Region Players of the Year- 4A
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Tons of 4A kids had some highly notable seasons. Take a look at which players earned POY honors in each region in 4A ball: Grand Canyon Landen Francis Landen Francis 6'2" | 225 lbs | LB Prescott | 2023 State…
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Continue ReadingTons of 4A kids had some highly notable seasons. Take a look at which players earned POY honors in each region in 4A ball:
Grand Canyon
Landen Francis Landen Francis 6'2" | 225 lbs | LB Prescott | 2023 State , OL/LB, Prescott ’23: Francis has been a 2-way standout and a multi-sport athlete for Prescott, and plays with a mean streak. Really good strength at the POA with a good football IQ to read and diagnose plays. Moves really well within his frame and would ideally translate to an OLB spot at the next level. Francis possesses raw athleticism and holds a high ceiling to continue to develop into a scary player. Very impressive year for Francis.
Desert Sky
Hunter Clare, WR/DB, Combs ’23: Clare was a dangerous player and definitely a very under-recruited athlete. He sizes up with a nice frame and build at 6’2″ 175lbs and holds a ton of potential to make some noise at the next level. He hauled in 58 receptions for 966 yards and 13 TD’s, identifying himself as a big play receiver.
East Sky
Adam Damante Adam Damante 6'1" | 175 lbs | QB American Leadership Academy (Gilbert North) | 2023 State , QB, ALA-Gilbert North ’23: The Northern Arizona commit was definitely the most dominant player in the state, establishing himself as a legit game changer. Dual threat ability that made him extremely tough for defenses to gameplan against, as he would excel both through the air and on the ground given his top end speed. NAU landed an absolute gem.
West Valley
Richard Stallworth Richard Stallworth 6'2" | 210 lbs | QB Yuma Catholic | 2023 State , QB, Yuma Catholic ’23: Stallworth is another big time gunslinger that frequently put up video game type of numbers week after week. Pass heavy offense that he really took command of and did a great job with poise and progression to consistently find receivers downfield. He’s been under recruited throughout his career, but recently just committed to Northern Colorado where he could be a solid fit.
Skyline
Ignacio Marquez Ignacio Marquez 6'2" | 290 lbs | OL St. Mary's | 2023 State , OL/DL, St. Mary’s ’23: Marquez was a straight up bully on both sides of the ball, as he sizes up with a thick frame and build at 6’2″ 300lbs with a wide, strong base. Excellent play strength with force at the POA and holds a good understanding of leverage. Definitely an under the radar kid that could be a great grab.
Southwest
Sean Matthews, LB/RB, Thunderbird ’23: Matthews was Thunderbird’s go-to guy that did a ton of impressive things this season. Two way standout that provided a little spark on offense with 706 total yards and 11 TD’s. He did his best work on D, as he racked up 74 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 3 INT’s on the year.
Copper Sky
Jaime Zayas, QB, Carl Hayden ’23: Zayas was a really good athlete that happened to hold the QB1 role for Carl Hayden. They didn’t throw the ball much, but Zayas did a great job on the ground as he put up over 1,100 yards rushing with 17 TD’s. Quick, twitchy player that provided a solid spark for that offense.
Gila
Gabriel Smith, QB, Walden Grove ’24: Smith definies the term “size is not a skill”. At 5’9″ 170lbs, Smith plays much bigger than his size and that shouldn’t fool coaches. Excellent decision maker with a high football IQ that sees the field very well. He threw for 2,591 yards and 27 TD’s with only 3 INT’s on the year, being that key player on leading Walden Grove to an 8-2 record.
Kino
Kaspen Colbert, RB, Mica Mountain ’23: Colbert is a srong, physical player with excellent balance and a center of gravity. He possesses a versatile skillset to tranlsate to numerous positions and be a difference maker from anywhere he lines up. Deceptive speed as he moves really well in the third level, showcasing some big play ability.