Canyon del Oro wins 4A state title behind stellar run game

Video by Eliav Gabay

Canyon del Oro is the AIA 4A State champion, beating Yuma Catholic 35-27.

The Dorados are the second team to win a title for Tucson this year.

The ground game got the job done early and often led by senior running back Kayden Luke. 

“This is special,” Luke said. “We’ve played together for a decade at this point and this is a special team. We’re glad to represent our city this way.”

At one point in the 4th quarter, the Dorados led 35-14, before allowing Yuma Catholic to climb back into the game. Head coach Dustin Peace knew it wouldn’t be easy to bring this school its first 4A ring.

“I nearly had a heart attack seeing them come back,” Peace joked. “But our guys got the job done and I couldn’t be more proud.”

Sa’Kylee Woodard led a talented offensive line all year long, proving they’re one of the state’s best groups on Friday night.

“30 did his job being an animal all\ game long, all season long,” Woodard said. “We are a line that loves to go out there and hit people hard.”

Woodard told us that formal is tomorrow so it’ll be a light celebration tonight before getting dressed up for a great dance tomorrow night.