On Nov. 29, 2024, No. 4-seeded Mica Mountain came to Yuma for the first time in the young school’s history to face off with the area’s most storied program, Yuma Catholic. Powered by a strong performance from star senior tight end/defensive end and UTEP commit Jimmy Leon, the Thunderbolts beat the Shamrocks by 10 and advanced to their first-ever 4A state championship game, which they would win 42-13.

Almost exactly a year later to the day, Mica Mountain, now a No. 7 seed, returns to Yuma for another 4A semifinal.

However, this time they aren’t playing Yuma’s blueblood. They’re facing Yuma County’s upstart.

Riding an incredible 11-1 season, No. 6 Gila Ridge is set to host No. 7 Mica Mountain on Friday at Veterans Memorial Stadium in just its second-ever state semifinal appearance after t

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