A Fresh Start in the Desert
The West Mesa Mustangs are preparing for the 2026 high school football season after finishing 2025 with a 3‑7 record, a result that left the program hungry for improvement.
A key piece of the puzzle is the return of 22 sophomores who saw action last year, giving the team a core of players who already know each other's tendencies and chemistry.
Head coach Landrick Brody has voiced confidence that this group will be a catalyst for success, noting that their collective experience will help shape a more cohesive unit.
Senior standouts Larry Varoz and Elias Lopez have described the team's mindset as aggressive and relentless, emphasizing a willingness to play until the final whistle sounds.
The Mustangs will open the season on Thursday night against Saint Pius at Community Stadium, a matchup that will serve as the first test of their new approach.
Brody and the senior leaders say the plan is to blend the energy of the returning sophomores with the steadiness of the senior class, aiming to turn the early loss record into a winning streak.
With the schedule ahead, the team hopes to build momentum early and carry that confidence into the rest of the season.