Campo Verde quarterback Amaya Moreno knew what receiver Jaiyana Bogan-Jacobs could do long before the rest of the flag football world started paying attention.
"A lot of people are just finding out now, but she's been doing this," Moreno said. "The one-handers and the flashy grabs, she does it all the time."
Bogan-Jacobs has the ability to turn a play into something unforgettable – Moreno sees it all at practice. But at the Fiesta Bowl Copper State Invitational, the duo and the rest of their teammates had a chance to show Arizona just how special their team really is.
The Campo Verde Coyotes went undefeated over two days of competition at Arizona State University's Dorsey Fields in Tempe, beating some of Arizona's top high school girls flag football programs along the way. Campo finished the tournament with a 42-12 win over Salpointe Catholic in the championship game on Saturday, Oct. 17.
Moreno and Bogan-Jacobs played a big part in earning the Coyotes the championship. Moreno led the offense at quarterback, while Bogan-Jacobs made plays at wide receiver and defensive back, collecting tournament MVP honors. Over the course of the two-day tournament, Bogan-Jacobs hauled in 31 receptions from Moreno for 482 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Being named MVP wasn't the only thing Bogan-Jacobs had to be excited about during the weekend. She celebrated her birthday on Saturday, finishing the day off with an incredible tournament performance and a trophy alongside her teammates.
"Being the MVP means a lot, but winning the championship with my team means even more," Bogan-Jacobs said.
Moreno was not surprised to see Bogan-Jacobs earn that recognition.
"Jaiyana is amazing," Moreno said. "I knew from the start she was something special the moment she came out to practice."
The connection between Bogan-Jacobs and Moreno has become one of Campo Verde's biggest strengths, but Moreno credits the team's success to more than just the chemistry between a quarterback and her receiver.
"Our growth on the field has definitely shown, but we have done a lot off the field by being able to come together as one unit and as one family," Moreno said.
That sense of connection is especially important to Moreno, whose role as quarterback goes beyond making the right throw. She wants to help her teammates find their confidence, make plays and get the most out of their abilities.
Football has been part of Moreno's life since she was young. Her father coached and photographed the sport, and when she was around seven, she asked to play on a local family team. Within a year, she was playing quarterback.
Since then, she has continued to compete in high school girls flag football and club programs, gaining experience that has shaped her as both a player and a leader. Her work on the field also earned her a spot on the Fiesta Bowl All-State Flag Football Team two years in a row.
"A strong part of my game is being able to lead my team and help them whatever way I can to reach a victory," Moreno said.
Bogan-Jacobs brings a different athletic background to the team. Already a nationally ranked five-star basketball player in the Class of 2029, she contributes on both sides of the ball for Campo flag football. While her individual performance at the Copper State Invitational shined, she is just as quick to share the spotlight with her teammates.
"My teammates push me to be better and always have my back," Bogan-Jacobs said. "What makes our team special is our chemistry and how we play for each other."
The Coyotes' championship win also offers a glimpse of what more opportunities in girls flag football can mean for young athletes across Arizona.
"The Fiesta Bowl Copper State Invitational gives us a chance to compete against great teams, show our skills and get more recognition for girls flag football," Bogan-Jacobs said.
Moreno has felt the support throughout her high school career, from Fiesta Sports Foundation's Football Kickoff Experience in August to the Copper State Invitational in the fall.
"Fiesta Sports Foundation gives girls the same spotlight and love as the boys," Moreno said. "We female athletes appreciate the love and everything the Foundation has done."
For both players, that kind of support matters beyond one weekend. As more girls enter the sport, opportunities to compete on a larger stage can help them envision their own futures in flag football.
"Flag football is growing really fast, and more girls are getting opportunities to play," Bogan-Jacobs said. "It's exciting to be part of something that's opening doors for future athletes."
