Winners of the Week: Big Comeback, Offense Explosions
In this article:
Great slate of high school games last week in the state of Arizona. Let’s see who made the list as the top Winners of the Week. Basha Bears Basha faced off against Hamilton last Thursday night and many thought this…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingGreat slate of high school games last week in the state of Arizona. Let’s see who made the list as the top Winners of the Week.
Basha Bears
Basha faced off against Hamilton last Thursday night and many thought this was the game of the week, and it sure live up to the hype. After three quarters Basha found themselves down 16-9. With the offense trying to answer, junior kicker Timothy Tynan kept them in the game with 3 field goals to that point (32 yards, 34 yards, and 43 yards). Demond Williams Demond Williams 5'11" | 180 lbs | QB Basha | 2024 State AZ kept attacking, going 18-27 for 248 yards and 1 TD, as well as senior running back Deshaun Buchanan Deshaun Buchanan 6'0" | 190 lbs | ATH Basha | 2023 State AZ adding 70 yards on the ground. The offense found their rhythm late, scoring 17 points in the fourth, which includes a game winning 40-yard field goal as time expired by Tynan. Basha bounces back after a loss to Liberty the week before, and showed everyone why they deserve to be a top 3 team in the state.
Gilbert Tigers
In a battle of #10 vs #11 in the 5A rankings, Gilbert and Cactus Shadows had a lot on the line this last weekend. Both coming in at 4-2, the winner of this game could move up the rankings, and Gilbert’s offense came to play. Scoring 56 points, the Tigers won soundly 56-13. Junior QB Danny Hesse led the way with 213 yards in the air, 1 TD, as well as senior running back Cooper Zellner Cooper Zellner 5'11" | 175 lbs | ATH Gilbert | 2023 State AZ racking up 144 yards and 2 TDs. With strong receiving games across the board, Gilbert attacked both on the ground and in the air, keeping Cactus Shadows on their toes all night. This win can do wonders for Gilbert in the rankings, and I am excited to see where they end up this week.
Chandler Prep
Chandler Prep came in with a .500 record and was looking to get up in the win column. Facing off against Arete Prep, they wanted to get back on track, and they definitely did. With a 45-0 shut off victory, Chandler Prep looked solid all around. Quarterback Nolan Kemper completed 56% of his throws, going for 165 yards and 2 scores. Junior running back carried the load, rushing 15 times for an amazing 171 yards and 2 scores as well. Riding a 2 game win streak, Chandler Prep hopes to get 1 more W on the year this week facing off Tombstone on the road.
Casteel Colts
Casteel came into the game Friday vs Perry #6 in the Open, while Perry was #18. Each team had different stakes on hand, and Casteel pushed through and came out victorious. A 49-0 win over the Pumas, Casteel showed why they deserve that Open playoff spot. Up 21-0 at half, Casteel put 21 points up in the 3rd quarter alone, pulling away from Perry early and not letting them see the scoreboard. Senior QB Landon Jury Landon Jury 6'1" | 180 lbs | QB Queen Creek | 2023 State AZ went 18-25 for 283 yards and 4 scores, as well as 76 yards on the ground. Casteel ends the year with 2 Open teams (Hamilton and Basha) and 1 fringe Open team (Corona del Sol). That last game of the year could determine who takes the last couple spots in the Open Playoff.