A huge night on both sides of the football has put Willcox junior Asher Ward among the latest players recognized in the race for Arizona’s top individual high school football honor.
Ward was named one of nine Week 5 recipients of an Ed Doherty Award medallion Wednesday after helping Willcox roll past Tombstone, 54-0.
The junior running back needed only eight carries to pile up 240 rushing yards and four touchdowns. That works out to 30 yards per carry.
Ward also made an impact defensively, finishing with six tackles and forcing a fumble as the Cowboys posted the shutout.
The performance earned Ward a place on the growing list of candidates for the 2026 Ed Doherty Award, which recognizes Arizona’s outstanding high school football player.
The Arizona Sports & Entertainment Commission and Grand Canyon State Gridiron Club announced the Week 5 selections.
Ward was joined by eight players from across the state.
Horizon sophomore Dylan Brush turned in one of the week’s biggest rushing performances, carrying 23 times for 407 yards and six touchdowns in a 55-36 victory over Sunnyslope.
Ironwood Ridge senior Zarin Robbins found the end zone five times in a 47-13 win over Casa Grande. Robbins caught six passes for 177 yards and three touchdowns, returned a kickoff 86 yards for another score and took a fumble recovery 19 yards for a touchdown.
Tempe senior Jaiden Hart-Rodriguez caught six passes for 171 yards and three touchdowns while also recording five tackles and an interception. He then converted the deciding extra point following a touchdown in Tempe’s 33-32 victory over La Joya Community.
Sunrise Mountain senior Tanner Austin finished with nine receptions for 243 yards and three touchdowns in a 37-32 victory over Arizona College Prep.
ALA Gilbert North senior Isaac Massey contributed on both sides of the ball in a 33-30 win over Desert Edge. Massey caught 10 passes for 102 yards and a touchdown while adding six tackles, two interceptions and two pass breakups defensively.
Basha senior kicker Mikey Barth connected on all three of his field-goal attempts against Liberty, including a 55-yarder, as the Bears earned a 30-22 victory.
Centennial senior linebacker Luke Franklin recorded 11 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks and three quarterback hurries in a 20-7 victory over Mesa.
Rio Rico senior quarterback Sebastian Castro, selected through the public vote, completed 17 of 23 passes for 372 yards and four touchdowns in a 48-7 victory over Amphitheater. Castro also rushed for 91 yards and another touchdown.
Each of the nine players is expected to receive his medallion at his school and will remain eligible for consideration for the 2026 Ed Doherty Award.
The award is presented annually to an Arizona high school football player based on accomplishments on the field along with academics, leadership, perseverance and involvement in his school and community.
Ten finalists will be selected following the season, with the winner announced at the annual Ed Doherty Award luncheon.
