Mesa Westwood football practices are drawing attention from college coaches due to standout players Keshawn Barkus and Samson Tengei. Barkus aims for 3,000 rushing yards and over 20 touchdowns in the upcoming season.
Key points
Keshawn Barkus and Samson Tengei are key players for Mesa Westwood.
Barkus aims for 3,000 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns in 2026.
Last season, Barkus had 1,648 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns.
College coaches are attending practices to scout talent.
Mesa Westwood had a 4-7 record last season.
Keshawn BarkusSamson TengeiMesa Westwood
Mesa Westwood spring football practices attract college coaches mainly because of two senior players — running back Keshawn Barkus and offensive lineman Samson Tengei.
They are the team's heart and soul. And if they can get college coaches to Westwood practices, then that's great for everybody else on the team.
The way they've been practicing, they feel good about turning around a 4-7 season from a year ago, when Barkus ran for 1,648 yards and 18 touchdowns on 243 carries and caught 13 passes for 119 yards and a TD. He even completed all four passes he threw for 86 yards.
So what does he have in store for the 2026 season?
"This season I want to be at 3,000 yards and 20-plus touchdowns," Barkus said.
Westwood's football success in 2026 revolves around the play of offensive lineman Samson Tengei (left) and running back Keshawn Barkus.
Westwood's football success in 2026 revolves around the play of offensive lineman Samson Tengei (left) and running back Keshawn Barkus.
Barkus feels good about his chances with a completely healthy Tengei to run behind. Last year, he missed spring football due to surgery for a torn ACL in his knee. He was cleared by the beginning of last season. But he feels stronger now more than ever.
Barkus has committed to Nevada.
Tengei's college attention is ramping up. During a Mesa Public Schools Spring Showcase the week of May 4, Tengei pulled out of a team drill to show a New Mexico coach how he's doing.
"I did some drills for the University of New Mexico," he said. "They wanted me to do broad jumps, triple jumps, things like that."
Mesa coach Ryan Felker during Mesa Public Schools spring football showcase, on May 6, 2026.
Q&A
What are Keshawn Barkus's goals for the 2026 football season?
Keshawn Barkus aims to achieve 3,000 rushing yards and over 20 touchdowns in the 2026 season.
How did Keshawn Barkus perform last season?
Last season, Keshawn Barkus ran for 1,648 yards and 18 touchdowns, along with 13 receptions for 119 yards and a touchdown.
Why are college coaches attending Mesa Westwood football practices?
College coaches are attracted to Mesa Westwood practices mainly because of the impressive performances of senior players Keshawn Barkus and Samson Tengei.
What was Mesa Westwood's football record last season?
Mesa Westwood finished the last season with a record of 4 wins and 7 losses.
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Mountain View LB Preston Patterson (No. 7) runs a drill during Mesa Public Schools spring football showcase, on May 6, 2026.
Mesa QB Boogie Anetema (No. 5) throws the football during Mesa Public Schools spring football showcase, on May 6, 2026.
Mesa LB Kainalu Skipps (left, No. 3) catches a pass during Mesa Public Schools spring football showcase, on May 6, 2026.
Mountain View OL Tye Kennedy (right, No. 73) runs a drill during Mesa Public Schools spring football showcase, on May 6, 2026.
Mesa WR/DB Kingston Anetema (No. 1) runs a drill during Mesa Public Schools spring football showcase, on May 6, 2026.
Mountain View QB Brayden Merwin (right, No. 2) hands-off the ball during Mesa Public Schools spring football showcase, on May 6, 2026.
Mesa QB Boogie Anetema (No. 5) throws the football during Mesa Public Schools spring football showcase, on May 6, 2026.
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Mesa high schools hold spring football showcase. Photos
Mesa coach Ryan Felker during Mesa Public Schools spring football showcase, on May 6, 2026.
1 / 8
Mesa high schools hold spring football showcase. Photos
Mesa coach Ryan Felker during Mesa Public Schools spring football showcase, on May 6, 2026.
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Mesa high schools hold spring football showcase. Photos
Mountain View LB Preston Patterson (No. 7) runs a drill during Mesa Public Schools spring football showcase, on May 6, 2026.
3 / 8
Mesa high schools hold spring football showcase. Photos
Mesa QB Boogie Anetema (No. 5) throws the football during Mesa Public Schools spring football showcase, on May 6, 2026.
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Mesa high schools hold spring football showcase. Photos
Mesa LB Kainalu Skipps (left, No. 3) catches a pass during Mesa Public Schools spring football showcase, on May 6, 2026.
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Mesa high schools hold spring football showcase. Photos
Mountain View OL Tye Kennedy (right, No. 73) runs a drill during Mesa Public Schools spring football showcase, on May 6, 2026.
6 / 8
Mesa high schools hold spring football showcase. Photos
Mesa WR/DB Kingston Anetema (No. 1) runs a drill during Mesa Public Schools spring football showcase, on May 6, 2026.
7 / 8
Mesa high schools hold spring football showcase. Photos
Mountain View QB Brayden Merwin (right, No. 2) hands-off the ball during Mesa Public Schools spring football showcase, on May 6, 2026.
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Mesa high schools hold spring football showcase. Photos
Mesa QB Boogie Anetema (No. 5) throws the football during Mesa Public Schools spring football showcase, on May 6, 2026.
Tengei, 6-foot-2, 295 pounds, is convinced Barkus, 5-foot-9, 200, will have an amazing season, especially with an offensive line with three returning starters. Tengei believes the O-line can be a strength of the team.
"I'm going to work on keeping fast feet, especially after putting on a lot of weight," said Tengei, whose brother Apaiata, an edge rusher, signed with Arizona State. "I have to get used to that weight and getting faster with faster feet, getting to that second level and running to the ball."
Coach Brandon Large realizes much of Westwood's success revolves around those two players. Barkus was the 6A leader in rushing yards last season and looks faster and stronger.
"Keshawn has been a huge part of our program for the past three seasons," Large said. "We are excited about his opportunity to play at Nevada and finish his senior season strong."
Tengei has a passion for the game, along with a strong work ethic in the weight room, which he believes will lead him to a Division I school to play college football.
He tore his ACL in February of his sophomore year and, with rehabilitation, was able to get back on the field to start his junior season. This spring, he has picked up offers from Northern Arizona and Illinois State.
"He has had a great offseason this year," Large said. "We are looking for him to be a dominant force up front during his senior season."
Barkus can't wait to get going.
"We just want to be an ongoing playoff team every year," Barkus said. "I'll do whatever it takes. I'm a guy who doesn't go down after the first hit. Great burst. I want that top-end speed all the way."
Richard Obert has been covering high school sports since the 1980s for The Arizona Republic. He also covers Grand Canyon University athletics and the Arizona Rattlers. Please sign up forAzcentral Preps Now newsletter. To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:@azc_obert
