Arizona high school football has grown from a state with a couple of elite teams to one with several programs that can challenge both in-state rivals and powerful teams around the country.
With the performance of Basha and Liberty this season coming on the heels of both schools’ growth in recent years, they have proven to be in reach of the mantle as the best team in Arizona.
The creation of the Open Division in 2019 revamped the playoff format to feature the best teams regardless of division for a championship. Before this, there were long swatches in which one team played ruler, and the others fell into line.
