Basha Sweeps Loaded Second UofA 7s & Big Man Camp

Big Man Competition 

Over 20 teams from Arizona showed up to participate in the big man competition at UofA. 

There was a plethora of talented big men showcasing their talents Monday night; here are some that stood out. 

Desert Mountain 2027 defensive lineman Davian Whitener

Whitener was one of the most consistent pass rushers all day. 

The three-star prospect went against a lot of talented offensive linemen but rose to the occasion each time. 

His speed and bend off the edge were elite, and they helped him win most reps. 

Due to his play, Whitener was a big part of Desert Mountain finishing second place in the big man competition. 

Whitener has recently picked up offers from Sacramento State, Nevada, Eastern Washington, Montana State, San Diego State, Western Michigan, and North Dakota State. 

Mesa 2027 defensive lineman Joe Haynie

The recent Idaho commit keeps proving why he is one of the best players on the line in Arizona. 

Haynie stood out quite a bit after he was bullying offensive linemen the entire camp. 

He showed a great mix of quickness as well as strength as he was able to move opposing players out of the way. 

Haynie continues to have a strong offseason and is on track to keep improving and have a great senior season. 

Highland 2027 defensive lineman Jackson Crawford 

Crawford had himself a day at the UofA big man camp. 

He was super helpful in helping Highland go far in the big man bracket. 

Crawford won almost every rep that he had today as he had some of the best skills and technique at the camp. 

Highland will continue to rely on Crawford when the season begins, as he could be in store to be one of the top pass rushers this season. 

Crawford has recently picked up offers from D-II Black Hills State and D-III Lake Forest.

Basha 2028 defensive end Landen Wade

Wade is a five-star prospect, and he showed everyone why he deserves every single star. 

He was a must-watch at UofA on Monday as he was the most dominant player on the field the entire day. 

Wade lined up on both sides and displayed his superhuman strength and his size to win every single rep. 

During the semifinal matchup against Centennial, the score was tied, and the match went into overtime. 

Basha and Centennial would go back and forth winning pass-rushing reps, but Basha called upon Wade to come through.

Wade would win every single rep in overtime, and eventually, Basha would win the entire big man competition.

Overall, Wade was one of, if not the best player of the day. 

7v7 Bracket Play

Desert Mountain vs. Red Mountain 

In the first round of the 7’s bracket play, the Desert Mountain Wolves faced the Red Mountain Mountain Lions. 

From the start of the game, both teams would match each other's scores. 

The first touchdown of the game would come from the Wolves.

2027 quarterback Rocco Madda completed the first touchdown pass of the game. 

Red Mountain answered back. 

After marching down the field on their first drive, 2028 quarterback Dayne Silver would throw his first touchdown pass of the game. 

The Wolves, who used a two-quarterback system, would look to 2028 quarterback Jake Pilarcek to close out the game. 

The Saguaro transfer would do just that as he would throw two touchdown passes in two drives for the Wolves. 

Even though Desert Mountain was on a roll, Red Mountain was able to keep it close. 

On the final drive of the game, the Mountain Lions had a shot to tie or even win the game. 

That attempt would end up falling short, though. 

In what was a series of ball juggling around through multiple players' hands, Desert Mountain 2027 defensive back Mattix Preston would come down with an interception after the tip drill. 

The interception would ice the game for the Wolves, and they would win 20-14. 

Centennial vs. Hamilton 

After taking down Highland, the Centennial Coyotes would move into the semifinal round to face the Hamilton Huskies. 

The start of the game showed Centennial was the team bringing all the energy. 

Hamilton would be close to scoring on their opening drive until the Coyotes' defense came through with a stop. 

The Coyotes would waste no time capitalizing on the stop.

Centennial 2028 quarterback Titus Hill lofted a fade route to 2028 running back Jaylee Abraham for the first touchdown of the game. 

Just like before, Centennial would once again get a stop on the defensive side, then find the end zone on offense. 

For a second time in the game, Hill and Abraham connected for a score. 

On the Huskies' third drive, they would finally get on the board. 

With around seven minutes left in the game, Hamilton 2028 quarterback Jax Sculley would throw a touchdown pass to make it a one-possession game. 

It ended up being too little too late, though, as the Coyotes would score one more touchdown to put the game out of reach.

The final touchdown of the game would see Hill thread the needle to connect with 2028 wide receiver Jason Lee in the back of the end zone. 

Centennial would win 19-7 and advance to the championship game.

Basha vs. Centennial 

The championship bout of the night saw the Basha Bears and the Centennial Coyotes go against each other. 

Basha started the game with the ball and got down the field in a hurry. 

The first score of the game saw the connection of Basha 2027 quarterback Jake Rogers find 2028 wide receiver Tristan Sailer on a quick slant for the touchdown. 

Centennial answered back on their first drive. 

For Centennial, it would be, you guessed it, Hill finding Abraham in the end zone to put the Coyotes on the board. 

The Bears, though, once again were able to get down the field and score in only a few minutes. 

Rogers dumped the ball to 3-star 2027 Texas running back commit Noah Roberts.

Roberts would do the rest and scamper his way in for the touchdown. 

Even though they trailed early, Centennial proceeded to score 14 straight points. 

Hill connected twice with Centennial 2027 tight end Tyler Overstreet, one of which ended up being a touchdown. 

The Coyotes' defense got their first stop of the game and gave their offense the ball back with a chance to obtain their first lead of the game. 

Centennial did just that as Hill threw his third touchdown pass of the game after he launched the ball 40 yards downfield, which would land in the hands of Abraham. 

With only two minutes left in the game, the Bears had one last shot at winning the game and the tournament. 

Rogers connected with 2028 wide receiver Makai Nelson to set them up near the 20-yard line.

Basha then had one final play to score. 

On the final play of the game, Rogers threw a perfect pass to Roberts for the touchdown.

Basha players stormed the field as they realized they had won the championship.

Basha would win 20-18 and be crowned the tournament champions on night two of the UofA camps.