Daviaughn Reagan is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Marcos de Niza H.S for AZPreps365.com.

New faces are in place at Tempe Marcos de Niza this season, as Anthony Figueroa takes over in hopes of getting the once consistent program back on track.

A Marcos de Niza alum, Figueroa has a wealth of coaching experience, which includes stops at Mesa Community College, Tempe Prep and rival McClintock. Marcos de Niza has had four different coaches in its last five seasons. This resulted in a flux of different records, forcing the program to lose its reputation as an annual championship contender.

“I'm going to be here for the next 60-70-years,” Figueroa said jokingly.

With COVID-19,  Figueroa has had to be resilient in taking over at the helm. He has had to supplement for no spring practice and minimal in-person interaction with student-athletes.

The school has taken great precautions to ensure that the athletes are safe and able to play the whole season.

“We stay masked up, daily temperature checks, small groups in the locker room along with spraying every piece of equipment down after it has been used,” Figueroa said.

The Padres are a veteran team. Of the 36 varsity players, 24 are seniors.

“Hard-working dudes that wanna grind, be on the field, they want to lift, they want to hit, they just want to win,” Figueroa said.

Quarterback Antonio Hernandez and linebacker/fullback Jacob Irick, along with receiver/cornerback Daivon Nelson will have to perform well to get the Padres back to their consistent ways.

The schedule is extremely challenging. The Padres face off against two state championship teams: American Leadership Academy (Queen Creek), the champion in the 3A division, and Mesquite High, the champion in the 4A division.

They also play Benjamin Franklin, last season's state runner-up in the 3A division. The schedule doesn't get easier, as it's rounded off with solid teams like Amphitheater, Coconino, Seton Catholic, Tempe and Greenway.

“We are never going to play up or we are never going to play down to the level of our opponents, we are just going to play one way," Figueroa said.  “Fast, physical, competitive and a team with passion. ”

Figueroa is eager to get started, as he wants the school and football team to make the community proud. At least one former player thinks he can do it.

“IQ and his ability to relate to this demographic of kids are going to be Coach Figueroa’s biggest contributions in returning the program back to what it was,” former Padre standout receiver Shaun Richards said.

As it stands, due to COVID-19 restrictions, only two people per athlete will be permitted to come and watch the Padres play their Oct. 9 home opener against Benjamin Franklin.