It’s a battle of one-loss teams this Friday in Arizona when Chandler heads across town to face Basha.
Both teams have been factors in the Super 25 rankings this season, with Chandler recently dropping out after a tough loss to Centennial (Peoria, Ariz.), and the game certainly can weigh on the national stage in the weeks ahead.
But this in-town showdown goes way beyond the Super 25; it’s a game filled with storylines, from bragging rights to revenge to keeping the streak from 2022 and more.
Basha enters the game on a high note from the last year, when the Bears not only won the regular-season matchup but they also shut out the Wolves—and more notably, then-Chandler QB and 5-star recruit, Dylan Railoa—in the playoffs in December to reach the program’s first state title game (and eventual Open Division state championship win).
Demond Williams Jr. leads the offensive attack this season for Basha. The Arizona Wildcats commit has been lethal on the ground as well as through the air, with the dual-threat QB shinning in the thrilling OT win last week against Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.).
If the defense can contain the Wolves’ offense, it could be three in a row…
But that’s easier said than done.
Chandler comes into this game looking to bounce back from last week’s one-point heartbreaker and more directly, to avenge last year’s upsets.
Ca’Lil Valentine’s shines on the offensive side of the ball. The junior running back’s ability is enough to create a game-plan nightmare for any defense, and the Illinois commit helps open the passing game for a tough receiving core that features fellow 2024 classman Jaxon Branch.
Does the losing streak end on Friday night?
As always, anything can happen…
High school football fans around the nation who are looking to watch the Arizona matchup can live-stream the game on the NFHS Network.
(USA TODAY Network)
The collaboration with over 40 high school state athletic/activities associations and PlayOn! Sports allows fans to live-stream high school sports on any device, from wherever they are: 27 different regular season and postseason sports, plus other high school activities that highlight the accomplishments of student-athletes, student-broadcasters, and high schools.
Chandler wide receiver Jaxon Branch
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