Hamilton Huskies Break into High school football Power 25 Rankings After Stunning 28-12 Upset Over Rival Basha

In a seismic shift in the world of High school football, Hamilton High School has stormed onto the national stage, cracking the prestigious Power 25 rankings for the first time this season following a heart-pounding 28-12 upset victory over their crosstown rivals, Basha High School. The win, which took place under the bright lights of Phoenix’s Friday night gridiron, was nothing short of magical, propelled by the electrifying performance of sophomore sensation Roye Oliver III, who has now etched his name into the record books with an astonishing 25 touchdown catches this season.

This triumph isn’t just another chapter in the storied Arizona football rivalry between the Hamilton Huskies and Basha Bears—it’s a declaration of arrival. Hamilton, previously overlooked in national conversations, now sits at No. 23 in the latest Power 25 rankings released by USA Today High School Sports, a testament to their grit, strategy, and raw talent. As the Huskies celebrate this breakthrough, eyes across the country are turning to the desert Southwest, where underdogs are rewriting the script of prep football excellence.

The game itself was a thriller from the opening kickoff. Hamilton, entering as underdogs with a 6-2 record against Basha’s undefeated 8-0 mark, defied all expectations. Quarterback Jaxson Dart connected with Oliver on multiple long bombs, but it was the sophomore’s sure hands and blazing speed that turned the tide. Oliver hauled in three touchdown receptions in the victory, pushing his season total to 25—a mark that shatters previous Arizona records for receptions in a single campaign.

“This is what dreams are made of,” said Hamilton head coach Steve Baggot in a post-game interview, his voice hoarse from cheering. “Roye is special, but it’s the team’s belief that got us here. Cracking the Power 25 rankings is huge, but we’re just getting started.”

Roye Oliver III’s Meteoric Rise: From Local Star to National Phenomenon

Roye Oliver III isn’t just a player; he’s a phenomenon that’s captivating the High school football landscape. At just 16 years old, the 6-foot-2, 190-pound wide receiver has transformed Hamilton’s offense into a high-octane machine. His 25 touchdown catches this season aren’t mere statistics—they’re milestones that have scouts and analysts buzzing about his future, whether in college ball or beyond.

Oliver’s journey began in the youth leagues of Chandler, Arizona, where his father, Roye Oliver Jr., a former community college standout, first spotted his son’s uncanny ability to read routes and explode out of breaks. By his freshman year at Hamilton, Oliver was already turning heads with 12 touchdown grabs. But this sophomore campaign? It’s been otherworldly. Averaging 120 receiving yards per game, Oliver has faced double and triple coverage routinely, yet he’s thrived, thanks to his elite body control and contested-catch prowess.

In the upset over Basha, Oliver’s highlights were replayed nationwide: a 65-yard touchdown on a post route in the second quarter that silenced the Bears’ home crowd, followed by a one-handed grab in the end zone late in the third to seal the deal. “I just see the ball and go get it,” Oliver said humbly after the game, towel draped over his shoulders. “My teammates make it easy—Jaxson puts it right where it needs to be.”

Statistically, Oliver leads the nation in touchdown receptions among high schoolers, surpassing even blue-chip recruits from powerhouse states like Texas and California. According to MaxPreps data, his 25 scores account for over 70% of Hamilton’s offensive output, underscoring how pivotal he is to the Huskies’ success. But it’s not all about the numbers; Oliver’s work ethic—arriving early for film sessions and staying late for drills—has inspired his teammates and earned praise from rivals.

“Roye’s the real deal,” admitted Basha coach Casey Corcoran. “We game-planned for him all week, but you can’t coach heart like that.” As Hamilton enters the Power 25 rankings, Oliver’s profile is skyrocketing, with offers already pouring in from Pac-12 programs like USC and Arizona State. Yet, the young star remains grounded, focused on leading the Huskies deeper into the playoffs.

Decoding the Upset: Tactical Masterclass and Defensive Heroics Seal Hamilton’s Victory

The 28-12 scoreline tells only part of the story in this classic Arizona football showdown. Basha, perennial contenders with a high-powered offense led by senior quarterback Logan Cooley, entered the game as heavy favorites. Their defense, ranked top-5 in the state for points allowed, was expected to stifle Hamilton’s attack. Instead, it was the Huskies who scripted the perfect upset, blending offensive fireworks with suffocating defense.

From the outset, Hamilton’s game plan was meticulous. Coach Baggot opted for an aggressive no-huddle offense, keeping Basha’s defense off-balance. Jaxson Dart, the Huskies’ junior signal-caller, completed 18 of 24 passes for 285 yards and four touchdowns—all to Oliver—while avoiding the sacks that plagued him earlier in the season. The ground game chipped in too, with running back Devin Johnson rushing for 112 yards and a score, providing balance that opened up the passing lanes.

Defensively, Hamilton’s unit was ferocious. Linebacker Marcus Rodriguez recorded two interceptions, including a pick-six that swung momentum in the second half. The front seven pressured Cooley relentlessly, sacking him five times and limiting Basha to just 189 total yards—well below their season average of 350. “We studied their tendencies all week,” Rodriguez told reporters. “Basha’s good, but we knew we could match them if we executed.”

This rivalry, dating back to 2000, has seen its share of thrillers, but none quite like this. Basha led 12-7 at halftime, thanks to a pair of field goals, but Hamilton’s adjustments in the locker room proved decisive. A 21-point third-quarter explosion turned the tide, leaving the Bears scrambling. The upset not only avenged last year’s 35-24 loss but also propelled Hamilton into uncharted territory: national relevance via the Power 25 rankings.

Analysts point to this game as a blueprint for underdogs in high school football. By forcing turnovers (three total) and converting on third downs (7 of 12), Hamilton exemplified preparation meeting opportunity. As one ESPN high school insider noted, “This wasn’t luck; it was a statement. The Huskies are for real.”

Hamilton Huskies’ Journey to Power 25: Overcoming Odds in Arizona’s Competitive Landscape

Entering the season, few outside Arizona pegged Hamilton as a national contender. With a roster blending veterans and underclassmen, the Huskies started 4-2, including a heartbreaking overtime loss to eventual state frontrunner American Leadership Academy. But a four-game win streak, capped by the Basha upset, changed everything. Now at 8-2, Hamilton’s inclusion at No. 23 in the Power 25 rankings marks a historic first for the program.

The Power 25, curated by a panel of experts including MaxPreps and USA Today, evaluates teams based on strength of schedule, margin of victory, and head-to-head results. Hamilton’s resume—featuring wins over top-10 Arizona foes like Desert Edge and Corona del Sol—earned them the nod, bumping out teams from Florida and Ohio. “It’s validation of our hard work,” Baggot said. “But rankings are just noise; playoffs are what matter.”

In the broader context of Arizona football, Hamilton’s rise highlights the state’s growing depth. While powerhouses like Saguaro and Chaparral dominate headlines, the 6A conference is fiercer than ever, with parity allowing teams like the Huskies to emerge. Hamilton’s facilities, bolstered by community support and a revamped weight room, have been key. Over the past three years, the program has invested in nutritionists and skill coaches, yielding dividends in player development—exemplified by Oliver and Dart.

Challenges remain, however. Injuries to key linemen tested their depth early, and a tough remaining schedule includes matchups against ranked foes like Liberty and Millennium. Yet, this Power 25 entry boosts recruiting and morale. “Being national feels surreal,” Oliver shared. “It motivates us to chase a state title.” For Hamilton, cracking the rankings is more than prestige—it’s fuel for a championship run.

Comparatively, Arizona now boasts three teams in the expanded top 50, underscoring the Grand Canyon State’s evolution from regional player to national force. Hamilton’s story resonates with fans nationwide, proving that in high school football, heart can trump hype.

Implications for Arizona Football: Hamilton’s Breakthrough Sparks Statewide Buzz

Hamilton’s upset and subsequent Power 25 debut are rippling through Arizona football, igniting debates about talent distribution and playoff seeding. With the AIA playoffs looming in two weeks, the Huskies are now projected as a top seed in 6A, potentially facing wild-card challengers en route to the state semifinals. This positioning could lead to dream matchups, including a rematch with Basha in the bracket.

Statewide, the victory has elevated the profile of Chandler-area programs. Basha, despite the loss, remains a top-10 contender, but the defeat exposes vulnerabilities that rivals will exploit. For Hamilton, the win attracts media attention, with outlets like 247Sports profiling Oliver as a top-100 national recruit. College coaches, previously cautious, are now scheduling visits, eyeing the Huskies’ speed and athleticism.

Broader implications touch on the health of high school football in Arizona. Amid concerns over transfer portals and NIL deals seeping into prep ranks, Hamilton’s organic success—built on local talent—serves as a positive example. The Arizona Interscholastic Association has praised the program’s conduct, noting zero eligibility issues this year.

Looking ahead, Hamilton faces Liberty next week, a team sitting at No. 15 nationally. A win there could vault them into the top 20, while a loss won’t derail their momentum. As Baggot puts it, “We’re playing with house money now.” For Roye Oliver III and the Hamilton Huskies, this is the springboard to legacy-defining moments. In a state rich with football tradition, they’ve announced their arrival—and the nation is watching.

The road to December’s state championship at State Farm Stadium is fraught with tests, but Hamilton’s resilience suggests they’re built for the grind. Whether they hoist the trophy or not, this season has already cemented their place in Arizona football lore, inspiring the next generation of Huskies to dream big.