Evan Masters is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Centennial High School for AZPreps365.com

The Centennial Coyotes have demolished any opponent set in their path over a 32-2 stretch with two 5A state titles over the last two and a half seasons. But their biggest test is quickly approaching

With the implementation of the open division playoff for the 2019 season, the Coyotes can not only prove they are the best school in 5A, but also the best in the entire state.

Set up by the AIA, the open division playoff will compile the top eight teams from the top three conferences (6A-4A). This playoff will be separate from the typical conference playoff and will determine the true state champion of Arizona.

As of this week the Coyotes rank third in the AIA Open rankings, alongside three 6A schools, one other 5A and three in 4A.

The Coyotes coaching staff is well aware of the depth of talent among the top three divisions.

“We’ve scrimmaged against some 6A teams and we have kept an eye on what they are doing,” said Coyotes coach Richard Taylor. “We know they are very talented and if we do make the playoff, we know that even our first-round opponent will be tough.”

“Every playoff game is going to special,” said offensive coordinator Ian Comes. “Every single one can be a state championship game in itself.”

The Coyotes coaching staff is also no stranger to facing off against high-caliber opponents in the post season.

In 2015, the Coyotes moved up to Division I after years of dominating Division II. Against all odds the Coyotes still put together a winning season and secured a 6 seed in the playoffs.

In the playoffs Centennial defeated state powerhouses Hamilton, Mountain Pointe and Desert Ridge to win the state championship.

“Our guys have always rose any challenge and there willing to play anybody,” said Taylor. “They are not going to be afraid and they will play as hard as they can. That was the 2015 team and I see that in this team too.”

“A key component of both of those teams is that they hate to lose,” said defensive coordinator Andrew Taylor. “The thought of losing is so repugnant to them, that it drives their competitiveness.”

That competitive aspect is evident in the Coyotes practice. After warmups, Taylor challenged his players to not be the last one to put on pads and make it back to the center of the practice field for drills.

Almost in an instant the expression of every player changed, and they hustled to make their way quickly to the field.

The unfortunate last Coyote did 10 push-ups in front of the entire team.

One thing that will not change for the Coyotes is their preparation on a weekly basis.

“It’s still the whole super boring coach cliché one game at a time” said Andrew Taylor. “I wouldn’t say at any point that we as a coaching staff have said let’s change what we are doing.”

The Coyotes look to continue their Open Division push on Senior Night as they take on the Ironwood Eagles Friday.