Skyline Gila River Mustangs Win CAA State Championship
The Skyline Gila River football team has defied the odds, going from a fledgling program to state champions in just their second year. With grit, determination, and an unbreakable team spirit, the Skyline Mustangs have captured the Canyon Athletic Association – Division 1 state title in a win against the Harvest Prep-Yuma Eagles 36-0.
When Skyline Gila River first introduced its tackle football program in 2022, expectations were modest. The team, composed of a mix of underclassmen and first-time players, struggled to find their rhythm during their inaugural season.
“I have one kid that played prior but none of my student athletes had ever played tackle football,” said Head Coach Darius Turner. “We took our lumps and bruises last year.”
“We managed to get two wins on the record and we won our first ever home game last year,” said Turner. “They showed up, they won, they saw that they can do it. We spent countless hours in the Summer, and with hard work and dedication, they saw everything getting better.”
Over the offseason, the team doubled down on their efforts. Early-morning and weekend workouts, practices, and a renewed focus on fundamentals turned a group of hopeful players into a finely tuned machine.
“In the beginning, it was challenging because I didn’t really understand the concept of football and the teamwork, and then later on, I figured out that everyone plays a part in the team and that we all need to work together to accomplish what we want,” said Charles Millard III, District 4, senior student.
“We face our adversities and our challenges in life, but coach always tells us ‘keep your head up, keep pushing,’” said Amear Hawkins, senior student. “I feel like that was a big thing that helped us through this season, and realizing what we can accomplish in the long run.”
On Nov. 23, the Mustangs faced off against the Eagles in the state championship. The Mustangs dominated the game, showcasing an unrelenting defense and an explosive offense. The final score, 36-0 marked a decisive victory and a historic moment for the school.
“It was an amazing time playing football,” said Phillip Rocha, District 5, senior student.“It was definitely hard, but I know I was able to do it, and I know that I had my teammates there to push me, and I know that us doing it together, it was like a family, and it pushed all of us through.”
In addition to the team earning the championship trophy, Rocha received the Offense Player of the Year award and team mate Hawkins received the Defense Player of the Year award.
Rocha said, “It was incredible. I didn’t think I was able to achieve something so great.”
“To be awarded that award is just like a big dream come true as a high school student because it’s not every day where you could win a player of the year award for the whole conference of that division. I take pride in that,” said Hawkins.
With a state championship under their belt, the Mustangs are already looking toward next season. Although many of the players will be graduating, most will be returning and the program looks forward to attracting new talent eager to join the winning legacy.
The story of the Skyline Gila River football team is a testament to perseverance and teamwork. In just two years, they’ve gone from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of high school sports—a journey that will be remembered for years to come.
Skyline Gila River 2024 Varsity tackle football roster:
#1 Phillip Rocha Sr
#2 Arjay Lockard So
#3 Amear Hawkins Sr
#4 Adrian Rocha Sr
#5 Darrell Brooks So
#6 Celestine Cross Jr
#7 Isaiah Fino So
#8 Christian Harvier Sr
#9 Dimitri Pratt Sr
#10 David Perez Sr
#11 Bryson Brooks Fr
#12 Dorien Lewis -Moreno So
#13 Khaison Antone Fr
#15 Ino Davis So
#14 Jason Allison Sr
#17 Nicholas Antone Jr
#18 Koda Kalka Sr
#20 Jacob Gutierrez Sr
#22 Brody Tate Sr
#23 Jayme Webb- Holguin So
#24 Charles Millard Sr
#26 Elijah Hart Sr
Coaches:
Head Coach- Darius Turner
Defensives Coordinator- Eddie Stokes
Offensive Coordinator- Roman Alverez
Special Teams Coordinator- Christopher Rico
