2024 Record: 5-6 overall, 1-3 2A North

Playoffs: No. 7 seed, lost to No. 2 Emery 70-21 2A quarterfinals

Players to Watch: Sr. QB Nicolas Marble, Sr. WR Kael Worthen, Sr. TE Cole Clayson, Sr. DL Jaheim Pierre Louis, Sr. DL Michael Rodriguez

Outlook: Kannon Huntsman, who signed with NAIA McPherson College in Kansas, accounted for more than 1,500 yards rushing and receiving and 22 touchdowns last season. But the Eagles are on an upward trend in becoming a consistent program in Class 2A.

“The strength of our team this season is without a doubt our experience,” ALA head coach Lance Burrell said. “Many of our players have seen significant varsity action over the last two seasons — some even three — and that time on the field has created a confident, cohesive group. Offensively, we’re much more balanced and unpredictable than we’ve been in the past, which should make us a tough matchup. On the defensive side, I’m especially excited about our ability to get after the quarterback with our defensive line and linebackers. There’s a lot of potential in this group, and we’re ready to see it come together.”

Quarterback Nicholas Marble, who threw for 2.604 yards and 30 touchdowns last season, will attempt to maintain the momentum of a offense than averaged better than 32 points per game.

“We’re incredibly excited for the upcoming season and can’t wait to see the payoff from the hard work and development this group has put in,” Burrell said. “This team has grown together over the last year, and it’s been rewarding to watch their maturity, leadership, and commitment take shape. There’s a real sense of purpose within our program right now, and we believe the foundation we’ve built is going to show on the field.”

What’s the best way to motivate today’s high school athlete? “We might have a unique perspective when it comes to motivation because our kids are driven by something bigger than just wins and losses — they’re motivated to complete the rebuild of our program,” Burrell said. “Since we arrived at ALA a few years ago, we’ve taken steady steps toward building something lasting and meaningful. Our players understand that, and they take pride in being the group that’s helping turn what many thought was impossible into a reality. That legacy is important to them. And of course, like most high school athletes, they also love earning a good T-shirt now and then.”

– Darnell Dickson