Dylan Kane is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Gilbert Christian for AZPreps365.com

GILBERT– Early in the first quarter of a Friday night game against Fountain Hills, Gilbert Christian senior running back Sam Webb broke off a 35-yard touchdown run, his second of four on the night, to put his team up 14-0 and put himself into the record books.

With that run, Webb became the first player in Gilbert Christian history to reach 5,000 all-purpose yards. He broke the school record earlier in the season, surpassing the previous record of 4,439 yards.

Webb is on pace to break even more school records by the end of the season.

“We’ve had some really good athletes come through this school,” Knights coach John Carlson said. “It’s a testament to the work he puts in to get his body physically prepared.”

Webb reflected on what it means to hold the record, noting how his father, Rich Webb, would take him to all the Gilbert Christian football games as a young kid.

“Seeing those kids play I would think that I would never get up there because they’re so big,” said Sam, who currently stands at 5-feet-8 and weighs 160 pounds. “Being able to do what I’ve been able to do for Gilbert Christian is pretty cool.”

Sam’s older brother, Luke Webb, is on the coaching staff at Gilbert Christian. He knew that Sam was approaching a big number, but had no clue it was close to the record for the school.

“For us, as a family that’s been part of this school for a long time, having his name written down as the one with the most yards is pretty neat,” Luke said. “He deserves to get that recognition.”

Sam, who also plays baseball, credits the importance of his family for his upbringing in his athletic journey.

“My dad and my brothers taught me everything I know about sports,” Sam said. “Playing against them when I was younger in the backyard is what brought me up.”

But it was his family’s strength off the field that became even more important when adversity struck. The summer going into Sam’s junior year, his mom, Anne Webb, suffered a stroke.

This event tested the Webb family's resilience and brought them even closer.

“The people around me helped me out, and the game of football helped me cope with it,” Sam said.

His brother Luke added, “I think sports have been a pretty good outlet for him this past year.”

“It’s been a good way for him to take a step back and just play and enjoy it,” Luke said. “For us as Christians we were able to rely on our faith as well.” 

Sam’s perseverance through this hardship has set him apart, highlighting how his impact is shown far beyond his statistics. Many at Gilbert Christian rave about how great of a person and leader he is.

“He’s a great teammate and has really high character,” Carlson said. “He’s going to hit our opponents hard and he’s going to help them up afterwards.”

Carlson also describes Sam as a humble player who always puts the team first.

“(He knows) it’s not about him, it’s about the team,” Carlson said. “Sam would tell you that none of the awesome things he’s accomplished he was able to do on his own.”

“I know he’s not satisfied with those numbers,” Luke said. “He wants to finish the year strong, get a couple wins and get us a home playoff game.”

Sam has attended Gilbert Christian since second grade, where he has cultivated everlasting bonds with his community approaching the heart of his senior year. 

“I’ve played sports with all these guys since middle school,” Sam said. “Everyone knows each other and we’re all so close.”

With two regular season games left, Webb and the Knights sit at 5-3 overall and control their own destiny, sitting at second in their section and 12th in the Arizona 3A division as the playoffs near.

After the football season, Sam will be able to give his body some rest before playing his final season of high school baseball next spring. 

Upon graduating, he hopes to continue his baseball career at a junior college while continuing to be there for his family through his mother’s recovery. 

His future is bright, and now he will be the same role model for the younger generation that his family was for him.

“He’s the kind of young man I love having my kids around,” Carlson said.