Hamilton High‘s Roye Oliver III Shatters Arizona 6A Touchdown Record in Epic Rivalry Win Over Basha

In a night that will be etched into Arizona football lore, sophomore sensation Roye Oliver III of Hamilton High caught his record-breaking 22nd touchdown of the season, propelling the Huskies to a commanding 42-21 victory over rival Basha High School. The catch not only secured Hamilton’s spot in the national Power 25 rankings but also cemented Oliver’s status as a once-in-a-generation talent in high school sports.

The game, played under the bright lights of Stapleton Stadium in Chandler, Arizona, drew a packed crowd of over 5,000 fans, all buzzing with anticipation for this heated rivalry matchup. As the clock ticked down in the fourth quarter, Oliver leaped high into the end zone, snagging a perfectly thrown pass from quarterback Jaxson Dart for the touchdown that broke the longstanding Arizona 6A single-season record for touchdown receptions, previously held by Chandler’s DJ Foster with 21 in 2011.

“It feels surreal,” Oliver said post-game, his jersey still smeared with turf from the intense battle. “I’ve been dreaming about moments like this since I first picked up a football. But it’s not just me—it’s the whole team, the coaches, everyone who believed in us.” His words captured the electric atmosphere, where Hamilton High‘s offensive firepower overwhelmed Basha’s defense, marking a pivotal win in the 6A Conference.

Oliver’s Record-Breaking Leap Ignites Fourth-Quarter Comeback

The turning point came with 8:42 left in the game, as Hamilton trailed 21-20. Basha, known for their stout defense led by senior linebacker Marcus Johnson, had clawed back from an early 14-0 deficit. But Oliver’s athleticism changed everything. On a third-and-7 play, Dart dropped back, evading a sack, and lofted a 35-yard rainbow to the corner of the end zone. Oliver, double-covered, contorted his 6-foot-2 frame to haul in the pass, tying the game at 21-21 before Hamilton’s extra point gave them the lead they never relinquished.

Statistics from the game highlight Oliver’s dominance: He finished with 8 receptions for 142 yards and two touchdowns, including the record-breaker. Overall, Hamilton’s offense racked up 478 total yards, with 312 coming through the air. Oliver’s season totals now stand at 72 catches, 1,256 yards, and 22 touchdowns—numbers that have scouts from major college programs buzzing. In Arizona football circles, this performance underscores why Hamilton High has become a powerhouse in high school sports.

Coach Steve Baggett praised his star receiver: “Roye is special. He’s not just fast; he’s got that instinct, that will to win. Breaking the touchdown record in a rivalry game like this? It’s the stuff legends are made of.” Baggett’s Huskies improved to 9-1 on the season, with their only loss coming in a heartbreaking overtime thriller against Desert Edge earlier in the year.

Hamilton’s Season of Dominance Builds to National Recognition

Hamilton High’s path to this record-setting win has been a masterclass in Arizona football excellence. Entering the Basha game, the Huskies were already 8-1, boasting a high-powered offense that averaged 42 points per game. Oliver’s contributions have been central to this success; as a sophomore, he’s started every game, often drawing top defensive attention yet still producing at an elite level.

The touchdown record didn’t come easy. Oliver’s journey began in youth leagues in Mesa, where his father, Roye Jr., a former college track athlete, coached him on the fundamentals. By his freshman year at Hamilton High, Oliver was earning varsity reps, but it was this season where he exploded onto the scene. Key games include a 5-touchdown outing against Corona del Sol and a 200-yard, 3-TD performance versus Mountain Ridge, both pivotal in securing Hamilton’s undefeated streak in conference play.

In the broader context of Arizona 6A football, Oliver’s achievement surpasses not only Foster’s mark but also stands as a testament to the state’s growing talent pool. The Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) confirmed the record shortly after the game, noting that Oliver’s 22 touchdowns eclipse the previous benchmarks set in an era when defenses were less sophisticated. Hamilton High now sits at No. 24 in the USA Today Super 25 national rankings, a rare honor for an Arizona team and a boost for high school sports visibility in the Southwest.

Fans and analysts alike have flooded social media with highlights of the catch, using hashtags like #OliverRecord and #HamiltonHuskies. One viral clip, showing Oliver’s celebration with teammates, has garnered over 50,000 views on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, amplifying the story’s reach in the world of high school sports.

Rivalry Fireworks: Hamilton vs. Basha’s Storied Clash

The Hamilton-Basha rivalry, dating back to 2001, has always been a powder keg of emotion in Arizona football. Basha, the Bears, entered the game with a 7-3 record and dreams of crashing Hamilton’s playoff party. Their quarterback, sophomore phenom Tyler Shough, threw for 210 yards and two scores, keeping the game close until Oliver’s heroics.

Historically, this matchup has produced classics: Hamilton’s 28-24 win in 2018, Basha’s upset 35-31 victory in 2016. But Friday’s game was defined by defensive stands and offensive bursts. Hamilton’s line, anchored by tackles like 6’5″ senior Ethan Ramirez, gave Dart ample protection, allowing the QB to complete 22 of 28 passes for 312 yards and four touchdowns—all to Oliver or his reliable targets.

Basha coach Chris Culbreth reflected on the loss: “We knew Oliver was the X-factor, but credit to Hamilton—they executed when it mattered. Roye’s a game-changer, and tonight he proved why he’s chasing that touchdown record.” The Bears’ season ends here, but their performance against a top-ranked foe bolsters their resume for future recruiting.

In high school sports, rivalries like this foster community spirit. Attendance has surged 20% this season for Hamilton games, with local businesses sponsoring tailgates and youth clinics featuring Oliver. His record not only elevates Hamilton High but inspires a new generation of Arizona football players dreaming of gridiron glory.

Scouts Eye Oliver’s Future as Hamilton Gears Up for Playoffs

With the record in the books, all eyes turn to Roye Oliver III’s next chapter. College recruiters from powerhouses like USC, Oregon, and Alabama have been in the stands, notebooks in hand. At just 16, Oliver holds multiple offers, including from in-state Arizona and out-of-state blue-bloods. His 4.4-second 40-yard dash time and vertical leap of 38 inches make him a prototypical wide receiver prospect.

“I’m focused on the playoffs first,” Oliver told reporters. “But yeah, the calls are coming in. It’s exciting.” Hamilton High faces No. 3-seeded American Fork in the first round of the AIA 6A playoffs next week, a matchup that could propel them deeper into bracket contention and higher in national rankings.

The Huskies’ playoff run holds implications for Arizona football’s national footprint. A deep tournament showing could land Hamilton in the top 15 of the Power 25, spotlighting talents like Oliver and drawing more investment to high school sports programs statewide. As Oliver eyes his junior year, where he could push for 30 touchdowns, the stage is set for even greater achievements.

Beyond the field, Oliver’s story resonates off it. He’s an honor-roll student with a 3.8 GPA, involved in community service through Hamilton’s Husky Helpers program, tutoring younger athletes. His balanced approach—athlete, student, leader—exemplifies the best of high school sports. As Hamilton High celebrates this milestone, the touchdown record serves as a launchpad, promising more thrilling chapters in Roye Oliver III’s rising stardom.

In the ever-competitive landscape of Arizona football, nights like this remind us why the sport captivates: raw talent, fierce rivalries, and unbreakable team bonds. Hamilton’s victory isn’t just a win; it’s a declaration that the Huskies are here to stay on the national stage.