Shining Stars of Thursday Night 9/28
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Last night under the glow of stadium lights, we witnessed something special on the gridiron. From the young guns proving their mettle to seasoned players reminding us why we love this game, it was a night brimming with heart, grit,…
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Continue ReadingLast night under the glow of stadium lights, we witnessed something special on the gridiron. From the young guns proving their mettle to seasoned players reminding us why we love this game, it was a night brimming with heart, grit, and sheer talent. So grab a seat and maybe a snack, because we’re about to dive into some of the most memorable performances that had us all on the edge of our seats.
Thursday Night’s Shining Stars
Demond Williams Demond Williams 5’11” | 180 lbs | QB Basha | 2024 State AZ , Basha’s standout QB, was an electrifying force in last night’s 31-13 trouncing of Brophy. From the get-go, it was evident that Williams had a game plan, bulldozing his way through the defense. He ended up doing a little more than that with his legs, as his cuts and quick burst after was on full display throughout the night. He followed that gameplan perfectly, with three remarkable rushing TDs before halftime alone. While his completion rate might’ve taken a slight dip compared to earlier season performances, (thanks large in part to a good game by the Brophy secondary) it didn’t matter at all as he consistently exploited Brophy’s defense, making the most of every pocket and opportunity. The offense struggled a bit in the second half, and they’ll be looking to improve on that with a big showdown against Hamilton looming. All eyes will be on Demond to see if he can keep this magical run going.
Darian Dantzler
Darian Dantzler
Darian Dantzler, a Basha edge rusher, was an undeniable force in last night’s decisive victory over Brophy. Don’t let his tall and slender size fool you; Dantzler’s speed and strength are a testament to his prowess as a pass rusher. Showcasing elite skill moves, his impeccable technique and intricate handwork made it seem almost effortless as he breezed past linemen to pressure the QB. This agility, paired with an astute football IQ, ensures he’s far from being a one-dimensional player. Remarkably, Dantzler was also a formidable presence in the run game, consistently demonstrating keen play recognition. With players like him on the edge, Basha’s whole defensive line is one to watch.
Jack Sebald
Jack Sebald
Despite Brophy’s tough loss to Basha, Safety Jack Sebald stood out with an exemplary performance. Sebald showcased both razor-sharp instincts and blazing speed, constantly homing in on the ball with precision. His highlight of the night was undeniably the breathtaking breakup of a potential Basha touchdown early in the second half. With remarkable reaction time and commendable makeup speed, Sebald managed to reach the ball and deftly knock it out, denying Basha points. He was all over the field, and his vigilance was a key factor in curtailing Basha’s usually dominant aerial game. Sebald’s performance was a beacon of hope in an otherwise challenging night for Brophy.
In the tough 23-36 setback against Williams Field, Queen Creek’s QB, Tait Reynolds Tait Reynolds 6’4″ | 195 lbs | QB Queen Creek | 2026 State AZ , displayed promising glimpses of his burgeoning talent. Starting strong, Reynolds illustrated just why he’s touted as one of the upcoming stars – possessing a blend of a rocket arm, a towering presence, impressive speed, and natural strength. His throwing mechanics are simply pristine, rivaling the best I’ve ever seen at his age. Reynolds is maturing every game, sharpening his decision-making skills. He’s getting much better with taking the shorter throw and trying to get his offense into a rhythm. Watching him scan and dissect defenses by cycling through his progressions is genuinely a treat for any football purist. As he continues to mold and refine his game, Reynolds is one we’ll be hearing a lot about.
In the thrilling 36-23 triumph over Queen Creek, Williams Field QB, Kody Guy Kody Guy 6’2″ | 200 lbs | QB Williams Field | 2025 State AZ , epitomized leadership and skill. When it mattered most during the last two-and-a-half drives, Guy demonstrated not just skill, but an indomitable spirit, orchestrating a memorable comeback. His passion on the field was palpable, a testament to his character and commitment. Guy showcased impeccable timing in the quick game and was remarkably precise with his deep throws. But it was his legs that stole the show – nimble-footed, he danced around defenders, proving both elusive and swift. Hard to pin down and blessed with impressive speed, Kody Guy Kody Guy 6’2″ | 200 lbs | QB Williams Field | 2025 State AZ ‘s performance was a masterclass in what it means to be a dual-threat quarterback.
Sophomore sensation Joe Yoney Joe Yoney 6’1″ | 170 lbs | QB Mohave | 2026 AZ did it again, delivering a stellar performance and it’s becoming the norm for Mohave. In just the first quarter, Yoney dazzled with two aerial touchdowns and added another on the ground with his great top end speed, setting the tone for his team early on. Not just a prodigious passer, he lit up the field with his rushing prowess, leaving defenders trailing in his open-field sprints. Yoney is always ready to tally up the points, and his desire to make big plays shows in his game. As he gains more experience, expect him to appreciate those finer nuances of the game, like capitalizing on the underneath routes. The future’s bright for Joe Yony Jr. – and he’s only getting started.
Noah Petrauschke
Noah Petrauschke
Every time Noah Petrauschke steps onto the field, he leaves an indelible mark, and last night was no exception. Watching him take command of the offense, there’s more to like and less not to each and every game. His calmness in the midst of chaos, especially when defenders close in, is something to behold. And just when you think they’ve got him, he slips away, breaking out of would-be sacks with ease. While his ground game turned heads, Noah’s aerial dominance was equally mesmerizing. Unleashing deep passes pinpointed with accuracy, especially in a nail-bitingly close game, showcased not just his skill, but his mental ability too. Another game, another masterclass from Petrauschke.
Jantzen Ginger Jantzen Ginger 5'8" | 185 lbs | RB Youngker | 2024 State AZ
Jantzen Ginger Jantzen Ginger 5'8" | 185 lbs | RB Youngker | 2024 State AZ
Jantzen Ginger Jantzen Ginger 5’8″ | 185 lbs | RB Youngker | 2024 State AZ put on a show that will be talked about for ages. Don’t be fooled by his size; what he lacks in stature, he more than makes up for in sheer determination and elite agility. It’s like he has this innate ability to sense defenders, making them miss at every turn. That blend of raw power packed into his frame combined with his shiftiness is pure poetry in motion. But it’s his uncanny vision on the field that truly sets him apart. He identifies those minuscule gaps in the defense, plants his foot, and just bursts through. Bagging a hat trick of touchdowns in the opening quarter? Simply phenomenal. But Ginger didn’t stop there, amassing a whopping 277 yards and netting 4 TDs by night’s end. An all-time performance from an undeniably gifted running back.
While his RB1 was having a game to remember on the ground; Jacob Lira Jacob Lira 6’0″ | 180 lbs | QB Youngker | 2024 State AZ , Youngker’s QB, put up numbers that were nothing short of spectacular. A mind-blowing 87.5% completion rate, whole racking up over 280 yards and 4 touchdowns, paints a picture of a quarterback at the top of his game. What’s even more impressive is achieving such stats when sharing the spotlight the way he was. Lira brilliantly capitalized on the dynamism of the run game, using it to set up and exploit defenses with deadly play-action. With a keen eye to decipher the secondary and the precision to match, Lira’s performance is a loud statement. He’s firmly placed himself on the map, and rightly so.