Haley Smilow is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Scottsdale Christian Academy for AZPreps365.com.

When it comes to sports, most people are taught that records decide a season. But for Scottsdale Christian Academy, it's all about culture and process.

Coach Nate Holtz is entering his second season with the Eagles, highlighting core values of excellence, relentless effort, selfless energy and process. In everything the team does, whether in the weight room, classroom or on the field, the team recognizes its mantra: "serve continuously."

"It's not so much wins and losses," Holtz said. "It's the team we are putting out on the field and how we are playing and honoring Christ."

For the Eagles, every day is an opportunity to get better. Athletic director Eric Dall and Holtz believe giving 100 percent will produce results.

"That's just how we believe in doing it," Holtz said. "We've got to be great every day and do it over and over and over again."

The team went 3-7 last season, but this year the Eagles have been soaring in practice.

"Last year was definitely a down year for our program," Dall said.

Holtz emphasized that the team isn't in the mindset of having a certain number of wins or making deep playoff runs.

The goal is to be great every day.

This season, SCA has playmakers on both sides looking to make an impact. "Coach Holtz is a defensive guy," Dall said. "But having watched almost every practice and knowing the guys on the offensive side, we could end up having a very dangerous offensive team this year."

According to Holtz, the wide receiver core made up of Ben Tobin, Coby Tabet, Davis Klassen, Boden Davidson, Braden Wales and Tyler Gerace have exciting potential.

On the defensive side, Will Chambers, Connor Troxell, Jake Brugman, Blu Schamadan and Josiah Baum will be the players Holtz relies on.

COVID-19 halted the Eagles this summer, but now it's just another hurdle for the team to overcome. With COVID-19 permitted practices, the team has started 7-on-7 work and is focusing on contact.

What's most important to Holtz is that his players understand the privilege they have been given.

"We're just glad that we get to have a season," Holtz said.

The Eagles open Friday against Trivium Prep at Craig Chambers Field in Scottsdale.