Durell Thomas Jr. is a student journalist at Arizona State University assigned to cover Marcos De Niza High School for AZPreps365.com

The rising Marcos de Niza Padres are set to face last season's 4A conference state championship runner-up Snowflake Lobos on Friday at 7 p.m. 

Both team have a 4-2 record. Snowflake is on a four-game win streak. Marcos de Niza is currently ranked 14th and Snowflake is 17th in this week's 4A poll.

Marcos de Niza head coach Anthony Figueroa emphasized the importance of consistency on and off the field as the key to secure the victory.

"It's about being consistent in all that we do, how we prepare for every opponent and the scenarios we go through," Figueroa explained.

"We've got a lot of talent on our football team, and people expected us to take a dip because of how many seniors we lost. So, as long as we stay consistent, that's all I can ask for because we got the dudes."

The Padres' are returning from their bye week, after winning two in their three-game homestand that ended on Sept. 28 beating Apache Junction.

Snowflake is working to build a conference dynasty after winning two of their last three straight state championship appearances since 2020. 

"They're a very tough football team, a team that I have a lot of respect for that I've coached against at a 2A level," Figueroa noted. "You've got to have a lot of respect for them, but it's about going out there and playing Marcos football for us."

Marcos de Niza senior quarterback Tegan Ligouri-Melendez is the team's leader who prefers actions over words,

"We're starting region play, and we haven't been focused on the state championship or any of that," Tegan explained. "Our first goal has been making the regional championship, back-to-back. We expect to win in Region play."

Marcos de Niza senior lineman Guillermo Chavez is working tirelessly to keep the team locked in and focused for the game against Snowflake. Chavez suggests his teammate to watch film, stay hydrated, and maintain their focus. 

"We practice with our full potential, and I give my all when I need to," Chavez declared.

In a season filled with promise, the Padres are leaving nothing to chance as they set their sights on the coveted regional title. But powerhouse Snowflake will help them become more battle tested with just four games left on the schedule.