Hamilton never has missed the high school football playoffs. For years, it was the Arizona big-school power.
The final week of the regular season is here, and it’s not looking good for the Huskies this time.
First-year Hamilton coach Mike Zdebski will experience his first Battle of Arizona Avenue as the Huskies take on top-ranked Chandler. Hamilton needs a win and some help from two or three other teams to make the big-school 16-team field. If the Huskies somehow slip in, this very likely is a preview of their first-round game.
Meanwhile, first-year coach Chris McDonald and the Basha Bears have rebounded from a 2-8 season and are all but assured a playoff berth. They look to knock off Perry in hopes of staying in the top eight and hosting a first-round playoff game.
Here is the complete East Valley schedule (kickoffs 7 p.m. unless noted).
Chandler at Hamilton
Perry at Basha
Seton Catholic at Poston Butte
Fountain Hills at Valley Christian
Dobson at Mountain View
Mesa at Skyline
Red Mountain at Westwood
Higley at Williams Field
Campo Verde at Casteel
Gilbert at Maricopa
Desert Ridge at Highland
Saguaro at Mesquite
ALA – Gilbert at Coronado
AZ College Prep at Gilbert Christian
Queen Creek at Desert Vista
Corona del Sol at Mountain Pointe
Cactus Shadows at McClintock
Arcadia at Marcos de Niza
Tempe at Shadow Mountain
Tempe Prep at Chandler Prep
1A Playoffs Opening Round
No. 11 Duncan at No. 6 Arete Prep
(6 p.m.)
