Eric SorensonWhat a difference a year makes.
Last fall Scottsdale Christian Academy quarterback Grant Schreyer did far more watching than playing. He found himself down the Eagles’ depth chart behind prized freshman Jack Miller who posted video game-like numbers during SCA’s 10-3 season.
Then opportunity knocked.
In January, Miller transferred down Shea Blvd. to Chaparral and another promising quarterback, Jake Havens left for Desert Mountain.
Suddenly, the keys to the Eagles’ offense were turned over to Schreyer who only saw spot duty on varsity last season as a sophomore.
Proud that we’ve scored on Offense, Defense, & Special Teams in each of our first 3 games…5 Defensive scores and 4 special teams TDs
— Chuck Gibbs (@ChuckGibbs) September 2, 2017
Head coach Chuck Gibbs had an idea this fall to help his junior quarterback become better acquainted with the SCA offense, which was altered to more of a run-based look this off-season.
“Our JV team is 4-0,” Gibbs said with a confident grin to Sports360AZ.com. “Grant is our offensive coordinator. So we let him call the plays. That helps him understand our game and our system better. It’s been fun.”
What’s also been fun for Gibbs has been watching his young signal-caller improve from week-to-week for the 8-2 Eagles.
“My career started as a back-up basically,” Schreyer explained to Sports360AZ.com. “I had to put in work and I had to keep getting better.”
Mission accomplished.
The three-sport student-athlete, who also plays soccer and volleyball, has used his legs to help set up and develop his arm. Schreyer has averaged nearly seven yards per carry, while throwing 19 touchdowns with just eight interceptions. He’s also completing close to 63 percent of his attempts.Through it all, the well-liked Schreyer stays balanced, focusing on what’s most important.
“I’m a student-athlete so academics come first, then I practice,” Schreyer said. “I work my butt off. I take it one sport at time.”
Between the white lines he’s taking it one play at a time, improving with every snap.
“He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do,” Gibbs said.
With another full year in the system, expect even greater strides in Schreyer’s game next year as a senior.
For now, the Eagles are focused on winning a 2A state championship in the coming weeks.
What a difference a year makes.
Grant Schreyer is living proof.
