PHOENIX (October 16, 2024) — The Arizona Sports & Entertainment Commission (ASEC) and
its managed entity, the Grand Canyon State Gridiron Club (GCSGC), have announced the
recipients of the Week 9 Ed Doherty Award Nomination Medallions, recognizing outstanding
performances from Week 8 action.
“The start of regional play did not disappoint, with some fantastic games, overtime thrillers and
exceptional performances across the state,” said Rob Yowell, selection committee co-chair.
“Fourteen athletes rose above the pack this week, including several players who excelled on both
offense and defense.”
Each nominee will be presented his medallion at his respective school and is now in the running
for the 2024 Ed Doherty Award, annually recognizing Arizona’s most outstanding high school
football player. This year’s recipient will be announced at a special luncheon on Saturday,
December 14. For more information on the award or to purchase tickets to the ceremony, please
visit www.azsportsent.com.
Outstanding performances from Week 9 medallion recipients include:
Kody Bingham – Sr. RB/DB, Thatcher High School
In a 41-12 win over defending 3A State Champion Sabino, Bingham rushed for 177 yards on 10
carries with 4 TDs. He also recorded 6 total tackles (4 solo).
Kaleb “Bubba” Burras – Sr. QB, Heritage Academy Laveen
Burras completed 18-of-24 passes for 314 yards and 3 TDs while rushing for 3 more TDs on 13
carries and 88 yards in a 56-20 win over Arete Prep. He has now reached the 100 career TD
mark.
Beau Caliendo – Sr. LB, Horizon High School
Caliendo recorded 10 tackles (2 for a loss), 2 sacks and an interception in a 20-7 victory over
Notre Dame Prep.
Porter Delnoce – Sr. LB, Casteel High School
In a 40-37 victory over Perry in 4 OTs, Delnoce had 13 total tackles (9 solo and 1 tackle for a loss)
and 2 quarterback hurries.
Tyler Furniss – Sr. SS, Horizon High School
In a 20-7 win over Notre Dame Prep, Furniss had 13 total tackles (8 solo, 1 tackle for a loss), 1
sack and 2 interceptions.
Bryce Herges – Sr. QB, Desert Mountain High School
In a 35-28 double overtime victory against Cactus Shadows, Herges ran for 3 TDs and passed
for 2, including the game winner to keep the Wolves undefeated at 6-0.
Aaron Landers – Sr. WR, Bagdad High School
Landers had 4 catches for 243 yards and 4 TDs in a 55-0 shutout of Salome.
Kaleb Layton – Jr. QB, Walden Grove High School
Layton was 22-of-26 in passing for 452 yards and 6 TDs in a 72-27 win over Sahuaro.
Carson Minnaar – Sr. DE/TE, Eastmark High School
In a 34-2 win over Desert Sunrise, Minnaar had 14 tackles (8 tackles for a loss) and 3 sacks, while
adding 139 yards receiving on 4 catches, with 3 TDs.
Paul Palmer – Sr. QB, Casteel High School
In a 40-37 win over Perry in 4 OTs, Palmer was 21-of-31 in passing for 211 yards, throwing 4
second-half TDs. He also rushed for 31 yards on 9 carries.
Gio Richardson – Sr. WR, Basha High School
In a 35-20 victory over previously unbeaten Hamilton, Richardson had 5 catches for 172 yards
and 2 TDs.
Nathan Spivey – Sr. SS/ATH, Salpointe Catholic High School
In a 43-14 win over Corona del Sol, Spivey had a 54-yard punt return for a TD and a 77-yard
kickoff return for another score. He also rushed 5 times for 32 yards and had 5 tackles.
Kody Thorley – Sr. LB/RB, American Leadership Academy Gilbert North
Thorley had 13 tackles, 1 sack and 3 QB hurries, rushing 14 times for 45 yards and 1 TD in a 16-
14 win over Higley.
Isac Urias – Sr. RB, Mohave High School
Urias had 27 carries for 175 yards and 3 TDs in Mohave’s 24-14 win over Wickenburg.
About the Ed Doherty Award
Since its inception in 1986, the Ed Doherty Award has served as the State of Arizona’s highest
individual high school football honor, annually recognizing the most outstanding player on and off
the field. Recipients are selected for demonstrating remarkable ability combined with diligence,
perseverance, hard work, and integrity in their pursuit of excellence, while also celebrating a
commitment to academics, community, and school pride.
