Austin Hepola is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Desert Vista High School for AZPreps365.com

Desert Vista High School is a talented program that has a lot of expectations under new head coach  Nate Gill.

One player who is certainly held to these expectations is Antonio Delgado. 

A senior linebacker, Delgado has not only grown into a tremendous player, but an even better human as well. Delgado has set the standard for what he wants to accomplish this season. 

“I see myself leading not only the defense but the whole team by example and leaving everything out on the field, and to really spread God's glory and use this game to really shine light onto him," Delgado said. "I want the team to play for the brothers to their left and to their right of them and play their hearts out every game and practice.”

The overall goal for Delgado is to play Division I football. He is driven and has put in an immense amount of work to get closer to that goal.

Delgado even writes down his goals to further motivate himself.

“My written goals are to lead my team with tackles, TFLs and sacks," he said. "I plan on getting 100-plus tackles this year since I was so close last year with about 90. If I can accomplish these goals step by step and keep my faith in Jesus then I wouldn’t be surprised to be an All-State Linebacker and to go on to play D-1 ball.”

Many teammates and coaches have raved about Delgado’s play, personality and overall IQ. While he may hear most of this praise, Delgado keeps himself grounded but still expects nothing but the best from himself.

​​”I am the hardest worker on and off the field," Delgado said. "Growing up, I had two stud older brothers that would always beat me down and just do what brothers do. I had two options, let it get to me and break me down, or I could stand up to it and fight the pressure with pressure. The second option was the only option wired in my brain so I’ve always been a competitive person."

Very competitive person. 

“If my weights partner does 6 reps, I will do 7," Delgado continued. "You have to be confident enough to think you’re the best player out there, but humble enough to be able to keep learning and keep improving.” 

Delgado is seen as an excellent leader by most of his peers and coaches. 

“Antonio Delgado is a flat out great person," Gill said. "The way he leads on the field as well as his success there is no surprise because he does all the small things the right way on and off the field. He’s selfless and undoubtedly the leader of our team. He sets the temperature of our team defensively.”

A good team leader can be recognized as many things, but two qualities that should be present in every leader are a good work ethic and reliability.

It is evident that Delgado has these qualities and several more.

“Delgado is just an all around great guy on and off the field," Desert Vista defensive tackle Isaiah Packer said. "Always cracking jokes and making the guys laugh. He is also a super reliable friend, you can call him for anything and he’ll be there giving you a hand.”

Delgado and the rest of the Desert Vista Thunder are looking to get their first win of the season this Friday against Centennial High School.

No matter what the outcome is, the team will rally around their leaders and play as hard as they can thank to players like Delgado.