Young MHS football team expected to grow with experience

The Maricopa High School varsity football team opens its season Friday night with a 7 p.m. road game at Tucson High. The team will be playing in the difficult 5A San Tan Section with Gilbert Campo Verde, Gilbert, Phoenix Horizon, Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep, and national power Scottsdale Saguaro.

The Rams are looking to bounce back from a COVID-ravaged 2020 season that saw the team go 2-6 overall and 0-4 in the section.

New MHS Athletic Director Christopher Driving Hawk said the program showed signs of renewed enthusiasm in the off-season, with the number of boys in the freshman, junior varsity and varsity programs growing to about 150.

Head coach Rick Skinner said his young team should show improvement over the course of the year.

“We are a young team with some very good players who work extremely hard,” Skinner said. “We are expecting to have a very exciting season. Over time we expect players to develop and be contributors. The foundation is great, and this year we expect to come together as a family.”

Skinner said several players on his squad bear watching this season:

• Caleb Garcia, junior WR/RB – “Explosive wide receiver and running back. He is a very good route runner and leader.”
• Sebastian Deucer, senior DE/OL – “His motor never stops, and he gives 100% effort on every play. I look for him to be making some big plays on the defense.”
• Kyree Washington, junior WR – “He’s a wide receiver who is very fast and has really good hands; and he has a great attitude.”
• Chris Hayes, junior LB/RB – “Chris will get a lot of carries along with holding down the middle linebacker spot. He is a solid player who will lead the team in tackles.”
• Ian Palm, junior LB/WR – “Ian is a very strong player who will play at the defensive end spot a lot of the time. He shows great hustle and can be relentless.”
• Keire Earl, junior WR – “He is a 6’4″ receiver who has great hands. He will have a lot of mismatches that will be available to him.”
• Jaylin Morris, senior WR – “Another 6’4″ receiver who has good speed along with good hands.”
• Damian Logan, sophomore QB – “Very good, accurate thrower. He will only continue to get better as the season goes along and he gains experience.”
• Dashawn McDaniel, senior DT/OL – “Our interior lineman on offense and defense. He is very strong and will be a force on both sides of the ball.”

Following tonight’s game at Tucson, the Rams will be home the following two weeks, Sept. 10 against Mesa Skyline and Sept. 17 against Casa Grande. Both games are at 7 p.m.