While it may not have felt that way to the Mustangs, the 3-7 team in 2023 was different than the 2022 squad with the same record.

All three victories came on the field, while the 2022 team picked up a victory when Long Beach Milikan had to forfeit its win in Peoria.

In the end, three close losses to end the season may have given this Sunrise Mountain team more motivation than the blowouts of 2022.

"This is probably the hardest working group I've had in a while. They understand. We were very close last year but close isn't good enough," Sunrise Mountain coach Steve Decker stated in a text. "We can't give opponents penalties. A lot of what we did last year gave games away."

The 2022 team lost to Verrado 6-0. Its other three region games? Blowout defeats of 35, 39 and 38 points.

Last season, the Mustangs handled Verrado 39-20 and were shut out by Desert Edge 23-0 to start region play. The final three region games were exercises in heartbreak.

Cactus escaped with a 48-45 win in triple overtime, and Millennium edged out the home team 27-21. Then, with a 5A playoff spot probably hanging in the balance, Sunrise Mountain lost 37-31 at Canyon View.

The new year brings a new opportunity for the Mustangs as they have their eyes set on the Queen Creek Bulldogs on the road for the opener. The last two football seasons for have been underwhelming.

Vanden Dugger started most of the past year and a half at quarterback, but moved to Dana Hills High School in California.

This time around Sunrise Mountain fans get to see a more familiar name at quarterback in Nathan Anderson who is returning for one last high school run after taking his junior season off.

“This offseason I realized I really wanted to be back on the field and once I started getting training in with people then start throwing that ball around, I really enjoyed it and wanted to be back out with my boys and I’ve loved it ever since,” Anderson said.

Tonight will be the first time Anderson suits up for a regular season game in two years, however there are a lot of returning players he gets to work with.

Throughout the duration of the 2023 season the young bucks of this team made their presence felt in every step of the way especially on the defensive side of the ball. Outside linebacker and leading tackler Logan Guilford was one of the sophomores from last season who put his name out there as force on this defense.

“Last year I didn’t have much expectations since it was my first year on varsity, but this year I expect to improve and pick up the team” Guilford said.

Tope receiving threats Elijah Mendez, a senior, and Logan Russell, a junior, are back.

Senior captain offensive guard Max Squiers and junior offensive duard/defensive tackle Braylon Horn are three-year starters and the foundation of the offensive line.

"These guys are big and strong and should have an outstanding seasons," Decker stated.

The time for talking is officially over. Queen Creek is the new 6A power on the Mustangs schedule.

This year, Sunrise Mountain does not travel to California. Instead, the Mustangs pick up Phoenix Trevor Browne in their home opener on Sept. 19, after three road games.

Nash Jensen is a Sunrise Mountain High School student.

West Valley Preps editor Richard Smith contributed to this story.