Jodicee Arianna is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Campo Verde High School for AZpreps365.com.

The Campo Verde Coyotes face the Canyon View Jaguars in Waddell, Arizona, on November 20 at 6 p.m. in a semifinal matchup. It will be the second time the Jaguars and the Coyotes face off.

The Coyotes played the Jaguars on November 7 and lost 28-17.

Canyon View is 13-1 overall. 

In their last meeting, Campo Verde played strong even in their defeat. Quarterback Isabella Pap was 11 for 24 through the air, getting 248 yards with two touchdowns. Freshman wide receiver Ella Mutters had four receptions for 134 yards and two touchdowns.

Defensively, Rhiana Gurnani had nine tackles, and freshman linebacker Kayla Dayton had six tackles. Junior linebacker Myla Robertson and senior linebacker Brennan Reid each had five tackles.

Maddie Coger offensively had six receptions for 101 yards with seven tackles and an interception on the defensive side.

For the seniors, they know what’s at stake.

“Her [Maddie Coger] and all the seniors, we are telling them every time they step on the field right now this could be your last time,” said head coach Brian Coger. “Go out and do everything you can.”

The seniors know the experience of becoming state champions. Last year, they were a part of a team that made history in Arizona, becoming the first 5A flag football state champion.

“It would be amazing to win my senior year,” said Coger. “I know our seniors last year were happy they won their senior year, and I want to feel that also. I think all the other seniors can vouch for that also.”

Practice is important for the Coyotes to win this game and move forward to the championship game. Watching game films to analyze a game plan and continuing with the same energy can make the second meeting with the Jaguars end differently.

“We want to clean up the mistakes we had last game,” said coach Brian Coger. “We know what is on the line, which is a chance of going back to state so we can defend our title, and Canyon View is definitely going to want to knock us out.”

How did they get here?

The Campo Verde Coyotes defeated the Arizona College Prep Knights 31-0 over the weekend to claim their place in the 5A flag football semifinals.

Campo Verde is 14-5 overall. Arizona College Prep finished the season at 9-6.

The win against Arizona College Prep was a team effort. The Coyotes held the Knights to three first downs and 96 total yards and forced four touchdowns.

“We had already faced Arizona College Prep twice since they are our region opponent,” said coach Coger. “We had to take this as a fresh start because this is playoffs.”

The Knights had no answer to the Coyotes’ dynamic defense. Junior Katie McCann led the team with eight tackles.

Senior running back/defensive back/wide receiver Rhiana Gurnani continues her strong season. She had five tackles to hold the Knights off. Junior linebacker Serena DeRosa also had five tackles.

Junior Isabella Pap, the Coyotes’ starting quarterback and captain, was electric on the field and assisted in the shutout Saturday afternoon while battling a shoulder injury.

“Coming off the injury I had in Canyon View, confidence is big, but staying confident and staying high on myself really helped me transform from regular season to playoffs,” said Pap. “All you can have is confidence.”

Pap completed 22 of 33 passes for 235 yards and four touchdowns. She threw a pass to freshman wide receiver Oakley Dobratz–Blevins that wowed Coyotes fans and announcers.

Dobratz-Blevins had four catches for 30 yards with a touchdown to continue her impressive freshman season. Freshman wide receiver and linebacker Amaya Hernandez had four catches for 30 yards and scored a touchdown.

The rushing game held strong. Senior captain and running back Rhiana Gurnani accounted for five carries for 39 yards.

Senior kicker Veronika Hutchings continued to aid her team with her precise kicking. She was four for four on point-after touchdowns and was one for one on field goal attempts.

The Campo Verde Coyotes’ ability to read the ball on defense was unmatched. They had five interceptions.

Freshman safety Ella Mutters and freshman Kayla Dayton each had an interception.

Senior captain Coger continued to show her dominance on the field. She led the team offensively and defensively. She had 12 catches for 112 yards with two touchdowns. Defensively, she had three interceptions.

While leaving the field in the fourth quarter, she received a standing ovation from the Campo Verde fans.

“Everyone supporting flag football so fast is great. Not even just for me, specifically, but in general,” said Coger. “People being able to get applause in a sport that’s growing, I think is amazing.”