Since the first practice of the 2017 season the football team has been working non-stop towards the same objective: the state finals.

The Pumas (12-1, 3-1 Premier Region) has never made it farther than they have this year and they could not have a better mindset. Every team begins the year thinking they could be champions, but this team believed it from the onset.

“As long as we believe and trust in ourselves and play to our full potential, we can win,” junior running back Jalen Young said.

He noted he has felt this way since his freshman year, “you know how we write stuff to our future self, I said we were going to state my junior year.” He knew what he wanted and he  fought for it.

As free safety Travis Calloway stated, Perry is optimistic and excited about “the biggest game of our high school career.” Calloway also talked about how having a “get it done attitude,” is  the attitude him and his fellow teammates have held all throughout the season and how it has helped them achieve their shared goal.

The players and staff have worked so hard this season and they have earned their spot in the playoffs.

Quarterback Brock Purdy shared that the team is “on the same page and are so excited to play the team that is better than all teams.” All the work and dedication they have put into their dreams is finally a reality and they are not stopping now.

Junior receiver Colby Dickie explained how Perry “proved we are a contender” and also how he knows, “It is very possible for us to win state if we stay focused and play hard.”

The players and coaching staff are now preparing to face off against Chandler in the state championship which takes place Saturday, Dec. 2 at U of A.