Conference Players of the Year

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The AIA conference player of the year awards are out, and they did not disappoint. Take a look at the top players in each conference from the 2022 season: <img class="wp-image-64635" style="width: 175px" src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/IMG_4613-rotated.jpg" alt=""></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6A:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='42902' first='Devon' last='Dampier'], QB, Saguaro '23</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The dual threat QB led Saguaro to the open division state championship for the second year in a row. Although they didn't come out as champs, Dampier had himself another stellar season to cap off his high school career. Big time competitor that frequently showed up and made a statement in big time games, with the best one being the upset at Liberty in the semi's. New Mexico is getting a very talented player and a tough, competitive leader. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5A</strong>: [player_tooltip player_id='368904' first='Jamar' last='Malone'], QB, Higley '25</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The highly touted sophomore gunslinger was an easy decision for the 5A Conference POY. He threw for 4,017 yards and 44 TD's, along with 937 yards and 12 TD's on the ground and a state championship win to go with it. Malone is a special talent and is looking like a future multi year P5 starter when it's all said and done in my opinion, and still has 2 years of high school left. I was extremely impressed with Malone this year, as he took a major leap from his freshman to sophomore season in all phases of the game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4A:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='110157' first='Adam' last='Damante'], QB, ALA-Gilbert North '23</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another dual threat QB landing the much deserved conference player of the year honors. Hands down the most dominant player in the state as he was a highlight reel every week. Excellent speed and elusiveness as he was a major problem on the ground and nearly impossible for defenses to gameplan against. He proved himself with his arm as well, throwing for 4,769 yards and 59 TD's in 2022, and he'll play ball at Northern Arizona. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3A:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='110143' first='Austin' last='Johnston'], ATH, Eastmark '23</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnston had a huge year to help Eastmark win that 3A state title. He broke the 1,000 yard receiving mark for the second straight year, racking up 1,562 yards with an astronomical 22 receiving TD's. A very explosive WR that was a legit game changer all year and a frequent mismatch against any DB in 3A. Johnston remains uncommitted and holds a handful of D2, D3 and FCS offers. <img class="wp-image-510206" style="width: 200px" src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/11/PRZ-Generic-Grayprznm-800x525-1.jpg" alt=""></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2A:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='214119' first='Cristian' last='Pando'], RB, Wilcox '23</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pando well earned that 2A POY award, as this kid brought toughness and physicality on every play. A punishing back that will run through opponents and always finish runs. Absolute work horse, reliable, never come off the field type of RB that rushed for 1,807 yards and 33 TD's on the year. Pando is currently uncommitted, but recently received a handful of D3 and NAIA offers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1A:</strong> <strong>Blayk Kelton</strong>, ATH, Mogollon '23</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kelton was an extremely intriguing player to watch, possessing numerous intangibles with a raw skillset that could be a legit steal for any D3 or NAIA program. Excellent burst, speed, and some twitch with good COD as he was a frequent big play threat. He ran for over 1,000 yards with 23 TD's and also accumulated 221 yards on 15 receptions with 2 TD's. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->