Avery Goettge is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication student assigned to cover Raymond S. Kellis High School for AZPreps365.com.

The Raymond S. Kellis Cougars football team finished 1-9 in a grueling year spent in one of the toughest regions in recent program history, with playoff hopes long gone. But it has found an unexpected bright spot.

The youngest Cougars, fronted by sophomore quarterback Brodee Lermon, found their rhythm.

“It’s a lot of responsibility as the youngest starter on the team,” Lermon said. “But I’ve learned to become a leader.”

Lermon operates with a backfield of two seniors, Hector Cisneros and Robert Cordova. The duo combined for 1,504 of the team's 2,599 yards.

However, in the pass game, senior wide receivers only account for 346 of Lermon’s 1,254 pass yards.

“Having young receivers means we’ll play more as a team next year,” Lermon said.

Lermon has the full support of first-year coach Chris Miranda, who believes in his team’s future despite this year’s result.

“Brodee hitting that duo with sophomore receiver Ricky Wilson, they’re just that duo,” Miranda said. “I mean, we’re going to be alright.”

Porter Jr. has six receptions for 79 yards in his two games with catches. He caught his first touchdown last week against Desert Edge.

Wilson, whom Lermon credits as one of his favorite targets, has five receptions for 73 yards in his three games with catches.

“Brodee and I both rely on each other to make big plays when it matters most,” Wilson said.

Big plays in important situations have been Lermon’s M.O. this season. Against Desert Edge in a 60-14 loss on October 24, Lermon found himself under quick pressure in a third-and-long. Lermon looked 10 yards up the sideline for sophomore Lamin-Jo Conteh, who made his second career reception and took it the rest of the way, 60 yards for a touchdown.

“I’ve gotten better at going through my reads and finding those connections,” Lermon said.

Despite the result, Lermon received high praise from players and coaches after his performance against Desert Edge.

“Brodee has tons of potential,” Miranda said. “His arm ability alone, I mean, he can sling a ball. But he’s getting better at his footwork, his accuracy. And it’s giving the team confidence.”

Wilson and Lermon’s connection has only grown. The duo led the team downfield on multiple drives in the Desert Edge game, including a 30-yard reception for the Cougars’ longest gain of the first quarter.

“Knowing my quarterback believes in me gives me all the confidence to go out there and compete,” Wilson said.

Miranda shares confidence in Lermon and the rest of his young roster.

“They’ve stuck it on through,” Miranda said. “They have an understanding of what’s ahead of them in life and here at Kellis. They’re stepping up.”

Miranda would know. Being a three-year receiver at Peoria High School and a longtime coach there, he understands how to build up teams.

“I have full belief in them,” Miranda said. “My faith with this team lies not only with coaches but with these young quarterbacks, receivers and guys who are in it for the long haul.”

Kellis moved from the Central Valley Region to the Desert West this year, which features teams ranked higher than Kellis faced in its back-to-back region championships the past two seasons. 

While hopes for another this year are on hold, the team believes its turnaround is coming soon.

“We’ll be back soon,” Wilson said.