PHOENIX (September 6, 2024) — The Arizona Sports & Entertainment Commission (ASEC) and
its managed entity, the Grand Canyon State Gridiron Club (GCSGC) have released the Ed
Doherty Award Week 3 Watch List for the 2024 season.
Nearly 150 high school football players across Arizona — representing all divisions, from 1A to 6A
— were selected, based on their participation and exceptional performances to-date this season,
as well as for exemplifying the character and commitment that defines a true champion.
Locally Pima’s Jeremiah Martinez, Thatcher’s Brett Jones and Safford’s Xavier Owens all have made the watch list this season.
Watch List players could potentially receive an Ed Doherty Award Nomination Medallion when the
Selection Committee announces its weekly picks beginning Wednesday, September 11. However,
nominees are not limited to those appearing on the Watch List. Players chosen will be presented
with a medallion at their respective schools each week.
New this season will be the opportunity for the general public to submit its weekly nominations for
consideration by the committee. Fans can share their selections by visiting
https://www.footballarizona.com and clicking on “Public Voting” in the menu. Public nominations
are due each Monday by 5pm Arizona time.
“High school football is the unifying heartbeat of communities, large and small, throughout
Arizona,” said Nikki Balich, executive director of the ASEC. “We are thrilled to provide everyone
with the opportunity to participate in the Ed Doherty Award weekly nomination process, as we
celebrate the state’s incredible depth of talent and enjoy what is sure to be another exciting prep
season.”
Added Rob Yowell, co-chairman of the Ed Doherty Award Selection Committee, “We’re excited to
welcome another great season of Arizona high school football with our Week 3 Watch List. The
state is overflowing with talented players, elevating the game much like former winners Brock
Purdy and Bijan Robinson, who are kicking off their NFL seasons, and Devon Dampier,
quarterback for the University of New Mexico. We’re ready for some football!”
The recipient of the 2024 Ed Doherty Award, recognizing Arizona’s most outstanding high school
football player, will be announced at a special luncheon for all nominees on Saturday, December 14th. For more information on the award or to purchase tickets to the ceremony, please
visit www.azsportsent.com, or call 480.517.9700.
2024 Ed Doherty Watch List
Chase Pacheco RB JR St. David 1A
Cooper Payne QB JR Desert Christian 1A
Finn Dilley QB SR Lincoln Prep 1A
Josh Orozco WR/LB SR Desert Heights 1A
Paul Gathier QB SR Hayden 1A
Ismael Cuevas RB JR Willcox 2A
Jeremiah Martinez RB SR Pima 2A
Kaleb “Bubba” Burras QB SR Heritage Academy Laveen 2A
Rocco Haggard ATH JR Pusch Ridge 2A
Sebastian Lopez QB SR Bisbee 2A
Uriah Neloms QB SR San Tan Charter 2A
Ayden Williams RB SR ALA-Ironwood 3A
Ben Pollock OL SR Mohave 3A
Brett Jones LB SR Thatcher 3A
Brit Roberson WR SR Sabino 3A
D’Anthony Bush RB JR Kingman 3A
Dillin Chiquillo DL SR Kingman 3A
Hyatt Lang OLB, DE JR Gilbert Christian 3A
Jacob Newborn RB SR Pusch Ridge 3A
Joey Benally QB JR Page 3A
Paul Ortiz DT SR Sabino 3A
Ridge Allen RB SR Benjamin Franklin 3A
Sam Barnard ATH SR Fountain Hills 3A
Sir-Izzik Sanchez Caldwell QB SR Tonopah Valley 3A
Tyler Nolan KR SR Pusch Ridge 3A
Xavier Owens DE SR Safford 3A
Brandon Hadnot FS SO Sierra Linda 4A
Braylen Rooney QB SR Arcadia HS 4A
Carlos Montoya RB/MLB SR Walden Grove 4A
Chase Brown QB JR Flagstaff HS 4A
Christian Shetler WR SR Greenway 4A
Colton Buckingham QB SR Coconino HS 4A
Conner Hangartner RB/SS SR Mica Mountain 4A
Elijah Little RB SR Thunderbird 4A
Gehrig Heil P SR Arcadia 4A
Jadon Wetzel RB SR Flagstaff 4A
Javon Bell RB JR Peoria 4A
Jayden Thoreson QB SR Mica Mountain 4A
Jimmy Leon DE/TE SR Mica Mountain 4A
Nash Ott QB JR Yuma Catholic 4A
Ngonkra Fuangunyi RB SR Empire 4A
Noble Young-Blackgoat WR/DB SR Coconino HS 4A
Sir Stokes WR SR Yuma Catholic 4A
Uriah Tenette ATH SR Prescott HS 4A
Antonio Casias QB JR Cactus 5A
Bobby Blackburn RB, DB SR Campo Verde 5A
Camren Hamiel DB JR Desert Edge 5A
Cassidee Miles WR SR Central 5A
Cody Wells LB SR Notre Dame 5A
Colten Meyer QB JR Marana 5A
Conner White QB SR ALA Gilbert North 5A
Cooper Perry WR SR Notre Dame 5A
Demico Price DE SR West Point 5A
Dezmen Roebuck WR/DB SR Marana 5A
Donivan Dixon QB JR Cactus Shadows 5A
Dylan Hayhurst FB SR Barry Goldwater 5A
Elantae Flemming WR SR Paradise Honors 5A
Grant Dooling CB SR Ironwood Ridge 5A
Gunner Fagrell QB JR Higley 5A
Jackson Murray DL SR Horizon 5A
Jaden Taylor WR SR Higley 5A
Jake Hildebrand OL SO Basha 5A
Jalayne Miller OL JR Desert Edge 5A
Jamar Beal-Goines CB SR Desert Edge 5A
Javion Alston RB SR Dobson 5A
Jax Markovich TE SR Horizon 5A
Jaxon Knutson QB SR McClintock 5A
Jay’vier Cook RB SR Agua Fria 5A
Jayden Olcott LB SR Higley 5A
JD DeCausmaker WR SR Higley 5A
Julian “JuJu” Stubblefield WR SR Cactus 5A
Kemon Jackson WR SR McClintock 5A
Khalil Bender WR JR McClintok 5A
Khavonte Paul QB JR Ironwood 5A
Lucas Blumling LB/TE SR Desert Mountain 5A
Luke Haugo QB SR Higley 5A
Mack Mulhern LS SR Horizon 5A
Matthew Kroner WR SR Ironwood Ridge 5A
Nicholas Horrocks RB SR Mountain View Marana 5A
Noah Chanez WR JR Tucson 5A
Raevonta Hill DL SR Trevor Browne 5A
Ronald Coty QB SR Raymond S. Kellis 5A
Tommy Cruz QB SR North 5A
.jpg)