The Basha Bears Varsity Football team is once again setting the standard in Arizona’s elite Open Division. Following a strong 2024 season that culminated in a state title game appearance, Head Coach Chris McDonald has the Bears reloaded and roaring into the 2025-26 campaign. With a powerful blend of returning D-I talent and an airtight coaching staff, Basha is currently ranked #1 in Arizona and aiming for nothing less than another championship.
Everything you need to follow the Bears—roster, key players, schedule, scores, coaches, and stats—is covered below.
Basha Bears Varsity Football Roster & Key Players: The Arizona Elite
The Basha Bears Varsity Football roster for 2025-26 is one of the deepest in the state, featuring a wealth of talent on both sides of the ball.2 The team is anchored by a massive, experienced offensive line and boasts a 4-star running back ready to take the reins.
2025-26 Key Players to Watch
These are the athletes leading the charge for the Basha Bears Varsity Football team and drawing collegiate attention.
| Player | Year | Position | Key Trait / Role |
| Noah Roberts | Junior | RB | 4-Star Recruit; State’s top running back prospect. |
| Brodie Vehrs | Senior | QB | Experienced, efficient pocket-passer directing the offense. |
| Jake Hildebrand | Junior | OL | Massive, highly-rated Offensive Tackle (6’7″, 300 lbs). |
| Kash Brock | Senior | WR | Top receiving threat with great size and speed (6’3″). |
| Dante Bruley | Senior | DE/LB | Edge-rushing threat and veteran defensive leader. |
| Mason Lewis | Senior | ATH/DB | Versatile playmaker on offense and lockdown corner on defense. |
Basha Bears 2025-26 Roster Snapshot (Selected Players)
| No. | Player | Year | Position | Height | Weight |
| 6 | Noah Roberts | Jr. | RB | 6’1″ | 205 lbs |
| 8 | Brodie Vehrs | Sr. | QB | 6’0″ | 200 lbs |
| 74 | Jake Hildebrand | Jr. | OL | 6’7″ | 300 lbs |
| 4 | Kash Brock | Sr. | WR | 6’3″ | 170 lbs |
| 10 | Dante Bruley | Sr. | DE/LB | 6’3″ | 230 lbs |
| 75 | DaJohn Yarborough | Jr. | OL | 6’5″ | 340 lbs |
| 44 | Eli Cramer-Cronin | Sr. | MLB, OLB | 6’1″ | 210 lbs |
Basha Bears Varsity Football Schedule
The Basha Bears Varsity Football schedule is designed to prepare the team for the ultra-competitive Open Division playoffs. It features top in-state programs and a high-profile non-conference tilt against a major California power.
2025-26 Full Game Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Location | Result/Time (AZ Time) | Game Type |
| Thu, Aug. 28 | at Brophy College Prep | Away | W 42-6 | Freedom Division |
| Fri, Sep. 5 | vs. Orange Lutheran (CA) | Home | W 30-24 | National Non-Region |
| Fri, Sep. 12 | at Williams Field | Away | W 42-14 | Freedom Division |
| Fri, Sep. 19 | at Mountain View, Mesa | Away | W 31-13 | Freedom Division |
| Fri, Sep. 26 | vs. Queen Creek | Home | W 35-13 | Freedom Division |
| Fri, Oct. 3 | at Westwood | Away | 7:00 PM | Freedom Division |
| Fri, Oct. 17 | vs. Salpointe Catholic | Home | 7:00 PM | Freedom Division |
| Fri, Oct. 24 | vs. Hamilton | Home | 7:00 PM | Freedom Division Rivalry |
| Fri, Oct. 31 | vs. Mesa | Home | 7:00 PM | Freedom Division |
| Thu, Nov. 6 | at Perry | Away | 7:00 PM | Freedom Division |
Basha Bears Varsity Football Score & Season Stats
As of the conclusion of Week 5 (September 26, 2025), the Basha Bears Varsity Football team is undefeated and holds the #1 State Ranking in Arizona.3 Their offense is clicking, and the defense has been consistently dominant, allowing them to cruise through a difficult early schedule.
Scoreboard and Current Record
| Record Type | Wins | Losses | Win Percentage | State Rank |
| Overall | 5 | 0 | 1.000 | #1 in Arizona |
| Division | 4 | 0 | 1.000 | 1st in Freedom Division |
| Date | Opponent | Final Score (Basha-Opponent) |
| Aug 28 | at Brophy College Prep | 42-6 |
| Sep 5 | vs. Orange Lutheran (CA) | 30-24 |
| Sep 12 | at Williams Field | 42-14 |
| Sep 19 | at Mountain View, Mesa | 31-13 |
| Sep 26 | vs. Queen Creek | 35-13 |
Basha Bears Key Team Stats (Averages Through 5 Games)
The Bears are a well-rounded team, showcasing high-powered offense and stingy defense.
| Stat Category | Basha Bears Average | Opponent Average | Key Player Leader |
| Points Per Game (PPG) | 36.0 | 14.0 | N/A |
| Point Differential | +22.0 | N/A | N/A |
| QB Passing Yards (Per Game) | yards | N/A | Brodie Vehrs (255 yards vs. Mtn View) |
| RB Rushing Yards (Per Game) | yards | N/A | Joshua Gaines (98 yards vs. Mtn View) |
Basha Bears Varsity Football Coaching Staff
The stability and high-level execution of the Basha Bears Varsity Football program are spearheaded by Head Coach Chris McDonald and his collegiate-level staff.4 Coach McDonald has successfully built a championship culture, culminating in the 2022 Open Division State Title.
Basha Bears Coaching Staff
The staff features specialized coordinators and assistants, giving Basha a significant organizational advantage.
| Name | Role |
| Chris McDonald | Head Football Coach |
| Tim Kelly | Assoc. Head Coach/Offensive Line |
| Ryan Felker | Varsity Offensive Coordinator |
| Chenelle Jones | Varsity Defensive Coordinator |
| Mike Denney | Special Teams Coordinator |
| Derek Kennard | Varsity Defensive Line |
| Lance Briggs | Varsity Linebackers |
| Nate Belt | Varsity Quarterbacks |
