Arizona’s Top 5 Public HS Football Programs (2021–2025)

Arizona is a state where I LOVE the playoff format. In terms of this article though, it really makes things pretty cut and dry.

Arizona utilizes the “Open Division” format for its playoffs, and it's a very clean system. Regardless of what class you’re in, if you’re one of the top 8 ranked teams in the state (determined by the AIA power rating system), you qualify for the Open Division bracket. That tournament is what determines the true state champion.
That being said, here are the top 5 public programs of the past 5 years in the state of Arizona.

1. Basha Bears (Chandler)

**Accomplishments: Open Division State Champions (2022, 2025);
2025 Status: Finished #1 in Arizona with a 12-1 record. Finished #21 in the nation according to our #PublicSchoolsTop25.
Analysis: Basha is the state's current benchmark, having won two of the last four Open Division titles. Their 2025 campaign included a 19–16 semifinal win over Liberty and a 34–7 victory over Chandler in the championship game. Since 2021, they have maintained a dominant .885 winning percentage.

2. Liberty Lions (Peoria)

Accomplishments: Open Division State Champions (2023, 2024);
2025 Status: Finished 10-2; Open Division Semifinalist.
Analysis: Liberty is the only program in this window to win back-to-back Open titles ('23, '24). They have qualified for the Open Division semifinals in every year of this five-year window. Their only losses in 2025 came against out-of-state powerhouse Corner Canyon (UT) and the eventual state champion, Basha.2021 - 2025 AIA Open Division Champions (Saguaro, Basha, Liberty, Liberty, Basha)