• Slug: Sports-Desert Ridge football, 400 words

 

By Landon Brown
Cronkite News

MESA — The Desert Ridge Jaguars are out for vengeance in pursuit of their first state championship following last year’s loss in the title game.

Jalen Harris, the 6-5 receiver and defensive end who has committed to play at the University of Arizona, knows the team needs even more effort and leadership to get back to the state championship during his senior year.

“I’m trying to be a better leader by leading by example for the younger guys,” Harris said. “I’m making sure I practice harder every day and making sure my teammates are also working hard so we can get back to the championship game. We know what it’s like to have been there and the amount of work it takes. We need to keep working harder and this time win.”

Desert Ridge coach Jeremy Hathcock has been impressed with his star player, whose father, former NFL player Sean Harris, also played at Arizona.

“The very last day of school last year, I walk into the gym and everyone is out having summer fun and (Jalen) is in there doing the VertiMax,” Hathcock said. “He worked out for over an hour while everyone else was leaving campus. He’s a visionary. He understands greatness. Jalen really brings electricity that can’t be duplicated by anyone else.”

After the 28-6 loss to Centennial High School in the AIA State Championship Game, Desert Ridge had some coaching staff turnover and has brought in new talent to fill the vacancies.

“The vibe is always new every year,” Hathcock said. “We lost a few key coaches, which hurts. But we also have some young coaches that can step up and fill a great role for us. Really, one out of 10 coaches are really good. The X-factor is our coaching stepping up – I know my players will. The first week was promising, but if we’re going to make a run at the state title game once again, we have to put it all together.”

Desert Ridge will kickoff its season with the Brothers in Arms Classic in Norco, California on August 26.