There's a new energy buzzing around Westwood football this spring, and it's being powered by two players who are turning heads both on the field and in the stands. Senior running back Keshawn Barkus and senior offensive lineman Samson Tengei aren't just the heart and soul of the team—they're the reason college coaches are making the trip to Mesa.

For Barkus, the goal is simple but ambitious: a 3,000-yard season. And with Tengei fully healthy and paving the way, that dream feels more achievable than ever. "This season I want to be at 3,000 yards and 20-plus touchdowns," Barkus said with confidence.

Last year, Barkus was already a force, rushing for 1,648 yards and 18 touchdowns on 243 carries, while adding 119 receiving yards and a touchdown through the air. He even completed all four of his pass attempts for 86 yards. But the Warriors finished 4-7, and both players are hungry for a turnaround.

What makes this season different? A completely healthy Tengei. Last spring, he was sidelined after surgery for a torn ACL. He returned by the start of the season, but now he's stronger and more explosive than before. That chemistry between the line and the backfield is exactly what Westwood needs to flip the script.

Tengei's own stock is rising fast. During the Mesa Public Schools Spring Showcase in early May, he stepped out of a team drill to work one-on-one with a coach from the University of New Mexico. "They wanted me to do broad jumps, triple jumps, things like that," he said. It's clear that college programs are taking notice.

For Westwood, having these two leaders on the field doesn't just boost the offense—it elevates the entire program. When college scouts come to see Barkus and Tengei, they also see the rest of the team. And that kind of exposure can be a game-changer for everyone wearing the Warriors uniform.

With spring practices in full swing and a renewed sense of purpose, Westwood is building something special. And if Barkus and Tengei have anything to say about it, this season will be one to remember.