Reyna Stanley is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Mesa High School for AZPreps365.com

MESA, Ariz. - Mesa High School’s girl’s flag football team dominated on both sides of the ball Wednesday, shutting out Dobson, 34-0, and earning a much-needed win as the Jackrabbits approach the end of the regular season.

Mesa’s defense set the tone early, keeping the Mustangs from crossing midfield for much of the first half. Three Jackrabbits rotated in to pressure Dobson’s quarterback, recording sacks and forcing punts that repeatedly ended the Mustangs’ possessions.

The defensive pressure made it difficult for Dobson to establish a consistent offensive rhythm and create scoring opportunities. By limiting the Mustangs’ ability to advance downfield and forcing turnovers, Mesa gave its offense opportunities to maintain control of the game and build the lead.

Those opportunities put the Mustangs in a spot where the team struggled to recover after falling behind. 

“We got down early; didn’t execute like we should have,” Dobson head coach Joe Polanco said.

The win came after a difficult loss on Monday against Red Mountain, where Mesa’s coaches said the team struggled with the fundamentals. With only two regular-season games remaining, Wednesday’s performance offered the Jackrabbits an opportunity to regain momentum as they pursue a playoff spot.

“The last two games didn’t swing in our favor,” Mesa coach Mikhail Barton said. “It’s good to get back on the winning side.”

Wide receiver Payten Laws helped establish Mesa’s lead, scoring touchdowns on each of the Jackrabbits’ first two possessions. Her speed allowed her to get downfield and create opportunities for deep passes, helping Mesa move the ball and build an early advantage.

“It’s always a good job when I’m leading the team and can boost up our confidence with me scoring,” Laws said, “So it felt great to lead the team to win.” 

Payten Laws (1), Leka Vaitafa (24), Erienne Allen (18). (Reyna Stanley/AZPreps365.com)

Mesa also adjusted at quarterback after starter Lexee Sunderhaus was sidelined following a hit in the team’s game against Chandler. Leka Vaitafa started Wednesday’s game, while Sunderhaus stepped in for a few quarterback keepers. Erienne Allen also took snaps and contributed to the offense.

Barton praised his players for adapting to the changes and handling adversity. The rotation gave Mesa an opportunity to adjust its offense while working around the change at quarterback, with multiple players stepping into different roles to help sustain the team’s production. The ability to work through the quarterback changes was especially important for the team. 

Several junior varsity players also stepped up to contribute at the varsity level. Their involvement gave younger players an opportunity to gain experience while helping the team during an important point in the season. The added contributions also gave Mesa more opportunities to evaluate its depth heading into the final games.

Barton said the team will continue focusing on execution and correcting small mistakes. Maintaining its effort and energy will also be important as the Jackrabbits look to carry Wednesday’s performance into the final week of matchups.

With the postseason approaching, Mesa is working to climb into the top 16 and strengthen its position in the playoff race. 

Mesa will travel to Westwood on Nov. 3 before hosting Skyline on Nov. 5 in its final regular-season game.