Bobby Hurley is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Gilbert High School for AZPreps365.com

After a 4-6 record last season, Gilbert High is positioned to improve with the help of key returners and great young talent.

The Tigers had an under .500 overall record with a 1-4 conference record in the 5A San Tan Division last year. They look to bounce back with an older roster that includes 18 seniors and 20 juniors.

The Tigers return junior quarterback Danny Hesse, who has looked solid to start the season with four touchdowns and just one interception. Gilbert also returns two versatile players in Cooper Zellner and Carter Dickie. Cooper led the team last year in rushing yards with 528 and tackles with 111. Dickie led the team last year in reception yards with 132 and he also recorded an interception and a sack on defense. 

Coach Derek Zellner seeks his first winning season since being hired in 2015. Zellner was optimistic about his team's future during a recent practice. The practice had high energy and the team has a certain confidence going into this year with a talented and older roster. Gilbert was focused and attentive as it prepared for its third game of the season.

Gilbert had playoff appearances in both the 2018 and 2019 seasons and would have in 2020 if the playoffs weren’t reduced from 16 teams to eight.  

The Tigers are 2-1. They won their opening game at Ironwood 33-0. Gilbert lost at home to Arizona College Prep 22-9 in Week 2 and just won its second game last week against McClintock, 31-14. 

Hesse has thrown for 423 yards in three games and has been much improved since last year. “I feel way more confident in the pocket and with my line because we’ve played together for a while now,'' he said. "I think we should be 9-1 with no more losses. Obviously, that is what everyone thinks. I think we could get there if we worked hard.” 

Dickie has also had a strong start to his senior season on both the offensive and defensive sides. He has recorded 265 all-purpose yards and three sacks in the first three games. Most importantly, he has been a leader. “Yes, I do love leading these guys,'' he said. "They’re a great group to lead. I just want to go farther than most of these teams had. We’re just trying to get to the playoffs and go farther." 

This roster also consists of younger talent, especially sophomore wide receiver Zach Thompson. Thompson has recorded a 91-yard rushing touchdown and a 61-yard receiving touchdown. When asked about the advice older players have given him, Thompson said, “Keep doing what I am doing.”

The Tigers will play their fourth game of the season against the Mesquite Wildcats on Friday at Mesquite. The teams last met in 2021, a 20-0 Wildcats’ win.

Gilbert has three more away games versus Campo Verde, Cactus Shadows and Notre Dame Prep. They have three more home games against Sunnyslope, Desert Mountain, and Skyline.