Hamilton High, winners of 43 consecutive games, an underdog?

That's what Huskies coach Steve Belles is concluding as Hamilton's state title rematch with Desert Ridge approaches on Friday night (Sept. 16) at Desert Ridge.

"I've been hearing that we're the underdog," Belles said. "They do have a lot more experience in terms of players that played in the game last year. You have to give them the edge in experience....

"Being an underdog is a different role for us. But it keeps you hungry."

Hamilton hasn't skipped a beat on the surface thus far in posting a 3-0 mark heading into this one. The Huskies have stretched their record winning streak to 43 game and survived a tough, opening-night scare from Mountain Pointe. That showed the Huskies can win a close one out of the gate. They have outscored Mountain Pointe, Santa Fe and Notre Dame Prep, 116-14. Defense is definitely the strong suit for Hamilton, as it usually is. Belles likes what he's seen from that unit so far.

But Belles said turnovers, particularly interceptions, have been a problem.

"We've had as many interceptions already than we had the last couple years combined," Belles said. "We have to eliminate those, especially aganst teams we're getting ready to go against."

Desert Ridge has continued its late season roll of 2010 and has now won 11 of its last 12 games. The Jaguars had no trouble with Gilbert, Mountain View and Highland in its first three games, oustscoring them 134-13.

Desert Ridge has worked quarterback Parker Rasmussen back in to the offensive mix after injury kept him sidelined late last year. Rasmussen has plenty of good pass catchers at his disposal led by running back Jordan Becerra and receivers Zach Davis and Damani Moseby. The return last week of Joey Counts gives Desert Ridge ample weapons for Hamilton to worry about.

Hamilton is led by game-breaker Kendyl Taylor and quarterback Blake Kemp. Kemp continues to be an effective passer and Taylor leads the Huskies in receiving with more than 200 yards in receptions so far. Hamilton and Desert Ridge have allowed just two touchdowns apiece on defense.

On the undercard of a good football matchup week on Thursday night (Sept. 15) is Chandler at Basha in a battle of unbeatens.

Chandler High is flying high under first-year coach Shaun Aguano. The evidence is three wins and three shutouts.

Basha is averaging 57 points a game in its three wins to date. The Bears have given up a bunch of points, but 21 a game when you're putting up 57 per night is not a huge concern. Basha will have to play its best defensive game in this one because Chandler has the best offense the Bears have seen to date. Basha has been adept at forcing mistakes with nine takeways to this point.

"They are explosive and spread the ball around," Aguano said of Basha. "I don't think they've seen team speed like we have. Our strength is our D-line. We'd like to get some pressure on (Kyle) Duran."

Duran, in his second varsity season, has thrown for 851 yards and five TDs. He's completed passes to a number of receivers. The primary targets are Nate Phillips, Keenan Garland and Devin Reed. Phillips and Garland have combined for 40 catches.

Basha will have its hands full with Chandler's offense. Aguano has only used his first-team offense in four of 10 quarters so far. Quarterback Darell Garretson has been efficient behind center throwing for 519 yards, 6 TDs and no interceptions.

"He's very smart, the son of a coach," Aguano said. "He's played very well for us taking over for Brett (Hundley)."

Chandler's top weapons are receivers Javon Williams and Lloyd Mills and backs Paul Perkins and Laron Tarkington.

Other games of note in the East Valley and southern Arizona this week:

Dobson at Skyline: One of these teams is going to have a 3-1 record when Friday night ends. A surprise either way. Highland at Corona del Sol: Highland desperatley needs a win to avoid an 0-4 start. Corona could be sitting at 3-1 under Tom Joseph after getting throttled in week 1 by Basha. Marana Mtn. View at Salpointe: Mountain View's 3-0 record is in danger as Salpointe has proved itself worthy by narrowly falling to Chaparral for its only loss. Marana has played three like opponents (D-II) so far, but none the caliber of Salpointe (2-1). Cactus Shadows at Queen Creek: 4A-I region rivals last year, Cactus Shadows (0-3) has moved up and has played D-I and D-II opponents so far (Cactus Shadows is D-II this year). Queen Creek has played up a division, down a division and in division so far and is 3-0. A good test for Joe Germaine and Co. Williams Field at Canyon del Oro: Williams Field has cruised to wins over three D-III and D-IV foes not nearly at their level. Stepping up to play D-II CDO (1-2), which is down a bit this year, will be one of the toughest games the Black Hawks have played the last couple years. Would be a feather in the cap of WF to prevail in this one.