They're bullish up the middle and quick off the edge. They're the defensive fronts.
The Arizona Republic breaks down 10 high school football teams that should be formidable along the defensive line for the 2026 high school football season. We've included a poll where readers can vote for the line they think is the best in the state. Print readers can find the poll online with this story at azcentral.com/sports/high-schools.
Top 10 defensive fronts
1. Chandler Basha
This might be one of the best defensive lines in Arizona high school football history. They're that loaded. They have three electric edge rushers with T.K. Cunningham, Landen Wade and Caleb Jordan. Anitoni Tahi is a load in the middle of the line, where he has started since his freshman year.
2. Goodyear Desert
Edge
Coach Henri MacArthur feels the Scorpions might have the best defensive front in the state. It starts with 5-star (2028) edge rusher Jalanie George, 6-foot-4, 235 pounds. Add in Wisconsin commits Yahzeen Zion (6-4, 285) and Nathan Jones (6-3, 230) with last year's sack leader Kye Wells, and these guys are tough to stop.
3. Peoria Centennial
This great front is led by senior Luke Franklin, a hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker. Joining him on the front are Eli Taylor, Javy Chacon and Manu Pati.
4. Chandler Hamilton
This defensive front is led by edge rusher Derrick LeBlanc Jr., who led the Huskies with 13.5 sacks last season. His passion is contagious. And you've got outside linebacker Dylan Linder coming up to the line to make plays; it makes the Huskies' defense very good.
5. ALA Queen Creek
This could be the strength of the Patriots' defense. Three starters return. About seven defensive linemen will rotate. They are fast, strong and athletic. Jahziah Coffin-Travis, Spencer Rice, Talan Scott, Bryson Peterson, Carter Vennard and Tavita Latuafo lead the way.
6. Phoenix Pinnacle
Junior edge rusher Ian Fullmer, a versatile, physical, strong athlete, should create problems for offenses all over the field. He leads what should be a strong defensive front.
7. Waddell Canyon View
One of the most loaded defensive fronts in the state, led by Tiki Teeples, 6-4, 270. Malachi Peterson, 6-1, 244, is expected to have a breakout season. And Andres Fierros, 6-2, 290, is a tank, bull-rushing quarterbacks.
8. Gilbert Highland
Coach Brock Farrel has an excellent defensive line room, led by Jackson Crawford and Carter Camac, with Elijah Gough and Kingston Soares expected to make big impacts this year.
9. Scottsdale Desert Mountain
Leading the way on the edge for the defending 5A champions is Hawaii commit Davian Whitener, 6-3, 230. His ability to apply pressure helps one of the state's top defensive backfields make plays.
10. Mesa
This defensive front isn't built around one player, but Idaho commit Joe Haynie is a great edge rusher and vocal leader who brings toughness and playmaking abilities. Junior Sione Taueli has a high motor. On the interior is Motuhifonua Ngaue-Stephenson, who provides power and disruption. Alani Folaumoeloa is on the verge of breaking out big. Malachi Inzunza has a great first step, adding another talented piece to a deep rotation.
Richard Obert has been covering high school sports since the 1980s for The Arizona Republic. Catch the best high school sports coverage in the state. Sign up for Azcentral Preps Now. And be sure to subscribe to our daily sports newsletters so you don't miss a thing. To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:@azc_obert
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Vote. Republic's top 10 Arizona high school football defensive lines
