Brandon Tran is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Glendale Prep for AZPreps365.com

Coming off a 3-7 mark last season, the Glendale Prep Griffins hope to make some noise and welcome four new opponents in the 2A Agua Fria Region.

The Griffins are 1-2 after a 34-8 win last week against the Antelope Rams, ending a five-game losing streak that dated to last season. The Griffins look to build that momentum on the road against Madison Highland Prep.  

Six seniors from last season's roster return, including all-region safety/wide receiver Manuel Valenzuela and linebacker Jonah Smith. Valenzuela last season led the team in interceptions with five.

The biggest challenges the Griffins will face are size and a smaller roster.

“That (was) our biggest obstacle,” coach Robert Addicott said. “(In) our first game we had a couple of injuries.”

The injuries put the team in a tough position to fill holes and find players that are comfortable.

“We are not the biggest,” Addicott said. “But our guys do good (when) they're well coached on the line both offensively and defensively.” 

The Griffin have a bunch of new faces. 

Freshman Joshua Mchale was named starting quarterback. Mchale replaces last season's 2A Agua Fria Region Player of the Year Samuel Terpstra.  

“Coming into a big spot that Sam left, that’s really hard,” Mchale said. “(But) having (these) seniors (will) help.”

The experienced offensive line should help a ton for a young quarterback like Mchale.

“He’s (got) a great strong arm, reads things great,” Addicott said. “For a freshman, he does a really good job (as) he studies film.”

Breakout newcomers include freshman cornerback Kaden Bridges, freshman cornerback Dylan Lincoln and freshman middle linebacker Bobby Glazner.

“He came in two weeks late and is a homeschool guy that wants to play some football,” Addicott said of Glazner. 

Other key returners include senior linebacker Jacob Rickey, junior defensive end Judson Terpstra, sophomore defensive tackle Josh Rickey and sophomore defensive end Eli Fleming.

“It’s definitely different my last three years -- I've been with the same quarterback,” Valenzuela said. “Having a new quarterback (and players) this year is definitely a change and definitely something to get used to.”

The Griffins will not face last season's 2A Agua Fria Reign champ Parker as they move to 3A. Kingman Academy and Highland Prep also move out of the 2A Agua Fria Region.

Glendale Prep and Camp Verde were the only teams that haven’t left the 2A Agua Fria Region. The region welcomes Heritage Academy-Laveen, Cortez, North Pointe Prep, and NFL YET Academy. 

The Griffins visit Madison Highland Prep at 7 p.m. on Friday.