Jake Smith blocked a potential Eastern Arizona game winning field goal and Arizona prevailed, 28-26, over Eastern Arizona in the program's final home game.
At Kino Stadium, the Aztecs were down 26-21 with under a minute to go when Marquise Cooper passed to Diamonte Burton for the go-ahead score. The Gila Monsters then drove down the field before Smith's game saving play.
"It feels great to get a team win," said Cooper. "I couldn't have down it without the offensive line and that last drive where they helped lead us to the win."
"It's incredible," said an emotional Pima head coach Jim Monaco. "It's hard right now."
Despite the objections by Monaco, Pima is eliminating football after eighteen years. The college is citing budget cuts, concussion issues, and they are following the lead of the Maricopa County Schools.
At halftime, Pima held a ceremony to honor the founders of the program, including former head coach Jeff Scurran who was given a uniform signed by each member of this 2004 Pilgrim's Pride Bowl winning team.
"It's a sad day to see it going away," said Scurran. "I'm glad I was able to give thousands of kids an opportunity."
