Football Game Preview: Cholla Chargers vs. Rio Rico Hawks

The Cholla Chargers will square off against the Rio Rico Hawks at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Cholla will be strutting in after a victory while Rio Rico will be coming in after a loss.

Cholla lost a heartbreaker the last time they played Rincon/University, but it's fair to say they got their revenge given the result of Friday's contest. The Chargers took their matchup on Friday with ease, bagging a 36-0 win over the Rangers. The Chargers' offense stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most points they've scored all season.

Damian Estrella

Passing Touchdowns

10/17/25 @ Rincon/University	2
08/29/25 @ Yuma	0
10/25/24 @ Empire	1
09/27/24 @ Amphitheater	3

Damian Estrella was nothing short of spectacular: he rushed for 83 yards and two TDs on only ten carries, and also threw for 177 yards and a pair of touchdowns on only 15 passes. What's more, he posted two passing touchdowns, the most he's had since back in September of 2024. A healthy portion of Estrella's aerial production (121 yards to be exact) went to Emilio Desantis.

Another reason for the win was Cholla's imposing defense, which managed to get into the backfield for nine sacks. Isaac Gonzalez was especially locked on to Rincon/University's QB and sacked him 4.5 times. Gonzalez also made eight total tackles, which is notable because Cholla is 2-1 when he posts at least four total tackles, but 2-3 otherwise. The Chargers got some further help from Emilio Robledo: he picked up 1.5 sacks, made six total tackles, and defended one pass.

Meanwhile, Rio Rico was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their fourth straight defeat. They were beaten by Pueblo 36-0. While getting shut out isn't ideal, the Hawks haven't been shut out since back in August.

Rio Rico's loss dropped their record down to 1-7. As for Cholla, their victory was their first in the region, bumping their region record up to 1-2 and their overall record up to 4-4.

Cholla suffered a grim 34-14 defeat to Rio Rico in their previous meeting back in November of 2024. Can the Chargers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.