Since the inception of the Open division playoff bracket in 2019, the 6A playoffs have still provided great football and postseason drama. 
For some teams, the 6A playoffs have provided a path to a meaningful season. Last year's title game between Saguaro and Red Mountain was a great example. The two teams limped into the playoffs with a combined record of 9-11.

"We had lost five games in a row going in to the playoffs," Red Mountain coach Kyle Enders said of the Mountain Lions 2023 postseason run.

"Getting to prove ourselves in the playoffs meant to a lot to our program."

However, for some recent 6A champions, the title may have come with a consolation feel.

After Highland won back to back 6A titles in 2021 and ‘22, the Hawks were dead set on reaching the Open in 2023. Coach Brock Farrel early last season said that the Open was the ultimate goal. 
“Winning the 6A is kind of like winning the Rose Bowl after not making the BCS playoff."

2024: The year of 6A?

This year, the 6A playoffs may carry more prestige.

Somehow, four 5A teams ended up in the eight-team Open playoff.That means several of the state’s best teams were defaulted back to the 6A playoffs.

“It’s a bit confusing how things fell into place, but I feel like the 6A playoff field is pretty stacked, and just as grueling as the Open, especially without a bye,” Enders said of the 2024 postseason. 

In their first round matchup,the No. 3 Mountain Lions host No. 14 Centennial, which dealt with the toughest schedule in the state, finishing 3-7. Enders figured the Coyotes would be a tough draw for any 6A team, even before the brackets were revealed. “That’s a dangerous  game because they're a good team with a great quarterback and great coach, and they lost a lot of close games to top teams.”

Brophy, Queen Creek and Red Mountain all spent time in the top 8 of the power rankings. Mountain View and Salpointe also look strong entering the playoffs. Regardless, the 6A bracket offers plenty of intrigue. Here’s a look at the top four seeds and potential contenders:

4-Mountain View (9-1) The Toros are coming off their best regular season since 2008. They’re also feeling confident after knocking off rival Red Mountain last week, which kept the Lions out of the Open. Junior quarterback Brady Goodman  is a dual threat, accounting for 45 TD’s during the regular season (36 passing). Tailback Reese Bodily has emerged as Mountain View’s top rusher, including a school record 318 yards against Mesa High. Cal-bound LB Beckham Barney anchors the defense and is also an effective runner. 

3-Red Mountain (7-3) Coach Kyle Enders may have the toughest job of any 6A coach in the playoffs this week, but he’s more than capable. After three straight losses kept the Mountain Lions out of the Open, rejuvenating his players this week is crucial. If Simon Lopez continues his elite level of quarterback play, don’t be surprised if the Mountain Lions make another championship run. They’ve advanced to at least the semifinals or championship game four of the last five years. 

2-Queen Creek The Bulldogs (8-2) also fell out of the Open with a lopsided week 10 loss to rival ALA Queen Creek. Queen Creek gave Red Mtn its first loss of the season in week eight. Clemson-bound quarterback Tait Reynolds rushed for over 1,000 yards during the regular season, and running backs Lucas George and David Rosson combined for another 1,000. Reynolds will need better pass protection if Queen Creek is going to make a run to the title game. The Bulldogs last won a state title in 2012 (4A).

1-Brophy The Broncos (8-2) enter the 6A postseason as the top seed for the 2nd straight year. Like Red Mtn and Queen Creek, a week 10 loss kept Brophy out of the Open. Turnovers hurt the Broncos badly against Salpointe, and it may take a game to regroup and focus on a 6A championship. With a top-flight offensive line and the talented receiving duo of Devin Fitzgerald and Daylen Sharper, Brophy shouldn’t have too much trouble reaching the semifinal round, where either Salpointe or Mountain View will likely await. Brophy’s dream scenario? A championship showdown with Red Mtn, which has knocked the Broncos out of the playoffs three straight years, including an overtime semifinal heartbreaker last year. Brophy’s mantra for 2024 has been ‘unfinished business’.

'Dark Horse' Teams

Salpointe-The fifth seeded Lancers have a legitimate case for the Open, so they should be considered a contender entering the 6A playoffs. "We always come through when people doubt us the most," said Salpointe defensive end Noah Banhie. The 7-2 Lancers lost its first game to Open No. 1 seed Marana by three points and also gave Liberty a scare before falling 34-24. They also beat Brophy handily last week, 45-30. A quarterfinal showdown at Mountain View likely awaits if Salpointe gets by in the first round.

Pinnacle-Two years ago, quarterback Wyatt Horton led the Pioneers to the 6A title game before falling to Highland. He vowed to get back. Can Pinnacle find its way? Horton has led another stellar campaign. The Pioneers average 47 points per game, and the Idaho State commit has thrown for 2,500 yards and 31 touchdowns with only four interceptions. He's as good if not the  state's best passer, and there's no reason to think he can't take Pinnacle back to Mountain America Stadium. The Pioneers nearly took out Liberty (32-28)   If Pinnacle can get by Mountain Pointe in round one, they will likely face Queen Creek in a battle of two of Arizona's best QB's.

Pinnacle QB Wyatt Horton wants to get back to the 6A championship game where he led the Pioneers in 2022. (Photo by Konnor McMaster)

Highland-The Hawks (7-3) started off 5-0 before having a tough time in the rugged East Valley Region. They also have a quarterback in Kalen Fisher who's led Highland to a 6A title in 2022 and the Open semifinals last year. If Highland can get past Casteel in roudn one, they may get another shot at Red Mountain in a quarterfinal matchup.