The top matchup thus far in 2025 Arizona high school football season lived up to the hype on Friday night as Basha and Hamilton entertained a packed house and nationally televised game. Hamilton walked away with a statement victory, taking down the Bears 28-12 to continue its perfect season.

From warmups on, the atmosphere felt bigger than a regular-season game. The MaxPreps Game of the Week showcased a combined 36 players with Division I offers. The sidelines were lined with college coaches and scouts, including Arizona head coach Brent Brennan and Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham.

Hamilton wasted no time giving the crowd something to cheer about. Star sophomore wide receiver Roye Oliver III delivered the first highlight of the night with a punt return touchdown that woke up both the Huskies and the enormous crowd on hand for Friday’s game. Basha responded early in the second quarter with a Mikey Barth field goal after a drive stalled in Hamilton territory, but the momentum vanished quickly. Less than a minute later, Hamilton struck again when quarterback Jax Sculley hit Oliver III on a ridiculous 90-yard touchdown, Oliver III’s 2nd of the night.

Basha continued grinding, and ultimately, senior running back Joshua Gaines finished off their next drive with a short touchdown run to make it a one-score game. Hamilton once again responded right before the half. Sculley kept the ball moving for Hamilton and hit Billy Davis for a short TD Pass. Barth added a 52-yard field goal as time expired, sending the game into halftime at 21-12.

Hamilton capitalized quickly out of the half, as Sculley and Oliver III connected again for a deep 46-yard touchdown early in the third quarter, giving Oliver III his 25th receiving score of the season.

Basha’s defense fought to keep hope alive, forcing back-to-back turnovers including a forced fumble by senior defensive back Kaden Williams and an interception by New Mexico commit Eli Cramer-Cronin. However, Hamilton’s defense locked in during the second half and allowed very little production after halftime. With five minutes left, Hamilton sealed the win by converting on fourth and one, draining most of the remaining clock.

With the win, Hamilton put doubters to bed with a victory against a team that many considered the best team in Arizona during the course of the regular season.