Top 10 games to watch in Week 3 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. 16).

The 2020 Arizona high school football season kicked off two weeks ago, and SBLive 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 3 schedule. Here is an inside look at the top high school football games across the state of Arizona this week (Oct. 16).

Cayden Camacho (Basha) photo by Heather Hackett

Top Arizona HS football games – Week 3

American Leadership Academy-Queen Creek (2-0) at Mesquite (1-1)

ALA-Queen Creek, last year’s 3A champion, is 2-0 in its move up to 4A, but it’ll face a stern test against the defending 4A champion Wildcats and Oregon commit Ty Thompson, the nation’s No. 5 quarterback recruit according to 247Sports.

Campo Verde (1-1) at Gilbert (1-1)

The Coyotes got back on track after a season-opening loss to Williams Field in a rematch of their 5A final. They now open East Region play against their crosstown rival.

Centennial (1-1) at Williams Field (1-1)

These former 5A powers, who both moved up to 6A this fall, have met once before — in the 2016 state final, won by the Black Hawks 14-6 to hand the Coyotes their only playoff loss in a five-year run (2014-18).

Desert Ridge (1-1) at Higley (1-1)

The Knights will try to shrug off their last-minute loss to Casteel last week and get back on track against the Jaguars.

Desert Vista (0-2) at Basha (0-2)

These two met in the first round of last year's 6A playoffs, with Desert Vista winning 52-26. They’re now region rivals looking to shake off 0-2 starts.

Queen Creek (2-0) at Casteel (2-0)

It’s the first meeting between these 6A Region 3 teams that share a zip code but sit in neighboring districts. Both are 2-0 entering this key matchup.

Red Mountain (1-1) at Mountain View (Mesa) (2-0)

The Toros are 2-0 for the first time since 2017, while the Mountain Lions look to bounce back after getting shut out by Liberty a week ago.

Snowflake (2-0) at Blue Ridge (1-0)

The Yellow Jackets lead the all-time series between the 3A East rivals 28-22, but the Lobos have won the past seven meetings — including a 42-28 victory in last year’s state quarterfinals.

Sunrise Mountain (2-0) at Liberty (1-1)

The Lions won their 6A final rematch against Red Mountain and now welcome Sunrise Mountain, which escaped with a 46-40 victory over Mesquite last week.

Yuma Catholic (2-0) at Wickenburg (2-0)

Both teams enter this important 3A matchup 2-0 with contrasting styles — the Shamrocks are led by sophomore quarterback Richard Stallworth (40 of 58, 566 yards, six touchdowns), while Wranglers senior running back Bryson Alder (343 yards, six touchdowns) powers their attack.

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MORE: 2020 ARIZONA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW