Friday night lights are back in Arizona, and September 5, 2025, is shaping up to be one of the most exciting weeks of the season. With over 100 games scheduled statewide, fans can expect intense rivalries, big performances, and playoff-style energy in stadiums across the state. Whether you’re in Phoenix, Tucson, or rural Arizona, there’s a matchup near you worth watching.

Phoenix Metro Area – 80+ Games to Watch

The Phoenix Metro area is loaded with talent, and this week features some headline-grabbing clashes.

Top Games in the Valley

• Basha Bears vs. Orange Lutheran (CA)
  Basha is one of the most dominant teams in Arizona and will test their strength against powerhouse Orange Lutheran from California. Expect a high-scoring battle with some of the state’s top offensive talent on display.
• Liberty Lions vs. Corner Canyon (UT)
  Liberty is a perennial state title contender, but Corner Canyon is no easy opponent. This matchup could be a preview of a future postseason showdown if these programs meet again in inter-state tournaments.
• Chaparral Firebirds vs. Saguaro Sabercats
  One of Arizona’s biggest rivalries. Both programs have a history of sending players to Division 1 colleges. Expect a packed house and electric atmosphere.
• Brophy Prep Broncos vs. Regis Jesuit (CO)
  A clash of Catholic school football giants from Arizona and Colorado. A must-watch for fans of disciplined, hard-nosed football.
• Desert Ridge Jaguars vs. Westwood Warriors
  A key region game that could help decide playoff seeding down the road.

Other Phoenix Area Games

• Agua Fria vs. Youngker
• Arcadia vs. Camelback
• Central vs. Washington
• Mountain Pointe vs. Perry
• Cactus Shadows vs. Deer Valley
• Canyon View vs. Sunrise Mountain
• Alchesay vs. Madison Highland Prep

Every matchup adds to the drama of Week 3, as teams fight to stay undefeated or turn their season around.

Southern Arizona – Big Rivalries Under the Lights

Southern Arizona fans get several major matchups this week, all kicking off at 7:00 PM.

• Salpointe Lancers vs. Tucson Badgers
  This is their first meeting since 2019, when Salpointe dominated 62-0. Tucson will look to prove they are no longer the same team and challenge the Lancers on their home turf.
• Buena Colts vs. Mesa Skyline Coyotes
  Buena is coming off a thrilling 38-31 win last week and is full of confidence. Head Coach Joe Thomas is also chasing his 50th career win, which gives the Colts extra motivation.
• Desert View Jaguars vs. Sahuaro Cougars
  Both teams are 1-0 and hungry to stay undefeated. Expect a defensive battle with plenty of hard-hitting plays.
• Palo Verde Titans vs. Tanque Verde Hawks
  A local showdown that should draw a passionate crowd.
• Other Games in the Region:
  • Desert Christian at Santa Rita
  • NFL Yet at Catalina
  • Tombstone at Benson
  • Duncan at Valley Union

Players to Watch This Week

• QB Dylan Raiola (Basha): One of the most talked-about quarterbacks in the nation, expected to lead Basha’s high-powered offense.
• RB Isaiah Hill (Liberty): A game-breaker capable of taking over against Corner Canyon.
• WR Xavier Jordan (Chaparral): A dynamic receiver who could be the difference-maker against Saguaro.
• LB Chris “Hammer” Delgado (Buena): Known for his big hits, he’ll be key in slowing down Skyline’s rushing attack.

What Makes This Week Special

• Rivalries Renewed: Classic matchups like Chaparral vs. Saguaro and Salpointe vs. Tucson bring out huge crowds and community pride.
• Out-of-State Challenges: Arizona’s top programs testing themselves against teams from California, Colorado, and Utah raise the stakes even higher.
• Playoff Implications: Early-season games matter for playoff seeding and power rankings, so every win counts.

Tips for Fans Attending the Games

• Arrive Early: Stadiums are expected to be packed, especially for rivalry games.
• Bring School Colors: Show your pride and support your team from the stands.
• Check Kickoff Times: Most games start at 7:00 PM, but a few schools may have earlier kickoffs.
• Follow Live Updates: Many schools post real-time scores on social media for fans who can’t attend.

Final Thoughts

Arizona high school football on September 5, 2025, promises non-stop excitement. From Phoenix’s big-school clashes to Southern Arizona’s rivalry games, this week is a football fan’s dream. Whether you’re cheering in person or following the action online, you won’t want to miss a minute of Friday night lights in the Grand Canyon State

Also Read: Alabama High School Football Full Schedule