Week 2 of the big school high school season has become known as “AZ vs. Everybody” week.
Each year the matchups with out-of-state foes get bigger and bigger.
In 2026, there were 17 games Friday night between Arizona schools and schools from other states.
And Arizona dominated on this Friday.
Before we get to that, let’s look back at Thursday night lights.
Big Time Thursday showdowns
Starting with the Fiesta Bowl High School Football Showdown on CW7 Arizona.
The inaugural Bill Riddle Classic took place at Sandra Day O’Connor as the Eagles hosted the Mesa Jackrabbits.
Mesa won 31-28 on a buzzer beating field goal by a sophomore who had never kicked a field goal in a game before, Cage Moore.
The call from the Game Winning Field Goal as time expired for @Mesa_FB
Another spectacular finish on the @Fiesta_Bowl High School Football Showdown on @CW7Arizona
@devonhenry77 @CodyTCameron pic.twitter.com/RTVRdOPZcB — Sports360AZ (@Sports360AZ) September 4, 2026
Ryan Felker gets his first win as the Mesa head coach, after years coaching JUCO football in Arizona, then on different high school staffs.
Down in Maryvale, really cool things are going on.
The Vale beat Cholla 49-19, with huge performances from Miles Woods, Dionte Brandon, and more.
And an incredible catch from basketball star Elijah Antoine
CATCH OF THE YEAR IN WEEK 2 2028 @TheRealMHSFB WR @ElijahAntoine__ with one of the CRAZIEST head tops I’ve ever seen to score in the final seconds of the first half
Football isn’t even his MAIN sport
Panthers up 21-13 at halftime.@AZHSFB @12SportsAZ @CamCox12 pic.twitter.com/fWYr1WOIJr
— Adam Beadle (@therealbeadle) September 4, 2026
While the performances were spectacular for the 2-0 Maryvale Panthers, there is more going on, courtesy of the Carter brothers. Members of the media attending the game had full access to the locker room and the team, in order to create a college-like experience for every student-athlete looking to play at the next level.
This is a fantastic idea that was executed with some of the best media members in the state.
“Maryvale was not the place to be.”
An inside look inside the locker room pregame before @TheRealMHSFB’s game Thursday night. pic.twitter.com/PejMnzHaNG
— Adam Beadle (@therealbeadle) September 4, 2026
The Carters always push the boundaries in the name of helping the kids. That’s what it’s all about.
AZ v. Everybody
Now for answers to the question, where does Arizona rank among other powerhouse schools across the country?
Liberty hosted Corner Canyon, the top ranked program in the state of Utah.
The Lions pulled away late, winning 38-24, making a big-time statement as a top-4 team in Arizona.
Our own Devon Henry was on the call.
Centennial traveled to California to play Servite, where former Chandler coach Rick Garretson is at the helm.
The Coyotes won 22-14, showing they can hang with top teams in Arizona and across the country.
Centennial defense is on fire in this 4th Q – @Cehsfootball 2028 DL Javier Chacon sacks the Servite QB to force another punt. Centennial will take over possession leading 22-14 with 3:50 left in the game @Sports360AZ @gridironarizona @AZHSFB @RsmithYWV pic.twitter.com/hlgaOTtDZl
— Cody Cameron (@CodyTCameron) September 5, 2026
Cathedral Catholic (San Diego) came to Chandler to face the Wolves. The Wolves ate good, winning 42-13.
Hamilton welcomed Arbor View (Nevada) to Arizona, by demolishing them 44-0.
Perry went to Las Vegas and took care of business against LV Centennial, final score 55-14.
Higley stomped Dakota Ridge (Colorado) on the road, 54-13.
Yuma Catholic beat Holtville (California) 28-17.
The first loss of the night comes from Basha, who fell 23-17 against Orange Lutheran (California).
ALA Queen Creek fell to Lehi (Utah) 27-12.
Casteel lost to Lake Oswego 27-20 in Oregon.
So as you can see (without knowing all game outcomes yet), Arizona is showing up in a big way across the country.
So yes, Arizona belongs in the conversation with all of the top dawgs.
Other notable games
Mesa Mountain View traveled to Pinnacle and won 26-15 to advance to 2-0 on the season.
*Will update with more as final scores come out*
The post Arizona high schools show out against EVERYBODY first appeared on Sports360AZ.