Gila Ridge excited to host first home playoff game in program history

The Hawks have won a handful of playoff games in their young program's history, but they have the opportunity to do something this Friday that's never been done before

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - This Friday, the Gila Ridge Hawks have the opportunity to do something that's never been done before in program history: Win a playoff game in front of their home crowd.

"We're excited, we know the opportunity that's ahead of us," said head coach Jessica Slaughter. "We've just been watching film, scheming and focusing on what we need to do. The boys are excited, they understand what's ahead of them and they want to seize the opportunity."

Senior wideout Isaiah Chatman is confident his Hawks will secure the win but understands Estrella Foothills won't be a pushover.

"I'm not ever gonna take someone lightly. Estrella made it how far they did, but I expect our guys to come out with everything we've got," Chatman said. "I gotta go get it done, because I know all the other ten guys next to me are gonna get their job done, so it's just another day in the office for me."

After watching film and preparing throughout the week, the team knows that the Wolves have playmakers.

"I expect to see a lot of tricky plays," defensive lineman Drew Caudle said. "Their quarterback loves to scramble, get out there, try to run away from us. We won't let it happen."

While Estrella has a strong runner, the Hawks have one who can fly as well.

"The O-line is good," said running back Prentes Boxx lll. "We've been working together as a team, making each other better. They're a big part of all the yards and touchdowns, because I wouldn't be where I am without them."

It's been a long season for Gila Ridge, starting all the way back in January, and you best believe there are plenty of memories along the way.

"We had a spelling bee, and it was god-awful, we realized none of our guys could spell," Slaughter said. "We kind of had a feeling, but we didn't realize how bad it was."

For the players, it mostly related to times during their football summer camp.

"I love Coach Slaughter's ghost stories, they're always so fun," Caudle said. "I like the one where she's on the road in Virginia, and there's this lady that drove by in a Cadillac and asked if she found what she was looking for. It sounded really creepy."

As the players reflect on their season, one thing stands out above all, the friendships built along the way.

"The tightest friendships are always built in football," Chatman said. "There's no one I'd rather be friends with than these guys out here. These guys are my brothers, they mean a lot to me."

And that brotherhood fuels their confidence heading into Friday's matchup.

"It should be a win, and we should send them back home crying," Chatman said.

"I think we're coming for it all, the state finals, we'll be there, right at ASU," Caudle added.

No matter what happens this Friday, this season will go down as one of the best in Gila Ridge program history.