By Ryan Moffett
Contributing Writer
Quarterback, viewed as one of the most important positions in all of sports. Team success is viewed through the performance of the starting quarterback or possibly by the depth at the position.
“If you have two quarterbacks, you actually have none,” is a famous quote from John Madden, but seeing ALA Gilbert North play could’ve changed his opinion.
It’s not typical to see a football program utilize two quarterbacks in games, but ALA Gilbert North has done just that. Not only have they used two quarterbacks, but the team has full confidence in both of their guys.
The two senior quarterbacks for the Eagles are Conner White and Bryson Landon. Head coach Ty Detmer enjoys having the two players as a part of his offensive scheme.
“It gives us confidence to use them more in the run game, knowing you have two guys that can win for you,” said Detmer. “Definitely peace of mind in case one gets hurt.”
White and Landon have combined for 18 touchdowns through the air and on the ground. Landon believes that the Eagle’s strong run game has helped to ignite the air attack.
“Something our offense has done has been definitely trusting our run game,” said Landon. “But also being able to spread out the field and air it out quite a bit.”
The ALA Gilbert rushing offense has been dominant throughout the year as the team has tallied just under 1,200 rushing yards in as little as eight games. Four total rushers have contributed to the Eagles’ scoring through the efficient ground game.
As the regular season winds to an end for the Eagles, they will have to face two very competitive opponents before the postseason. Most teams would want to have their starting quarterback position locked down heading into playoffs, but the Eagles are riding the confidence of their two gunslingers.
“A couple changes could be made but I honestly think we’re playing some of our best football,” said Landon. “We need to ride our hot streak into the playoffs.”
Madden might think that having two quarterbacks could create rivalry or divide the locker room. Detmer, on the other hand, likes having two leaders at a position that is key to the team’s success on the field.
“Both are great leaders and work well together,” said Detmer.
The quarterbacks also have the support of their teammates through the leadership they both display. Running back Kody Thorley has noticed how the two players have helped improve team morale.
“I believe that they help uplift everyone,” said Thorley. “They’re always there to help guide us to victory.”
The last three stops on the road to the playoffs won’t come easy as the Eagles prepare to face off against Notre Dame Prep this Friday. Following that matchup, ALA Gilbert North is scheduled to compete with a talented Horizon team in the last week of regular season play.
A fear to compete with the top teams in their conference hasn’t slowed down ALA Gilbert North in the past. They still are hungry for success heading into the playoffs and think other teams should be on the lookout for the Eagles.
“Other teams should be aware of us because we are dangerous,” said Landon. “I think we have the best defense in 5A and our offense could easily put up numbers against the best teams.”
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