Ben Munaweera is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Mesa High School for AZPreps365.com

Mesa head coach Chad Degrenier told reporters at the Mesa Public Schools’ media day that he’s trying to regain the football spotlight, and the Jackrabbits are on track to do so.

Just more than halfway through the season, the Jackrabbits are sitting at 4-2 after rumbling through Tolleson 34-13 last Friday at home. That’s an improvement from where they were last year.

“We feel good,” Degrenier said. “But have a lot of work to do.”

The coach was quick to say he’s not focused on previous success but admits he is looking forward to making some noise. With regional games continuing, Degrenier wants to take the throne in the division for the second straight year.

“Moving forward, that’s what matters,” Degrenier said.

The Jackrabbits are 1-0 in the 6A Fiesta Division having only played Tolleson so far, but will face their remaining division opponents to close out the season. Last year, the Jackrabbits dominated, sweeping the entire division and was the lone team with a winning record.

Despite two crushing losses in which they were outscored 41-7 and 51-14, the morale and expectations are high at Mesa. Degrenier and his team are ready to prove to everyone that they belong in the conversation regarding the top football programs, not only in Mesa, but the state. Especially with players like captain and running back Junior St. Cyr and star wideout Ja’Roi Hardwick.

“Nobody wants to give us our respect. So we have to go out and earn it,” St. Cyr said. “We have to go out and show everyone who we are as a team.”

“Nobody thinks we can do it, but we have faith in ourselves,” Hardwick said. “Let’s make history.”

The Jackrabbits have heard the noise, for the second year in a row now. Yet, they keep their heads down and wait for the opportunity to prove everyone wrong. They've been ranked lower than they'd hoped for two years now and have been considered underdogs multiple times in games in which they have won, most recently agaimstTolleson.

Mesa’s mission to regain status isn’t the only thing the team focused on this year. It’s all about fun and love on and off the field. St. Cyr and Hardwick are both adamant about how important it is to be strong leaders, not only as seniors but as captains, and to make sure everyone’s together as a team.

“After every game, we all go out to eat as a team.” St. Cyr said. “The bond is really big. We’re all one heart, It’s beautiful.”

“It’s family. It’s love.” Hardwick said. “The seniors last year were great role models, and I just want to be a role model for the younger guys on the team just like them.”

“The unity and the team camaraderie that we have right now helps us going forward,” Degrenier added. “The staff I’m with is second to none, they’re amazing.”

The players aren’t the only ones embracing their roles and loving it in the process. It’s an incredible honor for Degrenier to be a head coach. He doesn’t take the role lightly.

“It’s very humbling,” Degrenier said. “Being able to impact and give guys an opportunity to do something they love just like someone did for me is the biggest thing. It’s why you do it. I’m forever indebted to Principal [Kirk] Thomas for the opportunity to be here.”

After its win against Tolleson, Mesa has a short week coming up just before the break, with a game against their next division opponent, Mountain View, on Thursday, Oct. 5.

“We got a tough task, but we’re excited about the opportunity,” Degrenier said.