Mesa Dominates Rivalry in Historic Win Over Westwood
Mesa High left no doubt in Arizona’s oldest rivalry, defeating Westwood 41–15 in a complete performance that highlighted both resilience and depth. From the opening series, the Jackrabbits controlled the tempo, scoring early and forcing Westwood to play from behind.
Two-way star Kam Williams led the way with a game-changing interception and a touchdown that swung momentum firmly toward Mesa. Transfers Caleb Tafua, Kingston Anetema, and Boogie Anetema all made significant contributions on both sides of the ball, helping the Jackrabbits stretch their lead as the night went on.
The win came despite early adversity. Star kicker Evan Romero went down after a late hit in the first quarter, leaving a sudden gap in Mesa’s special-teams unit. Romero has been a consistent scoring threat and field-position weapon all season, and his injury immediately forced the coaching staff to adjust.
Without their kicker, Mesa relied on their offense to finish drives and avoid field-goal situations. Senior guard Keoni Taivasa, a 5’8” lineman, provided a lighthearted moment late in the game when he stepped in to take the final kick. The sideline erupted, showing how this Mesa team thrives on unity and adaptability.
Impact on Mesa’s 6A Playoff Outlook
The victory solidifies Mesa’s position as a serious contender in the Arizona 6A bracket. Their 41-15 win not only extends momentum heading into postseason play but also improves their case for a favorable seed. The Jackrabbits have demonstrated that they can win in multiple ways: through explosive plays, defensive takeaways, and steady control of the game’s pace.
In the 6A playoff field, margins are small and consistency matters. Mesa’s ability to overcome early setbacks and still dominate shows a level of maturity that will serve them well against stronger competition. Teams with balance on offense and opportunistic defense tend to thrive in this bracket, and Mesa’s recent stretch fits that description.
The Cost of Losing Evan Romero
Evan Romero’s injury remains one of the few concerns moving forward. A reliable kicker is often the difference in close playoff games. His accuracy on extra points and long field goals provided Mesa with a dependable safety net throughout the season. Without him, the Jackrabbits lose both a scoring option and a strategic advantage in field position.
The coaching staff will now need to prepare for alternate scenarios. That could mean developing a backup kicker, increasing two point conversion attempts, or structuring play calls to minimize long field goal situations. Each of these adjustments carries risk, but Mesa’s depth and adaptability suggest they can handle the challenge.
If Romero’s injury proves serious, the team’s response will reveal a lot about its postseason ceiling. In rivalry games, emotion and momentum can compensate for injuries. In the playoffs, precision and execution matter more.
Looking Ahead
Mesa’s win over Westwood was a demonstration of how far the program has come. The Jackrabbits combined poise, talent, and toughness to deliver one of their most complete games of the season.
As they move into the 6A bracket, the challenge will shift from emotional rivalry play to the technical demands of playoff football. If Mesa can continue to generate explosive plays, force turnovers, and compensate for the loss of their kicker, they have the potential to make a deep run.
For now, the Jackrabbits have earned their moment. Their 41-15 win over Westwood will stand as one of the defining performances of their season, and perhaps the spark that carries them into November with confidence and purpose.
