Round Valley Elks Capture 3A State Football Title, First Since 2019
The Round Valley Elks defeated Benjamin Franklin 13, 10 to win the 2025 Arizona 3A state football championship at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on December 1. The victory, driven by a late third quarter special teams play and strong senior leadership, returns a state crown to Eagar and carries implications for local youth sports, school spirit, and athletic program priorities.
The Round Valley Elks secured the Arizona 3A state football championship with a 13, 10 victory over Benjamin Franklin at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on December 1. The game turned on a momentum changing special teams play with 1:41 remaining in the third quarter when freshman Jaxon Crick blocked a punt, recovered it and returned it for what proved to be the decisive touchdown. The low scoring final reflected a defensive struggle that featured timely stops and physical play from both teams.
Senior linebacker Trenyn Trickey was named Defensive Most Valuable Player after making key stops late in the contest that helped preserve the narrow lead. Senior Jeffery Cochran earned Offensive and Overall MVP honors for his leadership and physical play across the game. Head coach Brad Baca highlighted the players long term bond and work ethic as central to the program reaching this milestone. This championship is Round Valley High Schools first state title since 2019 and the programs eighth overall, adding to a tradition of competitive football in Eagar and across Apache County.
The local impact will be immediate and concrete. For students and families in Eagar the title provides a rallying point and a boost to school pride at a time when extracurricular engagement is a key driver of student retention and community cohesion. For younger athletes in the area a freshman making a game deciding play underscores the depth of the program and may increase youth participation and interest in football programs. For school and county officials the outcome may prompt renewed attention to athletic facilities, coaching support and budget priorities as community leaders weigh investments that support student activities alongside academic needs.
Beyond the scoreboard the championship underscores how local sports can shape civic life in a rural county. Celebrations and recognition of the players and coaches will follow, and the victory will influence conversations about youth development, school resource allocation and opportunities for student athletes seeking exposure and advancement. The Elks title brings a tangible sense of accomplishment to Eagar while raising practical questions for leaders tasked with sustaining competitive and safe programs for the future.
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