The Perry Pumas football program has been built up to become one of the elite programs in Arizona, and a big reason is their defense. They have gotten increasingly better since last year. The team had to fill some roles due to seniors leaving and going on to college. “You know we had a lot of holes to fill from last year obviously losing two corners, some key defensive lineman, and linebackers but we’ve had some kids step up,” said, Coach Minor. The Pumas have stepped up and got their team back to the state championship game for the second straight year. The reason they have gotten this far is because of the support from outside fans and because of their family mentality.

“I kind of sit the boys down and talk to them and let them know it’s time to step up to who we need to play against. I motivate them with speeches and pregame hype,” said Senior safety Travis Calloway. Perry’s football team has fought tooth and nail to get into the state championship game they have worked hard and have been so dedicated to get back into this game, that they put in hours and got a better knowledge of the fundamentals. In the Perry’s (11-2 3-0) semifinals playoff game against Pinnacle (11-2 2-1) the defense managed to intercept Pinnacle’s junior quarterback J.D. Johnson three times which would help send them into the championship game.

Their defensive stats have increased tremendously from last year. Last year the defense had 605 total tackles, 28 sacks, 8 interceptions and 7 fumble recoveries. This year Perry’s defense has had a total of 19 interceptions, 6 fumble recoveries, 37.5 sacks and a total of 955 tackles. The improvement of the Puma’s defense is a big reason they are back in the game. “I think it’s a big part, we get motivated every week about what other people say about the defense, you know a lot of people counted us out after the first Chandler game and the first Pinnacle game and the first Basha game, so yeah i think they’ve been the unsung heroes,” said, Coach Minor.

Overall the defense has become more dominant and aggressive with their play style and will try to be just as physical as they’ve been all season and playoffs. The coaches have tried to help the players understand the game better and have them play better. They have relied on the defense to step up and play and they have so when it comes to this state championship game, they will expect the same kind of play out of them. This state championship game will test how strong they are.