PHOENIX (October 18, 2023) — 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
games played the week of October 9, 2023.
Honorees include Christian Carter (Sr. RB, Thatcher); Kaden Haeckel (Sr. OT, Liberty); Luke Haugo*
(Jr. QB, Higley); Josh Orozco (Jr. WR/LB, Desert Heights); Gabriel Smith* (Sr. QB, Walden Grove);
Rocky Stallworth (Jr. LB, Yuma Catholic); and Conner White* (Jr. QB, American Leadership Academy Gilbert North).
“The weather is cooling down, but the performances on the gridiron continue to bring the heat each
week,” said Rob Yowell, Ed Doherty Award Selection Committee Co-Chair. “Outstanding play from
across the state has produced a great group of nominees for the Ed Doherty Award. I’m expecting
much excitement with many medallion-worthy efforts as the 2023 regular season continues.”
Each student-athlete will be presented his medallion this week at his respective school and is now a
candidate for the 2023 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 9,
at The Scottsdale Plaza Resort & Villas. For more information on the award or to purchase tickets to
the ceremony, please visit www.azsportsent.com, or call 480.517.9700.
Leading performances from Week 9 medallion recipients include:
Christian Carter – Sr. RB, Thatcher High School
Carter picked up 194 yards on 27 carries while scoring all five Eagle touchdowns in a 35-14 win over rival Safford.
Kaden Haeckel – Sr. OT, Liberty High School
Haeckel kept the Lancers’ defensive line at bay with no quarterback sacks as the Lions recorded a 49-
0 shutout of previously undefeated Salpointe Catholic.
Luke Haugo – Jr. QB, Higley High School
Haugo was 23-of-35 in passing for 269 yards and 6 TDs in a 60-42 victory over Notre Dame Prep.
Josh Orozco – Jr. WR/LB, Desert Heights Prep
In a 67-34 win over Maryvale Prep, Orozco had 12 catches for 295 yards and 4 TDs, along with 11 solo
tackles (17 total) and two interception returns for touchdowns.
Gabriel Smith – Sr. QB, Walden Grove High School
Smith became the Red Wolves’ all-time leading passer with 5,075 career yards in a 42-7 victory over
Tucson Pueblo. He was 12-of-17 for 297 yards on the night, throwing for 5 TDs in the first half.
Rocky Stallworth – Jr. LB, Yuma Catholic High School
Stallworth had 14 tackles and caused a fumble in the Shamrocks’ 45-17 win over Buckeye.
Conner White – Jr. QB, American Leadership Academy (Gilbert North)
White was 16-of-25 in passing for 277 yards and 3 TDs in a 49-21 victory over Cactus Shadows.
About the Ed Doherty Award
Since its inception in 1987, 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 athletic excellence and unwavering integrity, along with a
commitment to academics, community, and school pride.
About the Grand Canyon State Gridiron Club
The Grand Canyon State Gridiron Club is the most meaningful advocate of high school football in the
State of Arizona. Its mission is to represent Arizona amateur athletics by bringing national attention to
the extraordinary qualities of young people in their pursuit of athletic achievement, academic
advancement, and greater social affinity.
About the Arizona Sports & Entertainment Commission
The Arizona Sports & Entertainment Commission (ASEC) is a non-profit organization created in 1988.
The Commission collaborates with hundreds of partners to help fulfill the mission of bringing national
and international sporting events to the state; assisting in the promotion of existing events and Arizona
sports teams; providing volunteer recruitment and organization for large-scale sporting events; and
developing youth sports programs. In 2009, it assumed oversight of the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame,
and in 2012, the Grand Canyon State Games and the Lori Piestewa National Native American Games.
The ASEC was the founding organization and owner of the 2015 NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl. For
more information on the Commission, call 480.517.9700 or visit www.azsportsent.com
Thatcher’s Christian Carter secures Ed Doherty Medallion with 5 TD night against Safford
Christian Carter scores the first of his 5 touchdowns Friday night against Safford. (Stan Bonifacio Photo)
