David Montoya is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Sunrise Mountain High School for AZPreps365.com

Senior linebacker Owen Thomas made the varsity team for Sunrise Mountain High School his sophomore year. Since then, he’s battled through an adversity and has become the valuable leader for the Mustangs’ front-seven.

Thomas began playing tackle football in the fifth grade. He switched over from flag football to his Pop Warner team, where he realized that he had a knack for getting after the quarterback. From then on out, Thomas continued playing each year and made his way to Sunrise Mountain.

In his freshman season with the Mustangs, Thomas caught the eye of the team’s head coach, Steve Decker.

“He was outstanding on his freshman team,” Decker said. “He’s got a really high motor. He plays with great intensity all the time. He’s really fast and athletic.”

Sunrise Mountain defensive coordinator Jerry Cravens said he knew early on that Thomas would be a staple for the Mustangs defense.

“We started him from his sophomore year,” Cravens said, “We knew he was going to be a very good inside backer for us because of his quick motor and he’s very strong. Even as a sophomore, he was one of the strongest kids on the team.”  

As a sophomore, Thomas was able to collect 43 total tackles, six being tackles for a loss, and four sacks on the season. All four of Thomas’ sacks were acquired within the span of four games. The momentum gained from this stretch of contests gave Thomas familiarity with playing varsity; something most underclassmen don’t get until their later years on the team.

“I thought it was a really cool experience being on varsity my sophomore year,” Thomas said. “I knew that I could handle it, and it also provided me with some really good experience for my junior and senior year.”

That experience paid off in 2019. Thomas finished third on the team with 51 tackles and had three sacks, despite playing with a cast on his right arm.

“It was the first week of last year. I broke my hand,” Thomas said, “I played through it.”

After playing the entirety of last year with the injury, Thomas spent the offseason nursing his right hand back to full strength. He said it was important for him to be as strong and as physical as he could be coming into his senior season.

Five weeks into last season, Thomas has made each game count. The 6-foot linebacker leads his team in sacks and tackles with seven and 32, respectively. In addition, Thomas has both forced and recovered a fumble. According to Cravens, Thomas has done so well that he’s earned himself a nickname on the team.

“I consider him our Terminator,” Cravens said. “He just doesn’t stop. […] His greatest asset is pressuring the quarterback.”

Although his stats have been great, Thomas’ work ethic is what ultimately gave him his nickname coming to fruition. It’s also what makes him such a valuable leader on the team.

“I’m one of the guys who always likes to give 100 percent effort no matter what,” Thomas said. “Going all four quarters is one thing that is really important for me and for all the guys.”

Sunrise Mountain has a 4-1 record with three games left on the season. Thomas said he’s doing his best to lead his team in these last few weeks.

“We’re trying to make big plays,” Thomas said. “We’re aiming for a state championship.”

After high school, Thomas aspires to compete at the college level. Although he has yet to receive any offers, Thomas believes he has what it takes to earn a scholarship.

“I’m definitely trying to keep my options open,” Thomas said. “whether it’s football, academics, track, whatever.”