Special Teams and defense come up big as Round Valley holds off undefeated #1 Ben Franklin in 3A title game

The Round Valley Elks earned the right to call themselves state champions for the first time since 2019.

The Elks defeated the #1 undefeated Benjamin Franklin Chargers 13-10 in the 2025 3A state championship. 

Benjamin Franklin has been a high-powered offense all season, and it looked like they were about to have another dominant showing after their first drive. 

The Chargers started the game off with the ball and marched right down the field to score. 

They used a heavy dose of the ground game and air attack to get down the field. 

Benjamin Franklin was able to get in the end zone as their junior quarterback Gavin Wyler connected with senior wide receiver Talan Speir for a 3-yard touchdown to give their team an early lead.

The Elks had a slow start to the game; however, they were able to score for the first time in the game in the second quarter. 

Round Valley got down the field with their rushing attack as their junior quarterback Kage Finch and senior fullback Jeffery Cochran had multiple big plays. 

Getting in the endzone, though, was freshman athlete Jaxon Crick running for a 1-yard touchdown. 

The PAT ended up being no good for the Elks. 

Both defense wouldn’t let up as both sides continued to struggle to find any rhythm on offense. 

The Chargers, though, added to their lead before halftime. 

Benjamin Franklin was able to get in field goal range to allow junior kicker Nate Stineman to make a 38-yard field goal. 

At halftime, Benjamin Franklin led 10-6 over Round Valley. 

Even though they trailed, Round Valley head coach Brad Baca knew since spring that he had the best team in 3A this season.

“We told them during spring football we were the best team in 3A,” Baca said. “I believed that from day one. I think they believed it from day one.”

That belief would hold true as Round Valley came back to win the game in the second half.

The Chargers, in the third quarter though still posed challenges to the Elks.

Junior defensive back Ayden Stebnicki Snower was able to snag two interceptions for his team in the third quarter. 

Round Valley's defense kept coming through, though, as the Chargers could not turn the interceptions into any points. 

Then, late in the third quarter, the turning point of the game happened for Round Valley. 

The Chargers attempted to punt the ball away, but that was when Crick was able to block the punt and score a touchdown to give Round Valley their first lead of the contest. 

Crick mentioned that he really just goes out there and does whatever his team needs him to do.

“There is not really anything in my mind besides I got to get it,” Crick said. “I've got to stop them.”

In the fourth quarter, Benjamin Franklin had multiple opportunities to either tie the game up or take back the lead, but the Elks' defense kept being relentless. 

The Chargers then got the ball one last time to score.

They moved the ball down the field fast and even looked like they might have scored a touchdown.

That was until Crick got a huge sack and forced the Chargers to attempt a field goal. 

Benjmanin Franklin lined up for the 35-yard field goal, but it ended up being no good and officially made Round Valley the 2025 3A state champions. 

The Elks never gave up, even when adversity was knocking at the front door.

“They play nonstop with heart,” Baca said. “They don't give up, they don't quit. That’s why they’re successful.”

A lot of people doubted the Elks coming into the game, but they always had the belief in themselves. 

“To be honest, everybody doubted us,” Cochran said. “We came prepared and did what we were expected to do.”