Football preview: Dynamic duo leading Arete Prep

Aug. 14—Matthew Evans found himself in a bind before the 2022 high school football season.

His father had just taken a job in Alabama. Accustomed to 2A football and a rigorous curriculum at Arete Prep, he would've been making the transition to a school in Alabama that plays in one of the highest classifications for sports in the state.

But he soon learned his class credits wouldn't transfer. So, he needed an option. That's when Arete Prep quarterback Prahlad Rattan and his family stepped in.

"I had to move back here and moved in with (Prahlad). Ever since then he's been like a brother to me," Evans said. "I think the fact that his family and him were so inviting, it made it really easy to transition and I'm glad I was able to stay at Arete."

Evans and Rattan were already close friends. Their families were also close, living a few doors down from each other for years. So, familiarity wasn't an issue. Neither was Rattan and his family welcoming Evans into their home to live last season.

The two were already best friends heading into the arrangement, but they quickly became brothers. Evans stayed in the guest room of Rattan's house. They ate together, hung out outside of school and most importantly, trained together.

The living arrangement lasted throughout the season. Since then, Evans' family has returned to Arizona. But the bond they he made with Rattan and his family is something he is thankful for. Now they plan to show that bond on the football field.

"He's my No. 1 receiver, love that guy to death," Rattan said. "I love training with him and being competitive. Lots of deep bombs to him last year. It's like having another brother. It's great."

Evans was the leading receiver for Arete Prep a year ago, when the Chargers went 4-6 under Head Coach Brandon Payne.

After the season, Payne informed his team he had accepted a Division I college football job at Hampton. The players were sad to see him go but knew the opportunity was one he couldn't pass up.

That's when Mike Marino stepped in.

At just 25 years old, Marino may very well be the youngest head coach in the AIA. But he uses that to his advantage to bond with players and relate to them on a personal level. He did it last year when he called Arete's defense, and it's carried over to now as the head coach.

"It shows them that you can be young and go after what you want," Marino said. "I just played college ball three years ago, so I know what it takes to get recruited. Letting these kids know if they want to get to the next level, I will help them get there."

Arete's players have bought in to the culture Marino is instilling. Now, it's all about putting it together on the field.

The Chargers hosted a three-team scrimmage Friday as the first real test before the start of the season Aug. 18 against a Chandler Prep team that beat them convincingly last season.

Arete Prep has size up front and the dynamic duo in Evans and Rattan, not to mention other skill players returning from last year. But depth at key positions could become an issue.

Regardless, Rattan is ready to prove himself at the quarterback position for a full season. He feels Arete is poised for a special season.

"I think we're ready," Marino said. "It's all about keeping kids healthy, keeping them ready to go and making sure everyone is ready to suit up next week. I'm excited for it."

Gilbert Christian

Gilbert Christian has a new head coach this year in John Carlson, who takes over after Danny Norris departed for Benjamin Franklin in Queen Creek. The Knights went 9-3 last season, losing in the quarterfinals of the 2A Conference playoffs to Scottsdale Christian.

The Knights return quarterback Tyler Burr, who passed for 948 yards and 10 touchdowns as a sophomore last year. Running back Sam Webb also returns after rushing for 1,988 yards and 20 touchdowns a year ago as a sophomore.

Now in 3A, Gilbert Christian figures to be a favorite to win the Metro Region. The Knights will kick off their season Aug. 18 against Florence.

San Tan Charter

One of the newest schools in Gilbert, San Tan Charter didn't waste any time putting itself on the map under former Head Coach Kerry Taylor. An influx of talent helped the Roadrunner be competitive early on, and that has carried over to current Head Coach Chase Cartwright.

San Tan went 7-4 last year, losing in the first round of the 2A Conference playoffs. The Roadrunners return Zayden Neill at quarterback, who will be in his fourth year leading the offense. Daniel Dippre, Neill's top target, also returns to help bolster a high-scoring San Tan offense. The two have led the varsity team since they were freshman.

A slew of other talented players, including running back Cayne Ramirez on offense and Kaedin Long on defense, also return brining some veteran leadership to a team looking to make a push toward the 2A title.

San Tan Charter begins its season on Thursday, Aug. 17 against Scottsdale Christian.

Have an interesting story? Contact Zach Alvira at (480)898-5630 or zalvira@timespublications.com. Follow him on Twitter @ZachAlvira.