Dysart football's seniors step up to lead team

Successful football teams are often built on the strength of senior leaders who set good examples on and off the field.

Dysart High's football team is no exception - its seniors have exceeded the expectations of head coach Josh Mitchell and his coaching staff.

Before the season started and without prompting from coaches, Dysart's seniors listed goals they'd like to achieve this season, like working together as a team and giving the most at practice every day.

The sixth goal on that list: having a winning record and winning at least five games.

Heading into their first region game, the Demons had a 4-2 record, just one win away from their goal.

Mitchell has been impressed by his team, especially his seniors and the leadership they have shown.

"The team has taken ownership of what the coaching staff is trying to do," Mitchell said. "The seniors as a group have stepped up to be great leaders."

As the Demons enter region play, their key aim is to win a game at that level. Since joining the 4A-II conference is 2001, that goal has been elusive.

"We have never beaten any of our region opponents," Mitchell said. "But we have put ourselves in a position to do new things."

A big reason for Dysart's success this season is the play of four senior captains: Jordan Butler, Sal Pedraza, David Tamayo and Anthony Tasker.

Mitchell calls Butler, who plays running back and linebacker, "a machine who never takes a play off."

Pedraza is the do-it-all specialist "who will do anything for you."

Tamayo, a linebacker and fullback, brings a high level of energy.

And Tasker is the verbal leader who Mitchell says is the "most intelligent football player" he has ever met.

The coach said Aaron Reynolds also has been a surprise with his play at center.

"It is a big responsibility," Tasker said of his leadership role. "We know we have to step up."

Pedraza says the captains are expected to "carry the team on their backs" and set the tone, whether at practice or in a game.

Mitchell, meanwhile, is in his second year at Dysart and eleventh year as a high school coach. His players say Mitchell has changed the atmosphere and mentality of the team.

"He came in with a brand-new system and was very organized," Butler said. "It has worked, and we can see the results now."

Tasker said Mitchell changed the Demons' mindset.

"He brought in a whole new environment and told us to forget about the past," Tasker said. "He broke us down and brought us back up, and it is paying off."

The team is not yet talking about playoffs, however. Instead, it prefers to focus on region play.

"Hopefully, at the end we are right in the mix," Mitchell said.

Dysart football Coach Josh Mitchell works with the scout team offense during practice at Dysart High School in El Mirage.