EAGAR — From the small town of Eagar in rural eastern Arizona, mountain pride echoed under the bright lights of the football field at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe. The Round Valley Elks captured their eighth state football title, defeating the top-seeded Benjamin Franklin Chargers 13–10 to claim the 2025 3A state football championship.
With 1:41 left in the third quarter and Benjamin Franklin pinned deep in its own territory, Round Valley’s defense broke through. Freshman Jaxon Crick (#7) surged past the line, blocked a punt, scooped up the ball, and sprinted into the end zone — giving the Elks their first lead of the game at 13–10 and all the scoring they would need to bring the gold trophy back to the mountains.
Watch the blocked punt: Click Here
Round Valley’s defense refused to give up ground for the rest of the night. Senior linebacker Trenyn Trickey (#4), named Defensive MVP, delivered key stops down the stretch, including a tackle that helped end Benjamin Franklin’s final drive and secure the victory.
On offense, senior running back and safety Jeffery Cochran (#42) powered the Elks with his steady leadership and physical play, earning honors as both Offensive and Overall MVP.
“It means the world. We’ve got the best fans in the state of Arizona. Football is everything in this community. I’m just really glad we were able to show up.”
— Jeffery Cochran, Round Valley senior safety/running back and 3A State Championship MVP
Head coach Brad Baca said the moment was years in the making — the culmination of countless hours of practice and a team bond forged since childhood.
“These kids have been winning together since they were little,” Baca said. “They believed this would be their year — and they played like it.”
The Elks, wearing their traditional black-and-gold uniforms, celebrated midfield surrounded by hundreds of fans who had traveled from the White Mountains to Glendale. The sea of small-town supporters — families, alumni, and former players — cheered as players hoisted the championship trophy high.
The win marked Round Valley’s first state championship since 2019 and its eighth overall, tying the Elks for sixth most in Arizona high school football history. It was also the program’s 14th appearance in a state title game — a record that reflects the legacy and resilience of one of Arizona’s most storied small-school programs.
Eagar’s black and gold spirit radiated far beyond Glendale’s stadium lights — proof that in the mountains of eastern Arizona, pride runs deep. Congratulations!
