Alyssa Esquivel is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Desert Ridge High School for AZPreps365.com.

Hustle and heart … can’t lose.

It is the motto written on the back of their warm-up jerseys. It is the motto that the team chants before stepping on the field. More importantly, it is the motto that has led the Desert Ridge soccer team to their successful season.

Currently sitting as the 16th seed in the 6A rankings, the 7-2-2 Jaguars have the opportunity to host a home playoff game. With one crucial matchup left in the season, the stakes are at their highest. But the pressure is nothing the team cannot handle. 

“We’re just kind of hoping to take it one game at a time. That’s something we’ve focused on this entire year,” said head coach and former Region Coach of the Year Andrew Clarke.

This is not new territory for the Jaguars. After finishing as the 14th seed in the playoffs last year, the team found themselves in a similar position as many other teams with a loss against the Brophy Broncos. While it was a tough way to end the season, the boys are hoping to take it one step further this year.

A major part of their success leading up to the playoffs can be attributed to their defense. The team currently holds the school record with 13 shutouts in 20 games. What makes it even more of an accomplishment is they broke the same record earlier in the season.

“As a team, we are all very proud of the number of clean sheets we’ve kept this season,” said junior midfielder and captain Daniel Contreras.

The boys hope to maintain that same momentum from the defense moving forward and looking into the playoffs. 

Another factor that has played a huge part in the Jaguars' successful season is senior forward and team captain Tyler Richins. 

Previously nominated as ​​All-Region 2nd Team last year, Richins continues to be a key factor for the team this season. A target guy at the top, he helps set up the Jaguars offensively and currently leads the team in goals while sitting in the top three for all-time goals at Desert Ridge. While Richins is proud of the team’s success this season, he could not be more proud of the trust within the group they have built all season long.

“With all the teams I’ve had the privilege of playing with, I haven’t had more fun with a group of guys than I have this year. There’s a trust that has been built by this group and I think that’s our biggest accomplishment,” said Richins. 

The team will only continue to build the chemistry they have with one another and take that looking into the playoffs. 

With the Jaguars set to host the 15th seed Highland Hawks on Feb. 4, the excitement and adrenaline are in the air. There is an added extra emotion with it being senior night and potentially being their final game.

“I’m excited to be on the field and play with my team, but I’ll be sad with this possibly being my last game. I’ll never forget the experiences I’ve had,” said senior captain and defender,Troy Lucas.

The boys hope to host a home playoff game and keep the same mentality they have focused on all season long. 

Hustle and heart … can’t lose.