10 burning questions for Week 12 of Arizona HS football season: Why didn't Basha jump Chandler in AIA rankings?
The Arizona Interscholastic Association released its updated computerized high school football rankings Tuesday and the biggest burning question is: How is Chandler at No. 2 ahead of Basha after that loss?
These and nine more questions are explored by The Arizona Republic as we head into Week 12:
1. Why didn't Basha jump Chandler to the No. 2 spot in the Open?
The answer to that lies somewhere deep in the algorithms, a formula that the AIA is keeping a secret. If there was a human element to this, Basha would be 2, behind No. 1 Peoria Liberty, followed by No. 3 Chandler after the Bears beat Chandler 14-7 last week. It's a no-brainer. Not having a top-two spot in the playoffs means Basha would be facing either Liberty or Chandler in the semifinals, not the final.
2. Is this Liberty team the best in Arizona history?
That's hard to answer, but the way the Lions are playing they are in the conversation for best high school football team ever in Arizona. Lots of season left and Peoria Centennial will embrace the underdog role on Friday when they go up against the Lions. If they complete a perfect season with an Open championship, continuing their dominating ways, then yes. It would be hard to argue against the Lions.
3. Are Pinnacle and Corona del Sol Open-worthy?
I don't think they've proven it. The AIA has Pinnacle at No. 7 and Corona del Sol at 8. Pinnacle just lost to Gilbert Highland 25-0, and Highland is six spots outside the Open. Wow. It makes you wonder how strength of schedule enters into rankings. Pinnacle's only other top-eight Open opponent was Liberty, which dominated the Pioneers 49-7. Corona del Sol has played only one top-eight Open team and lost to Chandler 50-0. Its strength of opponents dropped off considerably after Chandler.
4. Are first-round blowouts bound in Open?
Yes, it looks that way. There are five really good teams, elite-level, then a bit of a drop off. So it's going to be tough for anybody outside of Liberty, Basha, Chandler, Saguaro and Hamilton to win the Open.
5. Who would be the Open dark horse?
If Highland gets there, I would pick the Hawks. That's if they discover an offense in time. But that defense will keep them in the game against anybody, except for maybe Liberty.
6. Who is the 3A dark horse in the playoffs?
I'll take No. 6 Eagar Round Valley. The Elks' three losses were to Thatcher, Show Low and Poston Butte. Poston Butte has a chance to win the 4A title, and Round Valley lost that game 20-13. They lost to No. 1 Thatcher in its opener 42-14 and dropped a 38-9 game in late September to Show Low.
7. Who is the 2A dark horse?
Gilbert Christian at No. 11. How are these guys seeded so low at 8-2? It must stem from the 40-34 loss to Arizona Lutheran in early September. And the forfeit it was given last week in the regular-season finale against San Pasqual. Its only other loss was to No. 4 Willcox, 39-14. This is a dangerous team that is rolling into the playoff with confidence.
8. Who is the 1A dark horse?
It is down to the final four teams, so I'll go with Williams as the No. 4 seed. Williams coach Jeff Brownlee knows how to lead his team in big games and he'll figure a way against No. 1 Winkelman Hayden in Friday's semifinal at Scottsdale Coronado.
9. Can Canyon del Oro win 4A without six players who were suspended?
Yes, absolutely. This conference is so wide open, and Dustin Peace is one of the best coaches in the state who has won a championship. The Dorados aren't going to catch American Leadership Gilbert North for the top seed in the playoffs, but they would be my team to beat.
10. Would it be better for the AIA to start a 7A Conference?
Although the state, especially the Valley, has been growing incredibly fast, and new schools keep opening, I don't think the time is right. Just keep the Open and let the 6A teams play it out to get to the elite Open. Some might think the 6A tournament would be watered down. But it would make for far greater parity than maybe any other conference.
To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on Twitter @azc_obert.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 10 burning questions for Week 12 of Arizona HS football season
