2021 Team Preview: Eastmark Firebirds

<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>Overview</strong></span> Eastmark High has a very intriguing squad and is possibly the most underrated team in the state in 3A. Don’t let their past record fool you. In their inaugural season in 2020, Eastmark went just 2-6 on the year, but had an entire team of underclassmen. You had numerous kids who don’t even have their drivers license yet starting on Friday nights under the lights against some highly talented programs in 2020 such as Pusch Rigde, ALA Gilbert North, and Coolidge. To make things more challenging, Eastmark did not have a fall camp due to all the COVID chaos and restrictions that were happening early last year. The entire team was made up of freshman and sophomores, which can only benefit them in the long run. After a year under their belt, Eastmark will return not only every starter, but every player from 2020. With that being said, there are numerous young prospects that have shown strong potential and have impressed throughout the offseason, including last years starting QB [player_tooltip player_id="127492" first="Gianni" last="Mascolino"] who is very athletic kid all around. They also land a solid transfer in QB [player_tooltip player_id="165929" first="Mack" last="Molander"] from Queen Creek, adding another dimension to the Eastmark offense. Their schedule won’t be easier here in 2021, as they'll take on 3A contenders River Valley and Pusch Ridge, as well as 4A Poston Butte, who has a number of promising prospects. Regardless, the boys at Eastmark have had a year to mature and develop and grow that chemistry, so don’t be surprised if you see Eastmark climb up in the rankings throughout the season. <hr /> <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>Key Players </strong></span> [player_tooltip player_id="165929" first="Mack" last="Molander"], <em>QB, 2023</em> Molander transfers in from 4A Queen Creek, where he learned under current USC commit Devin Brown. Molander sizes up with an excellent frame and build at 6'3" 200lbs and is developing into a pure pocket passer. Excellent mechanics in the pocket and delivers with a smooth, effortless release. He reads the field well and holds strong potential to put up big numbers in 3A if given the nod to start. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="127492" first="Gianni" last="Mascolino"], <em>QB, 2023<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-108908" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/02/PRZ-crop-750x492-1613408357-300x197.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></em> Mascolino held the QB1 role last year, as he threw for over 1,000 yards and 9 TD’s. Dual-threat kid with the ability to extend plays and pick up chunks of yards downfield with his arm or on the ground. He flashes the ability to deliver off-platform throws often and possesses solid top end speed to burn defenses with his legs. He can be shifty and slippery in space, and holds solid all-around athleticism to be that spark. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="110143" first="Austin" last="Johnston"], <em>WR/DB, 2023</em> Johnston is a solid two-way player for Eastmark with the ability to make a significant impact on both sides of the ball. He totaled 16 receptions for 224 yards and a TD, while racking up 60 tackles and 5 INT’s, showcasing legit ball hawk ability. He did his best work as a DB flashing a nice break on the ball and holds a good understanding of assignments, and projects to take a big leap from his sophomore to junior season. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="115493" first="Javery" last="Mayberry"], <em>DL/WR, 2024</em> Mayberry is a promising young talent for Eastmark. He caught two TD's last season and racked up 35 tackles with 11 TFL's and 3 sacks. He sizes up with an excellent frame and build at 6'4" 205lbs and has continued to impress at numerous camps throughout the offseason and summer. Big potential on both sides of the ball for Mayberry, as he could bust loose for the next three seasons. &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><em><strong>Other Names to know:</strong></em></span> <strong>Mason Williams</strong>, <em>OL/DL, 2023</em> <strong>Jacob Tramp</strong>, <em>OL/DL, 2023</em> <strong>Ramar Williams,</strong> <em>OL/DL, 2023</em> [player_tooltip player_id="169420" first="Jordan" last="Howard"], <em>TE/LB, 2024</em> [player_tooltip player_id="115521" first="Javien" last="Celaya"], <em>LB/RB, 2024</em> &nbsp; &nbsp; <em><strong>*No departures. Eastmark will return their entire roster from 2020. </strong></em> <hr /> <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>2021 Schedule</strong> </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><em>*3A Central Region Game </em></span> 8/27- @ River Valley 9/3- Payson<img class="alignright wp-image-136931" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/04/PRZ-Generic-Helmets-300x187.jpg" alt="" width="441" height="275" /> 9/10- Pusch Ridge 9/17- Dysart 9/24- @ Poston Butte 10/1- *ALA-Ironwood 10/8- *@ Coolidge 10/15- @ Sahuarita 10/22- *@ San Tan Foothills 10/29- *Florence