Week 1 Arizona HS Football

Arizona football is back! The first week of the 2025 season has already delivered big headlines and blow outs which have shifted the Week 1 Power Rankings!

Photo By David Venezia

Hamilton vs ALA Queen Creek, an unexpected blow out win for the Huskies, secured a statement win (63-20). ALA Queen Creek, originally No. 4 in our Pre-Season Rankings, suddenly drops down to No. 7 in the play-in rankings.

On the other hand, Chandler, Queen Creek, and Higley all made impressive jumps, showing themselves as early risers in the Open race. Basha, Liberty, and Hamilton all remain at the top while Chandler football finds its way to No. 4 after the win over Centennial. The Centennial team had high hopes for a deep open run but was shaken up after the star quarterback, Kainan Manna, transferred to Lincoln Highschool, located in San Diego, California, right before the season started. Above those unexpected triumphs, Centennial is still a powerhouse of a team with great coaching staff and determined players. The open division still holds both the 2024 State Runner Ups and State Champions The 6A Division sees a new face in the Top 20 teams, as Desert Vista takes a win over Cesar Chavez (44-19). The most notable fall in the rankings would be Highland, ranked at No.14. The week 1 game against Higley was a nail biter, and made a statement towards possible skeptics. The Knights made a name for themselves in 6A with the win over Highland (20-6). 

Teams like Red Mountain, Mesa, and Perry continue to hold steady in the first week.

Photo By Jonathan Olden

Changes in 5A were minimal this week, though a couple of programs made small, but important moves. Arizona Prep College (ACP) is now ranked No.9 along with Yuma Catholic, who rises to No.7. The top 3 teams remain unchanged, led by Desert Edge, Marana, and Cactus Shadows.

Photo By Tyler Sexton

Now, the rivalry game that had everyone on the edge of their seats; Salpointe Catholic Vs Marana, who continue to hold the top spots in Tucson for football. In the first half, Marana took a narrow lead (12-10), while Salpointe stayed close behind. In the second half, however, Salpointe made a stand, stopping Marana from taking the lead and securing the victory, leaving Marana with a season opening loss (0-1). Despite Marana being in 5A, they made a statement that they will be a tough team to beat this year.

The 4A division had one of the week’s biggest statement wins. Arcadia dominated Bradshaw Mountain (37-8), proving they belong in the top of the division. With other teams like Mesquite, Snowflake, and Canyon Del Oro making noise this last week, the 4A race is already looking to be great competition in Arizona.

Week 1 set the tone, but rankings are sure to shift even more in the next few weeks. Just around the corner we have Basha Vs Orange Lutheran, Red Mountain Vs ALA Queen Creek, Eastmark Vs Walden Grove, and ALA Gilbert North Vs Cactus Shadows. Lots of great competition this week and it is only getting started.