Philip Leavell is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Basha High School for AZPreps365.com

CHANDLER-- Scoring touchdowns on each of its first five drives, Basha High School routed formerly undefeated Shadow Ridge, 56-17, Friday night. Sophomore quarterback Demond Williams Jr., along with running backs Deshaun Buchanan and Miles Lockhart, combined for six rushing touchdowns and 211 total rushing yards.

“Our line is great so it’s just what we expect every game,” said Buchanan, who rushed for 112 yards and scored two touchdowns. “We want to take over with the front and be able to run the ball so we can open up the pass.”

The trio’s strong rushing attack opened the passing game for Basha, allowing the dual-threat Williams to pass for 230 yards in addition to his 73 yards rushing that resulted in three touchdowns.

Basha's starting offense scored seven touchdowns in three quarters. Heading into the fourth quarter, with Basha leading, 49-10,  the Bears had yet to punt. The starters on offense took the final quarter off.

“It makes us feel like no one can stop us,” Williams said. “As long as you score enough points, we win. If we score every drive, we win.”

“We expect to do it now really, you know it’s expected,” said Lockhart, a sophomore who rushed for 26 yards and one touchdown. "It gives us a lot of confidence, but this is what we do.”

Lockhart and Buchanan are two-way players who both play defensive back for the Bears. They are grateful to share reps with each other. “It’s great because I play defense too, so I get some rest,” Lockhart said. “It doesn’t beat up my body too much, so I like it a lot.” 

Miles Lockhart (1), and Deshaun Buchanan (8), chatting with WR Dre'Vion Hathaway (12), during the fourth quarter (Philip Leavell/AZPreps365)

“We all just learn from each other," said Buchanan, who scored on a 54-yard scamper in the first half, "and take things from each other’s game."

Shadow Ridge opened the game with a solid two-minute, 80-yard drive resulting in a touchdown. However, despite their impressive start, the Stallions were reined in by the Bears’ defense. Shadow Ridge punted six times and had one drive end in a turnover on downs.

Buchanan believes that being able to practice against Basha’s defense has improved their offense. “We go against the best defense in the state every day,” Buchanan said. “It just gets us ready for game-time situations.”

During the third quarter, junior defensive back Jeremiah Vessel twisted his ankle during a Shadow Ridge run. Vessel was able to get up on his own and jog off the field. Vessel returned to the field confidently a few plays later after getting his ankle taped up.

Shadow Ridge and Basha each threw a touchdown pass during the fourth quarter while many of the starters were not on the field.

Basha is now 4-0 and will play Valley Vista next Friday.