Jared Cohen
It has been a tough go of it over the last six seasons for the Mesa Westwood Warriors.
Since finishing 12-1 back in 2005, the team has only had one season above .500 (2007) and seemingly hit the lowest of lows last season finishing with just one victory.
But 2012 marks the start of a new era of Warrior football. 26 year-old Spencer Stowers has been brought in as the head coach who most recently was the junior varsity coach at Queen Creek High School. He has already come in, improved the weight room and has demanded a sense of commitment from his players right from the start.
Stowers and his Warriors are returning seven starters from their 2011 team which includes great depth at the running back position.
Westwood 2012 Schedule:
8/24 – v Dobson
8/31 – v Corona del Sol
9/7 – @ Desert Mountain
9/14 – @ Desert Vista
9/21 – @ Mesa Mountain View
9/28 – v Mesa
10/4 – v Buena
10/12 – @ Red Mountain
10/19 – @ Brophy
10/26 – v Mountain Pointe
“Our biggest strength this season is at Running Back with Hayden Clark and Raekwon Robinson (both seniors),” Stowers explained. “Ty Dale (Senior) and Jackson Ward (Junior) are two receivers that will have a big impact on the offensive side of the ball.”
The always important quarterback position will be crucial to Westwood’s success with all the playmakers they have on the offensive side of the ball. Coach Stowers has been pleased with how well the players eyeing the starting quarterback spot are adjusting to the new offensive scheme.
“It has been nice to see a high level of competition at the Quarterback position this spring/summer between McKay Tingey (Junior) and Mikey Egger (Senior),” mentioned Stowers. “Both quarterbacks have a different/unique skill set that work well with our offensive scheme.”
Coming off the tough season in 2011, Westwood is putting a big emphasis on the offensive line. Stowers hired as he put it, “two highly passionate and skilled” offensive line coaches to work with a developing group of players.
But above all, Coach Stowers expects their success to come from the defensive side of the football. Westwood gave up close to 42 points per game in 2011 and Stowers himself is taking on the responsibilities rebuilding the Warrior defense.
“I will be coordinating the defensive side of the ball this season,” said Stowers. “I have made it very clear that we will be a team that wins or loses by the play of our defense.”
Westwood kicks off their 2012 campaign on August 24th in a home game versus Dobson.
