Glory's last shot for Yuma, Kofa

There's not as much on the line in this year's Kofa-Yuma High clash.
 Both teams are a long shot to win the 5A Gila Valley Region, whereas last year's winner virtually clinched the crown.
 But it's Yuma-Kofa and, for the second year in a row, a historic milestone is in play as added inspiration.
 The Kings are celebrating their 50th anniversary this weekend, with the game the centerpiece of a weekend celebration that also includes a reunion dinner and a golf tournament. Last year, the game was the centerpiece of the Criminals' 100-year anniversary. Kofa went to Doan Field and took a 20-10 win on Halloween, putting them in the driver's seat for a 5A Gila Valley Region total.
 A year later, the Criminals haven't forgotten.
 "Since Oct. 31 I've been looking forward to playing this game," said Yuma High running back JC Baker, who leads the Criminals in rushing and touchdowns. "It's going to make our season. It's going to prove to everyone in the city that Yuma High can still play football, so hopefully we get a win on Friday."
 And the Kings are prepared for a highly motivated Criminal squad hungry for revenge.
 "They're probably going to shoot for it, but it's probably not going to happen," said Kofa running back Timmy Lee, who after being plagued by injuries early in the year has rushed for 415 yards the past two weeks. "I'm not worried about it."
 Cibola, already with wins over Kofa (3-5 overall, 2-1 region) and Yuma (5-4, 3-1), needs one win in its final two games to clinch the region. The Raiders play San Luis and Gila Ridge who have combined for two wins this year - both by Gila Ridge against San Luis.
 Even with the region an extreme long shot for the winner, Yuma High coach Tom Fox said there's still plenty of other reasons that the game is a big one.
 "You don't need anything else for this game to get you going," Fox said. "The guys are pretty pumped up, it's what they kind of live for. Sometimes rivalries like this detract from winning region. I mean they want to win region, it's always a goal, but they want to play Kofa. That's what they want, they want to play and they want to beat Kofa."
 Kofa has won the past two meetings and six of nine this decade, but Yuma High leads the all-time series 25-23.
 Kings coach Kevin Moore said he expects the Criminals to provide a challenge for his club.
 "Any time these two schools play in anything, it's always a big deal," Moore said. "Obviously last year had an added importance for them. We wanted to go over there and have some success, and I'm sure they're looking at it the same way. It's a great opportunity to come over and get some revenge against us. We know they've been gunning for us since what happened last year, and our kids have had it in the back of their minds that they're going to be coming after us and we've got to be ready for their best shot."
 Moore said making clean tackles will be important against the speedy Criminals. Fox said his Criminals need better execution.
 "We had a good week of practice, and they know, especially the seniors, that it's their last chance to beat Kofa," Fox said. "We just have to play a little bit more disciplined."
 Baker has rushed for 816 yards on 81 carries with 11 touchdowns, while half-brother Travon Clark has 653 yards and seven scores. Lucky Castaneda has anchored the Kofa offense in the absence of Lee, passing for 1,105 yards and rushing for 566 more.
 But the gaudy stats from both the Yuma High and Kofa stars didn't result in the success it did last year, as this year's version of the rivalry game is essentially for second place.
 "Yuma-Kofa is still going to be the biggest game of the season," Baker said. "Everybody looks forward to this game whether it's for the region title or not."
 Last year, the pressure of the centennial celebration may have gotten to the Criminals. Moore said he has tried to keep the pressure off the Kings.
 "I think these guys look at it as a chance to line up and play football," Moore said. "It's always the biggest game of the year for us, Kofa versus Yuma, and it's all part of it too. It's the last home game for these seniors, the last time they get to run through the castle and experience all the Harleys and that stuff. I think we're looking at it like a situation to go have some fun."