Tyler Shelt is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Sunrise Mountain High School for AZPreps365.com.

After two straight losses to tough opponents, head coach Steve Decker and the Sunrise Mountain Mustangs are looking to bounce back with a win against Cactus High School. The two schools will face off at Sunrise Mountain this Friday at 7 p.m.

The Mustangs are 1-2 so far this season with a 49-6 win over Cienega and two close losses versus Horizon (24-15) and Liberty (41-38). 

“Well, they’re high school kids,” says Decker. “TAhey just see the record, you know, 1-2.”

It’s sometimes tough for high school athletes to see the full vision of a season, especially in football after a loss or two. Sunrise Mountain lost to Horizon, the No. 2 team in Arizona's 5A conference, and Liberty, the No. 4 team in 6A, both according to MaxPreps. But the Mustangs’ schedule doesn’t get any easier this week.

Head coach Joseph Ortiz of Cactus High School expects it to be a tough game with adversity for his Cobras. They are 3-0 and their wins have all been blowouts. 

“We’ll definitely face adversity,” Ortiz said. “We know, if we’re down 7-0 to Sunrise, it can turn into 28-0."

Both teams are hoping for big time plays from their respective quarterbacks. 

“Will Galvin,” said Ortiz when asked about a player he expects to have a big game. “He’s one of the best players in the 4A conference.”

The junior quarterback will look to make some big plays passing and running the ball, but also defensively — Galvin starts at cornerback for the Cobras as well. It is rare you see that kind of impact player play on both sides of the ball at any level of football. 

When asked the same question about his Sunrise Mountain team, Decker said, “Hunter is right on the verge of having a big game.” 

Hunter Kronengold is the starting quarterback for the Mustangs. The senior QB has thrown five touchdown passes this season and looks to build on that number this week. 

“I would say electric,” said Kronengold when asked about the feeling of stepping foot on the field every Friday. “It’s been really fun this year having fans back.”

Kronengold is playing in his final season of high school, but when asked about any particular goals he had for himself in his senior year, he said he was only looking to “benefit the team”. 

“For sure, we’re going to be balanced,” Kronengold said. “I feel like we can do both [running and throwing the ball].”

Be ready for a close game on Friday in a showdown of two high energy squads. Both teams are ready for the highly anticipated challenge. 

“It’s the best game in the West Valley,” Ortiz said.