Ryan Schwager is a student journalist at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University assigned to cover Desert Vista football. 

The Desert Vista Thunder will travel to Surprise to take on the Valley Vista Monsoon Friday, Sept. 13. The Thunder enter with a 1-1 record, while the Monsoon are 2-0.

“They gave us a ballgame in the first half last year,” Desert Vista head coach Dan Hinds said. “We expect the same thing out of these guys this year. They are a well-coached team and we definitely need to make sure we are prepared.”

Last season’s matchup went to the Thunder by a score of 48-20. That game saw then-junior running back Tyson Grubbs run for 154 yards and four rushing touchdowns on 21 carries. He also caught a 59-yard pass for one of his five total touchdowns in the game, a career-high.

“We made some adjustments at halftime last year that enhanced his opportunities in the second half,” Hinds said on Grubbs. “We expect that kid every time he takes the field to have breakout games. He runs hard, has amazing vision, and he might be one of the top running backs we’ve had here at Desert Vista in a long time.”

Another senior set to have a big impact for Desert Vista Friday night is quarterback Parker Navarro. Navarro has thrown for six touchdowns in his first two games combined. But Navarro doesn’t just get the job done with his arm. His running ability is a key part for the Thunder’s success on offense. He racked up 159 rushing yards in the previous game, a loss in California to Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks). Navarro is eager to get back on the field, and in the win column, after a bye week.

“I’m looking forward to getting a big team win,” he said.

He also described why he is so good as both a thrower and a runner.

“First, I start with film. I make my reads and if I don’t see anything, I just make a play with my legs," he said. “Having that gift of being able to run and throw, it helps a lot because if the pass isn’t there, I can take off, get a gain, and help the team win.”

Navarro’s leadership has been praised by Hinds. “He brings stuff to this team that really helps us in being successful – not only as a player, but a person and a leader,” the coach said.

Desert Vista kicked off the 2019 season with two games against opponents from California. Opening Night was at home versus the Palm Springs Indians, where the Thunder won 44-34, They followed that with a 37-35 loss to Notre Dame (SO) in the Honor Bowl, a neutral site contest. Friday’s game in Surprise will be the first true road game for the Thunder.

“This loss we just took is going to make us a lot better,” said defensive back and offensive gadget player Colton Grover. “We needed that little kick in the butt, but we’re going to come out and do the best we can on Friday night.”

Grover is another senior who makes an impact both on and off the field. Navarro said that Hinds and the rest of the team hold each and everyone accountable. Grover is a big believer in that message.

“I’ll take criticism from anyone,” he said. “I view everyone on this team as a leader. The younger guys look up to us so we need to be better leaders, vocalize more, and just get better.”

The game kicks off at Valley Vista at 7 p.m. on Friday. Being on the road this week won’t affect the team in any negative way, according to Grover.

“It’s going to help us out in the long run. Our goal is to make it to playoffs and that won’t be a home game," he said.