One week at a time: Mesa Ridge football staying present in 2026
PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO)-- After enduring a rough start last season, the Mesa Ridge Grizzlies are entering the 2026 campaign with a simple mindset: focus on the present and let the results take care of themselves.
Like every high school football program, Mesa Ridge has its eyes on competing for a state championship. But rather than looking too far down the road, the Grizzlies are taking a week-by-week approach.
"We don't want to say we're going 10-0," senior wide receiver Izehyah Brinck-Torres explained. "We're going to say we want to win week by week. If we win week by week, then it'll get us to where we want to go."
That mentality stems from lessons learned during a challenging stretch last season. Mesa Ridge suffered four consecutive losses early in the year, a difficult experience for a program with high expectations.
"I hate losing," senior safety Chris Hinojosa admitted.
Instead of letting adversity define their season, the Grizzlies used it as a learning opportunity. They finished the season 6-6 and 4-1 in league play. One of the program's main offseason goals was teaching players how to respond when things don't go according to plan.
"Getting our kids to understand how to reset when they're faced with adversity is kind of a big focus this offseason," Grizzlies head coach Jerimi Calip said.
For Mesa Ridge, overcoming challenges starts with becoming Grizzly tough.
"Grizzly tough is playing for each other. Don't play for yourself," Hinojosa said.
Players have embraced that message, emphasizing the importance of persevering through difficult moments together.
"Just being able to push through hard times if you ever have to, and then bring your brothers with you, bringing the team with you," Brinck-Torres said of Grizzly tough.
The Grizzlies spent the offseason building that bond through experiences both on and off the field. A team camping trip, participation in a special forces leadership camp and a renewed emphasis on team culture have helped strengthen the group's chemistry.
"I feel like over the years we've gotten more comfortable, especially this year. We've got to be one team," a player said.
That focus and commitment have stood out to the coaching staff throughout the offseason.
"They came out with the focus, and you could tell they were ready to go, ready to show up," Calip said.
Now, Mesa Ridge is eager to see that offseason work translate to success on the field. The Grizzlies will open their season against Vista Ridge on Aug. 21, looking to start the year on the right foot and continue building toward their ultimate goals one week at a time.
