The college football season is underway, but Oregon Ducks fans have to wait a few more days before the team takes the field against Boise State in the opener. While Oregon fans had to resort to watching other teams play in Week 0, the chance was also there to watch some of the Ducks' High School commits in action.
On Saturday Night, Oregon quarterback commit Will Mencl was in action on ESPN facing off against the nationally ranked No. 24 Basha Bears. Will Mencl and the Chandler Wolves were looking to pull off the upset and get revenge for the loss they took in the Arizona State Championship last season. While Will Mencl fell short of taking home the win, there was plenty to like from his performance.
Basha head coach praises Will Mencl for his performance
The Chandler Wolves were in the game the entire way, as it took a late touchdown from Basha to finally put the game out of reach. Will Mencl threw for over 300 yards with 4 touchdowns and a pair of interceptions, but on a night with a ton of wind, as well as the fact that Mencl needed to force the ball down the field late in the game, it's hard to blame him for the turnovers.
After the game, Basha head coach Chris McDonald was interviewed, where he praised Will Mencl for his performance.
"I mean, honestly, it really just shows what Will Mencl's about. I mean, they went on a quick game down the whole field; I think it was an 18-play drive of just Will Mencl doing Will Mencl things. He's good."Chris McDonald
Chandler came out of the locker room, and Will Mencl told his coach he wanted the ball, showing the kind of competitor he is. Mencl then marched Chandler down the field picking apart Basha to give his team the early 6-0 lead.
Will Mencl walked out of the locker room and told HC Ty Wisdom he wanted the ball.
— Adam Beadle (@therealbeadle) August 30, 2026
Chandler won the toss and will receive.
Here. We. Go.@AZHSFB
The entire night, Will Mencl showed a competitiveness that Dan Lanning and the staff would appreciate. The broadcast showed Will Mencl with the athletic trainer twice in the game before he took a late hit on a deep ball that knocked him out of the game for a play.
No matter how many times Will Mencl took a big hit or looked injured, he kept stepping up in the pocket and taking hits to ensure the ball was delivered to his receivers. After the Wolves were blown out in the State Championship Game last season, Mencl and his teammates showed they're going to be a tougher out this season.
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