Aiden Longbrake is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Arizona Lutheran Academy for AZPreps365.com

PHOENIX – Arizona Lutheran Academy could not stop dancing into the end zone on homecoming night after a blowout win against American Leadership Academy – Sierra Vista Oct. 2 in Phoenix.

The Coyotes’ offense toppled the Guardians 63-22. The offense scored eight touchdowns with four rushing touchdowns and four passing touchdowns.

"It’s awesome winning on homecoming for those guys and for the seniors, and also it's a regional game,” head coach Seth Zimmermann.

In the first half, both the offense and the defense were not slowing down behind sophomore running back Braeden Goudeau's two-touchdown performance.

“We have four or five good running backs that we just move them in there, and they're all good runners,” Zimmermann said. “Then when you pass, they never expect it.” 

The Coyotes' offense opened up the game with five run plays that resulted in a 6-yard rushing touchdown to take the early lead, 8-0.

This led the Coyotes' offense to run a play-action pass on the opening play of their next possession, which became a 61-yard passing touchdown. This extended their lead to 15-0.

Arizona Lutheran Academy was winning 53-8 at halftime, and while the homecoming festivities were happening on the field, ALA – Sierra Vista made adjustments in the locker room.

The Coyotes started with the ball to open up the half, and on the first play, ALA - Sierra Vista forced a fumble and recovered, which led to a passing touchdown for the Guardians.

“We had a good talk to our corners about trusting our edges, especially when they motioned,” Guardians head coach John Kraus said.

During the second half, the Coyotes gave up 14 points and scored 10 after outscoring their opponents in the first half 53-8.

After the conclusion of their regular season and their debut 2A state Championship game, the Coyotes are 8-3. They next play San Tan Charter Nov. 13 in Gilbert in the state quarterfinals. The winner will play either No. 6 Benson or No. 3 Wilcox on Nov. 21 in Tempe.