Tanque Verde senior running back/linebacker Cooper Payne scored on a 1-yard touchdown run, blocked a punt, produced a sack, and scored on a 98-yard return after stripping the ball away — all in the first quarter — in the No. 9 Hawks’ historic 28-23 win at No. 1 Phoenix Veritas Prep.
Tanque Verde (11-2) advances to the 2A state semifinals for the first time in program history with the victory, the Hawks’ ninth straight win since Sept. 12.
The Hawks will play No. 4 St. Johns (11-2) at Tempe McClintock High School next Saturday at 6 p.m.
Tanque Verde, led by third-year coach Jeff Bollnow, held back a late rally by Veritas Prep following its 14-3 lead at halftime led by Payne’s two scores.
The Hawks have won three postseason games for the first time since the program started in 2007.
They won a first round game in 2023, Bollnow’s first season, but lost in the quarterfinal round at Arizona Lutheran 22-21 in overtime.
No. 6 Willcox (10-2) plays in the other semifinal next Saturday against No. 2 Scottsdale Christian (11-1) at ALA-Mesa North at 6 p.m.
The Cowboys defeated No. 14 Benson 26-6 at home on Friday night.
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