The human body can accomplish amazing feats.
Especially when adrenaline overcomes pain.
Notre Dame Prep athlete Landon Stych didn’t think much when he felt some pain in his leg blocking a couple of players during a Saints’ punt in an early-season game last season.
After returning to the field for several plays following the injury the reality, and pain, started to set in for the then-junior standout.
“My adrenaline shut down and I realized something was wrong,” Stych explained to the “Zone Read.”
NDP’s medical team initially ruled it a hyperextension. He returned to the field in the Saints’ lopsided win playing at “80 percent,” he said.
The next morning, following that Thursday night victory over Millennium, told a much different story.
Stych woke up to swelling around his right knee.
“I was like, ‘Something’s not right,’” he said dejectedly. “I went to the doctor the next day and got the news.”
Immediate Uncertainty
At the time, the 6’2, 195-pound outside linebacker, who also plays slot receiver on offense and centerfield on the Saints’ baseball team, was leading the team in tackles and pacing for a big junior campaign – usually the film college recruiters covet.
The reality of a lost season hit different.
“For me, it was mental,” he carefully explained. “I knew I would have had a big season. I just felt like I found myself [as a player] and now it was gone.
Big win 20-14 over Desert Edge! Proud of my team! @JUSTCHILLY @PeteKnow_ @NDP_Athletics @gridironarizona @CodyTCameron @AZHSFB pic.twitter.com/VyjZCW3quu
— LandonStych (@LandonStych) September 7, 2024
“When I did tear my ACL, I got depressed for a few months. I didn’t know how my senior year would be.”
As we discussed in-depth earlier this summer (hyperlink to column), Arizona high school football coaches wear many hats and often, their biggest strengths, stretch well beyond the plays they call on the field.
Head coach George Prelock focused on keeping his two-way stars’ controllables in perspective.
“It’s obviously devastating,” Prelock said, his voice trailed off. “To find out you have an ACL tear…it’s easy for student athletes to go in some dark places after that.
“[I wanted] to keep the lines of communication open. I was constantly checking in on Landon, making sure he was still engaged with the team. That was extremely important.
The bond Prelock strives to build with his players goes well beyond the game of football.
He serves as a mentor, a supporter, a motivator and a beacon of strength, helping teenagers like Stych navigate life’s obstacles, maybe for the first time.
“The kids are going to remember how you treated them, and how you cared for them,” the veteran NDP head coach continued. “It’s something I try to do with all my student-athletes.”
The Honest Conversations
A lost year of high school athletics is just that, lost.
No medical redshirts.
In truth, unfortunately, no second chances when a season-ending injury like Stych’s occurs.
Prelock didn’t try to sugar coat reality, he instead preached patience throughout his star player’s long rehab journey.
He also insisted Stych play a big role in the season, even if it wasn’t on the field.
“He wanted me to stay around the team,” said Stych. “That was a big thing for me. Stay involved.
”Friday nights I was able to watch the games [on television]. That was probably the best part of it.”
Stych, a Christian, also leaned into his faith, often reading bible verses and consistency prayers for strength and a clear mind following the injury and the tough months that followed.
Fight Over Fear
ACL injuries frequently heal at their own pace but six to eight months, for young athletes like Stych, is usually the timetable.
While he started to gain trust back in his leg, he was still cautious, putting in the work to make sure everything was “right” before ramping back up to full-speed workouts this summer.
Maxing out on legs!
475×5 @NDPScottsdale @SportPrepX @5StarScouting pic.twitter.com/C710oJWiE7— LandonStych (@LandonStych) May 14, 2025
“It took about six months for me to get back to where I wanted to be,” Stych said. “When you hit the six-month mark on your ACL that’s when your ACL feels strong, but it’s not.
“That’s when it can give out again and tear again. That’s its weakest point.”
Eventually, Stych re-gained that trust, both in his ACL, as well as his belief in himself.
Not Too Late
Despite having limited tape from last season, college coaches are intrigued by Stych, who has also played some quarterback at NDP as an underclassman.
They just want to see more to evaluate.
The time is now.
“My senior year is to just prove everybody wrong,” Stych said of the colleges who may be hesitant to pull the trigger on a scholarship. “The big goal for me is to come those first five games and get my film out there.
Last week, in his first game back against Yuma Catholic, he emphatically stamped his official return to the field.
Great team win over Yuma Catholic! Made a statement. 1-0 onto the next! @JUSTCHILLY @azc_obert @AZPreps365 @AZHSFB @PrepRedzone @therealbeadle @BigAllllll5 @NDPScottsdale @WillieATuckerSr
2 Rushing TD’s
5 receptions
90+ total yards
7 tackles
2 PBUshttps://t.co/J8Lqj4Q29X— LandonStych (@LandonStych) August 31, 2025
“He’s gritty, he’s tough, he’s hard-nosed, and he’s courageous,” Prelock said with a smile. “He’s the first one you’d want by you in any difficult situation.
2026 LB/WR/S @LandonStych out of @NDPScottsdale with a huge game vs Yuma Catholic the other night. A perfect example of hard work paying off. Proud of you kid@JUSTCHILLY @thehonestupdate @PrepRedzone @azc_obert @yngstarathletes pic.twitter.com/idbkJUzYb3
— Jake Benger (@jake_benger) August 31, 2025
“He’s going to be there and help you get through it.”
Much like Prelock helped Stych when he needed him most.
The post Zone Read: Stych Fixed – NDP Senior Back in a Big Way first appeared on Sports360AZ.
