Over the coming weeks, we’ll be publishing team-by-team previews for every program in our coverage area as we gear up for the 2025 high school football season. Each preview is based on responses submitted by head coaches and will appear in the order they’re returned.
Today, we kick things off with a closer look at the Willcox Cowboys.
The Willcox Cowboys head into the 2025 season with high expectations and a chip on their shoulder after finishing 7-4 overall and 6-1 in region play last fall. Second-year head coach Jeston Lotts, now in his 12th season overall, believes his team’s identity is rooted in toughness — especially on the defensive side of the ball — and sees a legitimate path to a region title and playoff run. “Our team is tough, especially on defense,” Lotts said. “We expect to make the playoffs and win our region.”
This year, Willcox will compete in the newly created 2A South 2 Region, a four-team grouping that includes Benson, Desert Christian, and Santa Cruz Valley. The AIA split the original 2A South into two subdivisions (South 1 and South 2), putting Willcox into a smaller but highly competitive quadrant. With just three region games on the slate, each one carries major playoff weight.
That confidence starts with the heart of the defense — the linebackers. Lotts calls this group the best he’s ever coached, with four key starters returning: Ismael Cuevas, Kaleb Cooke, Christian Teeters, and Anthony Morales. Cuevas led the team in total tackles with 94 (61 solo) and added 3 sacks, while rushing for 815 yards and 15 touchdowns on offense — contributing a team-high 854 all-purpose yards. Cooke, another key two-way player, totaled 81 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 2 interceptions, including a 72-yard return, plus 97 rushing yards and 2 total touchdowns. Morales logged 34 tackles, chipped in a sack, and recovered a fumble, all while serving as a utility man on both sides of the ball. Teeters brought steady production in the trenches with 29 tackles and 5 sacks, tying for the team lead.
Quarterback Joseph Sanchez returns for his third year as a starter and calming presence under center. He passed for 396 yards and 4 touchdowns, while adding 20 tackles on defense. Defensive back Eli Nelson also returns after registering 39 tackles and an interception last season, providing experience and consistency in the secondary.
Several new faces could make an immediate impact, including sophomore Asher Ward (RB/OLB), who had 25 rushing yards and a touchdown, along with 3 tackles and a sack on defense. Freshman Da’Marion Jackson (WR/CB) and junior lineman Vlad Semyanko (OL/DL), who added 13 tackles and a fumble recovery, are also expected to factor into the mix.
The Willcox staff remains strong and experienced heading into 2025. Lotts will again lead the defense as coordinator, with Mike Patterson calling the offense and Trevor Ward handling special teams. The Cowboys’ varsity assistants include Mike Rand, Steven Ward, Joel Todd, John Abbl, and Clay Cooke — all of whom play key roles in the program’s physical identity and week-to-week preparation.
While the linebacker unit sets the tone, the offensive line remains the biggest question mark heading into Week 1. “Our OL is a bit inexperienced and untested at the varsity level,” Lotts admitted.
Fans shouldn’t expect any changes to Willcox’s identity. “It’s the same tough, run-first offense and fly-around defense that Willcox is known for,” said Lotts. Off the field, the team’s leadership is just as solid. “They want to see everyone succeed. They’ve set a standard and are meeting it daily.”
The Cowboys face a tough start to the season, with three of their first four games on the road — at Palo Verde (Aug. 22), Arizona Lutheran Academy (Aug. 29), and Pima (Sept. 12) — with a key home matchup against Morenci in Week 3. Willcox then hosts Tombstone on September 19, a familiar opponent from the newly created 2A South 1 Region. Official 2A South 2 region play begins October 3 at home against Desert Christian, followed by back-to-back showdowns with Santa Cruz Valley (Oct. 10, away) and Benson (Oct. 17, home) to close out the regular season
One thing is certain — this year’s Willcox squad plans to make every snap count. “Willcox will be ready to play tough-nosed football the right way,” Lotts said.
