The Arizona high school football landscape remains largely consistent at the top, but the latest Top 25 rankings have landed, solidifying who’s who in the Grand Canyon State. As the season pushes past the midpoint, the race for the Open Division title is heating up, led by two familiar powerhouses.
As of October 1st, here is the breakdown of the latest Arizona high school football Top 25 rankings according to Massey:
| Rank | Team | Record | Key Notes |
| 1 | Liberty Lions | (4-1) | Back in the top spot after a huge win. Lone loss came to a nationally ranked opponent. |
| 2 | Basha Bears | (5-0) | Undefeated start for the Open Division contender. |
| 3 | Hamilton Huskies | (5-0) | Offense is exploding, putting up nearly 300 points in five games. |
| 4 | Chandler Wolves | (3-2) | Looking to bounce back from a rare losing season. |
| 5 | Pinnacle Pioneers | (4-1) | Hot start features four dominant victories. |
Contents
1. Liberty Lions (4-1)
The Liberty Lions roar back to the No. 1 position following an emphatic 39-8 win over No. 5 Pinnacle. Their only blemish is a tough 45-14 loss to nationally ranked Corner Canyon. Outside of that, the Lions have been relentless, showcasing their dominance by posting 40-plus points in back-to-back blowout victories over Highland and ALA Queen Creek (0-5).
To repeat as Arizona’s Open Division state champions, the Lions will rely on their defensive leaders, including Boise State commit Paz St. John and Minnesota pledge Hudson Dunn. This week, Liberty looks to continue its tear against Mountain Ridge (1-4).
2. Basha Bears (5-0)
Sliding into the No. 2 spot despite their perfect record, the Basha Bears continue to look like a true Open Division threat after defeating Queen Creek (3-2) in a decisive 35-13 matchup. After falling just short of a second Open Division crown in three years last season, this undefeated start—featuring impressive wins over Brophy College Prep, California powerhouse Orange Lutheran, and Williams Field—signals they are ready for another title run.
The offense is guided by quarterback Broderick Vehrs and a stable of stars, including four-star sophomore running back Noah Roberts, three-star wide receiver Jaden Baldwin, and four-star offensive tackle Jake Hildebrand. Defensively, Mason Lewis and linebacker Eli Cramer-Cronin lead the charge. The Bears hit the road this week to take on Westwood.
3. Hamilton Huskies (5-0)
The Hamilton Huskies have one thing on their mind: ending a 12-year title drought, a quest that was cut short by Liberty in last year’s Open Division semifinals. The Huskies are off to a sizzling, undefeated start, with victories over ALA Queen Creek, Sandra Day O’Connor, Casteel, Brophy College Preparatory, and Centennial. Their latest win was a staggering 70-33 rout of Centennial.
Scoring has not been a problem for the Huskies, who have put up an astronomical 299 points in five games. The powerful offense is anchored by Nebraska commit and elite offensive lineman Rex Waterman. Key playmakers include quarterback Jax Sculley (1,600 yards, 24 touchdowns), running back Skyler Cole (509 yards, six touchdowns), and four-star sophomore wide receiver Roye Oliver, who has caught 40 passes for 757 yards and 17 scores. Hamilton will aim to improve to 6-0 against Valley Vista this week.
4. Chandler Wolves (3-2)
The question surrounding the Chandler Wolves is whether last year’s rare losing season was an anomaly or a sign of deeper trouble. Determined to bounce back, the program posted an impressive 49-10 win over Sandra Day O’Connor last Thursday night.
The offense is led by junior quarterback Will Mencl, one of the best in Arizona, who has standout targets in receivers Jai Jones and Kaydon Gray. Defensively, the secondary is anchored by veteran safety Hamisi Juma, an Arizona commit. The Wolves have a bye week before a key matchup with Perry on October 10th.
5. Pinnacle Pioneers (4-1)
The Pinnacle Pioneers have made a major statement, starting the season with four blowout victories before dropping their first game to No. 1 Liberty (39-8). Coming off an 8-4 season, this is one of the hottest starts in Arizona high school football. Quarterback Drew Varsano is the engine, throwing for 938 yards and 12 touchdowns this fall. On the defensive side, sophomore defensive lineman Ian Fullmer has impressed with a team-high 6.5 sacks. Pinnacle will look to quickly rebound from the loss when they host Cesar Chavez on Friday night.
Arizona High School Football Rankings: Nos. 6 – 25
Here are the rest of the teams filling out the latest Arizona Top 25:
- Mountain View (3-2)
- Brophy College Preparatory (2-3)
- Centennial (3-2)
- Red Mountain (5-0)
- Horizon (5-0)
- Desert Edge (5-0)
- Salpointe Catholic (4-1)
- Higley (3-2)
- Perry (3-2)
- Williams Field (3-2)
- Queen Creek (3-2)
- Desert Mountain (4-1)
- Casteel (3-2)
- Highland (2-3)
- Marana (4-1)
- Saguaro (2-3)
- ALA Queen Creek (0-5)
- American Leadership Academy Gilbert North (4-1)
- Cactus (4-1)
- Arizona College Prep (5-0)
