The month of October begins the second half of the Arizona high school football season, which initially shapes the state playoff picture. 

Fresh off a bye week, the Marcos De Niza Padres look to stay undefeated as they hosts its annual Homecoming Game this week against regional opponent Arcadia Titans on Friday, Oct. 14.  

The Padres (5-0) and Titans (3-2) enter this matchup with plenty left to prove. Records mean nothing at this point.  

“I think my team and I must all keep the same mindset from week to week,” Marcos De Niza senior linebacker Davion Henry said. "We have to play like our record is 0-0 and can’t let our record get to our heads.”

Along with Henry, junior quarterback Braesen León understands the importance of approaching each week with the same mindset.  

“We must be focused on going 1-0 every week,” said León. “Not thinking ahead and locking in on our opponent for the week.”

The program took full advantage of their bye week, using this time as an opportunity to have a leg-up on the competition.  

“Any mistakes we made in the last five games are wiped off the table and it’s time to start fresh,” Padres safety and receiver Mason Stromstad said. “Lots of guys on the team didn’t just sit around and do nothing all break, lots of us were in the gym or doing field work almost every day.”  

There's a longstanding theory that teams underwhelmingly perform in the game following their bye week. 

Marcos De Niza looks to not let that narrative affect their team in any way.

“I think we are very good at locking in when we need to and can get back to the flow of things easily” Henry stated. “We just gotta practice and play hard everyday.”

As the second half of the season approaches, senior linebacker Marcus Jones is as eager as everyone else to get back on the field.  

“We leave that 14-17 year old in the locker room,” Jones said. “As soon as we’re on the field, it’s time to be serious. I’ve missed it so much already.”  

Each game now holds significant playoff implications.  

BeatingArcadia will not only put Marcos De Niza one step closer to their goal.  Winning on Friday will make homecoming weekend that much more memorable for both the team and the community.  

“Playing at home in front of our community and stands is special,” León said.  “Especially knowing how everyone will be coming out because of homecoming. To get a test like Arcadia will be a fun one to watch.”

For the seniors, it’s now or never.  This applies to running back and safety Paul Garcia.

“What makes me excited for this game’s matchup is that it’s home, it’s in our house,” Garcia said. “We have the Padres family cheering us on and our student section is gonna be there supporting us. I also get another chance to play with my brothers out on the field.”

As the Padres look ahead to their next matchup against Arcadia, they realize what needs to be done.    

But it won’t be easy being put to the test.  

“I’m excited about this homecoming game because it’s the biggest game we’ve had this season,” Henry stated. “They are supposed to be our toughest opponents so far. I’m excited to show people it doesn’t matter what school it is, we play how we are taught to play.”