FEVER PITCH: Unveiling Week 1’s Must-Watch Game This Friday Night

Three high-stakes matchups have been nominated for the coveted Game of the Week title in Week 1 of Arizona high school football.

PHOENIX — The long-awaited return of Friday Night Fever is here, marking the kickoff of the high school football season. Arizona’s premier football show returns this week after a nine-month hiatus.

As the show revs back up, fans are invited to participate in the Game of the Week poll. This interactive feature allows supporters to choose the highlight matchup for the evening.

This week’s nominees showcase fierce competition and dynamic teams.

Liberty at Desert Edge

The opening game features the Liberty Lions, the defending Open Division champions, facing off against the Desert Edge Scorpions, who narrowly missed out on the 5A state championship last season. Changes abound for both teams following significant graduation losses. Liberty continues under head coach Colin Thomas, while Desert Edge introduces new head coach Henri MacArthur, stepping in for the Carter twins who have moved to Georgia. Historical context: the teams have a balanced rivalry with a 3-3 series record, though Liberty won the last bout, 31-7, in 2014.

Brophy Prep at Williams Field

The second match brings Brophy Prep to Gilbert for a crucial 6A clash against Williams Field. Brophy aims for redemption after a semifinal exit last season, establishing themselves as potential contenders for the Open Division playoffs. Conversely, Williams Field seeks to upset the favorites and build on last year’s quarterfinal appearance that ended against Salpointe Catholic. This will mark the third encounter between the programs; Williams Field previously secured victories in both earlier meetings.

Red Mountain at Mesa

The final nomination features a packed local rivalry between the Mesa Jackrabbits and the Red Mountain Mountain Lions. Red Mountain, fresh off an unexpected run to the 6A state championship despite a tough regular season, looks to assert themselves this year. Meanwhile, Mesa seeks to extend their playoff streak under head coach Chad DeGrenier, aiming to improve after an early playoff exit last season. Historically, Red Mountain leads the 34-game series, having won their last encounter decisively.

It’s now your turn to decide which game deserves the title of Game of the Week! Participate in the poll below for a chance to influence the evening’s highlight, remembering that votes can be submitted multiple times.

The voting period remains open until Thursday at 10 a.m. Don’t miss the excitement—catch Friday Night Fever this Friday at 11:35 p.m.!