Queen Creek Unified School District’s Eastmark High School football team is celebrating its first state championship title in the 3A High School Division.

The Firebirds played against Thatcher High School at Desert Vista High School in Phoenix on Saturday, Nov. 26. The final score was 42-21.

Head Coach Scooter Molander reflected on the challenges they had to face when preparing for the championship game.

“They are a well-coached team,” stated Molander in a press release. “We knew that if we played our game, we’d have a good chance to win.” 

He also shared his hope that this win would be an inspiration for future Eastmark High School teams.

“We’re the first team to (win a championship) here, and that means anyone can do it,” Molander stated. “I am super happy to see other programs winning and building and supporting each other.” 

Middle linebacker and senior Kaden Armstrong said he sees the win as an expectation for all sports and programs at Eastmark High.

“We are the first team to go all the way to not only be in the state championship but to also win it,” Armstrong stated in the release.

Although Eastmark is in the Queen Creek Unified School District, the school is located at 9560 E. Ray Road in Mesa.