Gila Ridge looking to break through after .500 finish in 2024

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - After finishing last season with an even 5-5 overall record and a strong 3-1 mark in region play, the Gila Ridge Hawks are ready to take the next step under Head Coach Jessica Slaughter.

Slaughter, entering another year at the helm of the Hawks program, says this offseason has already shown signs of growth and maturity from a group that returns nearly all of its core contributors.

She said, "Honestly, we're returning our O-line—it's very exciting for us. And the way they ended the season last year, it's kind of got us all excited to see how they start this year. We're bringing back pretty much all our guys. It's more of a reload than a rebuild."

The Hawks ended last season with a 5-5 record, including 3-1 in the 4A Southwest Region, good for second place behind Cibola. They scored 275 points and allowed 254, highlighting how tight some of their contests were.

"There were some games that we kind of left out on the field and I think these guys, they definitely know it," Slaughter said. "They don't want to let that happen again."

Gila Ridge opens the season with a marquee trip to Flagstaff to play at Northern Arizona University's (NAU) Walkup Skydome. It's an experience Slaughter says her players are fired up for.

"We went up to NAU for 7-on-7s and got to tour the stadium," she said. "They're chomping at the bit to get there."

With their usual road-heavy schedule as a Yuma team, the Hawks will once again need to embrace travel but this time with a more experienced squad. Last season, they finished 3-2 on the road, compared to 2-3 at home.

For the first time in several years, the Hawks will have a new full-time quarterback under center. Isaac Solis steps into the starting role, taking over for Steven Navas.

"Isaac did get a few snaps last year and Steven really helped him grow," Slaughter said. "The O-line and the offense have really molded to Isaac, and they're fired up for him."

To flip some of the close losses from last year, Coach Slaughter says it all comes down to discipline and consistency.

"Just showing up and doing the little things right every day. We've really harped on that this offseason, and the guys have responded," she said. "Mentally, we're a lot sharper."

As the Hawks prepare to move into the 4A Desert Southwest region, there's hope that 2025 could be the year Gila Ridge once again pushes past .500 and into serious postseason contention.