Football Player of the Year candidates
As we dive deeper into the playoffs, here are leading candidates for the Arizona high school football Player of the Year. This can change as playoffs progress and that will play a big part on who ends up as The Arizona Republic’s Player of the Year.
Let’s break it down:
Stephon Daily, Phoenix Sierra Linda, WR, Jr.
After not playing as a sophomore because the district elected not to play due to the pandemic, his first varsity season was nothing short of brilliant.
The lengthy, elusive wide receiver had 50 catches for 991 yards and 12 TDs, leading the Bulldogs to their best season at 8-2.
Russell Davis II, Chandler Hamilton, DE
Broke school records for most sacks (16.5) and tackles for losses (26.5) in a season.
Adam Damante, American Leadership Gilbert North, QB, Jr.
He has the second-most passing yards in the state at 3,074 and the second-most TD passes at 42, leading the Eagles to the 3A semifinals.
Will Galvan, Glendale Cactus, QB, Jr.
He is the smallest guy on the field but one of the most elusive. The Cobras don’t even sniff the Open without him.
Terrance Hall, Glendale Mountain Ridge, Athlete, Jr.
He’s been a weekly highlight reel, the latest of which finding him hauling in four of the five TD passes that junior Brendan Anderson threw in a thrilling 40-35 first-round 6A playoff win at Mesa Mountain View.
Zach Hammett, Mohave Valley River Valley, RB, Sr.
He scored a 3A-record tying 36 touchdowns on the ground and had 2,261 rushing yards, averaging nearly 12 yards a carry, as his team reached the 3A quarterfinals.
Justin Holmes, Cactus, DL
He’s always making plays in the backfield for one of the fastest, most physical defenses in the state.
Javen Jacobs, Scottsdale Saguaro, Athlete, Sr.
Biggest home run hitter on Open team who impacts the game on offense and special teams.
Kaden Majercak, Chandler Valley Christian, RB, Sr.
He had more than 200 rushing yards and the gamewinning touchdown run in the 35-28 quarterfinal win over Hammett and River Valley.
Nicco Marchiol, Chandler Hamilton, QB, Sr.
His improvement from his junior to senior year is off the charts, better than anyone could have imagined. Marchiol thrrew a school-record 34 touchdown passes.
Adam Mohammed, Glendale Apollo, Athlete, So.
He has a total of 32 TDs and 192 points in the regular season.
Tristan Monday, Saguaro, DE/OLB, Sr.
Tremendous athlete, the Wisconsin commit sets the tone on defense with his ability to get into the backfield and make plays. He has 30 tackles for losses and 9.5 sacks for Open Division playoff team.
Justin Regehr, Valley Christian, LB, Sr.
He has 102 tackles and eight sacks for 3A semifinalist.
Brayten Silbor, Scottsdale Chaparral, QB, Sr.
After leading the Firebirds to the 6A championship last season, all he’s done in 10 games this year is throw for 3,067 yards and 32 TDs.
Richard Stallworth, Yuma Catholic, QB, Jr.
He’s thrown a state-record 65 touchdown passes this season, compiling 4,449 yards through the air, completing 283 of 413 passes with six interceptions, leading the Shamrocks to the 3A semifinals.
Jacob Steward, Cave Creek Cactus Shadows, LB, Sr.
A remarkable 181 tackles in 10 games with 90 of those being solo.
Isaac Stopke, Lake Havasu, RB/LB, Jr.
Not a playoff team without him. He has 1,573 yards and 32 TDs rushing to go with 24 tackles, four sacks and an interception.
Ata Teutupe, Cactus, OLB
Maybe the heart and soul of one of the best defenses in the state, he led the Cobras to a 10-0 record and fourth-seed in the Open playoffs with his tough, physical play.
Jax Stam, Peoria Liberty, S, Sr.
He’s been starting since his freshman year, a leader on and off the field, and one of the fiercest hitters in the state.
A’Maury Washington, Chandler, DL, Jr.
A tank in the middle of the defense, the move-in from Detroit might be as powerful as any defensive lineman in Arizona.
Demond Williams Jr., Chandler Basha, QB, So.
Maybe the best dual-threat in the state. with his ability to dial it up with big plays through the air and on the ground.