The game to decide who claims the Seney-Lohman Trophy is one of the more historic football rivalries in Arizona high school football.

The rivalry is between the Willcox High Cowboys and the Benson High Bobcats. It was only natural that this would be a rivalry, as the two schools are only 35 minutes apart from each other. Since 1961, these two small-town 2A schools have battled for the right to hoist the trophy. The rivalry is one of the most evenly matched in the state, with a record standing at 33-30-2. Willcox holds the edge with 33 all-time wins, but up until 2021, Benson had dominated the Cowboys for 10 straight years.

Willcox finally snapped that losing streak in 2022 when a star-studded lineup, led by Ayden Fuentes and Cristian Pando, among others, dominated the Bobcats at home with a 56-25 victory. The win was particularly impressive as it came during the one year when Benson competed in the 3A conference. Willcox followed  up that win in 2023 with a commanding 35-0 shutout.

Both teams appear to be at a low point currently, with Willcox finishing 6-4 last season, narrowly making the playoffs before a first-round exit. While Benson, missed the playoffs entirely, ending their season at 4-6. Both teams are under new management this season, with Coach Eric Hjalmarson leaving Willcox following the 2023 season. Benson’s coaching situation is a bit more challenging, as the Bobcats are now on their third head coach in three years.

The Matchup:

This feels like the most evenly matched the rivalry has been in a long time, with either team having a legitimate shot at winning. Benson has a slight advantage, as the game will be played at home. However, Willcox seems to be the overall favorite for this year’s matchup. While it remains to be seen how effective the Cowboys will be under new Head Coach Jetson Lotts, the roster seems to have rebounded despite the loss of several key seniors last year. The Cowboys have size and skill on the offensive line, backed by three talented players in the backfield. If Benson hopes to slow Willcox down, they will need to shut down the run game entirely, as Willcox’s passing game has a question mark with heading into the season with junior Joseph Sanchez taking over as quarterback. Additionally, Willcox lost their top receiver in yards per game, Alec Fuentes, to graduation.

This will definitely be an exciting matchup to watch, and both teams should embrace how close this game could be. It could be a highlight of the season for either team. Will Willcox win three in a row and extend their lead? Will Benson return to their winning ways over Willcox, as they had before 2022? We’ll just have to wait and see when game time comes on October 25th.