Jade Giuffre is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Dysart High School for AZPreps365.com

The Dysart Demons took to the field against Odyssey Institute with confidence, looking to extend their winning streak to seven games and solidify their 3A playoff prospects.

They delivered in dominant fashion, securing a decisive 43-0 victory over the Minotaurs in 3A Metro West action Friday and proving their potential as a postseason contender.

Head coach John Ganados was direct about his belief in the team’s potential.

“We’ve figured it out,” he said pre-game, and his players wasted no time proving him right.

From the opening play, Dysart showed it was there for more than just a win. The Minotaurs kicked off, and Demons wide receiver Donovan Hinchey answered immediately, returning it all the way for a touchdown. With 11:43 on the clock and a good extra point, Dysart held a swift 7-0 lead.

The Demons’ defense held strong as Odyssey struggled to move the ball, with Dysart maintaining pressure. Despite some early penalties, it forced the Minotaurs into uncomfortable situations, repeatedly disrupting their plays.

Dysart’s mixed offensive approach also paid off, as backup quarterback Josiah Laborin and CJ Ortega both advanced the ball. Hinchey closed Dysart’s first drive with his second touchdown of the night, though the extra point attempt was blocked, giving it a 13-0 lead with 3:47 left in the first quarter.

As Dysart’s offensive depth shone, senior quarterback Isaiah Roman connected with Jevon Christmas on a key drive, breaking tackles and bringing the ball to midfield. A pass to Avion Bailey brought the Demons to Odyssey’s 23-yard line. Christmas then punched through, setting Dysart up at the 6-yard line, but a fumble cost it that play as Odyssey recovered at their 2-yard line.

Still, the Demons defense forced a punt soon after, with Roman and Christmas driving down for an 18-yard rushing touchdown. Ortega’s 2-point conversion extended the lead to 21-0.

“We do not look like a playoff team,” Ganados said as his players headed to the locker room, showing a determination to keep them focused despite the lead.

In the second half, the Demons pressed forward. A rushing touchdown by Bailey and Christmas also took place in the third. Defensive standout Connor Stogner intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown, pushing the score to 43-0 with 8:09 remaining in the game.

“It was my first touchdown. I hope my performance carries on to next week,” Stogner said.

Even as Dysart rotated in its backup players, it didn’t ease off the intensity. Ganados could be heard rallying his starters on the sideline, reminding them to support their teammates.

“Cheer them on, they cheered you on,” he said.

By the end of the night, the Demons secured a blowout 43-0 victory, cementing a seven-game winning streak and showing their postseason drive. Assistant Coach Bill Hinchey Sr. noted before the game the kind of win Dysart needed.

“We don’t just need a win, we need a big win,” he said.

 The team delivered on that front, and its confidence and intensity suggest it’s ready for bigger challenges.

Now, with an undefeated ALA West Foothills on the horizon, Dysart faces a critical matchup that could define its season. ALA West Foothills leads its region and has yet to lose, making the Demons underdogs in what promises to be a high-stakes game.

“ALA better watch out, that's all I got to say,” Ortega said.

Ganados emphasized the significance of the coming week.

“Friday night is important. It’s a statement game,” he said.

Dysart has shown that it can dominate in regional play, but next week presents an opportunity to make a statement that could define its playoff hopes and prove its resilience against a powerhouse opponent.

“We’re just going to work hard all week. I have confidence in our team and I love everything we have going on right now,” Christmas said looking forward to the last regular season game of the year.

As the Demons prepare, Ganados is pushing for the best week of practice yet.

“You’re either all in or you’re not,” he said.

Dysart will need every bit of that commitment to keep its winning streak alive against an undefeated rival.