Lily Saba is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Campo Verde for AZPreps365.com

For the first time in Campo Verde school history, the varsity football team has pulled off a regional championship.

“We came together as a group, and it was definitely led by the senior leadership,” coach Ryan Freeman said. “Just getting back to the basics and getting back to playing as a team.”

The 27-14 win over the Gilbert High School Tigers moved Campo Verde’s record to 7-3 record and gave it a 5A San Tan regional title.

Campo Verde has won five straight games since fall break, hurtling them towards the playoffs. This is Campo Verde’s best record going into playoffs since 2019.

“I can't put into words how much of a boost it’s been,” said receiver Jacob Coleman. “Going undefeated on the road and finally being able to come back home and get to win over Gilbert, really means a lot.”

Safety Wyatt Rauch gave Campo Verde a large boost in the first quarter when he  returned a long interception for a touchdown, making it 6-0.

“To get that done, definitely brought some energy, and I'm glad I got to do it,” said Rauch. “Glad I was in that position to make that play awesome.”

With no movement on offense from the Gilbert Tigers, Campo Verde was able to gain a bigger lead. Quarterback Karsten Lee scored on a 7-yard touchdown run to make it 13-0 to end the first quarter.

With no real movement from the Gilbert Tigers, a 7-yard rushing touchdown by Quarterback Karsten Lee brought the score to 13-0 to end the first quarter.

Early into the second quarter, the Tigers scored a rushing touchdown but had their extra point blocked,  making it13-6.

Both teams were scoreless in the second and third quarters.

The fourth quarter picked  up with an early 3-yard rushing touchdown by Coleman to make it 20-6.

Shortly after, Lee had 1-yard rushing touchdown to make it 27-6.

Quarterback Karsten Lee moves towards the end zone. (Lily Saba photo/AZPreps365)

 

Facing a fourth down and four minutes left in the game, the Tigers blocked a punt and recovered the ball at their own 16-yard line. The Tigers then scored on a 9-yard rushing touchdown. The Tigers completed a 2-point conversion to make it 27-14.

That’s how the game – and regular season - ended.

With the playoffs solidified,  the Coyotes have lots of preparation to do, mentally and physically.

“You know that's always the tough part as a coach, you want to celebrate the success, but you want to keep them humble,” Freeman said. “It's just being honest with them, knowing that every game in the playoffs is a tough week. It can end in a heartbeat if you're not prepared for it.”

The Coyotes players are excited for this opportunity to play in the playoffs and to hold the title of regional champions.

Campo Verde faces Tempe McClintock next week at Campo Verde.