Tanque Verde Dominates Willcox 42–14 to Secure the Title
The Tanque Verde Hawks continue their historic rise, capturing their first-ever regional championship with a decisive 42–14 victory over the Willcox Cowboys in the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) 2A South Crossover Championship.
The win marks six straight victories for the Hawks, who have outscored their opponents by an average of more than 50 points per game during the streak. It’s also the largest margin of victory against Willcox since 2015 — a powerful statement from a program that has steadily climbed the ranks in recent seasons.
Leading the charge was senior quarterback Rocco Haggard, who threw for 180 yards and a touchdown on just 11 passes. Haggard also proved unstoppable on defense, making two tackles, defending three passes, and intercepting two more. His two-way performance set the tone for the night and earned him recognition as one of Southern Arizona’s standout athletes.
Senior receiver Aiden Cooper hauled in 93 yards and a touchdown, while newcomer Cooper Payne—a transfer from Desert Christian—made a major impact with 105 rushing yards and two touchdowns, including a 57-yard breakaway score. In all, four different Hawks found the end zone, showing the depth and balance of Tanque Verde’s offense.
Defensively, the Hawks were relentless, forcing multiple turnovers and stifling Willcox’s momentum. The win snapped the Cowboys’ seven-game winning streak and flipped the script from recent years, when Willcox had edged Tanque Verde in back-to-back regional title games in 2022 and 2023.
With this victory, the Hawks improve to 8–2 overall, while clinching a regional title that cements their place among the state’s elite 2A programs.
A Program Built on Growth, Grit, and Community
Under third-year head coach Jeff Bollnow, Tanque Verde’s football program has undergone a remarkable transformation. Bollnow credited the program’s success to the strength of its community, families, and players’ commitment, saying that “everything was here — it just needed to grow.”
And grow it has. From just a handful of players and no junior varsity team a few years ago, the Hawks now field a deep and competitive roster, thriving in one of Arizona’s most challenging 2A regions. The 2025 season stands as a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the unified culture that has developed around Tanque Verde football.
The regional title also secured the Hawks an automatic berth in the state playoffs, where they’ll look to continue their winning streak and make history once again.
Playoff Football Returns to Tanque Verde — Friday Night Under the Lights on October 31st
The next chapter begins this Friday night, October 31st, when the Hawks host Tonopah Valley High School in the first round of the 2A State Playoffs. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. at Tanque Verde High School.
The visiting Tonopah Valley Phoenix (4–6) come into the matchup with a high-powered offense, having scored 31 or more points in each of their last five games. The Hawks, meanwhile, are carrying momentum, confidence, and a home-field advantage built on weeks of dominant play.
Fans are encouraged to fill the stands and make this a true “Hawk Night” to remember as Tanque Verde plays its first-ever home playoff game as regional champions.
🎟️ Tickets are on sale now through GoFan: Purchase Tickets Here
Come show your Hawk pride, make some noise, and support the team as they take the next step in their historic season!