Particle.news
Download on the App Store
15 ARTICLES
·
last mo.

Week 8 Recasts Arizona High School Football, With Polls Open and Playoff-Seeding Tests Ahead

Reader polls plus Week 9 previews spotlight performances likely to sway AIA rankings.

Image
Image
Benjamin Franklin Chargers Ashton Goddard (4) tackles Valley Christian Trojans Caleb Goldman (22) during a game at Benjamin Franklin High School in Queen Creek on Sept. 25, 2025.
Desert Edge quarterback Blake Roskopf (7) rushes for a touchdown against Cactus during the 5A State Championship game at Mountain America Stadium on Dec. 6, 2024.

Overview

  • Peoria Liberty reinforced its Open/6A standing with a 30-14 win over Peoria Centennial, driven by a fast, physical defense.
  • Goodyear Millennium’s D’Mari Bryant rushed for 204 yards and three touchdowns in a 38-21 win over Tolleson and now leads the state with 1,511 rushing yards and 24 TDs.
  • Yuma Catholic’s 30-7 upset at Cactus marked a third straight win under first-year coach Vernon Smith, credited to execution and adjustments.
  • Arizona College Prep welcomed QB Evan Heinrich back from injury with 168 yards and three TDs in a 52-14 win over Mesa Skyline as the 7-0 Knights next visit ALA Gilbert North on Oct. 17.
  • The Arizona Republic posted Week 8 Top 20 player and team lists with reader voting open through Oct. 16, and previews highlight Week 9 games affecting seeding, including Red Mountain at Mountain View (Oct. 17), Queen Creek at ALA Queen Creek (Oct. 16) and Tolleson at Desert Edge (Oct. 17).