Early in the third quarter of Americain Leadership Academy's second game this season against Pusch Ridge, Patriots quarterbackl Dallin Edwards knew a hit he sustained was serious.

He played one more series but the pain of a broken collarbone had settled in. Visions of a lost senior season filled his mind.

An initial examination was a displaced fracture the next day,  a Saturday. Surgery was set up for Monday. On the way to Monday, however, one last check of the injury was made. The bone was aligned. No surgery needed. Some missed time ahead. But likely not the end of his season.

"I was already thinking how hard it was going to be not able to play," Edwards said. "When I found out the surgery wasn't necessary it was huge. I was going to be there to support the team either way, but this was the best news."

Dallin Edwards wasn't the only one with that thought. His father, ALA head coach Rich Edwards, was relieved. During his senior season playing for Mesa Mountain View in the early 1980s, he sustatainedf a broken collarbone. He missed a slew of games, but was back for the final regular season game. The Toros had a playoff-qualifying record in 1981. but due to an offseason violation Mountain View was ineligible for postsseason. His season and prep career ended.

"it was quite something to find out he was going to be able to make it back, both as a coach and father," Rich Edwards said. "I recalled that I got back to play, but didn't get a chance to go to the playoffs. I don't know if it was prayer, or what, but that was good news."

For most everyone involved on the team. Junior quarterback Matt Nevill took over for five games and performed credibly. He did the same last year for a short stretch. The Patriots won five of six games Nevill started. When Dallin became healthy enough to return, the situation required some study.

"I think mostly it came down to the old thing of you don't lose your job because of an injury," Rich Edwards said. "Bringing Dallin back allowed us to move Matt to receiver and then move a receiver to defensive back. It ended up giving us more depth. We're in good hands with either one at quarterback. Dallin gives us more of a running threat. It's worked out well."

Dallin Edwards returned on Oct. 21 after missing six games. The Patriots won their final two regular-season games big and have tacked on three more playoff  wins.

Dallin Edwards was out when ALA faced this Saturday's 3A title-game opponent, Sabino. He'll get a chance to help make a difference. Along this way back, he's also had  an opportunity the second time ALA faced Florence and Northwest Christian. In each of those games, Edwards presence was felt -- running, passing or both. It helps when he has ample weapons at his disposal like Jermiah Boyd, Bujon Boyd, Donovan Hanna and Nevill. 

Now he gets a shot at helping avenge the Patriots only loss -- a 16-13 decision to Sabino.

I'm excited about getting to play Sabino," Dallin Edwards said. "Seeing us play a t eam a second time and getting the chance to play them a first time is something I've looked forward to each time."

"I feel real comfortable now after being back a few games. A little rusty the first one or two, but I feel back in the flow."