What a year it has been for the American Leadership Academy Patriots.
After a bitter ending to their 2015 season with a loss to Benson in the Division V State semifinals, they knew that 2016 was the year to win the school's first State Football Championship. If they were to do it, it would be at a higher division against better competition. Yet, they knew with their top quarterback, running back and receiver returning, they had the offensive firepower to make a run.
They just needed to find a way to win games when the offense wasn't clicking.
Through 14 games in 2016, they have done just that, winning with a stunning offense, a hard-hitting, shutdown defense and a coaching staff with experience and understanding of how to win the big game.
Except for one game.
In week three of the season ALA lost a heartbreaking 16-13 game to Sabino High School.
Now, on the biggest stage, they get their shot at revenge.
Here are seven reasons why, this time, the American Leadership Academy Patriots will comeout on top, and win their first Arizona State High School Championship.
1. A healthy Dallin Edwards
Dallin Edwards was the returning leader of the Patriots, but he missed the first matchup between Sabino and ALA. His presence at quarterback gives ALA a special ability to beat teams through the air or on the ground. Edwards, despite only seven games played, threw 16 touchdowns, but he also gives the Patriots a secondary rushing option from his quarterback position, something Matt Nevill did not.
2. Jermiah Boyd will be unleashed
In their first matchup with Sabino, Boyd rushed for 85 yards on 20 carries. The Sabino defense knew that Boyd was the Patriots best chance for a win, and keyed on him. With Edwards back, they can't get caught keying on Boyd,or Edwards will make them pay.
3. Donovan Hanna
Hanna is the lone Division I college prospect on the Patriots squad and he is a dynamic, massive athlete. At 6’7” and 225 lbs, Hanna is the prototype tight end. With stellar hands and a willingness to block, he gives the Patriots a big target for Edwards.
4. Bujon Boyd
The younger Boyd is a phenomenal receiving threat on the outside and paired with Hanna gives the Patriots the ability to beat you with size or speed. He leads the team in touchdown receptions. He competes the dynamic Patriots offense.
5. Max Hall
Hall had a stellar high school career at Mountain View, then went on to be one of the most prolific quarterbacks in BYU history. Now, he runs one of the most balanced offenses in the state. Hall did not have his full array of weapons in the first game and nearly pulled off an upset. Now, fully loaded, he's going to make things tough for a downright dominant Sabino defense.
6. A smothering defense
In their first meeting, without their quarterback, the Patriots nearly knocked off the then top ranked Sabino Sabercats. Fast forward 12 weeks and the Sabercats have not had a single game against Arizona High School competition where they struggled offensively as much as they did against the Patriots. Farrell Memmott, Jakob Redford, Joe Merrill and Chandler Way lead a hungry and aggressive Patriots defense that knows they can shut down the dynamic Sabino offense.
7. Close Games
ALA has been tested all season and prepared for this game while still finding ways to win without Edwards at quarterback. Since his return they have throttled every opponent in their path. Yet, it was that loss to Sabino, coupled with three other close, hard fought victories that formed this ALA team not just into a contender, but favorite to win their first State championship.
