Javier Delgado in an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover St. Mary’s High School for AZPreps365.com

Losing streaks aren’t always easy to deal with.

St. Mary’s (3-6) is on a three-game losing streak winning their last game on Oct. 6 when they defeated Moon Valley 14-7.

The Knights’ losing streak hasn’t stopped them from keeping the same intensity in practice as they continued to practice hard as they prepare for Friday’s game. While losing streaks often derail teams, this surely isn’t the case for this team.

The 4A’s 28th-ranked St. Mary’s didn’t change their approach in practice this week despite not winning in almost a month. They continued to run their practice and play with high intensity as head coach Jose Lucero made sure the energy stayed high throughout practice. 

The common approach the Knights have continued to use this season is to look ahead no matter the opponent trying to get better each week. 

Senior quarterback and middle linebacker Jimmy Hill makes sure that the team stays locked in even if they aren’t getting the results they would like on gameday.

“We stay looking forward and looking to get better each and every week no matter the opponent,” said Hill. “We always try to stay hopeful and go out and compete every week.”

Hill’s leadership and mindset has carried on to his teammates as well as during practice the quarterback made sure throughout that the plays were being run consistently. Quarterbacks are often relied on to step up as leaders and the senior has been up to the challenge all season. 

The upbeat and energetic attitude was evident throughout the practice as senior offensive and defensive lineman Ben Cosner also made sure of that. He made sure the team treats each game the same way.

“We always play like the whole season is on the line from the first to last game,” said Cosner. “We have a sense of urgency to get better and we know that. As leaders we’re making sure everyone puts in their full effort and we rally the team.”

The efforts and sense of urgency was on full display during practice as Lucero kept the practice at a high tempo and made sure his players were up to speed at all times.

Lucero gave lots of credit to the seniors on the team for leading them through a rough stretch and made it known that the Knights will continue to play their brand of football.

“Our seniors are the ones who have picked everyone up and got them going. We aren’t waving a white flag going into Friday,” said Lucero. “We’re going there to win a football game on Friday and represent our school.”

That mindset along with the leadership of the seniors have allowed St. Mary’s to remain poised the past few weeks. 

The Knights face the 6th-ranked Thunderbird Titans (7-2) this Friday at 7 p.m.