via @Eric.Newman

My column on today's Cardinals loss

Is anyone covering the 1A title game tomorrow night at Coronado HS? If not, I might head out there and see what 8-man football is all about. Any insight?

Headed up North to watch O'Connor take on Basha!! What about everyone else tonight!?

Thanks everyone for all your work and support the past few months. The football season is not quite done yet, so let's all close it out strong and look forward to winter sports (hopefully)

via @Eric.Newman

via @Eric.Newman

via @codytcameron

via @jared_co

In a year of uncertainty, Arizona high school football has made it to Week 8 of its regular season, meaning that we are one step closer to the AIA selection committee choosing their Open Division competitors. So far this season, the computer formula has made some questionable picks, leaving Saguaro at #13 as well as opting to omit Queen Creek, Centennial and Corona del Sol, among other top teams. When it comes time to decide the final rankings, a human element will (finally) be included.

Just about every playoff scenario is on the table as I’ve heard 16 different teams still in the conversation, proving just how competitive this season has been. These playoff scenarios are completely my opinion and in no way influence the AIA rankings.

Chandler vs. Hamilton

This week, the top two teams in the state battle for Arizona Avenue in what could be a preview of the state championship game. No matter the result, I believe that Chandler and Hamilton have already punched their tickets to the Open Division.

The Chandler Wolves seek their second-straight Open Division championship as they look to return to Sun Devil Stadium with quality wins over Liberty, Centennial, and Highland. Currently, the computer rankings has Chandler listed as the #1 team in the Open Division.

Hamilton on the other hand, who is coming off a 20-16 loss to Saguaro in the state semifinal a year ago, looks to make a return to the Open Division playoffs and strive for a title. To date, the undefeated Huskies have quality wins over Saguaro, Centennial and Highland. Hamilton is ranked #2 in the AIA computer rankings.

Desert Edge and Saguaro

In my opinion, both of these teams deserve to get into the Open Division and with a win this week, I believe they punch their tickets to the Open Division.
Desert Edge is seeking their first bid at the Open Division playoffs after moving up to the 5A. Last season the Scorpions fell to Mesquite, 28-23, in the 4A championship game. After a coaching change following last season, Mark and Marcus Carter have led Desert Edge to quality wins over Sunrise Mountain, Cactus and Ironwood. This week, Desert Edge takes on Verrado as they look to go 8-0 and secure an Open Division spot. The AIA computer rankings currently have Desert Edge at #3.

As for Saguaro, Head Coach Jason Mohns is looking to add to his trophy case after being knocked off in a 42-35 loss to Chandler in last year’s Open Division championship game. To date, Saguaro has quality wins over Casteel and Horizon, with their one loss coming in the form of a 13-7 defeat vs. #2 Hamilton. The Saguaro Sabercats will play at home vs. Gilbert as they seek to punch their ticket to the Open Division and improve on their 4-1 record. The Sabercats are ranked #13 by the AIA computer formula.

Centennial vs. Liberty

A battle of 5-2 teams will likely mean that the winner of their Week 8 matchup will punch their ticket to the Open Division. I have to doubt that the selection committee will choose a three-loss team over an undefeated/one-loss team, which means this game has major playoff consequences. Without a doubt, the loser will head to the 6A playoffs where they will have a chance at a title nonetheless.

Centennial is looking for their second Open Division playoff berth after losing 28-19 to Hamilton in the quarterfinals a year ago. Currently they are unranked in the AIA computer formula with quality wins over Williams Field and Chaparral. The Coyotes have lost to Chandler and Hamilton, the top two teams in the state.

Liberty on the other hand, is ranked #3 in the Open and holds quality wins over Queen Creek, Red Mountain and Chaparral. Just a year ago, Liberty and their senior-led squad, defeated Red Mountain 34-28 in overtime to win the 6A title. To date, the Lions have losses to #1 Chandler and 5A contender, #5 Sunrise Mountain.

Corona del Sol, Queen Creek and Salpointe Catholic

So far, the playoff scenarios have been pretty basic: win and they’re in, but that all changes with these three teams. With some help, all three teams could punch their tickets to the Open Division playoffs if they come out victorious this week.

Corona del Sol is 7-0 this season and they look to go undefeated with a matchup at Mesa Mountain View this week. With a low strength of schedule, the Aztecs look to appeal to the selection committee with their high-scoring offense. Last season, Corona del Sol fell to Red Mountain, 43-14, in the first round of the 6A playoffs. The Aztecs control their own destiny and will likely punch their ticket with a win in Week 8.

Queen Creek has a matchup this week at Desert Ridge as they seek to improve their record to 6-2. So far this season, the Bulldogs have high quality wins over Williams Field, Highland and Red Mountain, with losses to Casteel and Liberty. In 2019, Queen Creek beat Boulder Creek, 50-36 in the opening round of the 6A playoffs before eventually losing 27-24 to Highland in the quarterfinals. To qualify for the Open Division, Queen Creek will most likely need a Week 8 win and a loss from either Corona del Sol or Salpointe Catholic.

Salpointe Catholic is 5-0 as they travel to Desert Mountain for their Week 8 matchup. After starting their season late, the Lancers hold wins over Casa Grande, Campo Verde and Mountain Ridge. Salpointe Catholic seeks their second Open Division playoff berth after being knocked off by Chandler in the semifinals last season. The Lancers need a win in Week 8 in addition to a loss from either Corona del Sol or Queen Creek.

If Queen Creek beats Desert Ridge, then Salpointe would need a win and an Aztec loss to be in consideration. If Salpointe beats Desert Mountain, Queen Creek would need a win and an Aztec loss to punch their ticket. If all three teams win, Corona del Sol will most likely be the only team of the three to make the Open Division.

Boulder Creek and Mesquite

Boulder Creek is 6-1 as they play at home this week vs. #6 Sunnyslope. With their first region title since 2008, the Jaguars have quality wins over Mountain Ridge, Sandra Day O’Connor and Shadow Ridge. Their one loss comes from a 1-point loss in Week 1 vs. Casteel. Last Fall, Boulder Creek was knocked off the opening round of the 6A playoffs, losing 50-36 to Queen Creek. To qualify for the Open Division, the Jaguars need a win vs. Sunnyslope as well as a loss from either Corona del Sol, Salpointe Catholic, or Queen Creek.

Mesquite is 5-1 coming off a bye week after their game vs. Benjamin Franklin was cancelled. This week they we’re set to take on Washington before the game was unfortunately cancelled. With wins over Apache Junction, ALA Queen Creek and Gilbert, the Wildcats are the favorites to win the 4A, but with a chance at the Open Division, they’re looking to move up the rankings. Mesquite’s only loss on the year comes from a 46-40 loss to 5A contender Sunrise Mountain. In 2019, the Wildcats defeated Desert Edge 28-23 to win the 4A championship. In order to secure a bid for the Open Division, Mesquite needs a loss from Boulder Creek and another Open contender. With some help, the Wildcats could sneak in at #8 and go head to head with Chandler or Hamilton in the opening round of the Open Division.

Recap

Week 8 consists of quite a few games with playoff implications, and with Chandler and Hamilton essentially being locks for the playoffs, here is a recap of what I think the remaining teams need to do in order to secure an Open Division bid:

Chandler and Hamilton - TICKET PUNCHED

Desert Edge, Saguaro, Liberty, Centennial, Corona del Sol - SECURES BID WITH WIN

Queen Creek secures a bid with a
WIN @ Desert Ridge
AND
Salpointe OR Corona del Sol LOSS

Salpointe secures a bid with a
WIN @ Desert Mountain
AND
Corona del Sol OR Queen Creek LOSS

Boulder Creek secures a bid with a
WIN vs. Sunnyslope
AND
Corona del Sol OR Salpointe OR Queen Creek LOSS

Mesquite secures a bid with a
Boulder Creek LOSS
AND
Corona del Sol OR Salpointe OR Queen Creek LOSS

“The Rest” fight for a bid with
Chaos…

It’s the final week of the regular season, so let the chaos begin.

via @Eric.Newman

via @JasonPSkoda

The news came out earlier today that winter sports in several counties have been delayed. For the first time, I am directly affected as my daughter plays eight grade softball and it is a winter sport.
And anybody who knows me, might have an idea that my favorite high school sport is wrestling so that's a double whammy. What do we think of the decision?
I got a lot texts saying if their delaying winter sports why are they letting the falls sports - and of course football being king and ruler of all decisions as a parent texted me - continue.
Winter sports haven't been canceled at this point; just delayed.
Good call or odd to let one continue and delay the other?

Haven't heard much about it except for this week's coverage from major networks but the NBA Draft is tomorrow! Looking at Mock drafts a lot of analysts have LaMelo Ball going #1 and James Wiseman going #2 to the Warriors. What do you guys think? Is this pretty spot on?

Want to get this out of the way early, who here is planning on covering this game? If everything in the near future gets canceled because of Covid, I selfishly want to see these two teams square off while I have the chance!

I was looking at the Open Division Football Rankings an it currently has Mesquite #8 and Casa Grande #9. The only other 5A or 6A Schools that could make a jump would be Corona Del Sol #10 or Desert Mt #11. With 4A playoffs starting this week and the Open Division Playoffs starting next week What happens if Mesquite stay at #8 or jumps up another spot based upon games this week. Casa Grande could sneak in with any combination of losses. Both Mesquite and Casa Grande are #1 & #2 seeds in the 4A Playoffs. If one or both get into the Open it slights 1-2 teams in the 4A level from getting in. How does the AIA Fix that problem

Liberty#7 is off this week.
Sunnyslope #6 is off this week.
Sunrise Mt. #5 plays a decent Cactus Shadows team and a loss could put them out the Open Division Playoffs.
Desert Edge #3 is off this week.

What up my peoples... Hope the last 8 days been good for everyone... slide thru that state fair take out if you havent.. Ive been twice already which is why Im tippin them scales.. Were almost officially half way through football season!!! where has the time gone??? anyways its been good seein some of yall around.. wanna take this chance to say thanks to:

My guy Gregg Rosenberg.. The prep basketball guru.... his push to make sure that he sees as many kids as possible has driven me to do the same thing for football.. I actually spent a lot of one season with him i think it was like two years ago.... and it taught me a lot... Im grateful... I hope that yall are stayin safe within your comfort out at games...


Ps dont forget to put your menus down!!! let me know what yall snackin on!!!

Its a short one this week cause Im grindin to get stuff done!!

tap in with yall next week!! and on wednesday!!

Thanks,

Chilly

via @Gregg Rosenberg

Last year we introduced this feature and it was a massive hit. I'll create a thread after each Friday's high school football games, and if you want to participate, all you need to do is log on, and submit a nomination for offense, defense and one honorable mention. Include 1-2 sentences about why they stood out for you. I'll take the nominations that we receive by Monday at midnight and convert them into an article.

via @JasonPSkoda

Now that we know the AIA top 8 rankings are completely meaningless, then we can continue with the same Ocho we do every week. Project who you believe the AIA will place into the open division playoffs.

I'll post it Wednesday Morning.

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