Winslow senior defensive end Michael Densmore is having a monstrous gridiron season.

Through seven games this season, Densmore has recorded 16 quarterback sacks. According to MaxPreps, Densmore leads the nation in that category.

"I never in my wildest dreams would think that I would be leading the nation in anything, especially something as hard to get as sacks," Densmore said. "Last year I had eight (sacks) total. So to have doubled that halfway through the season is amazing to me. I think another 16 would be pretty cool to."

In addition to defensive end, the 6-foot-1, 170-pound Densmore, is the Bulldogs' starting wide receiver.

"Last year was my first year on the varsity," he said. "I started on defense, but didn't play on offense that much," Densmore said.

Densmore earned Second Team All-State as a defensive end last year. He was selected by Winslow coaching staff as the team's Defensive Lineman of the Year.

Densmore said more importantly than earning individual honors, he would like to play in the post-season. With three regular season games remaining on Winslow's schedule, the Bulldogs are 4-wins and 3-losses. Winslow is winless in Class 3A East Region competition, after two league games.

"To make it to the (post-season) playoffs, everyone of us knows what it means to make it that far ....it's a special thing," Densmore said. "To be the best player I can be for my guys and help the team advance into the postseason playoffs."

Earlier this season, Densmore showed his strength, speed, quickness and charisma against Kayenta Monument Valley Mustangs. Applying pressure on the Mustangs' offensive line, Densmore recorded six quarterback sacks in the game.

"I didn't really have any feeling during the game or immediately after," he said. "It wasn't until the next day watching film, I realized, 'wow that's actually quite a few sacks for just one game'. It's really surreal feeling I never thought I'd lead the nation in anything, honestly."

Densmore said his hand fighting is tops. He said he has to credit his hand fighting to all his years in wrestling at the state meet and national level.

Densmore said the Bulldog coaching staff works with players, developing them on both sides of the ball.

"I mainly focus on my speed, getting off the ball and staying low during practice," Densmore said. "I usually work a good amount of hand fighting techniques as well."

He said he evenly divides football and wrestling in the spring. He said wrestling got a little more attention in the spring and early summer because he was preparing for the national tournament and coming off of the season.

"In the summer, I was only focusing on football, if I wasn't out working on my family's ranch or helping a neighboring ranch, I was lifting or practicing with the team," Densmore said. "I didn't get too many chances, my coaches wanted me to play wide receiver this year, which is a new position for me. So almost every practice was focused on that for me."

As a defensive end, Densmore said he relies on his strength.

"Most of my strength comes from manual labor and weightlifting," he said. "As far as my speed, it probably comes from wrestling. It's the same type of speed in wrestling as the D-line....just short bursts of speed is all you really need."

Densmore credits the Larson brothers, Scott and Joe, for making him the player he is today.

"Scott (Larson) is my wrestling coach," Densmore said. "He's been really patient with me during the past few years. That's really helped improve my hand fighting skills. His young brother, Joe, became our D-line coach. He has showed me some new moves I've been able to utilize this year."

Densmore said he hopes to participate in football or wrestling or both sports in college.

"I'd love to play football or wrestle in college," he said. "It's always been a dream to wrestle or play football for Arizona State University Sun Devils. I've got a few colleges looking at me for both sports, but no official offers yet. That's fine though. I'm patient."

Densmore, his teammates and coaching staff are preparing for its annual battle with nearby rival, Holbrook Roadrunners (1-4, 0-1), this Friday at Emile Nassar Memorial Stadium in Winslow.