The 2023 Scottsdale Christian Eagles proved a point.

Those city boys are tough after all.

That grit was on display Saturday against the head honcho entering the 2A Conference state championship game, Pima. The Roughriders were riding a 25-game win streak, with two if their wins coming against the Eagles.

But Scottsdale Christian snapped the streak and went home with the gold ball after defeating Pima 41-24 at Mountain Pointe High School.

“We’re usually the city boys who don’t like to hit, but we changed that this year,” first-year coach Mike Sheahan said. “I’m very proud of these young men.”

Losing to Pima as well as 3A Valley Christian on back-to-back dates this season certainly hardened Sheahan’s squad.

Look no further than Caleb Randall for proof. The junior spearheaded a late first half run that 13-1 Pima never recovered from.

The Pima Roughriders have lost only two games in the last two years. The 2023 team was the 20th Pima team to make a state title football appearance. (Jose Garcia/azpreps365)

The Eagles were coming off a 93-yard, six-minute scoring drive when Randall took over during a momentum shifting four play sequence. He followed an open field tackle after a kickoff with a 29-yard pick-6 down the visitor’s sideline.

The kid assistant coach Dale Hellestrae nicknamed 'pipsqueak' then almost decleated Pima’s biggest back, Jeremiah Martinez, before causing a fumble after yet another aggressive play. Oh, but the youngster still had more in him.

On the final drive of the first half, the 5-9, 165-pound Randall was inserted at right tackle.

That final drive culminated with a Jack Atkinson touchdown pass to 6-foot-7 basketball star Hunter Wales to give the Eagles a 38-7 lead as the first half ended. Atkinson threw four first half touchdowns to four different receivers.

“Having your guys out there is so much fun,” said Randall, who missed most of last season but came back to lead his team in tackles this year. “Knowing that you contributed to a big win, it’s a great feeling.”

Randall’s defense tallied four interceptions and forced three turnover on downs against an offense that started its third string quarterback due to injuries.

Scottsdale Christian also was playing without a key starter, injured running back Jacob Trapp, as well as other players. But Trapp’s brother, Andrew, stepped up in his absence during the playoffs.

The senior wideout helped set the tone early offensively when he scored his team leading 26th touchdown, a 61-yard reception play, on the opening drive of the game.

The team effort on both sides of the ball allowed the 2023 Eagles to became the first team to win an 11-man title for their 46-year-old football program. They also finished the year with a program high 12 wins.

“This feels amazing,” Atkinson said. “It’s the first (11-man title) win for SC. It’s going to be fun celebrating tonight with family.”

After Saturday's 2A final, Scottsdale Christian and Pima players gathered at midfield to pray along with coaches. (Jose Garcia/azpreps365)