Dylan Ackermann is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Marcos de Niza High School for AZPreps365.com.

The Padres celebrated a historic season on Senior Night and rolled over AZ College Prep, 57-14, on Thursday.

Marcos De Niza also secured the 4A Desert Sky region title for the first time in school history.  Out of all 4A conference's teams, the Padres are the only team to finish the regular season with nine wins.  

“I love my seniors,” starting quarterback Braeson Leon said. “They are the closest guys I know. I spent all my time with them, so getting a win on senior night meant everything.” 

Even though emotions were high following senior night festivities, the Padres showcased their dominance on both sides of the ball.  

Behind a slow start, senior Marcus Jones kicked off the game with a late first quarter rushing touchdown, followed by a Paul Garcia interception.  A Braeson Leon rushing touchdown came shortly after, giving the Padres an early 14-0 lead.  

After gifting the Knights with a touchdown early in the second quarter, the Padres never seemed to look back. 

Southern Utah commit Mason Stromstand snagged his second interception of the season.  This time, Mason returned the interception for a TD.  

“I haven’t had a pick-6 since sophomore year,” said Stromstad. “It gave us momentum.”   

To conclude the first half, senior Jamaal Young caught his fourteenth touchdown of the season, putting himself in the record books at Marcos De Niza.  

“I never thought I’d be in this position,” Young said. “It’s good to see what can happen when you put your mind to something.”

The second half was much the same for the Padres.

Special teams forced two fumbles on kickoff early in the third quarter, both of which were recovered by the Padres. This led to two straight Marcos De Niza rushing TDs.

Quarterback Braeson Leon threw his thirtieth TD of the season in the middle of the third quarter. His night was over after giving the Padres a 54-7 lead.  

The defense continued to wreak havoc on the Knights late in the third quarter, forcing a fumble resulting in the fifth forced turnover of the game. 

“Everyone on the team is a playmaker at every position” Stromstad mentioned.  “It is really just the bond we have, everyone bought in as you saw tonight.”

Although Marcos De Niza was dominant during the regular season, the players understand that playoffs are its own beast.  

“Our fans have been waiting for a deep playoff run,” Leon said.  “We want to show what we are made of.”

The Padres deserve to celebrate their historic season. And that they will do.  

“We are sleeping on the field tonight after a party at my house,” Young jokingly said.  “We haven’t been region champs in like seven years.” 

Stromstad added, “I’ll probably just sit back, soak it all in.”

The final rankings, along with the state tournament brackets, will be revealed during a live bracket show between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12.  

“I wish this feeling could last forever,” Young said.  “I’m going to remember this for the rest of my life. I’m glad I get another chance to go to war with my guys."