into the 2026 season. From nationally ranked recruits to proven winners and rising stars, the Grand Canyon State is loaded with talent under center. These quarterbacks have already built impressive résumés, but each enters the fall with even bigger expectations as they chase region titles, Open Division berths, and state championships.

One of the top players in Arizona girls flag football is on the move. Marlie Phillips, a standout quarterback in the class of 2028, has announced her transfer from Hamilton High School to Liberty High School.

Liberty stormed past Red Mountain with a dominant two-way performance, exploding for a 20–3 first-quarter lead and never looking back. Behind a relentless defense and the QB duo of Pico and Stevens, the Lions cemented themselves as Arizona’s top team.

The playoff brackets have officially kicked off, bringing new format changes and controversy as teams fight for every inch. With no margin for error moving forward, each snap now carries the weight of legacy and one ultimate champion remains standing.

Hamilton dominated in a highly anticipated matchup against nationally ranked Basha, powered by the explosive duo of Jax Sculley and Roy Oliver III. With Oliver setting a new AIA 6A record for touchdown receptions, the Huskies’ confidence and grit carried them to a statement win heading into the postseason.

Basha climbs into the national Top 25 after a 3-0 start—who can stop the Bears?

Arizona football is back, and Week 1 didn’t disappoint. Upsets, breakout performances, and early statement wins have already shaken up the rankings across every division. With big matchups on deck, the season is just getting started.

Chandler opened the 2025 season with a 24-17 victory over defending 6A champion Centennial, pulling away in the second half after a 10-10 tie at halftime. Balanced on offense and defense, the Wolves showed signs they could be contenders for the Open Division this year.

The 2025 Arizona high school football season opened with a rivalry clash as Scottsdale Christian Academy defeated Pima 33-6 in Week 0. The matchup renewed a championship storyline—SCA beat Pima in the 2023 (41-24) and 2024 (28-27) 2A state title games. After a lightning delay pushed kickoff to 9:30 PM, the Eagles took control early and never looked back. With new AIA Executive Director and SCA alum Dr. Jim Dean handling the coin toss, the night was fittingly historic for both

The offseason is wrapping up, and Arizona high school football is inching closer to kickoff. With summer camps underway and 7-on-7s in the rearview, it’s time to shift our focus to real football—pads on, lights on, and stakes high. As we head into a revamped playoff structure for 6A, we break down the new Open format, preseason power rankings, and the teams poised to make noise this fall. From Basha’s dominance to Mesa’s resurgence under Jeremy Hathcock, the road to the Open

Arizona’s top quarterbacks put their skills to the test last Thursday at McClintock, where Groundup’s Valley Showcase brought together everyone from seasoned starters to promising underclassmen. With drills focused on accuracy, consistency, and the toughest throws in the game, the spotlight ultimately belonged to Basha’s Brody Vehrs — adding another win to the Bears’ dominant offseason run as they gear up for an Open championship push.

Football is back in Arizona, and Week 1 brings the heat. Higley returns to 6A with a tough test vs. Highland, Basha rides 7v7 momentum into a clash with Brophy, and Liberty opens its title defense against a rising Mountain View. Let the tone-setting begin.

Basha Football claimed back-to-back 7v7 titles at ASU and UofA, including a triple-overtime win over Lincoln (CA), proving they’re a top contender for 2025. Williams Field also impressed, taking down Chandler and Brophy to win the ASU 7v7 championship.

The AIA (Arizona Interscholastic Association) has released their region placements for the 2025-27 seasons. There were many controversies...