Gauntlet time: Who gets beyond the Open Division high school football state quarterfinals?

Richard Obert, Arizona Republic
·3 min read

Gauntlet time. The survivor of the fittest. The best and most powerful. Who's got what it takes to run the state table?

Let's break down the Arizona Interscholastic Association's most challenging bracket, the Open Division state football quarterfinals, and predict who wins:

Open Division quarterfinals, Friday, 7 p.m.

No. 8 American Leadership Queen Creek (9-1) at No. 1 Hamilton (10-0)

Hamilton's Nicco Marchiol (No. 8) and Dawson Hubbard (No. 2)) celebrate a victory over in state rival Chandler on Nov. 12, 2021.
Hamilton's Nicco Marchiol (No. 8) and Dawson Hubbard (No. 2)) celebrate a victory over in state rival Chandler on Nov. 12, 2021.

This might be the only mismatch of the quarterfinals. At least, it appears that way on paper. ALA Queen Creek did great in 4A and it surprised everybody by hanging with Saguaro in a 20-14 loss early in the season. But can they hang with Hamilton? Doubt it. As impressive and fast and poised as ALA QC quarterback Logan Hubler is, the Huskies' front seven is so tenacious and fast and dominant that it might be impossible for Hubler to get turned loose. Hamilton QB Nicco Marchiol has been playing at a consistently high level all season and with go-to receiver Christian Anaya and a strong run game, the Huskies just don't have a weakness. This is their year.

Prediction: Hamilton 52, ALA QC 15

No. 5 Scottsdale Saguaro (9-1) at No. 4 Glendale Cactus (10-0)

Oct 15, 2021; Scottsdale, Arizona, USA; Saguaro Sabercats take the field to play the Sierra Canyon (CA) Trailblazers at Saguaro High School.
Oct 15, 2021; Scottsdale, Arizona, USA; Saguaro Sabercats take the field to play the Sierra Canyon (CA) Trailblazers at Saguaro High School.

This feels like a tossup game. Both teams are very fast and explosive. Saguaro's bigger linemen could be the difference. If the Cobras aren't able to make any push off of them or keep their defensive front, led by sack monster Tristan Monday, off of QB Will Galvan, it could be a long night for the 4A Cobras. But Cactus belongs, and they want to prove it. The equalizer is its fast, physical defense. Remember, this is a team that intercepted Desert Edge quarterback Adryan Lara five times and shut down Peoria Sunrise Mountain 50-7, not to mention Mesquite 56-6 and Poston Butte 54-6. They've destroyed good playoff teams. All three of those teams are still alive in their brackets. This game could go into overtime.

Prediction: Saguaro 24, Cactus 21

No. 6 Peoria Liberty (8-2) at No. 3 Chandler Basha (10-0)

Nov 5, 2021; Peoria, Arizona, USA; Liberty Lions quarterback Navi Bruzon (7) runs the ball against Brophy Broncos Trey Markham (94) at Liberty High School. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-Arizona Republic
Nov 5, 2021; Peoria, Arizona, USA; Liberty Lions quarterback Navi Bruzon (7) runs the ball against Brophy Broncos Trey Markham (94) at Liberty High School. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-Arizona Republic

This is such a mystery game. Who knows how Basha will respond after having three weeks off? Is this Liberty's best team in the last three years? Basha didn't play the most demanding schedule, although it gained credibility in late-season wins over Gilbert Highland and Mesa Mountain View. Demond Williams Jr., is a legit, big-time quarterback for the Bears, who sets up the offense so well, making chunk plays with his legs and arm. All-everything Miles Lockhart is a big-time playmaker for the Bears. Liberty is just rock solid, from a defense that takes pride in being opportunistic, led by senior safety Jax Stam, to an offense that can score fast in a two-quarterbacks system alternating from Dom Ochoa to sophomore Navi Bruzon. Basha is extremely explosive, but there's something about Liberty in big games, and it's schedule overall has been more demanding.

Prediction: Liberty 31, Basha 30

No. 7 Queen Creek (8-2) at No. 2 Chandler (9-1)

This is a chance for Queen Creek to have payback, after losing late in the season 26-7 to the Wolves, after showing for three quarters they were capable of knocking off the giant. Crafty QB Sebastian Tomerlin presents a problem, along with punishing running back Payton Barlow. But Chandler also has something to prove now that it lost for the first time in 46 games, a 21-14 setback to rival Hamilton in the regular-season finale. It's a chance for the offense, led by quarterback Blaine Hipa and wide receiver Kyion Grayes II, to make amends, to make a big statement. The defense at Chandler is fine and will always keep the Wolves in games. But it's time for the offense to prove it still can hit the home runs. And they know it.

Prediction: Chandler 28, Queen Creek 14

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.

Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Who gets beyond the Open Division high school football state quarterfinals?