By Caleb Peckham
The TPA football team looks to bounce back this week against Scottsdale Christian in a tough homecoming game. Tempe Prep suffered a setback last Friday night against Arizona Lutheran, losing 28-18 due to some miscues and ALA’s potent offense. The Knights plan not to let this impediment slow them down but instead will try to regain the momentum of their 3-0 start.
The season began with decisive wins. The Knights crushed Bourgade Catholic 53-18 on the road to start the 2012 campaign. TPA continued its winning ways by blanking Valley Christian 27-0. Although the game started close and VC marched multiple times into the red zone, the Tempe Prep defense held and kept the Trojans out of the end zone. The win marked the third year in a row that the Knights have shut out the former state champs.
The biggest statement of the season came when the Knights beat Seton Catholic, a powerhouse program in Division IV. Coming into the game, the Sentinels were ranked third in their division and were considered a heavy favorite to beat Division V TPA for a second consecutive year. The Knights were not intimidated but instead started fast, jumping out to a 21-6 lead. Seton battled back in the second half, but the Knights were able to hold on 24-21.
The Knights were finally slowed down by ALA. Although TPA was significantly more effective at reining in the Coyotes’ offense than other teams, the running and receiving efforts of star Alfred Erives were too much for a short-handed Knights’ defense. Missing a few key players, the Knights struggled to sustain the effort that had led to their earlier victories.
The upcoming Homecoming game against Scottsdale Christian figures to be an exciting one. The Eagles have had a superb start to the season, crushing three opponents and almost upsetting top-ranked Northwest Christian. Despite the strength of SCA, Tempe Prep has won tough Homecoming games in the past, including an upset last year of a 6-0 Camp Verde squad. In addition, the Knights have taken two out of the last three games against the Eagles, most notably last year in the first round of the playoffs.
The offensive key to the Knights’ 3-1 start has been their stellar rushing attack. Tempe Prep has scored 17 touchdowns on the ground, averaging 288 yards per game. Running back Levi Hartzler and quarterback Forest Redlin are both averaging over 7.5 yards per carry behind the blocking of fullback Anthony Brittain and a strong offensive line anchored by seniors Eddy LeBeau, John Dallyn and Ben Gilloon. Ahmari Underwood is the leading receiver.
In addition, the defense has made some great stops. It effectively bottled up the passing attack of Seton and severely hindered ALA’s offense. LeBeau and Hartzler lead the team in tackles and sacks and are vital to the Knights’ plans to stop Scottsdale Christian.
Come out on Saturday night and cheer Tempe Prep on in one of the most important games of the year.