Crawford McKinstry is a student journalist at Arizona State University assigned to cover Arcadia High School for AZPreps365.com

Arcadia hope to stay undefeated (6-0) facing Mesquite on Friday at 7 p.m.

The Titans' 62-0 shutout victory last week against Desert Sunrise is a huge confidence booster entering their next game.

“I think we need to come with our A-game, and I think we can bring it,” said senior left tackle and defensive end James McCormack.

Although Arcadia has been enjoying plenty of success so far this season, the team remains determined and emphasize the importance of not downplaying their opponents.

“We can’t underestimate a team based on their record,” said McCormack. “They’ve played some really good teams.”

Despite their 3-3 record, the Mesquite Wildcats have won their last two matchups by landslide margins.

Last Friday, they beat Combs, 32-0, and two weeks ago they took down Maricopa, 34-10. 

“Mesquite is a very good team,” said senior right guard and defensive lineman Kahary Beler. “We saw on tape.”

Additionally, Friday’s matchup against Mesquite brings a unique element to the table.

"This game to me is personal. We got old coaches over there,” said senior right tackle Tyler Birchmeier.

Titans players at Wednesday’s practice stressed their keys to coming away with a win.

“We really got to lock in and focus on our gaps,” said Beler. 

Arcadia will need to maintain its stellar offensive output. Throughout the season so far, the team has averaged a strong 40 points per contest, and have yet to score under 30. Furthermore, Arcadia has outscored its opponents by 150 points.

Despite the success, good is not good enough. The Titans have showcased a relentless drive to improve their communication, Beler said.

“We’re not yelling ‘ball’ or ‘pass’ for defense,” said Birchmeier. 

Communication tied into head coach Ray Brown and his staff’s biggest theme of the week of staying focused. Arcadia is stringent on 100% effort of every snap, concentrating on the minute details and talking to teammates.

“We talked about hyperfocus throughout the week … knocking them back at the beginning of the game and just keep the pressure on,” said McCormack.

Arcadia’s stars highlighted the need to remain locked in throughout the entirety of the game.

“In the last couple of games it’s been like the first quarter we’re really focused, and then it kind of falls off,” said Birchmeier.

Titans players echoed their coaches after Wednesday’s practice and look to come into their matchup against Mesquite with an ironclad mentality.

“We’re going to be focused this game," said Beler. “We’re going to worry about us, and we’re going to do everything we can to win.”