(GILBERT, Ariz.) Gilbert Christian takes the field this fall on a quest beyond football, seeking to develop legacy-focused young men who live to glorify the Lord. A palpable sense of excitement fills the air as the battle-equipped Knights press forward in full armor, and uniforms alike, into the 2025 season.  
 
"We want to arm our players with the tools and character to live on mission for Christ," Head Coach John Carlson said. "It's a blessing to coach football. The game is immensely challenging, but it is also uniquely effective at teaching essential life skills. Being able to watch our players work hard to develop their talents, sacrifice for one another, support each other through adversity, and celebrate successes together is so rewarding."
 
The Knights' forthcoming schedule is tough, and players will have to step into significant roles on offense, filling gaps left by the departure of 2024 starting quarterback and 3A Metro Region Offensive Player of the Year Tyler Burr (2nd all-time GCHS passing yards), and the program's all-time leading rusher, running back Sam Webb. 
 
Keep an eye out for receiver-turned-quarterback, senior Caleb Ely, to lead the backfield as the Knights embark on 2025 play. Ely did it all last season, compiling 651 receiving yards, ten touchdown receptions, and a pair of touchdown passes, while also showing tremendous prowess at defensive back for the Knights' secondary.
 
There's no shortage of talent in the receiver department. Senior Kamari Stanbury returns to the green following a year-long hiatus due to injury. Stanbury, a talented three-sport athlete (football, basketball, track) for Gilbert Christian, has the speed and athleticism to make big plays for Carlson's squad on both ends of the field. He managed 13 touchdowns as a sophomore, mixing it up with nine at receiver, three at running back, and a pick 6 while playing corner. 
 
"Kamari was a matchup nightmare in 2023," Carlson said. "Now that he's fully recovered, there's nothing he isn't capable of. He will make huge plays within our passing game, our run game, and on the defensive side of the ball. Kamari will have options to compete at the college level next year."
 
Stanbury is joined at wideout by Kai Ahlman, a junior who has spent the entirety of his career on the Knights' varsity roster. Ahlman is another explosive athlete who can play anywhere, pestering offenses and defenses alike, and will be a key component on the team's 2025 road to success. 
 
Expect to see Pierson Scott get a lot of burn as he steps into a major role at running back. Scott, a sophomore, returns for his second varsity season, and will need to use his savvy running, elite routes, and tremendous vision to move the ball up the field for the Knights. He will be joined in the backfield by junior Camden Gorsline, who looked remarkably strong on the turf in Gilbert Christian's preseason scrimmage last week.

Defensively, Gilbert Christian poses a significant threat to 2025 challengers. The Knights return senior defensive end Hyatt Lang who finished his junior campaign with 6 sacks, 92 total tackles, and 14 tackles for loss. Heading into his final season, Lang holds the all-time GCHS record in tackles for loss (44.5) and ranks second in all-time tackles (243). He is a big, hard-hitting menace, who has proven himself as one of the best players in the conference, if not the state. Lang is currently weighing offers, and is poised to play collegiate football next fall. 
 
"Hyatt has been a game wrecker on the defensive side of the ball since his freshman year," Carlson said. "Last year he also started at tight end for us and was an integral part of our offense with 21 receptions for 460 yards, as well as three touchdowns."
 
Carlson also lauded junior linebacker Evan Scott as a key returner for the Knights' defense, citing his athletic fortitude, his natural instinct for the game, and his aggressive nature on the gridiron as major strengths. Scott was voted to the region's second team for his efforts at linebacker during his sophomore stint. Look for Scott to step into a larger leadership role as the season commences.
 
Bennett Juve, a recent commit to NCAA Division I Eastern Washington, is sidelined to begin the year as he fights through a foot injury. He returns for his senior season as one of the most versatile playmakers on the 2025 roster, with a football IQ to rival a seasoned coach. Juve's capacity to lead has no ceiling, and he embraces his role as a player-mentor to his teammates. His contributions on the field in 2024 were impossible to miss. At wideout, Juve compiled 475 yards and seven touchdowns in just six contests. When outstanding plays took place, whether on the ball or away from it, Juve was part of the equation. He forces opposing defenders to play honest, and fans should pray for Juve's speedy recovery. 
 
Wickenburg is the first obstacle in the Knights' crusade. The 2025 home opener is scheduled for August 22nd, at 7:00pm. Be there to support GCHS football as they boldly charge forward into the future, equipped with faith, determination, and a perspective that goes far beyond the 100-ticks painted on the field.