Javier Delgado is a student journalist at Arizona State University assigned to cover St. Mary’s High School for AZPreps365.com

Having a versatile player is essential to make a team better and get wins.

Bobby Lewis is a running back, linebacker, and punter who fulfills that role for Saint Mary. 

While multipositional players aren’t uncommon in high school, having them perform at a high level is rare.

Lewis is one of the 4A conference's top punters as well as one of the 4A West Valley region's leaders in tackles. He ranks second in conference and ninth statewide on a 43.1-yard punt average, as well as the West Valley's ninth and the Knights' first at 48 tackles in just five games played for the Knights (3-5).

Lewis was the Knights' top tackler last season at 84. 

St. Mary’s head coach Jose Lucero also described the junior Lewis as a leader that the team responds well to him.

“He’s very talented and he’s very good at everything he does. He’s a great ball carrier, tremendous linebacker and an All-Region punter,” said Lucero. “On the field it has a huge impact on us, the guy is a leader.”

Lewis knows his versatility has a positive impact on the team's defense, but he loves to shoot through the gaps with the ball from the backfield on offense.

“It helps with the versatility of being able to play on both sides of the ball. Giving other people rest if they need it, it could just help the team,” said Lewis. “I enjoy playing all of them and especially like playing running back.”

Lewis playing both sides of the ball enables Lucero and his coaching staff to rotate him in at two important positions. However, that can result in lots of wear and tear for Lewis's stamina and physique.

Sophomore tight end and linebacker John Herrington talked about how Lewis’ versatility opens things up for the Knights. 

“It’s really good having someone that can make a lot of tackles on defense at linebacker,” said Herrington. “He can also be on offense blocking for us and running the ball real hard.” 

The Knights have two games left before the postseason, have lost four of their last five games, and are looking to finish the season on a .500 record. They have a better chance finishing the season strong if Lewis continues playing well.