Yuma Catholic football gains first playoff win in Conference 5A

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (KYMA) - Yuma Catholic High School has long been recognized as the premier football program in Yuma County, but this season has brought a new challenge, and a new chapter, for the Shamrocks.

Under first-year head coach Vernon Smith, the team made the jump to the 5A division and entered the state playoffs in an unfamiliar position: As underdogs.

Earning the 20th seed, Yuma Catholic traveled north to face Millennium High School in the opening round. According to Smith, the game started as a close battle.

"Really, the first half was back and forth," he said.

The teams traded big plays throughout the opening quarters, leading to a high-scoring first half and a 28–20 deficit for the Shamrocks heading into the locker room.

Whatever was said during halftime seemed to spark a transformation.

"We came in from halftime, got a little talk from our coaches and we just started clicking from there," said senior linebacker Shaun Carter.

Smith agreed, crediting his team’s toughness and mentality.

"We realized that we were a little more physical than them, and it was an attitude deal,”"he said.

The Shamrocks tightened up defensively and found their rhythm on offense. Senior standout J-R Polk emerged as the centerpiece of Yuma Catholic's attack, recording 20 carries and five receptions for a total of 242 all-purpose yards and a touchdown.

Smith praised his star player, calling Polk "the equalizer."

He added, "We're playing against some real good teams, real good athletes, and we'll put J-R up against anybody. We're gonna ride him to the victory."

And that's exactly what they did. With Polk leading the charge, the Shamrocks outscored Millennium 15–0 in the second half to secure a 35–28 win.

The victory marked Yuma Catholic's first playoff win at the 5A level, a remarkable feat for a school facing an opponent with more than four times its enrollment size.

Smith said he wasn't shocked by his team’s success.

"I understand what we just did, but I'd be lying to you if I said I was surprised," he said. "We're a really good football team when we play good. When you put our backs against the wall, you're gonna get our best, and it's gonna take a really good football team to beat us."

The celebration, however, will be short-lived. Yuma Catholic now turns its focus to the next challenge: A second-round matchup against Marana High School. Carter said the team is already moving forward.

"This one’s over, so next week, we're gonna work hard again and work hard for Marana," he explained.

With their resilience, physicality, and standout performances, the Shamrocks have proven they belong in the 5A division.

Whether they can establish themselves once again as a powerhouse remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Yuma Catholic is ready to keep fighting.