CHANDLER — Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham made a surprise trip on Friday night to attend one of the state’s most anticipated high school football matchups.
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Sep 26, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham looks on against the TCU Horned Frogs in the second half at Mountain America Stadium, Home of the ASU Sun Devils. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Reiner-Imagn Images
Friday night’s matchup between the two local teams was the national high school game of the week, as the No. 2-ranked Hamilton Huskies faced the No. 1 Basha Bears. Earlier in the week, Dillingham was asked if he planned to attend.
“I don’t know yet, it just depends,” the ASU coach said on Monday, according to Damon Allred from AZSports. “I usually don’t attend games [when ASU has] home games. I’m different than a lot of people. I’m about our football team… If people that are from this state choose to come to this school, then I’ll care about them. That simple. Just like I care about our football team.”
ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham greets quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) during a game against Wyoming at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe on Aug. 31, 2024. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Dillingham, who attended Chaparral High School, began his coaching career at the high school level. While it’s unclear whether he went to the game to enjoy it or to scout potential recruits, his attendance reflected a sense of community as a coach of his caliber took the time to support other Valley programs.
Watching young players chase their dreams under the bright lights and seeing a college head coach, with deep Arizona roots, take the time to watch them reflects the identity Dillingham wants to promote. Unity across the state, not just within the college program.
Hamilton ran away with the victory, handing Basha its first loss of the season while remaining undefeated themselves, 28-12.
Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham is in attendance for Basha (AZ) vs. Hamilton 👀😈
(via @therealbeadle)https://t.co/O1YNDC9M6T pic.twitter.com/aeokTcogCq
— Rivals High School (@Rivals_HS) October 25, 2025
Oct 11, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham looks on during the third quarter of the game against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
For a program striving to stay in the national conversation, the hometown connection Arizona State is strengthening may prove to be its most valuable asset.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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