Matthew Ross is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Maryvale for AZPreps365.com 

Maryvale's first-year varsity head coach Byron Traylor led the Panthers to their first win in almost four years on Oct. 14, but Traylor's ambitions for Maryvale did not stop at wins. 

Traylor wants to return the football program, the school, and even the community to its heyday. Maryvale was once the pride of Phoenix's west side, Traylor said. 

He added, "Sometimes things get spoken into existence. I noticed some kids on Maryvale that were extremely competitive while coaching Sierra Linda and thought that these kids needed guidance."

Many have given a stigma to Maryvale labeling the head coaching job as super risky as they have had four coaches in three years. But Traylor saw it as an opportunity.  

“You see things that other people can't see, You see things in people that others can't see.” Traylor said.

Traditions have been missing from Maryvale football as the community has not been invested in the Panther seasons for quite some time. Hope was visible though after the victory over Alhambra where parents rushed the field and players were crying tears of joy.  

“Some have said the community is broken, I don't believe that,” Traylor said. “Think of us as an antique that needs dusting and a little polish. ...

"Winning does cure a lot.”

Traylor has a dual role at Maryvale as a special needs teacher for the school's Success program.  

He considers all of his students and athletes extended family, having no children of his own. Traylor compares it to fatherhood as he gets fulfillment from guiding and educating those in need. 

“He's a hard working coach,” sophomore quarterback Devin Murphy said. “He makes sure that we hold our own.” 

Many of his students and athletes picked up on this and routinely come to his class room to have lunch, hang out and seek advice. 

While attending Willow Ridge High School, Traylor had aspirations to play in the NFL. His team would make deep playoff runs but couldn't win it all. Although his NFL dreams did not materialize, Traylor's passion for problem solving emerged while playing for his highschool as he loved to watch and analyze football. 

Traylor then attended Texas Southern University for broadcasting and communications wanting to become a NFL broadcaster where he found his true calling. 

“I was working at a community center when I found my true passion: coaching, touching lives and educating,” Traylor said.

Traylor's influence and prominence is not lost on his athletes or the assistant coaches as they all look up to and heavily respect Traylor.  

“He is a great coach, he takes things slow and methodical,” wide receiver coach Allonte’ Shines said.

Traylor believes that it's not only winning that is going to restore the pride of the west side, but actively showing the players how to conduct themselves, respect the field, respect opposing players and respecting themselves as well.

“He is serious,” running back Dekyndrick Evans said. “He likes to get things done.”