Gila River Hawks football is one of Arizona’s most exciting junior college programs — three-time HJCAC champions with a growing national reputation. Whether you’re a fan, recruit, or researcher, this is your complete resource.
QUICK FACTS — GILA RIVER HAWKS
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gila River Hawks Football |
| Nickname | #BirdGang / The Hawks |
| Level | Junior College (JUCO) |
| Conference | HJCAC (Hohokam Junior College Athletic Conference) |
| Location | Gilbert, Arizona |
| Home Field | Campo Verde High School, Gilbert AZ |
| Head Coach | Larry Cain |
| Championships | 2019, 2020, 2022 HJCAC Champions |
| Website | gilariverhawks.com |
| Social | @GilaRiverHawks (X / Twitter) |
1. WHAT IS GILA RIVER HAWKS FOOTBALL?
Gila River Hawks football is a competitive junior college (JUCO) football program based in Arizona. The team competes in the Hohokam Junior College Athletic Conference (HJCAC) — a non-profit conference created specifically to restore football opportunities for student-athletes in Arizona after all community college football programs in the state were shut down in 2018.
The program operates at the JUCO level, meaning it serves as a crucial stepping stone for players who want to develop their skills, improve their academics, and ultimately earn roster spots at four-year NCAA Division I, II, III, or NAIA universities. The Hawks have built a strong reputation for developing talent and sending players to the next level.
Known by their fan community as #BirdGang, the Gila River Hawks play with a physical, disciplined style of football and have one of the most accomplished records in the HJCAC, having won the conference championship in 2019, 2020, and 2022.
In a Nutshell: The Gila River Hawks are Arizona’s premier JUCO football program — three-time HJCAC Champions and a proven pathway for athletes to advance to NCAA/NAIA four-year programs.
2. HISTORY OF GILA RIVER HAWKS FOOTBALL
The story of the Gila River Hawks begins with a crisis in Arizona football. In February 2018, the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) voted to eliminate football at four community colleges. This decision triggered a cascade — Pima Community College, Arizona Western College, and Eastern Arizona College all followed, leaving the entire state without community college football and removing over 750 student-athlete opportunities annually.
Recognizing the enormous impact this would have on young athletes, a group of dedicated coaches and supporters formed the Athletic Advancement Association of America (AAAA), a non-profit organization, and created the Hohokam Junior College Athletic Conference in 2019. The HJCAC was named to honor the Hohokam people — the name roughly translates to “those who came before” — a tribute to Arizona’s Native American heritage and the coaches who had long fought for player opportunities.
The Gila River Hawks were one of the founding five teams when the HJCAC launched its inaugural season in fall 2019. The team wasted no time establishing dominance, winning back-to-back HJCAC Championships in 2019 and 2020, and adding a third title in 2022.
Championship Timeline
- 2019 HJCAC Champions
- 2020 HJCAC Champions
- 2022 HJCAC Champions
The back-to-back 2019–2020 championships were particularly remarkable, with the program finishing ranked #18 nationally among junior college football programs. The team earned the nickname “B2B Champions” — a distinction that few JUCO programs ever achieve.
The Hawks also made headlines off the field when linebacker Jeremy Mercier signed with the University of Utah Utes, demonstrating the program’s ability to develop players who earn scholarships at Power Five programs.
3. TEAM STRUCTURE & ORGANIZATION
Head Coach: Larry Cain
The Gila River Hawks football program operates under the leadership of Head Coach Larry Cain. Coach Cain brings extensive experience and a genuine passion for developing student-athletes both on and off the field. His coaching philosophy emphasizes three pillars: discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Under his leadership, the Hawks have cultivated a winning culture that prioritizes player growth, academic eligibility, and progression to the next level.
Full Coaching Staff
The Hawks carry a full-complement coaching staff with position-specific coaches covering every area of the game:
| Role | Coach | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Head Coach / OC / QBs | Dante Moses | Offense playcalling & QB development |
| Offensive Line | Robert Ortiz | O-Line technique & run blocking |
| Wide Receivers | Scott Hutchinson | Route running & pass catching |
| Running Backs | Aaron Wilkins | Ball-carrying & pass protection |
| DC / Defensive Line | Dante Moses | Defensive scheme & D-Line |
| Linebackers | Zach Cooper | LB fundamentals & coverage |
| Defensive Backs | James McKinley | Secondary coverage & ball skills |
| Special Teams | Edmund Tarleton | Kicking, punting & return game |
| Program Operations | Mike Denney | Logistics, operations & admin |
Training & Development Philosophy
The Hawks’ coaching approach covers four core areas:
- Skill Development — Position-specific training, strength & conditioning, and weekly film study
- Academic Success — Ensuring players remain eligible and are prepared for four-year college applications
- Recruiting Exposure — Active connections with NCAA D1, D2, D3, and NAIA programs
- Team Culture — Accountability, discipline, and a winning mentality that translates beyond football
4. GILA RIVER HAWKS ROSTER (2026)
The Gila River Hawks carry a full JUCO roster with players from across Arizona and beyond. The program recruits heavily from the Arizona high school football pipeline, as well as accepting transfers from other JUCO and four-year programs. Head Coach Larry Cain oversees player acquisition in coordination with position coaches.
2026 Recruitment Now Open
The Gila River Hawks are actively recruiting for the 2026 season. Prospects can complete their questionnaire at gilariverhawks.com and submit highlight film to the coaching staff. The program announced in September 2025: “2026 recruits — our season starts now.”
Key Roster Positions Being Recruited (2026)
| Position Group | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Quarterback (QB) | Actively Recruiting | Signal callers with speed & football IQ |
| Wide Receiver (WR) | Open Spots Available | Speed and route-running ability prioritized |
| Defensive Line (DL) | Spots Available | Pass rushers and run-stoppers needed |
| Defensive Backs (DB) | Open Spots Available | Coverage corners and safeties sought |
| Linebacker (LB) | Spots Available | Athletic, instinctive players preferred |
| Offensive Line (OL) | Actively Recruiting | Size, footwork, and technique key |
5. SCHEDULE & RESULTS
The Gila River Hawks play in the HJCAC, competing against fellow Arizona JUCO programs. Conference games are broadcast on the Varsity Sports Show on NBC Sports Radio AM 1060, providing regional radio coverage for fans unable to attend in person. Games are also streamed via their YouTube channel and Hudl platform.
Conference Opponents (HJCAC)
| Team | Nickname | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Maricopa Mustangs | Mustangs | Maricopa, AZ |
| Salt River Scorpions | Scorpions | Salt River, AZ |
| Papago Pumas | Pumas | Phoenix, AZ |
| Sonoran Sidewinders | Sidewinders | Arizona |
Where to Watch Games
- Radio: NBC Sports Radio AM 1060 — Varsity Sports Show (gameday coverage + weekly coach interviews)
- YouTube: Gila River Hawks YouTube channel (highlights & inside access)
- Hudl: fan.hudl.com — livestreams and game highlights
- Social: @GilaRiverHawks on X (Twitter) for live updates
6. LEAGUE & CONFERENCE DETAILS
The Hohokam Junior College Athletic Conference (HJCAC) is the governing body for Gila River Hawks football. Founded in 2019 by the Athletic Advancement Association of America (AAAA), the HJCAC was created with a specific mission: to restore football opportunities for student-athletes in Arizona after the collapse of state-sponsored community college football programs.
HJCAC Mission & Purpose
The HJCAC does not exist solely to provide an opportunity to play football. Its deeper mission is to ensure access to education in a competitive athletic environment. The conference works with HJCAC-approved community colleges to offer degree programs, allowing student-athletes to pursue academic credentials while competing. The ultimate goal: help players earn spots at four-year universities across the country.
| Conference Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Conference Name | Hohokam Junior College Athletic Conference (HJCAC) |
| Founded | 2019 |
| Parent Organization | Athletic Advancement Association of America (AAAA) |
| Number of Teams | 5 founding teams (expansion planned) |
| Broadcast Partner | Varsity Sports Show, NBC Sports Radio AM 1060 |
| State | Arizona |
| Transfer Pathway | NCAA D1, D2, D3 & NAIA programs |
The name “Hohokam” is a tribute to the state of Arizona and the large Native American communities within its borders — a meaningful recognition of cultural heritage built into the conference’s identity.
7. HOME STADIUM & FACILITIES
The Gila River Hawks play their home games at Campo Verde High School in Gilbert, Arizona — a modern facility well-suited for competitive JUCO football. Gilbert is located in the East Valley of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, known for its strong football culture and warm climate, which enables year-round training.
Home Facility Address: Campo Verde High School — 3870 S Quartz St, Gilbert, AZ 85297
Training & Practice Infrastructure
The Hawks’ player development infrastructure includes:
- Game & Practice Fields — Quality facilities for both game days and daily training
- Strength & Conditioning Center — Modern weightlifting and fitness equipment
- Film Study & Game Analysis — A dedicated system for breaking down plays and improving performance
- Athletic Training & Medical Staff — Injury prevention and recovery resources
- Academic Support Services — Tutoring, study halls, and guidance on transfer applications
Arizona’s warm climate is a genuine competitive advantage — the Hawks can train outdoors almost year-round, giving players significantly more practice time than programs in colder climates.
8. HOW TO JOIN GILA RIVER HAWKS FOOTBALL TEAM
The Gila River Hawks are always looking for motivated, coachable student-athletes who are serious about taking their game to the next level. Joining the team involves a straightforward recruitment process, though eligibility requirements must be met.
Step-by-Step Process
- Complete the Recruit Questionnaire — Visit gilariverhawks.com and fill out the official recruit questionnaire. This is the first step in getting on the coaching staff’s radar.
- Submit Your Highlight Film — Send your highlight reel to the appropriate position coach. Film is the most important recruiting tool at the JUCO level — make sure it showcases your best plays and athletic ability.
- Academic Eligibility Check — The program requires student-athletes to maintain academic eligibility. Coaches will review your academic status and help identify HJCAC-approved community college programs where you can earn credits.
- Contact the Coaching Staff — Reach out directly via email to the relevant position coach (contact info available at hjcac.com/hawks.html). Being proactive and persistent shows character.
- Attend a Tryout / Practice — Qualified prospects are invited to practice with the team and show what they can do. The coaching staff evaluates athleticism, football IQ, coachability, and work ethic.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a student enrolled (or willing to enroll) at an HJCAC-approved community college
- Must maintain academic eligibility per HJCAC standards
- High school diploma or GED required
- Commitment to attending classes, study halls, and team meetings — not just practices
- Players at all experience levels considered: high school seniors, transfer players, and athletes returning to football
Pro Tip for Recruits: The Hawks coaching staff values attitude and coachability over raw measurables alone. Show up early, work hard, communicate professionally, and demonstrate that you’re serious about both football AND your education.
9. RECENT PERFORMANCE (2025–2026)
The Gila River Hawks enter the 2025–2026 cycle with a strong foundation built on championship pedigree and a renewed recruiting push. In September 2025, the program officially announced its 2026 recruiting class is open, signaling active preparation for the upcoming season.
Program Highlights (All-Time)
| Season | Result | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | HJCAC Champions | Inaugural season championship |
| 2020 | HJCAC Champions | Back-to-back titles; #18 nationally |
| 2020 | National Recognition | Ranked #18 in national JUCO standings |
| 2020 | 49 Scholarships | 49 scholarship opportunities generated for players |
| 2021 | Competitive Season | Remained undefeated at points in season |
| 2022 | HJCAC Champions | Third HJCAC title — dominant conference record |
Player Advancement Success
One of the clearest metrics of a JUCO program’s quality is how many players it sends to four-year schools. The Hawks have an impressive track record:
- Jeremy Mercier — signed as a redshirt sophomore linebacker with the University of Utah Utes (Power Five / Pac-12)
- Multiple players have transferred to NCAA D1, D2, D3, and NAIA programs across multiple seasons
- 49+ scholarship opportunities generated through the 2019–2020 championship seasons alone
10. FUTURE OUTLOOK & EXPECTATIONS
The future looks bright for Gila River Hawks football. The program has proven itself as one of the most successful teams in HJCAC history, and with the 2026 recruiting cycle now open and a strong coaching staff in place, the Hawks are clearly building toward another championship contention.
Key Growth Factors
- Active 2026 Recruitment — The team is aggressively targeting skilled prospects at speed positions and on defense for the 2026 season
- Arizona Football Culture — The state’s warm climate and deep high school football tradition provides a strong local talent pipeline year-round
- HJCAC Expansion — The conference has stated goals of expanding beyond its current five teams, which will increase competition and visibility
- YouTube & Social Growth — The team’s investment in media content (YouTube highlights, inside access) is expanding their national recruiting footprint
- Coaching Stability — Head Coach Larry Cain’s continuity provides a consistent development system for incoming players
- National Rankings — A return to national top-25 rankings is a realistic goal given the program’s history
Bottom Line: The Gila River Hawks are not just building a football team — they’re building a pipeline to four-year programs. For recruits, this is one of the best opportunities in Arizona to develop, compete, and advance your career.
11. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here are the most commonly asked questions about the Gila River Hawks football team:
Q: What is Gila River Hawks football team?
A: The Gila River Hawks are a competitive junior college (JUCO) football program based in Arizona, competing in the Hohokam Junior College Athletic Conference (HJCAC). Founded in 2019 alongside the HJCAC’s launch, the Hawks have won three conference championships (2019, 2020, 2022) and have established themselves as one of Arizona’s top JUCO football programs. The team provides student-athletes a pathway to four-year NCAA or NAIA programs.
Q: Where is Gila River Hawks located?
A: The Gila River Hawks are based in Arizona. Their home facility is at Campo Verde High School, 3870 S Quartz St, Gilbert, AZ 85297. Gilbert is located in the East Valley of the Phoenix metro area. The warm Arizona climate allows the team to train and practice outdoors nearly year-round.
Q: How can I join Gila River Hawks football team?
A: To join the Gila River Hawks, start by completing the recruit questionnaire at gilariverhawks.com and submitting your highlight film to the coaching staff. You must be enrolled (or willing to enroll) at an HJCAC-approved community college and meet academic eligibility requirements. The coaching staff evaluates athletic ability, football IQ, coachability, and academic commitment.
Q: What league do Gila River Hawks play in?
A: The Gila River Hawks compete in the Hohokam Junior College Athletic Conference (HJCAC), a conference created in 2019 under the non-profit Athletic Advancement Association of America (AAAA). The HJCAC was established to restore community college football in Arizona after state programs were eliminated. Games are broadcast on the Varsity Sports Show on NBC Sports Radio AM 1060.
Q: Is Gila River Hawks a college football team?
A: Yes. The Gila River Hawks are a junior college (JUCO) football team, which is a form of college football. JUCO programs serve student-athletes who need more development time before moving to NCAA Division I, II, III, or NAIA programs. The Hawks are one of the most successful JUCO programs in Arizona history, having won three HJCAC championships and helped numerous players advance to four-year universities.
READY TO FOLLOW OR JOIN THE HAWKS?
Whether you’re a fan tracking the season, a recruit looking for your next opportunity, or a parent researching the program — the Gila River Hawks offer something special.
View 2026 Roster | See Schedule | Join the Team
About the Author
