Richard Obert
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Real Richard Obert covers HS sports, recruiting @azcsports azcentral.com/staff/10399/ri richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com 602 316 8827@
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Articles by Richard Obert
Saguaro football cancels Chaparral game due to safety concerns Original
Aug. 31, 2026, 3:11 p.m. MT The team is facing a shortage of players, with only 33 on the roster after 35 transferred out following a coaching change. Saguaro plans to use the week off to heal injuries and intends to continue its season. Chaparral is now working with the Arizona Interscholastic Association to find a new opponent for this week's game.
The Arizona Republic's high school football rankings through Aug. 31
The first full week of the Arizona high school football season saw plenty of blowouts and some thrillers from Aug. 27-29.
Vote. Top 20 Arizona high school football players, Aug. 27-29 Original
Aug. 31, 2026, 10:50 a.m. MT Several high school quarterbacks had standout performances, with three passing for over 400 yards. Running back Christian Garcia of Marcos de Niza rushed for 405 yards and five touchdowns. Readers are invited to vote in our poll for the player on our list that had the best week. Here are The Republic's picks for the top 20 Arizona high school football performances for games played Aug. 27-29, 2026. Vote in our poll below for the player you think had the best overall game.
Liberty football makes big statement in blowout win over Mesa
In case everybody is focused on the three big Chandler high school football teams, there's another one in Peoria that still plays with swagger and confidence. The Liberty Lions believe they can get back to the Open Division championship game or at least be in the conversation. After the way the Lions handled host Mesa in a 58-18 rout on Friday, Aug. 28, they will be hard to ignore, even with Basha, Chandler and Hamilton all ranked in the top 25 nationally.
Basha's big plays turn back Chandler in nationally televised opener Original
Aug. 30, 2026, 8:31 a.m. MT The game was a competitive rematch of last year's Open Division championship, which Basha also won. Basha receiver Makai Nelson and the team's defense made several key plays to answer Chandler's scores. Basha's defense forced five turnovers, including a fumble returned for a touchdown that shifted momentum. The Basha and Chandler high school football teams both showed why they are nationally ranked during their season-opening game on Saturday, Aug. 29.
What we learned in Arizona HS football. Liberty, Centennial shine
There were blowouts and surprises, thrillers and statements in Week 2 of the Arizona high school football season, the first full week, which is concluding with No. 3 Chandlerat No. 1 Chandler Basha on Saturday night, Aug. 29, on ESPN. The Arizona Republic takes a look at what transpired on Thursday and Friday, Aug. 27 and 28. Basha, Chandler and Hamilton -- Chandler's Big 3 -- might have the top-25 national rankings to start this season.
Liberty football makes big statement in blowout win over Mesa
Liberty football makes big statement in blowout win over Mesa Liberty football makes big statement in blowout win over Mesa In case everybody is focused on the three big Chandler high school football teams, there's another one in Peoria that still plays with swagger and confidence. The Liberty Lions believe they can get bac to the Open Division championship game or at least be in the converation. After the way the Lions handled host Mesa in a 58-18 rout on Friday, Aug.
Tonopah Valley players under inquiry amid sexual misconduct claims
Tonopah Valley High School in Tonopah, on Aug. 26, 2026. Detectives were investigating sexual misconduct allegations involving Tonopah Valley High School football players, after saying last week a report of an incident was being closed. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office confirmed Aug. 28 that it was working with the Williams Police Department, Sgt. Joaquin Enriquez said in an email.
Tonopah Valley season canceled as sexual misconduct claims investigated
Updated Aug. 28, 2026, 3:37 p.m. CT Detectives were investigating sexual misconduct allegations involving Tonopah Valley High School football players after saying last week a report of an incident was being closed.
Special teams sparks Hamilton over Brophy in football opener Original
Aug. 28, 2026, 7:21 a.m. MT Hamilton won despite star receiver Roy Oliver III sitting out the game. Hamilton's defense was dominant, intercepting Brophy's quarterback four times. Quarterback Jax Sculley returned to the field for Hamilton after recovering from an ACL injury. The football season opener between two of 6A's top teams was marked by an unusual play that sparked Chandler Hamilton. Phoenix Brophy Prep attempted a 57-yard field goal that was partially blocked by Jalen Lenon.
Tempe High football player grateful to be back after health scare
Tempe High football player grateful to be back after health scare It started in the spring, when Alex Lara felt fatigued, nauseated, and out of sorts. Then, in the beginning of the summer, the Tempe High School junior wide receiver noticed a mass on the left side of his neck. It was feared he had lymphoma. "They didn't know what it was at first," Tempe coach Sean Freeman said. "They said, 'Well, it might be lymphoma,' because of how big the mass was.
With ESPN on hand, Basha can show it belongs among greatest HS teams
With 14 seniors committed to Division I colleges for football, the Basha High School football team is loaded at every position. From the quarterback to the kicker, the Bears have elite players. Now, with the 2026 season beginning on Saturday night, Aug. 29, at 7:30, in front of ESPN cameras, the nation will find out how good these guys are. Could it be the best high school football team Arizona has ever seen?
With ESPN on hand, Basha can show it belongs among greatest HS teams
Updated Aug. 26, 2026, 4:14 p.m. MT With 14 seniors committed to Division I colleges for football, the Basha High School football team is loaded at every position. From the quarterback to the kicker, the Bears have elite players. Now, with the 2026 season beginning on Saturday night, Aug. 29, at 7:30, in front of ESPN cameras, the nation will find out how good these guys are.
Republic's high school football picks. Basha-Chandler tops schedule
This is the first full week of the Arizona high school football season, as big schools (6A-4A) kick of their seasons.
Arizona high school football transfer boom fuels calls for reform
A huge influx of high school football transfers each year keeps bringing back the debate over whether Arizona is doing enough to limit the number of players who switch schools from year to year. The Arizona Interscholastic Association transfer bylaws state that, unless a hardship is approved, the athlete has to sit out the first half of the season (five games for football) before becoming eligible for the rest of the season, including the playoffs.
Vote. Republic's top Arizona high school football games, Aug. 27-29
Here is a guide to The Republic's Top 10 Arizona high school football games of the week (Aug. 27-29). This is the first week of play for the 6A, 5A and 4A conferences, and the second week for 3A, 2A and 1A. The Republic ranks them in order of interest. Vote in our poll below for the game you think is the top matchup from our list. The poll remains open until 7 p.m. Aug. 27, when the first games kick off. Print readers can find the poll online with this story at azcentral.com/sports/high-schools. 1.
Tonopah Valley football cancels game, cites 'serious' incident Original
Aug. 25, 2026, 7:45 a.m. MT Tonopah Valley canceled its varsity football game against Odyssey Insitutute on Friday, Aug. 21, due to a "potentially serious incident involving faculty members and members of the high school football team," according to a statement forwarded to The Republic by district superintendent Dr. Mike Winters. The district has initiated an investigation involving law enforcement, the statement said. It did not provide further details about the incident.
Tonopah Valley football cancels game, cites 'serious' incident
Updated Aug. 25, 2026, 7:01 p.m. CT Tonopah Valley canceled its varsity football game against Odyssey Institute on Friday, Aug. 21, due to a "potentially serious incident involving faculty members and members of the high school football team," according to a statement forwarded to The Arizona Republic by district superintendent Dr. Mike Winters. "Student safety and well-being remain the highest priorities of Saddle Mountain Unified School District," the statement read.
'Modify greatly.' Arizona high school teams navigate the extreme heat
During one stretch in the second half on Friday, Aug. 21, at Chandler Seton Catholic, four Eagar Round Valley football players were on the ground on the sideline, being stretched out to reduce cramping. One player being attended to said, "My body is not used to this heat." One coach was putting ice water cloths on players' necks as they stood on the sideline, waiting to go into the game. It was 106 degrees at kickoff (7 p.m.).
Vote. Chandler Prep players among top 10 HS football performers Original
Aug. 24, 2026, 9:41 a.m. MT Ten Arizona high school football players from small schools were recognized for their performances during the first week of play. Standout statistics included a receiver with 261 yards, a running back with 315 yards, and a quarterback who passed for 398 yards. Readers can vote in our poll for the player they think had the best week from our list.
Vote. Arizona Republic's top 10 6A high school football teams Original
Aug. 24, 2026, 9:19 a.m. MT Three teams from the Chandler district are at the top of the Republic's rankings. The top teams in the 6A conference will have a chance to advance to the Open Division playoffs. Readers can vote in our poll for the team they think should be No. 1. The Arizona high school football season kicks off this week for the 6A, 5A and 4A conferences. The Arizona Republic has presented its preseason top 10 for 5A and 4A.
Round Valley grinds out 3A football win over Seton Catholic
Eagar Round Valley's best player is out for at least the first month of the season with an injury. Players were cramping up on the sideline in the third quarter. But, in the end, quarterback Kage Finch proved to be too much for host Chandler Seton Catholic to stop in the Elks' season-opening 30-14 3A football win on Friday night, Aug. 21. "We played them twice last year, and this is a much more tougher-minded football team," Round Valley coach Brad Baca said about Seton.
Round Valley grinds out 3A football win over Seton Catholic
Eagar Round Valley's best player is out for at least the first month of the season with an injury. Players were cramping up on the sideline in the third quarter. But, in the end, quarterback Kage Finch proved to be too much for host Chandler Seton Catholic to stop in the Elks' season-opening 30-14 3A football win on Friday night, Aug. 21. "We played them twice last year, and this is a much more tougher-minded football team," Round Valley coach Brad Baca said about Seton.
Round Valley grinds out 3A football win over Seton Catholic
Updated Aug. 22, 2026, 3:36 p.m. ET Eagar Round Valley defeated Chandler Seton Catholic 30-14 in their season-opening football game. Round Valley quarterback Kage Finch scored four touchdowns, including three rushing scores in the second half. The Elks overcame multiple player injuries and extreme heat to secure the victory. Eagar Round Valley's best player is out for at least the first month of the season with an injury. Players were cramping up on the sideline in the third quarter.
Scottsdale district football media day. Desert Mountain eyes repeat
The Scottsdale Unified School District held its high school football media day on Thursday, Aug. 20, at Arcadia High School. Here are the highlights. Desert Mountain had its first ring ceremony after capturing the school's first 5A championship last season. The biggest question is who will be the quarterback in 2026. Coach Conrad Hamilton said there are three strong candidates, including former Saguaro QB Jake Pilarcek, a junior who has a cannon for an arm. The Wolves open their season Aug.
Vote. Republic's top 10 Arizona high school football defensive lines Original
Aug. 20, 2026, 12:34 p.m. MT Chandler Basha's defensive line is considered potentially one of the best in Arizona high school history. Goodyear Desert Edge and Peoria Centennial also feature highly-touted defensive lines with top-ranked players. Readers are invited to vote in our poll for the line they think is No. 1 for 2026. They're bullish up the middle and quick off the edge. They're the defensive fronts.
Arizona high school football Week 1 schedule, picks
Here is the Week 1 Arizona high school football schedule. High school sports reporter Richard Obert's picks are in capital letters. All games are at 7 p.m., unless noted. Aug. 20 THATCHER at ALA Ironwood MORENCI at Safford Aug.
Arizona high school football Week 1 schedule, picks
Aug. 19, 2026, 3:12 p.m. MT Here is the Week 1 Arizona high school football schedule. High school sports reporter Richard Obert's picks are in capital letters. All games are at 7 p.m., unless noted. 3A Conference Aug. 20 THATCHER at ALA Ironwood MORENCI at Safford Aug. 21 HERITAGE ACADEMY MARICOPA at Heritage Academy Gateway, 5 p.m. Phoenix Shadow Mountain at ALA MESA NORTH
Arizona football players named USA TODAY Preseason All-Americans Original
Aug. 19, 2026, 9:54 a.m. MT Five Arizona high school football players have been named to the USA TODAY preseason All-America teams. The Arizona Republic is part of the USA TODAY network. The Arizona high school football season begins this week for smaller schools and next week for larger schools. Chandler Hamilton wide receiver Roye Oliver III and Chandler Basha kicker Mikey Barth have been named high school football preseason first-team All-Americans by USA TODAY.
Vote: Republic's top Arizona high school football game-day vibes Original
Aug. 19, 2026, 5:02 a.m. MT The Arizona Republic has compiled a list of 12 high schools with the best football game-day atmospheres. Factors contributing to the atmosphere include marching bands, student sections, community support, and concessions. Readers are invited to vote in an online poll for the school they believe has the best vibe. Arizona high school football stadiums are one thing, but game-day atmosphere is another.
Vote. Republic's preseason 5A top 10 Arizona HS football teams Original
Aug. 18, 2026, 5:02 a.m. MT The Arizona high school football season begins in late August for all conferences. Readers can vote in our poll for the team they think should be No. 1. The article provides Republic's top 10 ranking for the 5A conference for 2026 preseason. The Arizona high school football season starts for small-school conferences (3A, 2A and 1A) on Aug. 20, 21 and 22. It starts for big schools (6A, 5A, 4A) on Aug. 27-29.
5 things to look for in Week 1 of Arizona HS football season
Aug. 17, 2026Updated Aug. 18, 2026, 9:58 a.m. ET Week 1 of the Arizona high school football season is here. Small schools (3A through 1A) begin play this week as they kick off the Arizona Interscholastic Association high school football season. Where do they stack up? Who's got the edge? What are the best Week 1 games? The Republic looks at five things to watch for this week: Benjamin Franklin ready for a deep run Queen Creek Benjamin Franklin opens its season on Friday, Aug.
5 things to look for in Week 1 of Arizona HS football season
Aug. 17, 2026, 3:43 p.m. MT The Arizona high school football season kicks off for smaller schools in divisions 3A through 1A. Benjamin Franklin is poised for a strong season after a narrow loss in last year's 3A championship. Several 2A teams are adjusting schedules after three schools canceled their varsity football seasons. Week 1 of the Arizona high school football season is here.
Vote. Republic's Top 10 Arizona HS football kick returners in 2026 Original
Aug. 17, 2026, 9:47 a.m. MT Many players on the list are also top receivers in the state. The list highlights players from various schools and divisions across Arizona, including state champions. Readers are invited to vote in an online poll to select who they believe is the top player. We've listed the top payers at the offensive and defensive positions in Arizona high school football ahead of the 2026 season, including reader polls. Now we finish up special teams with these home run hitters.
Max Meylor leads Rattlers over Blizzard for IFL championsh
TUCSON — Max Meylor got his payback. And it came at the expense of his former team. Leading the Rattlers with big-play throws and great escapes, Meylor carried the Rattlers to a 62-51 victory over the Green Bay Blizzard on Sunday, Aug. 16, before a crowd of 4,900 at Tucson Arena for the Indoor Football League national championship. It was the Rattlers' third IFL title since entering the league in 2017 and their eighth as a franchise. The first five came in the Arena Football League.
Deer Valley High football mourning death of 16-year-old player
The Glendale Deer Valley High School community is grieving the loss of junior football player Baxter Floyd, who died on Aug. 10. He was 16. Details of his death were not provided. School officials forwarded inquiries to the Deer Valley Unified School District, which provided a statement to the media: "DVUSD and the Deer Valley High School community ask for privacy as they grieve the loss of a member of their community.
Arizona Rattlers face Green Bay Blizzard for IFL championship Original
Aug. 14, 2026, 5:00 a.m. MT The Arizona Rattlers are following a path similar to two years ago, when they won the Indoor Football League championship. Like in 2024, they entered this year's playoffs as the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference after finishing the regular season 11-5. They then posted wins against the No. 2 team (Vegas Knight Hawks) and No. 1 (San Diego Strike Force) to advance to the title game. Arizona can close the deal on Sunday, Aug.
Grand Canyon men's basketball to face Florida Gators in December
Summer is here in Arizona, and there's plenty of activity, including college sports and a new season for the Phoenix Mercury, Phoenix Rising FC and Arizona Rattlers. Here are updates on news and events happening around Arizona sports: The Grand Canyon men's basketball team released its 2026-27 schedule, which includes a Dec. 18 date against Florida, a probable preseason No. 1, the highlight among non-conference games.
Vote. Top 2026 preseason 4A Arizona high school football teams
Aug. 13, 2026, 9:54 a.m. MT Tucson Mica Mountain is ranked No. 1 and is expected to contend for a third consecutive 4A championship. Phoenix Arcadia, last year's runner-up, is ranked second with a defense that returns seven starters. Readers can vote in our poll for the team they think should be No. 1 in 4A ahead of the 2026 season. We've broken down the top 10 teams in 1A, 2A and 3A. Now we turn to the big-school conferences.
Vote. Top 2026 preseason 4A Arizona high school football teams
We've broken down the top 10 teams in 1A, 2A and 3A. Now we turn to the big-school conferences. As part of a continuing summer series previewing the 2026 Arizona high school football season, The Republic breaks down the top 10 teams in 4A entering the season, which starts Aug. 27-29 for the big schools. Readers can vote in our poll below for the team they think should be No. 1 to start the season. Print readers can find the poll online with this story at azcentral.com/sports/high-schools. 1.
Liberty QB battles for starting job after recovering from knee injury Original
Aug. 11, 2026, 4:31 p.m. MT Raymond is competing with sophomore Jason Haines for the starting quarterback position at Peoria Liberty High School. After winning two consecutive state titles, Liberty's 2025 season ended in the Open Division playoff semifinals. Coach Colin Thomas is comfortable with the team being less high-profile this season compared to previous years. It was a little less than a year ago that Kenny Raymond saw his junior football season lost while jumping to dunk a basketball.
Desert Edge coach, 4 players to take part in Navy All-American Bowl
Desert Edge coach, 4 players to take part in Navy All-American Bowl The Goodyear Desert Edge High School football team will be well-represented in the Navy All-American Bowl in San Antonio in January. Coach Henri MacArthur said he will be the defensive backs coach for the West in the game, a showcase for top high school players that will be nationally televised on NBC and streamed on Peacock. It will be played at the Alamodome.
Star Arizona high school football player severely injured in car crash Original
Aug. 10, 2026, 6:03 p.m. MT Roebuck's injuries include a fractured vertebra and broken collarbone and ribs. The injuries could potentially keep the senior receiver out of the upcoming 2026 high school football season. Last season, Roebuck had 89 catches for 1,076 yards and eight touchdowns, leading Marana to the 5A playoffs.
How MaxPreps rankings will change Arizona HS football playoff formula
How MaxPreps rankings will change Arizona HS football playoff formula MaxPreps will be the source to rank and seed Arizona Interscholastic Association high school football teams during the 2026 season, starting in late August when the season kicks off for the big schools. The AIA executive board approved the measure during its monthly meeting on Monday, Aug. 10. This will mark the first time that the AIA isn't relying on its own computer formula.
How MaxPreps rankings will change Arizona HS football playoff formula
MaxPreps will be the source to rank and seed Arizona Interscholastic Association high school football teams during the 2026 season, starting in late August when the season kicks off for the big schools. The AIA executive board approved the measure during its monthly meeting on Monday, Aug. 10.
Vote for the top Arizona high school football defensive back rooms
We've broken down the Arizona high school football teams with the best offensive linemen and receivers for 2026. Now, we look at the secondaries. Which team has the best defensive backs room? Vote in our poll for your No. 1. 1. Goodyear Desert Edge This is as deep and solid a secondary as you will find not only in Arizona but in the West. It is led by Oklahoma commit Mikyal Davis, and juniors Jaelyn Easterling-Flores, Nekhi Lambeth and Jordan Davis. Sophomore Elijah Johnson has an Arizona offer. 2.
Rattlers reach IFL championship game with win over Strike Force
Max Meylor threw three touchdown passes and ran for two others as the Arizona Rattlers took a big lead in the second half and hung on to defeat the San Diego Strike Force to advance to the Indoor Football League championship game. The Rattlers, with help from three Ron Brown Jr. touchdowns, including a kickoff return, held on for a 43-37 victory Sunday, Aug. 9, at Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, California, for the Western Conference championship.
3 teams fueling Arizona high school football's stature in 2026
With three Chandler schools ranked among the top 25 nationally, Arizona high school football has never been in a bigger spotlight to start a season.
Republic's picks to win 2026 Arizona high school football titles
Aug. 9, 2026, 5:00 a.m. MT With the Arizona high school football season approaching, The Arizona Republic breaks down the teams in each of the six conferences that we expect to contend for championships this year. We start with the Open Division, which will take the top teams from the 6A Conference to create the top playoff bracket. Republic reporter Richard Obert breaks down the conferences with predictions. Open Division Chandler Basha might be in a class by itself.
The Republic's top Arizona high school football players by conference
Aug. 9, 2026, 5:00 a.m. MT As the start of the 2026 Arizona high school football season nears, The Arizona Republic selects its top player from each of the six Arizona Interscholastic Association conferences (6A through 1A). These players might not be the most recruited, but they're dynamic and will cause problems for opposing teams. 6A Conference Roye Oliver III, Chandler Hamilton, WR, 5-11, 170, Sr.
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