Rio Rancho Raptors lacrosse cap off undeated season with a state trophy

PHOTOS: Rio Rancho Raptors win lacrosse state championship

May 20, 2025

RIO RANCHO — In a dogfight for the state championship, the Rio Rancho Raptors lacrosse team completed the perfect season, defeating the Santa Fe Wolverines 9-3 at Haynes Park May 16.

“All credit to the boys and our coaching staff,” first-year head coach Andrew Leonard said. “Props to Santa Fe for bringing it, and it was just a beautiful day for lacrosse.”

“This morning I had graduation and then this afternoon, we won state!” senior captain Lukas Garcia said. “It’s never been easy; it’s been a roller coaster the whole time, but I have learned a lot from our last seniors, and they taught a lot. I’m hoping I passed that to the younger generation.”

The Raptors finish their undefeated season by dominating the visiting Wolverines in all facets of the game and getting revenge on the team that ended their season a year prior.

“I started my sophomore year, so it’s been a really good experience, and I’m just really thankful for this team,” senior captain Brenden Cochrane said.

A big reason for the Raptors’ success this season was junior goalie Damien Tafoya, who is athletic, possesses quick reflexes and has fantastic communication skills. Tafoya made some incredible saves during the game and showed a lot of heart and grit all season.

In the blink of an eye during Friday’s matchup, the Raptors found themselves up comfortably 5-1.

Freshman Hank Moon increased the pressure on Santa Fe by scoring the two unanswered goals, increasing their lead to seven.

Another freshman, Bruin Shawver, played a key role as ball distributor, giving some fantastic opportunities to his teammates. Shawyer logged a couple of assists and will likely be a pivotal player for years to come.

Late in the third quarter, Santa Fe scored two quick goals, shrinking the lead to four.

However, junior Jaxon Denison put the game to bed by scoring two goals back-to-back.

For the rest of the game, the Raptors burned time by swinging the lacrosse ball from side-to-side, and when the final whistle came, it was time for celebration.

“Those guys busted their butts off this year, the past few years, and I’m happy to see them win one,” Leonard said. “Keep watching us, keep watching New Mexico lacrosse … yeah, we won today but I’m going to keep working, some guys are going to keep working during the summer, some guys have other sports, there’s not really an off season for any of us.”