Top 10 games to watch in Week 1 of Arizona high school football

Here is an inside look at the top high school football games across the state of Arizona this week (Oct. 2).

The 2020 Arizona high school football season kicks off this week, and SBLive has rolled out a comprehensive statewide preview, including a look at 25 of this season’s can’t-miss games.

Now, we focus specifically on the Week 1 schedule. Here is an inside look at the top high school football games across the state of Arizona this week (Oct. 2).

Top Arizona HS football games - Week 1

Blue Ridge at Payson

Two of the state’s best small-school quarterbacks — the Yellowjackets’ PJ London and the Longhorns’ Trevor Cline — square off in an opener that could have playoff implications down the road.

Boulder Creek at Casteel

Three-star quarterback Bear Milacek leads the Jaguars against a Casteel team making its debut at the 6A level.

Brophy Prep at Notre Dame Prep

It’s quite surprising that these two high-profile Catholic school programs had never met before scheduling this Week 1 showdown.

Campo Verde at Williams Field

A rematch of last season’s 5A state final won by Williams Field, which moved to 6A this year. Campo Verde has a new coach in Ryan Freeman.

Chandler at Liberty

The reigning Open state champions travel to face the reigning 6A state champions — what more need be said?

Chaparral at Saguaro

There is no love lost in this greatest of Arizona high school football rivalries. The Sabercats have won the past three meetings to improve to 22-17 in the series.

Centennial at Hamilton

What a way for these programs to open the season — with a rematch of their Open quarterfinal, won by the Huskies at Centennial 28-19 last November.

Highland at Desert Ridge

Two teams with 6A playoff aspirations square off in a key early-season matchup.

Horizon at Pinnacle

Both teams lost in the Open quarterfinals last November and hope to get back to the Elite 8 this fall.

Williams at Bagdad

A matchup of eight-man powerhouse programs to kick off the 1A season. The Vikings have won the past two meetings by a combined 131-32.

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MORE: 2020 ARIZONA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW