Maggie Nieto is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Agua Fria High School for AZPreps365.com

Agua Fria won a thriller at home against rival Tolleson, 27-25, in the teams' annual Battle of River Rock on Friday.

This game is a West Valley tradition like no other, playing for a football-shaped painted rock, which has been exchanged for 50 years representing bragging rights for a year. 

For the past few years it has been back and forth between the team. Each game it was touchdown for touchdown. 

“The kids bust their tails every year and it's gonna be a dog fight every time we play them and with the games being close it's kinda just who wants it more," Agua Fria head coach Ricky Higuera said. 

Coming out strong from the jump, the Owls (3-2) heiled to wolverines the entire first half. Higuera credited his team's defense as the biggest factor. 

The Owls' senior running back Jayvier Cook scored the game's first touchdown at the first quarter's end. Tolleson scored first in the second quarter to tie the game.

Cook was moving the ball up and down the field. Within the second half alone, Cook had two fist downs. Cook helped the owls in the lead by gaining another touchdown. 

“Everything, everything was on the line in this game but having my team is all I can ask for” Cook said. 

After halftime, senior running back, defensive back, and captain Xavier Matthews started off strong defense from both teams, but the third quarter was scoreless. It didn't stay like that for long. 

Starting off strong linebacker Jameir Joyner came in with an impressive pick six for the Owls, the second half first score. The Wolverines came back into the game scoring two consecutive TDs to tie the game. 

Junior defensive end and co-captain Martin NdumnJeck, ended the tie with a touchdown from the Wolverines' 15-yard line. The Owls made it hard for the wolveries to be able to tie the game again on a two-point conversion.

The Wolverines needed a TD with less than two minutes left and scored one more TD. Agua Fria prevented Tolleson (1-4) to score at 29 seconds left the Owls took home the River rock once again. 

Agua Fria's next game is at Ironwood (3-2) on October 4.