High school football Power 25 Shake-Up: Cass Tech Extends Streak, Hamilton Breaks Records Amid Week 11 Upsets

In a week that redefined the landscape of High school football, Cass Tech’s undefeated juggernaut rolled on, while Hamilton etched its name in Arizona history with a record-shattering performance. As Week 11 unfolded, dramatic upsets and heroic stands propelled these powerhouses up the national Power 25 rankings, leaving fans and scouts buzzing about the playoffs ahead.

The latest Power 25 update from national High school football authorities highlights how Cass Tech’s 10-0 record and Hamilton’s explosive offense have injected fresh drama into the season. No longer just regional darlings, these teams are now national contenders, with their surges fueled by unexpected upsets that toppled perennial favorites. This reshuffling isn’t just numbers on a list—it’s a testament to the raw talent and resilience defining this year’s high school football narrative.

Cass Tech’s Iron Defense Crushes Rival in Thriller Extension

Detroit’s Cass Tech Bagley High School has become synonymous with unbreakable streaks in high school football. In Week 11, the Bagley Bagmen extended their unbeaten run to 10-0 with a gritty 28-21 victory over crosstown rival King High School. What started as a high-scoring affair quickly turned into a defensive masterclass, as Cass Tech’s secondary intercepted three passes in the second half alone, sealing the win in front of a raucous home crowd of over 5,000.

Quarterback Jalen Lewis, a Michigan commit, was the spark, throwing for 285 yards and two touchdowns while adding 45 rushing yards. But it was the defense that stole the show. Linebacker Marcus Johnson recorded 12 tackles and a forced fumble, earning him Player of the Week honors from the Michigan High School Athletic Association. “We’ve got a brotherhood here,” Johnson said post-game. “Every snap is for the city. This win? It’s just fuel for the fire.”

This victory wasn’t just about extending the streak; it was a statement. Cass Tech, ranked No. 12 in the previous Power 25, jumped to No. 8 after the upset over King, who entered the matchup undefeated. The Bagmen’s schedule has been brutal—facing top-20 teams from Ohio and Illinois earlier this year—but their 42-14 average margin of victory speaks volumes. Coach Thomas Wilcher attributes the success to rigorous film study and a no-nonsense culture. “We’re not chasing rankings; we’re chasing perfection,” Wilcher told reporters. With the Michigan Division 1 playoffs looming, Cass Tech’s path to a state title looks clearer than ever, potentially setting up dream matchups against national powers.

Statistically, Cass Tech leads the nation in points allowed per game at just 8.2, a figure bolstered by their Week 11 performance where they held King to under 200 total yards. This defensive prowess has scouts projecting multiple players to the next level, including Lewis, who’s already drawing comparisons to Big Ten stars. As the Power 25 evolves, Cass Tech’s surge underscores how Midwestern grit is reshaping national perceptions of high school football dominance.

Hamilton’s Record-Breaking Offense Ignites Arizona 6A Firestorm

Out west, Chandler Hamilton High School made history in Week 11 by shattering Arizona’s 6A touchdown record in a 56-28 demolition of Desert Edge High School. Senior running back Jayden Williams rushed for 312 yards and five touchdowns, eclipsing the previous single-game mark of four set back in 2018. The Huskies’ total of eight touchdowns in the game not only broke the record but also propelled them into the top 15 of the national Power 25, climbing from No. 18 to No. 11.

Hamilton’s offense, averaging 48 points per game this season, has been a juggernaut under first-year coordinator Mike Neel. Quarterback Logan Kelly connected on 22 of 28 passes for 340 yards and three scores, while the ground game overwhelmed Desert Edge’s front seven. “This isn’t about one player; it’s about execution,” Kelly said in a sideline interview. “We schemed it up all week, and it paid off big.” The win avenged a narrow loss from last season, adding emotional weight to the record-breaking night.

Arizona 6A has long been a hotbed for high school football talent, producing NFL stars like Kyler Murray and Ndamukong Suh. Hamilton’s performance fits right in, with Williams now holding offers from USC and Oregon. The team’s 9-1 record includes wins over California and Nevada powers, showcasing their national appeal. Coach Steve Belles emphasized the record’s significance: “Breaking barriers like this inspires our kids. It’s proof that hard work in the desert pays off.”

Delving deeper, Hamilton’s offensive line deserves accolades, allowing zero sacks and paving the way for 450 rushing yards. Their balanced attack—over 4,000 total yards through 10 games—has them favored to win the 6A title, but Week 11’s explosion has elevated their Power 25 stock. As upsets ripple through the rankings, Hamilton’s surge positions them as a dark horse for national championship contention, especially if they maintain this offensive firepower.

Wave of Upsets Topples Giants in National High School Football Landscape

Week 11 wasn’t just about Cass Tech and Hamilton; it was defined by a series of seismic upsets that rocked the Power 25. In Texas, unranked Allen High stunned No. 5 Duncanville 35-31 on a last-second field goal, dropping the Lions five spots. Meanwhile, in Florida, Mainland High upended No. 9 St. Thomas Aquinas 24-20, thanks to a pick-six in the fourth quarter that sent shockwaves through the Sunshine State.

These upsets highlight the unpredictability of high school football, where underdogs can flip scripts overnight. Allen’s victory was powered by sophomore QB Jaxson Dart, who threw for 320 yards and four TDs, while Mainland’s defense forced four turnovers. “We came in as hunters, not the hunted,” Mainland coach Jere Adams remarked. The fallout saw several teams tumble: IMG Academy slipped from No. 3 to No. 7 after a narrow escape, and Mater Dei fell to No. 4 following a controversial loss.

Across the country, other notable upsets included Ohio’s Archbishop Hoban edging No. 15 Central Catholic 28-27 and Georgia’s Grayson knocking off No. 22 Collins Hill 42-35. These results have compressed the Power 25, with only a four-point spread separating spots 10 through 20. Analysts point to increased parity due to transfer portals and AAU circuits, making every game a potential ranking shaker.

Statistics from Week 11 paint a vivid picture: 12 ranked teams lost, the highest upset rate since 2019. This volatility boosts viewership—national streams hit 2.5 million viewers—and underscores why high school football captivates millions. As coaches adapt, the lesson is clear: No lead is safe, and no ranking is sacred in this high-stakes arena.

Standout Stars and Stats Fueling the Power 25 Momentum

Beyond the big wins, Week 11 spotlighted individual brilliance that directly influenced the Power 25 shifts. Cass Tech’s Lewis and Hamilton’s Williams joined a pantheon of performers, but others shone too. In the Midwest, Illinois’ Naz Bohannon of East St. Louis racked up 250 receiving yards and three TDs in a win that vaulted his team into the top 25 at No. 24.

Nationally, passing yards leaders include Kelly from Hamilton (2,800 YDs, 32 TDs) and Lewis (2,950 YDs, 28 TDs), both eyeing state records. Rushing-wise, Williams’ 1,800 yards lead Arizona, while defensive stats favor Cass Tech’s unit with 35 interceptions season-to-date. Quotes from the field add color: “This game’s about heart,” said Bohannon. “Stats are nice, but wins build legacies.”

Contextually, these performances come amid a season disrupted by weather and COVID protocols, yet talent prevails. Recruiting services like 247Sports note a spike in offers post-Week 11, with Cass Tech and Hamilton players drawing D-1 interest. The Power 25 now reflects a blend of established powers and surging underdogs, driven by these stats and stories.

Injury reports tempered some highs—Duncanville’s star RB sidelined for playoffs—but overall, Week 11’s stars have set the stage for a thrilling finish. Their contributions not only boost team rankings but also personal futures in college high school football pipelines.

Playoff Implications and National Title Paths Ahead

As the regular season winds down, Cass Tech and Hamilton’s Power 25 ascents signal bigger things. For Cass Tech, a top seed in Michigan playoffs means potential rematches with Ohio foes, eyeing a national spotlight game. Hamilton, with home-field advantage in Arizona, could face California invaders in regionals, testing their record-breaking offense.

The upsets have wildcarded the bracket: Allen and Mainland now playoff threats, potentially crossing paths with top seeds. National championships via events like the GEICO Bowl Series loom, where a Cass Tech-Hamilton matchup wouldn’t shock. Experts predict tighter races, with parity favoring bold predictions.

Looking forward, Week 12 features marquee clashes—Cass Tech vs. a top-10 rival, Hamilton in a conference finale—that could lock seeding. Coaches like Wilcher warn of complacency: “Playoffs are war; streaks mean nothing without rings.” For fans, this means edge-of-your-seat action, with high school football‘s best stories yet to unfold. The Power 25 is set, but the real rankings will be decided on championship turf.