2026 Prep Football Team Preview: Gila Ridge Hawks

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The Gila Ridge Hawks enter the 2026 season with high expectations after capturing the Desert Southwest Region championship last year and making one of the deepest playoff runs in program history. With a strong core of returning players and a growing group of young contributors, the Hawks believe they have what it takes to compete for a 4A state title.

Gila Ridge finished the 2025 regular season with a 9-1 record and swept through Desert Southwest Region play before advancing to the 4A semifinals, tying the furthest postseason run in school history. For senior defensive end Andy Rodriguez, the goal this season is simple.

“This year, we’re looking to go to state now - finally finishing the job,” Rodriguez said.

Head coach Jessica Slaughter said the Hawks are focused on proving last season's success was not a one-time achievement.

“Last year, it was a standout year... but we’re looking to make that not a one-and-done, but a one and continue,” Slaughter said. “We’re just picking up where we left off, and worrying about doing our jobs, and making our assignments, and hitting hard.”

That physical brand of football has become a cornerstone of the program under Slaughter and her coaching staff. Players say the aggressive mentality has been embraced throughout the roster.

“I’m pretty confident,” senior free safety Daughtry Phillips said. “A lot of them are a lot more aggressive and more of dogs on the aspect of they wanna play. They’re not coming here to mess around.”

Senior wide receiver and defensive back Nohea Wiggins believes the team is further ahead than it was a year ago.

“I believe we are a better team at this point in time, and I feel like we’re more prepared than we ever were,” Wiggins said.

That confidence was reinforced in the season opener when Gila Ridge defeated Lake Havasu 29-6. The victory came against the same team that handed the Hawks a loss in last year’s season opener and served as an early indication of the progress the team has made.

While physicality remains a major emphasis, players know success throughout the season and into the playoffs will depend just as much on execution and preparation.

“Everything before the snap: where to line up, snap count, our routes, just knowing what we’re supposed to do,” quarterback Isaac Soliz said. “I think that’s what is the key to winning.”

One of the biggest reasons for optimism is the continuity on offense. Eight starters return from last season’s high-powered unit, including Soliz, receivers Wiggins and Kanai Hongo, and the entire offensive line.

Wiggins believes the familiarity within the group is a major advantage.

“It’s really important,” Wiggins said. “I feel like our offensive group this year - we’re very connected.”

With experienced playmakers spread across the roster, Slaughter expects several veterans to make an impact in critical moments.

“Kanai and Nohea - they’re gonna be weapons for us on both sides of the ball and special teams,” she said. “They’re gonna be guys we look to in crunch time to make plays.”

Beyond the returning talent, the Hawks are also seeing younger players emerge and take on larger roles. Rodriguez said the underclassmen have answered the challenge throughout the offseason.

“A lot of the sophomores, a lot of the younger guys have to step up, and they’ve been doing that throughout the offseason,” Rodriguez said.

Slaughter has been impressed with the mindset those younger players have brought to the program.

“They’re gritty. They’re tough. They wanna play. They’re looking for the big hits. They’re not shying away,” she emphasized. “They might be younger, but the violence is there, which is what we like to see.”

With an experienced roster, a connected offense, and a physical style of play, the Hawks believe they are well-positioned to defend their Desert Southwest Region title and make another run at the 4A championship this season.