If there was a moment that captured the personality of the Dimond football team, it came during a recent exchange first-year coach Nick Winkler overheard between two players.
"I heard someone say, 'It's about you tonight,' " Winkler said. "And the kid said, 'No, it's about us.'
"I think that's one thing that's special about this group. We're about the team."
Dimond's spirit will be tested Friday night when it hosts top-ranked West under the lights at Alumni Field.
The Lynx are 2-0, ranked second in the state among large schools, and feature a high-powered offense that piled up 101 points in victories over Eagle River and South. The win over South was Dimond's first in five years.
West is 2-0, ranked No. 1 and has schooled its two opponents by a combined score of 93-21.
"This will be the toughest challenge yet," West coach Tim Davis said.
The Eagles face a Dimond team that so far has played fast and physical.
"I think it goes back to fundamentals," Winkler said. "When you are comfortable with your fundamentals you're able to play the game and not think about those things that sometimes other players have to think about and you're just playing. You're comfortable and confident. I think that helps your confidence a lot on the field."
It also helps to have playmakers like quarterback Vondell Pilcher and ball hawk Kota Ainu'u.
In last week's 47-21 win over South, Pilcher threw for five touchdowns and 241 yards while Ainu'u hauled in three touchdown passes and made an interception on defense.
Of the three touchdowns allowed this season by West, two have come in the fourth quarter after the outcome was in hand.
"Defensive coordinator Joshua Garcia has put the kids in good spots," Davis said. "The kids hustle and rally to the ball. It's made them fun to watch."
West defensive lineman Ozzie Seuiteni and Julo Tagalu have applied consistent pressure up front and defensive backs Darian Lawson and Turek Taylor have been momentum changers with big plays over the top.
The Eagles also have weapons on offense, most notably quarterback Sean Duffy. The tall lefty passed for 267 yards and a pair of scores in a 48-6 win over Service last week. He also ran for a touchdown.
The West ground game has been good behind running backs Tagalu and PJ Seui, but it may need to be great against an athletic Dimond defensive line.
"We live our lives with the mantra 'Win the Play.' That keeps us grounded in the game, in practice and in life," Davis said. "This is a great challenge as Dimond is full of exciting, explosive athletes. Our goal will be one play at a time starting in class today, then in practice, then in the game."
Van Williams is a correspondent for the Alaska School Activities Association.