Jade Giuffre is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Dysart High School for AZPreps365.com 

Dysart High School’s seven-game winning streak faced its greatest test as it battled undefeated ALA-West Foothills, the top-ranked team in the 3A Metro West Region.

Though ALA-West Foothills emerged victorious, handing the Demons a 56-7 loss Friday night, Dysart’s resilience and determination set the stage for its playoff journey ahead.

Dysart’s highlight came in the second quarter with a memorable trick play. Trailing 21-0, senior quarterback Isaiah Roman handed off to Avion Bailey, who lofted a 30-yard pass to Donovan Hinchey in the end zone, scoring the Demons’ only touchdown of the night. The crowd erupted, and the Demons’ sideline sprang to life, showing that they would fight to the end.

“Aye! They’re scared!” came the rallying cry from Dysart’s sideline, energized by the trick play that showcased their unyielding spirit.

After seeing the sideline’s reactions to the opponents' high-scoring offense, offensive coordinator Kobe Ganados gave the Demons some food for thought.

“It’s going to happen! But how are you going to respond? It’s not over,” Kobe Ganados said.

Head coach John Ganados applauded his team’s effort against one of the toughest opponents it would face all season.

“We did everything we could do this week. Long hours, late nights, early mornings,” Ganados said. “That’s a 6A roster playing 3A football, and that’s what it is. They’re a great team.”

Even as Dysart fought to close the gap, ALA-West Foothills’ powerhouse offense consistently found ways to push past the Demons’ defense. But Dysart junior Connor Stogner made two crucial interceptions in the first half, giving the team critical opportunities to gain ground. Dysart’s supporters packed the stands, fueling the players with unwavering support in the high-stakes game.

“This team is something special. This chemistry is something different. This has been an exciting year,” Stogner said, reflecting on the camaraderie that brought Dysart to this pivotal point in the season.

Ganados urged his team to keep its heads up, knowing this loss would only strengthen the Deoms as they head into the playoffs.

“When kids come to Dysart, they’re not coming to play football. We’re changing that now,” Ganados said.

Even ALA-West Foothills head coach Chad Mitton recognized Dysart’s offensive strength, noting the challenge it posed.

“This was the best offense we’ve played all season,” Mitton said, praising Dysart’s efforts.

In the second half, Dysart continued pressing forward, with Roman connecting on multiple passes to Hinchey and Bailey. The Demons repeatedly advanced into scoring range, but interceptions and penalties limited their momentum. Under heavy pressure, Roman scrambled to keep plays alive, facing an ALA-West Foothills defense that closed in with relentless pressure.

Despite the final score, Ganados reminded his players that their season wasn’t over and that this setback would only fuel them for the playoff run.

“I thought it was a dream,” Ganados said, referring to his seven-game winning streak. “This loss is going to make us better.”

For the Dysart team, this journey, highlighted by a seven-game win streak, is far from over. Ganados expressed optimism, assuring his team that brighter days lie ahead.

“It’s not the end of the world, guys. Whoever we play will be nothing like this team—we’re going to win," he said.

Dysart will carry the lessons from this game forward as it steps onto the playoff stage. The team’s resilience and drive will fuel its next challenge, marking the beginning of what it hopes will be an unforgettable playoff run.