Friday was a 3A state championship rematch between American Leadership Academy and Sabino. It was a new year but the same result with ALA beating the Sabercats.
A good chunk of this group – there are 32 seniors on this year’s team – experienced that title run last year.
Two leaders on the offense are Kade Lunt and Bujon Boyd, who both play receiver. Boyd is the team’s top returning receiver racking up over 600 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns last year. His older brother, Jermiah Boyd, rushed for nearly 1,500 yards last year for ALA. Head coach Rich Edwards has seen a more intense focus from Lunt this offseason and early in 2017.
Pair these receivers with quarterback Matthew Nevill, running backs Trey Miller and Tarrik Workman, Jayton Hall and Tanner McLachlan as other weapons on the outside and an overpowering offensive line, and the Patriots are poised to put up a ton of points in 2017.
ALA rebounded nicely against Sabino this week, coming off a loss to Pusch Ridge last Friday. Edwards felt the group was laser-focused in practice and last week’s loss was showed the Patriots they can’t just “show up” and the results will be there.
They will need that focus as they navigate a stout 3A conference this year.
What’s Next
ALA will play Fountain Hills on September 8th.
