Note: ALA finished with a 7-5 overall record in 2019 and was fourth in Region 14 with a 2-3 record. It was RPI seed No. 7 in the 3A playoffs, and was eliminated by Juab 35-7 in 3A quarterfinals.
SPANISH FORK — It’s been an interesting offseason for nearly every team given what has been going on with the COVID-19 pandemic, and ALA is certainly no exception. As a school that has typically struggled with having smaller numbers of available players, coach Nate Porter and the Eagles have been happy to see an increase in numbers this offseason.
“Our numbers keep growing,” Porter said. “(That has allowed) us to be two deep on all our skill positions, which is something we’ve never had.”
Those growing numbers have also resulted in competitions for certain positions. The most notable of these competitions took place at quarterback between seniors Hyrum Morley and Nathan Johnson. Johnson, who was initially considered the favorite to start, realized that Morley was the one who deserved the job.
“He’s one of those kids that is like ‘whatever it takes to win, I’ll do it,’” said Porter.
Johnson has now transitioned to play on a solid offensive line that already returns three starters. Fans of the team will hope that Johnson’s desire to win rubs off on the rest of his teammates.
With plenty of returning talent, that desire to win may be all that ALA requires to build upon last season’s campaign that saw it reach the quarterfinals. When asked to comment on his outlook for this season, Porter said, “We’re going to let the play do the talking this year.”
American Leadership at a glance
Coach Porter’s thoughts on how his players dealt with with the COVID-19 adversity in the spring and summer:
“I think the kids are looking at football as more of a privilege now. It’s really put things into perspective for us. This has been one of our best summers we’ve ever had with kids coming out and doing their workouts every single day. It’s also helped my leadership core because it’s been my seniors and my juniors who have been pushing those workouts.”
ALA Offensive Snapshot
Offensive coordinator: Kyle Purvis
2019 offense: 29.0 ppg (7th in 3A)
2019 offensive statistics
- 6 returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Alec Shockley (OL)
- Alex Vigo (OL)
- Deuce Porter (OL)
- Nathan Johnson (OL)
- Manuel Olivares (RB)
- Duncan Henstra (TE)
Offensive newcomers to watch
- Hyrum Morley (QB)
- Jason Messerly (WR)
Coach Porter’s keys for offensive success in 2020:
“I think the key to us and any other school that has low numbers is just having players stay healthy the whole season. That’s the number one key. We’re also breaking in a new quarterback so getting him comfortable and in a rhythm will be the other key to our success. ”
American Leadership Defensive Snapshot
Defensive coordinator: Doug Vincent
2019 defense: 30.1 ppg (12th in 3A)
2019 defensive statistics
- 5 returning starters
- 4-2-5 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Alec Shockley (DL)
- Duncan Henstra (DL/LB)
- Nathan Johnson (LB)
- Alex Vigo (LB)
- James Carpenter (DB)
Defensive newcomers to watch
- Hyrum Morley (FS)
- Nathan Burton (SS)
Coach Porter’s keys for defensive success in 2020:
“In our region and in 2A and 3A ball ,you have to have a really good run defense. That’s something that’s kind of killed us over the last little bit, but we feel really good about our run defense this year.”
Deseret News outlook for 2020
ALA seems to be a program that is on an upward trend. The Eagles will have a solid defense that will make it difficult on other teams to put up points. The offense has a lot of question marks, but having four returners on the offensive line will certainly help provide stability to the team. In a challenging region loaded with talent from top to bottom, ALA may be hard pressed to finish with a result significantly better than last season, but If the offense can thrive, don’t be surprised if ALA puts together some impressive wins.
Felt’s Facts for American Leadership
- All-time record: 37-104 (14 years)
- Region championships: 0
- Playoff appearances: 10
- All-time playoff record: (2-10)
- State championships: 0
- State championship record: (0-0)
- Most played rivalry: Eight meetings with Manti dating back to 2006. Manti leads 8-0. Last met in 2019.
Last 5 Seasons
- 2019 — 7-5 (2-3 in Region 14 – 3A Quarterfinals)
- 2018 — 4-6 (2-3 in 2A North – 2A First round)
- 2017 — 4-7 (2-3 in 2A North – 2A Quarterfinals)
- 2016 — 4-6 (1-4 in 2A North – 2A First round)
- 2015 — 4-6 (1-4 in 2A North – 2A First round)
American Leadership coaching history
- 2017-current — Nate Porter (15-18)
- 2014-2016 — Billy Nixon (9-20)
- 2013 – Chase Ryan (3-7)
- 2012 — Bobby Kauo (2-7)
- 2009-2011 — David Lewis (6-25)
- 2007-2008 — Tom Fell (1-19)
American Leadership All-State at-a-glance
Deseret News First Team all-staters the past 10 years
- 2019 — Fielding Morley, ATH
- 2019 — Jarius Searle, DT
- 2018 — Fielding Morley, WR
- 2017 — Owen Huff, LB