A pair of 3A heavyweights go head-to-head this week as American Leadership Academy rolls into Phoenix on Friday to face the Crusaders of Northwest Christian in a rematch of last year’s 3A state semifinal game.

American Leadership (3-1) comes in riding high, fresh off a 45-0 beatdown of Fountain Hills last week. Senior running backs Trey Miller and Tarrik Workman led the way for the Patriots offensively, combining for 125 yards rushing and a touchdown. Receivers Bujon Boyd and Tanner Mclachlan also got in on the action, together receiving three of the team’s five touchdowns.

The story of the game for the Patriots, however, was the defense. American Leadership forced Fountain Hills into three interceptions while allowing just 102 yards of total offense. Defensive lineman Mckay Moon and linebacker Josh Mccambly anchored the Patriot defensive attack, combining for 14 tackles in the contest.

Defensive prowess has been a theme all season for American Leadership, who come into this week’s matchup allowing just 182 yards per game to opponents in the team’s first four games.

“Our defense is really an unheralded part of our success over the last three years,” said American Leadership head coach Rich Edwards. “They fly to the ball, create turnovers... they’re a huge part of what we’re doing.”

One of the keys to the Patriots' defensive success has been the ability to get to the quarterback. Behind 3A sack leaders Jakob Redford and Cameron Rogers, who have accounted for four and five sacks, respectively, American Leadership has sacked opposing quarterbacks 12 times this season, the best mark in 3A.

However, the Patriots have seen strong play from their offense as well. ALA comes into this contest averaging 364 yards and 33.5 points per game, largely due to the play of senior quarterback Matt Nevill. Nevill, who has tossed 10 touchdown passes this season, including four last week, has thrown for 937 yards, good for first in 3A and seventh in the state.

“(Nevill’s) worked harder than anyone on the team and has really stepped up into that role,” said Patriots offensive coordinator Max Hall. “He’s always wanting to spend more time and watch film and go over things. So I’m really proud of Matt and what he’s done.”

Undefeated Northwest Christian (3-0) will also look to keep things rolling, coming off an impressive shutout victory of their own last week, defeating Blue Ridge 35-0.

Senior quarterback Jarin Davis was 12-of-20 in the contest, throwing for 102 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Thomas Poe and receiver Brady Wijbrandts also had key contributions, combining for 75 yards and two touchdowns.

Like American Leadership, the path to victory for the Crusaders last week ran through the defense. Headlined by three interceptions from two-way player Poe and defensive back Dustin Inness, the Crusaders shut out Blue Ridge while allowing just 76 yards of total offense.

Lineman Derek Henderson and defensive back Cameron Adams led the way in the tackles department, collecting 14 tackles, three of them for losses.

This season, Northwest’s defense has been stifling, allowing just over 7.5 points per game while holding every opponent thus far under 200 yards of total offense. The team has also forced 10 turnovers in its first three games, including three last Friday.

Coupled with an offense which has scored 32 points per game, the Crusaders have outscored their opponents 98 to 23 in three games, en route to a dominant start.

Northwest now looks to make a statement against the defending 3A state champions, who knocked off the Crusaders twice last season, including a 41-21 defeat in the state semifinal game.

“You got to find out where you’re at,” said Northwest head coach David Inness, refencing the challenge ahead. “You’re going to get better and you hope you can get through (these games) and win them. Like I told our kids at practice, we’re going to go out and play as hard as we can and see where we’re at.”

Although still early in the season, the game holds playoff implications and importance for both sides, and could serve as a sneak peek into a potential playoff matchup come November.

“It’s going to be a battle,” said Hall. “Both teams are well coached and have the right kids. It’s going to be fun to play them Friday night; it should be a great game.”

The game kicks at 7 p.m. and can be streamed live at https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/azpreps365/48be5e6bcc and heard on the Fanatic (1580 AM and 99.3 FM).