MESA, Ariz. – The Pima Roughriders punched their ticket to a third consecutive state championship game on Saturday, overcoming an early deficit to defeat the previously unbeaten Tonopah Valley Phoenix 40-34 in the 2A state semifinals at Westwood High School. Jeremiah Martinez powered Pima’s offense, rushing for 137 yards and scoring five touchdowns to lead the Roughriders to victory.
The win marks Pima’s 21st state championship game appearance, the second-most in Arizona high school football history, and puts them in position to claim their 11th state title. The Roughriders’ most recent championship came in 2022 when they defeated Morenci to secure the 2A crown.
Game Recap
Tonopah Valley opened the scoring with a 32-yard touchdown pass from Sir-izzik Sánchez Caldwell to Konner Bruner, followed by a successful two-point conversion for an early 8-0 lead. Pima answered in the second quarter as Martinez powered into the end zone from 3 yards out, trimming the deficit to 8-7.
The Phoenix extended their lead with back-to-back scores—a 5-yard rushing touchdown by Caldwell and an 11-yard run by Thomas Foilefutu—to make it 20-7. Pima fought back late in the first half. Quarterback Cedrick Grimes found Preston Russell for a 26-yard touchdown pass to narrow the margin to 20-13, and Martinez added a 5-yard touchdown run to pull Pima within 20-19. However, Tonopah Valley responded with an 82-yard touchdown pass from Caldwell to Najea Cooper just before halftime, followed by a successful two-point conversion to take a 28-19 lead into the break.
In the second half, Pima’s defense tightened, and Martinez took over offensively. He scored on a 1-yard run early in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to 28-26. Foilefutu then electrified the Phoenix sideline with a 78-yard kickoff return touchdown, extending their lead to 34-26 after a failed two-point attempt.
Martinez proved unstoppable in the fourth quarter, tying the game at 34-34 with a 29-yard touchdown run and a successful two-point conversion. With just over four minutes remaining, Martinez scored his fifth and final touchdown on a 4-yard run to give Pima its first lead of the game at 40-34. The Roughriders’ defense held firm in the final moments to secure the win.
Key Performances
- Pima: Jeremiah Martinez rushed for 137 yards on 23 carries and scored five touchdowns. Quarterback Cedrick Grimes passed for 140 yards, including a touchdown to Preston Russell, and added 29 rushing yards.
- Tonopah Valley: Sir-izzik Sánchez Caldwell threw for 282 yards and two touchdowns but was intercepted three times. Thomas Foilefutu added two touchdowns, including a 78-yard kickoff return.
Pima’s Championship History
Pima’s 21 state championship appearances are the second-most in Arizona high school football history, trailing only Blue Ridge. The Roughriders are seeking their 11th state title and their second in the 2A classification.
Pima State Championships:
- 10 Titles:
- 1961 (C)
- 1969 (C)
- 1970 (C)
- 1973 (C)
- 1974 (C)
- 1984 (C)
- 2004 (1A)
- 2005 (1A)
- 2015 (1A)
- 2022 (2A)
Championship Game Information
The Roughriders will face Scottsdale Christian at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 30, at Mountain Ridge High School in Glendale. The game is a rematch of last year’s 2A final, where Scottsdale Christian defeated Pima 41-24. The Roughriders won their regular season meeting against the Eagles this year, 20-17. Fans can listen live on KATO 1230AM or stream the game at GilaValleyCentral.net.
