By Spencer Bodow
Tempe Prep is fortunate to have a hardworking group of men competing on the gridiron each week. The football team has not had the start they wanted to the season. With no wins through their first four games, they have not had their breakout game yet, but don’t go flipping over tables just yet.
The team is due for a big game. The team has put in plenty of effort to make this season worthwhile. From routine team workouts at Planet Fitness, to a strengthened coaching staff, the offseason has had no sign of laziness. The Knights have acquired a new and energetic wide receiver coach who “will be the reason we win,” says Junior Quarterback Hayden Sampson.
The coaching was not just another fun toy for the team. Rather, it was a necessary tool. One of the big changes coming into this season was the size of the team. New players from every grade have joined the squad hoping to enjoy themselves and help the team’s chances of winning. And although it is great to see new players, some inexperience might show. Nevertheless, the coaching staff was ready to give structure and discipline to this team.
Quarterback Jacob Dendy was forced to step up after Sampson went down with a severe leg injury and Dendy was not far out with help from his coaches. “They help put me in a position to lead the team down the field, and more importantly, help the team win some games.” Dendy’s growth was greatly showcased in a tight game against Heritage Academy where he was able to show off his arm, connecting with wide receiver talent, Louis Ternyik on a few big plays. The final heave, coming less than five yards short from a last second game-winning touchdown.
In all of their first three games, they have played close games, never losing by more than one possession. Next week, they will be put in another grueling battle at Scottsdale Christian for what should be a good one. This year’s seniors are hoping to make a stand in their farewell tour in a big way.
“That game is going to be winnable and I really want to take down Scottsdale Christian,” says Senior John Patterson. Most upperclassmen players do not have fond memories of Scottsdale Christian. As freshmen, the Class of 2020 experienced a devastating loss to the Eagles in the playoffs. The next year, the game was way too close as the Knights simply ran out of time in the fourth quarter. Last year, the Eagles shut out the Knights on Homecoming, leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of a hardworking group of Knights.
This year is different though. Scottsdale Cristian’s football program is on the decline and may not be ready for a strengthened Tempe Prep team. The team will go into the next part of the season hungry for some wins and maybe even some home cooked breakfast burritos.
