Predicting the 6A Region Champs for the 2025 Season

<p>The 6A conference is stacked with talent this year, and the region realignment only adds more intrigue to how it all might shake out. Every region has at least one team that could realistically make a deep run — and in some cases, more than one. So instead of trying to guess who might sneak into the Open, we're going region by region to break down who looks most ready to claim the crown in their corner of the state. It's not about who has the biggest names or flashiest rankings — it's about who has the most realistic path to the top.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">6A – Central: Brophy </h2>   <p>I think Brophy finds a way to make it out of this one — even with a tougher schedule than Higley — because their depth, experience, and star power are just too much to ignore. They're bringing back an incredible core of talent headlined by Notre Dame commit [player_tooltip player_id='401157' first='Devin' last='Fitzgerald'], a polished and physically mature wide receiver, and [player_tooltip player_id='401155' first='Daylen' last='Sharper'], who's proven to be one of the more reliable playmakers in the state. Dual-threat quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='401151' first='Case' last='Vanden Bosch'] gives them a steady hand under center, and [player_tooltip player_id='739457' first='James' last='Pike'] brings big-play potential to the secondary. They're battle-tested from last year, and with several key pieces returning on both sides of the ball — including a physically imposing offensive line — this is a group that doesn't just win pretty, they win consistently. The Broncos might not always light up the scoreboard, but they play smart, physical football and know how to rise in big moments, which should give them the edge in a competitive region. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">6A – Desert Valley: Liberty</h2>   <p>After what they've done the past two seasons — back-to-back Open Division state title runs — it's hard to picture anyone knocking Liberty off the top spot. They bring back a loaded roster headlined by Defensive Player of the Year [player_tooltip player_id='992770' first='Hudson' last='Dunn'], a relentless linebacker committed to Minnesota, and [player_tooltip player_id='1419979' first='Esteban' last='Demby-Lamas'], who had over 650 yards last year as a junior. With Hayden Fletcher having graduated, it will be interesting to see how the reps play out between Brayden Stevens (who completed 13 of his 15 pass attempts last season) and [player_tooltip player_id='212203' first='Jayden' last='Pico'] (who was ineligible last season due to the transfer rules); but either way, the wealth of talent around them should make the transition as smooth as possible. [player_tooltip player_id='992813' first='Paz' last='St John'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1201072' first='Thomas' last='Foilefutu Jr.'] (TJ) give them a dangerous mix of size and speed out there with Dunn and [player_tooltip player_id='739441' first='Zeth' last='Thues'] on defense. With that much returning star power and championship experience, this is a team that knows how to dominate both sides of the ball. Especially now that Centennial has lost its QB to California, Liberty should have a clear path to the region crown — though an early-season showdown with Utah powerhouse Corner Canyon will be a great test of just how elite this group really is.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">6A – East Valley: Mountain View</h2>   <p>This is a region that I could really see beating up on each other a bit and making life difficult, but Mountain View has the firepower and leadership to rise above the chaos. Utah State commit [player_tooltip player_id='1369417' first='Brady' last='Goodman'] returns to lead the offense after a monster junior season, and he'll be supported by standout receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1577760' first='Talan' last='Arnett'] and hard-hitting linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1682389' first='Cannon' last='Raban']. Myron Christensen is a leader in the secondary and should help anchor a defense that will look a little different this year. The Toros will need to replace quite a bit of production on both sides of the ball following a strong senior class, but they look ready to do it under the guidance of a coaching staff that's earned a ton of respect around the state. That mix of proven leadership and rising contributors gives them a great shot to end up as region champs.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">6A – Fiesta: Chandler</h2>   <p>By far the hardest decision to make of all the regions. Both Chandler and Hamilton are stacked in their own right, but the Wolves look like a team on a mission after last year's frustrating 5–6 season. With junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1190650' first='Will' last='Mencl'] being handed the reigns after a breakout summer, and two-way star [player_tooltip player_id='591191' first='Jai' last='Jones'] emerging as one of the most explosive playmakers in the state, their primed to make a serious push. Add in the leadership of linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='677852' first='Iona' last='Kupu'] and a really lengthy secondary, and you have a roster that blends experience with elite athleticism. They'll have to clean up some execution issues and replace a few key contributors from last year, but with a favorable schedule that avoids Basha and Brophy, Chandler looks like the favorite — barely — to take this one. Hamilton still has the edge on defense, so one slip-up from the Wolves, and the Huskies will be right there to capitalize.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">6A – Southeast: Queen Creek</h2>   <p>Queen Creek feels like a team that's flying under the radar a bit, but everything points to them being a serious contender to win the Southeast region. With Clemson commit [player_tooltip player_id='739440' first='Tait' last='Reynolds'] returning at quarterback after racking up over 3,600 total yards and 41 touchdowns last season, they have one of the most dynamic and experienced offensive leaders in the state. He's capable of flipping games with his legs or his arm, and has already proven he can go toe-to-toe with elite defenses. Defensively, they bring back a reliable core led by senior defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='1682098' first='Jaron' last='Liles'] and tone-setting linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1682253' first='RJ' last='Jackson'] — both bring physicality and leadership on the back end. With a game-changer at quarterback, they're going to be in every game they play. What really sets Reynolds apart is his ability to control the tempo late in games with his legs. That kind of situational awareness from the quarterback spot is an underrated weapon, especially in a region this competitive. Even though I think ALA Queen Creek will be a fantastic team this year and could be right in the mix to take this division down the stretch, there's no denying that Queen Creek has the more favorable schedule. That's why I'm leaning their way in this one. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">6A – Southern: Basha</h2>   <p>If Salpointe can play up to their potential and put it all together, this could be a really interesting three-horse race down the stretch, but I just don't see a reliable path for either them or Perry to leap ahead of Basha through the regular season. There's no doubt Perry has serious firepower and will make some playoff noise, but Basha's depth and returning core are just on a different level. This offense looks locked and loaded heading into the season, with a dangerous mix of returning skill talent and rising stars. [player_tooltip player_id='1369445' first='Brodie' last='Vehrs'] gives them a calm presence under center who can stretch defenses but also pick you apart underneath if needed. He's got one of the top junior running backs in the country behind him in [player_tooltip player_id='883266' first='Noah' last='Roberts'], whose explosiveness and vision make him a nightmare in the open field. The receiving corps is full of speed with [player_tooltip player_id='1177611' first='Kash' last='Brock'] and [player_tooltip player_id='677968' first='Jaden' last='Baldwin'], and the offensive line has the strength and depth to keep things clean up front. It's an attack that can score in bunches, grind the clock, or hit the big play — and they're coming into the year already looking sharp. Linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='401160' first='Eli' last='Cramer-Cronin'] and safety [player_tooltip player_id='734768' first='Marc' last='Duerson'] are tackling machines on defense, and they're bringing back a battle-tested group that includes [player_tooltip player_id='1641205' first='Kaleb' last='Garcia'], [player_tooltip player_id='410430' first='Percy' last='Knox III'], [player_tooltip player_id='933244' first='Kaedyn' last='Smith'], [player_tooltip player_id='1369395' first='Dante' last='Bruley'], and a few others that are all used to playing on the big stage. This isn't just a team with top-tier starters — it's one where the second unit can step in and still win games. That kind of depth is what puts Basha a notch above the rest in the Southern region. </p>

The 6A conference is stacked with talent this year, and the region realignment only adds more intrigue to how it all might shake out. Every region has at least one team that could realistically make a deep run — and in some cases, more than one. So instead of trying to guess who might sneak into the Open, we're going region by region to break down who looks most ready to claim the crown in their corner of the state. It's not about who has the biggest names or flashiest rankings — it's about who has the most realistic path to the top.