Gila Ridge prepares for semifinals against Mica Mountain

The Hawks host their third straight playoff game with a trip to the championship on the line

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The Gila Ridge Hawks are in the midst of making football history as they continue their remarkable postseason run.

Friday's matchup marks their third straight home game of this year's playoffs, and just the third home playoff game in program history.

Now, with a trip to the championship on the line, the stakes have never been higher for a Hawks team that has never reached that stage, and senior defensive back Drake Phillips and the rest of Gila Ridge are doing their homework on the Mica Mountain Thunderbolts.

"They have a lot of tendencies, you know. We've watched a lot of film...I've watched their game three times back-to-back just on the offensive side of the ball," Phillips said. "They have some great players, and I think this is the best team we've versed so far. We always go in knowing they're a good team, but they're definitely beatable."

Phillips isn't the only one putting in extra study time. Gila Ridge's Head Coach Jessica Slaughter is also putting in the work.

"They're pretty balanced, and they run a 4-2-5 for their defense, which is what we run. So it's kind of like a mirror image of ourselves, but I think the physicality is on our side," Slaughter said.

And that physicality has shown out on the field. The defense has racked up 48 sacks, fueling belief this is one of the best units in program history.

If they can carry that momentum, and the teams brotherhood, they should have a good chance at beating Mica Mountain Friday night at 7 p.m.

Watch the full story above for more details on their game against Mica Mountain and this historic Gila Ridge team.