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Mesa (Ariz.) names new head football coach

IMG_8358by: Andy Villamarzo03/06/26Andy_Villamarzo

Mesa (Ariz.) has been in search of its next head football coach to replace Jeremy Hathcock, who left to accept the same position at Perry. On Thursday, the Jackrabbits announced who they have tabbed to oversee the program moving forward.

According to a social media announcement, Mesa has named former Mesa Community College head coach Ryan Felker to lead the football team. Felker was MCC’s head coach for seven seasons and owned a 41-32 record, including reaching four junior college bowl berths.

Jackrabbit Nation, the next chapter begins now. Mesa High School is excited to announce Ryan Felker as the next Head Football Coach, pending governing board approval. Teacher and current coaching staff member Cam Stephenson will step into a new role as Defensive Coordinator.

Felker takes over for Hathcock, who guided the Mesa Jackrabbits to a 7-5 finish last season and reached the quarterfinal round of the AIA Conference 6A playoffs, losing a heartbreaker to Centennial, 41-39.

The Pumas ended this past season finishing at No. 18 in the final 2025 Arizona high school football rankings. Among the expected returnees to the 2026 roster are junior quarterbacks Derek Carr (953 yards, 11 touchdowns) and Kane Anetema (1,108 yards, eight touchdowns).

More about Perry High School

Perry High School (PHS), located at 1919 E. Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert, Arizona, 85297, is a public institution established in 2007. Serving students in grades 9 through 12, PHS is part of the Chandler Unified School District. The school’s mascot is the Puma, and its colors are navy blue and cardinal red. PHS offers a comprehensive curriculum, including Advanced Placement courses, and emphasizes extracurricular involvement to foster well-rounded student development.

How to Follow Arizona High School Football

For Arizona high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the Grand Canyon State, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the state, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the Arizona high school football excitement across the state.