Basha linebacker Marc Duerson III earns weekly playmaker award

Basha linebacker Marc Duerson III received the USA TODAY Sports Super 25 Playmaker of the Week award following a dominant defensive showing in the Bears' season opener. Duerson, a Northern Arizona commit, forced three fumbles to help secure a 37-26 victory over Chandler. The game served as a rematch of the 2025 Arizona Open Division Championship, which Basha previously won 34-7. Duerson’s performance proved critical during the second half when he stripped the ball from Chandler’s David Douglas immediately following a blocked Basha punt. This play effectively halted Chandler's momentum while they trailed by six points. Basha continues its season after opening with a win over its rival.

• 10:19 PMYahoo Sports — Basha's Marc Duerson III named USA TODAY Sports Super 25 Playmaker of the Week