Faith Wick is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Casteel High School for AZPreps365.com

CHANDLER, Ariz. – Casteel football is set to face Corona del Sol in its final home game of the season on Friday, Oct. 30. 

As the regular season winds down, Casteel enters its second-to-last game with a 1-7 record, looking to finish a challenging schedule on a high note. Meanwhile, Corona del Sol enters the matchup at 6-2, hoping to secure another victory and strengthen its postseason chances.

“We need to do a great job as a staff, like I said, emphasizing execution over and over, until you get the end result you like," Casteel defensive coordinator Ethan Swope said.

Despite Corona del Sol holding a stronger overall record, Casteel sits one spot ahead of the Aztecs in the 6A Southeast Division standings. The Colts currently rank third in the division, while the Aztecs sit fourth.

For some Casteel seniors, Friday’s matchup could be one of the final times they step onto the football field. With their high school careers nearing an end, the Colts have more than just a victory at stake as they look to keep their postseason hopes alive against Corona del Sol.

“We love our players, we work hard as a team," Swope said. "Bringing these guys together and understanding that we are a team, like a family. We just need to keep doing that little bit.” 

Casteel’s offense is led by senior quarterback Tee Smith and senior wide receiver Troy Jauregui, two standout playmakers who have earned recognition across Arizona for their talent and performances on the field.

Last season, Casteel claimed the 6A state championship with a 42-27 victory over Centennial, solidifying its reputation as one of Arizona’s top high school football programs. However, the Colts have faced a different reality this season, struggling on both sides of the ball as they look to recapture the momentum that fueled their championship run.

“The bottom line is we play another game this Friday and have to get better,” Casteel head coach Joe Bushman said.

Meanwhile, Corona del Sol has established itself as a tough opponent this season, delivering dominant performances on both sides of the ball. On Oct. 15, the Aztecs showcased their strength with a commanding 50-0 shutout victory over Desert Ridge.

Corona del Sol senior quarterback Luke Farrell has emerged as a key playmaker for the Aztecs this season. Entering Friday’s matchup against Casteel, Farrell has thrown for 1,371 yards and 18 touchdowns, leading an offense that has found success throughout the season.

Despite Casteel’s struggles this season, Bushman and the Colts will look to deliver a few tricks of their own against Corona del Sol in Friday’s Halloween weekend matchup, hoping to turn a challenging season into a sweet victory.