Tucked behind the beauty of Estrella Mountain, Estrella Foothills head coach Michael Spencer is leading the pack to another potential playoff run.

In his third year as head coach, Spencer has turned around the football program since starting in 2023. The Wolves were 15-6 with two region titles in his first two seasons after going 2-18 in 2021 and 2022.

“It’s always trying to raise the bar from the year before,” Spencer said. “Getting that first round exit, like a bad taste in their mouth, and made them a little hungry in the offseason.”

Estrella Foothills had a successful season, winning all games against regional opponents in 4A Copper Sky. The Wolves had a 8-3 record and made it to the playoffs for the first time since 2018.

Although the Wolves were a first round exit against eventual 4A runner up Chandler Arizona College Prep, when they lost 37-14, the program has seen much success under Spencer’s leadership within three years.

“The energy on the field, the organization of the program, it’s all changed,” senior receiver Jacob Rawls said about Spencer’s influence. “He came in his first year and said he’s here to change the culture, and he really did that.”

Rawls will be an asset for the offense this season. Rawls had 585 receiving yards and six touchdowns last season while assisting the defense as a defensive back with two tackles.

After dominating the 4A Copper Sky region, it’s time for a new challenge for Estrella Foothills. In the West Valley region, the Wolves will compete against Buckeye, Deer Valley, Lake Havasu and Youngker.

Estrella Foothills have previously won against Buckeye, Deer Valley and Youngker by 10 or more points, including a 21-7 win at Deer Valley in a de facto playoff elimination game to end last regular season.

Lake Havasu is a new regional opponent who will put up a fight to win the region. Havasu won against Buckeye and Youngker last season.

Estrella Foothills start their attempt at another successful season and hope to advance further in the playoff run against La Joya on Friday, Aug. 29 in Avondale.

The defensive front seven is in the spotlight of the Wolves program with key players returning this season. 5-9, 180-pound senior defensive lineman Dasan Guevara-Ponce returns, hoping to add on to his 75 tackles and 5.5 sacks from last season. Spencer highlighted 6-1, 185-pound senior defensive lineman Xander Teeter who had 109 tackles and seven sacks for 11 games.

This year, Teeter is eyeing the school record for most tackles in one season.

“We got a completely new defense. We’re ready to put it in, new play style and everything,” Teeter said. “I’m so excited, ready to hit someone.”

All region offensive lineman Jace Coleman is back for his senior season, Senior Colton Rowe and junior Marshall Luedemann also are back to fortify the front line.

Upcoming players to be on the lookout for are Shawn Ellison, Wesley Curry and Mickey Raftery, whom all are juniors this season. Running back and defensive back Ellison is a dual threat on the field with his 200 rushing yards and two touchdowns, along with nine tackles.

Quarterback Mickey Raftery, a junior transfer from Canyon View, is ready to showcase his skills and lead the Wolves’ offense.

Defensive back Wesley Curry had 17 tackles, 10 were solo tackles.

“He was ready to step up and do his part on the team,” Teeter said about Curry’s contribution to the team during practice.