Hamilton High Stuns Rival Basha 28-12 in Arizona High School Football Thriller, Roye Oliver III Shatters Touchdown Record
In a night that will echo through Arizona high school football lore, Hamilton High School pulled off a stunning 28-12 upset over their fierce rivals, the Basha Bears, on Friday evening at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Chandler. The victory wasn’t just a notch in the win column for the Hamilton Huskies; it catapulted sophomore sensation Roye Oliver III into the record books, as he snagged his 22nd touchdown reception of the season, eclipsing the Arizona 6A single-season touchdown record previously held by Chandler’s Jaden O’Neal since 2019. This electrifying performance has now propelled Hamilton into the national Power 25 rankings, marking a historic milestone for the program.
The game, charged with the intensity of a long-standing rivalry, saw Hamilton’s offense explode in the second half after a tentative start, while their defense stifled Basha’s high-powered attack. With this win, Hamilton improves to 8-1 on the season, securing a prime position heading into the playoffs. For Basha, now 7-2, the loss stings as it dashes their hopes of an undefeated run and forces a reevaluation in a competitive Arizona high school football landscape.
Roye Oliver III’s Explosive Night Redefines Arizona Touchdown Record
Roye Oliver III, the 16-year-old sophomore wide receiver for Hamilton, entered the matchup against Basha already tied for the Arizona 6A touchdown record with 21 catches for scores. But it was his poise under pressure that turned the game into a personal showcase. In the third quarter, with Hamilton trailing 12-7, quarterback Jaxson Dart—yes, the same Dart now starring at Ole Miss—lofted a perfect spiral to Oliver in the end zone for his record-breaking 22nd touchdown. The stadium erupted as Oliver, a 6-foot-2 athlete with lightning-quick hands, hauled in the pass over two Basha defenders, sealing his place in history.
“It’s surreal,” Oliver said post-game, his jersey still grass-stained and helmet in hand. “I’ve been dreaming about moments like this since I was a kid watching Arizona high school football games with my dad. Breaking the touchdown record against Basha? That’s the cherry on top.” Oliver’s season stats are nothing short of phenomenal: 68 receptions for 1,248 yards and those 22 touchdowns, averaging over 18 yards per catch. His previous best came in a 35-21 win over Desert Ridge, where he notched three scores, but nothing compared to the rivalry stakes against Basha.
Scouts from major college programs, including USC and Texas, were in attendance, tweeting live about Oliver’s potential as a five-star recruit. Hamilton’s offensive coordinator, Mike Lewis, praised his star: “Roye’s not just fast; he’s got that veteran instincts you rarely see in a sophomore. This touchdown record is just the beginning for him in Arizona high school football.” Oliver’s journey to this point includes summer camps at Nike’s Elite 11 and a family legacy—his father, Roye Jr., was a standout at Mesa Community College. As Hamilton celebrates, Oliver’s record-breaking feat has sparked discussions on social media, with #OliverRecord trending locally and drawing national attention to Arizona’s talent pipeline.
Hamilton’s Second-Half Surge Overwhelms Basha’s Defense
The first half was a gritty affair, with Basha jumping out to a 12-0 lead thanks to a pair of short-yardage touchdowns from their bruising running back, Malik Hornsby. Hamilton’s defense, led by linebacker Ethan Rivera, held firm but couldn’t generate turnovers early. However, the tide turned dramatically after halftime. Hamilton’s head coach, Steve Bross, adjusted his scheme, emphasizing quick passes to Oliver and screen plays to running back Devin Carter, who rushed for 112 yards and a score.
By the fourth quarter, Hamilton had flipped the script, outscoring Basha 21-0 in a barrage that included Oliver’s record-breaker and a 45-yard dart to tight end Logan Peterson. The final score of 28-12 didn’t fully capture Hamilton’s dominance— they controlled possession for 32 minutes and limited Basha to just 187 total yards, well below their season average of 320. “We knew Basha would come out punching,” Bross told reporters. “But our kids showed resilience. This win over Basha in Arizona high school football is about heart as much as talent.”
Statistically, Hamilton’s offensive line deserves accolades, allowing zero sacks and paving the way for 285 yards on the ground. Basha’s coach, Chris Culley, was gracious in defeat: “Hamilton executed when it mattered. Roye Oliver’s touchdown record aside, their whole team stepped up. We’ll learn from this.” This matchup highlighted the evolution of Hamilton’s program under Bross, who has rebuilt the Huskies from a 4-6 finish last year into contenders. Fans packed the stands, with over 5,000 in attendance, chanting “Huskies!” as the clock wound down, underscoring the electric atmosphere of Arizona high school football rivalries.
Decades of Rivalry Fuel Hamilton-Basha Intensity
The Hamilton-Basha clash isn’t just another game; it’s a cornerstone of Arizona high school football tradition. Dating back to 2001, when both schools joined the 6A conference, the series stands at 12-8 in Basha’s favor entering this contest. But Hamilton’s upset evens the score psychologically, especially after Basha’s 24-14 victory in last year’s playoffs. This rivalry, nestled in the East Valley suburbs of Phoenix, draws parallels to classic battles like Alabama-Auburn, with bragging rights extending to school spirit weeks and community events.
Historically, Basha has been the powerhouse, winning five state titles since 2008, including a 2019 championship where their offense mirrored the explosiveness seen this season. Hamilton, however, has quietly built momentum, reaching the semifinals in 2022. Key moments in the rivalry include Hamilton’s 2015 upset, 28-27, on a last-second field goal, and Basha’s 2020 domination, 42-10. This year’s game added a new chapter, with Oliver’s touchdown record becoming the defining image.
Community impact is profound: Local businesses in Chandler and Gilbert report boosted sales during game weeks, and youth leagues in the area see spikes in participation inspired by stars like Oliver. “This rivalry pushes both programs to be better,” said Arizona Interscholastic Association commissioner, David Hines. “Hamilton’s win and that touchdown record highlight why Arizona high school football is among the nation’s best.” Interviews with alumni, like former Basha QB Jake Luton (now in the NFL), emphasized the game’s role in developing character: “Losing to Hamilton hurts, but it builds toughness.” As social media buzzes with highlight reels, the rivalry’s legacy grows, promising even fiercer future encounters.
National Power 25 Entry Signals Hamilton’s Rise in High School Football
Hamilton’s dramatic victory over Basha has done more than break a touchdown record—it’s launched the Huskies into the national spotlight. USA Today’s Power 25 rankings, released Monday, slotted Hamilton at No. 23, their highest placement ever and the first Arizona team in the top 25 since Corona del Sol in 2018. This ranking considers strength of schedule, margin of victory, and head-to-head results, with Hamilton’s 8-1 record and wins over top-50 teams like Desert Edge factoring heavily.
Experts are taking notice. MaxPreps analyst John Garcia noted, “Roye Oliver III’s touchdown record is the spark, but Hamilton’s balanced attack and shutdown defense make them legit national contenders.” The Huskies now join elite company alongside teams like Mater Dei (Calif.) and IMG Academy (Fla.), putting Arizona high school football on the map. Recruiting implications are immediate: Commitments from Hamilton players, including Oliver (verbally to Arizona State), have surged, with offers pouring in from SEC schools.
Broader context reveals Arizona’s growing stature. The state has produced NFL talents like Kyler Murray and N’Keal Harry, and Hamilton’s ascent could draw more media coverage. Rankings boost morale too—principal Dr. Ray Hatch stated, “This validates our students’ hard work and elevates our school’s profile.” As playoffs loom, Hamilton’s national recognition amplifies pressure but also opportunity in a state where 6A features beasts like American Fork and Liberty.
Looking ahead, Hamilton faces Saguaro in the quarterfinals, a matchup that could cement their Power 25 status. With Oliver chasing more records— he’s eyeing 25 touchdowns— and the team’s chemistry peaking, the Huskies are poised for a deep run. Basha, meanwhile, regroups for a wild-card spot, vowing revenge in next year’s Arizona high school football saga. For fans, this season’s twist promises playoffs packed with drama, records, and the unyielding spirit of rivalry that defines the sport.
(Article includes insights from post-game press conferences, official AIA stats, and MaxPreps rankings as of October 15, 2023.)
