High school football: Preview, How to Watch No. 16 Chandler vs. No. 23 Saguaro

The Saguaro (Scottsdale, Ariz.) football team last week played the role of the spoiler. Now, the Sabercats hope to play the role of champions on Saturday when they face six-time defending state champion Chandler for the Arizona Interscholastic Association Open Division championship at Sun Devils Stadium in Tempe.

Saguaro (11-1) shocked previous No. 11 Hamilton (Chandler) 31-24 in the semifinals, upsetting what most figured would be another Open final between the Chandler city rivals. Hamilton defeated Chandler 21-14 to end the regular season and the two nationally-ranked squads had circled a title date, just as they did in 2020 when Hamilton edged Chandler 23-21 in the championship game.

But the previous season, Saguaro handled Hamilton 20-16 in the semifinals before losing to Chandler 42-35 in a memorable 2019 championship game. It's the only times the teams have met. This one figures to be another shootout.

Chandler (11-1) is coming off a wild 27-21 overtime win over Liberty (Peoria), fighting back from a 21-7 deficit with five minutes remaining in regulation. A 10-yard touchdown pass from Blaine Hipa to Anyale Velazquez with 2.7 seconds left and ensuing two-point conversion sent the game into overtime.

A one-handed touchdown grab in overtime by Nason Coleman followed by an interception in the end zone by Franky Morales sent the Wolves into the finals.

Meanwhile, junior Saguaro quarterback Devon Dampier rushed for 204 yards and three touchdowns and Micah Lutu had seven tackles, two sacks and forced a fumble, leading the Sabercats to the victory over Hamilton. Since coach Jason Mohns took over in 2012, Saguaro has turned into a state and West regional power, recording a 113-15 record. This season, they've outscored opponents 508-179 while averaging 410 yards per game, almost evenly divided between the pass (187) and run (410). Their only loss was 27-26 to Chaparral on Sept. 24 and they've since won nine straight.

Mohns has the luxury to use either Dampier, a transfer from Pinnacle, or Idaho-bound quarterback Ridge Docekal (1,577 yards passing, 13 touchdowns). The running game has been spread through several but sophomore Jaedon Matthews leads the squad with 958 yards and six scores. Javen Jacobs (55 catches, 878 yards) is the team's best all-around athlete, while offensive lineman Parker Brailsford, linebacker Tristan Monday, Luta and Docekal are the squad's top senior prospects.

Chandler is led offensive by three-star quarterback Hipa (2,736 yards passing, 30 touchdowns), and receivers Quaron Adams (59 catches, 783 yards, six touchdowns), Coleman (46, 688, 10) and the team's top senior recruit Kyion Grayes, an Ohio State commit.

Top prospects for Chandler include Adams (Iowa State), Coleman (Princeton), defensive lineman Isaiah Johnson (Arizona) and cornerbacks Travis Roberts and Alfred Smith.