Scottsdale Saguaro and Chandler Hamilton will be on national television Oct. 23 when the Arizona high school football powers meet at Saguaro.

ESPN is picking up the game, which will start an hour earlier than normal at 6 p.m.

“We’re very excited to be able to host a nationally televised game against Hamilton,” Saguaro coach Jason Mohns said. “It will be our first time on ESPN since our 2016 game at Valor Christian (in Colorado).

“Great opportunity to showcase our program and Arizona high school football against a great opponent in Hamilton.”

Saguaro, loaded with Power 5 talent, had to miss its season opener last week after a Scottsdale Chaparral player tested positive for COVID-19.

Saguaro, led by Athlete Denzel Burke, is ranked No. 3 in The Arizona Republic‘s Super 10 and Hamilton is ranked No. 2. Saguaro rallied to beat Hamilton in last year’s Open Division state semifinal. Saguaro ended up losing to Chandler in the final 42-35.

Hamilton has its best team under coach Mike Zdebski with a great trio of former Colorado standouts in quarterback Nicco Marchiol, running back Noah Schmidt, and safety Jack Howell.

Hamilton opened its season last week with a 42-0 win over Peoria Centennial.

To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at [email protected] or 602-316-8827. Follow him on Twitter @azc_obert.

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