8 Superstars Crowned Region Players of the Year: 5A Division
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Get ready to meet the true superstars of high school football! As the playoffs near a thrilling end, it’s time to recognize the exceptional talent that’s risen above the rest in the 5A division. These players have not only dominated…
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Continue ReadingGet ready to meet the true superstars of high school football! As the playoffs near a thrilling end, it’s time to recognize the exceptional talent that’s risen above the rest in the 5A division. These players have not only dominated on the field, but have captured the hearts of fans with their breathtaking performances. With 8 regions and 8 winners, we’re taking a closer look into the ultimate lineup of Region Players of the Year.
Taking home the honor for the Desert West region; Deshawn Warner Deshawn Warner 6’4″ | 225 lbs | DL Desert Edge | 2024 State AZ , from Desert Edge, stands out as a defensive end who combines raw power with astonishing speed. A mix that sends shivers down the spine of any offensive line. Warner’s quick-twitch muscles and extraordinary footwork make him a nightmare for blockers, allowing him to weave and dance around them with ease. He’s still so powerful that he can bulldoze through double teams, splitting them open and reaching the quarterback almost instantaneously. What sets Warner apart is not just his ability to disrupt plays in the backfield but also his exceptional quickness and reach, which enable him to close in on quarterbacks in moments. Though primarily a pass rusher with the build to match, he impressively interprets the run game, demonstrating his keen instincts and versatility. His multiple interceptions returned for touchdowns this season from the defensive line is a testament to his unmatched athleticism. Take this play below, in a win over NDP, for example: this drop step to the inside is done so quickly and smoothly, that the lineman never had a chance to stop him. In one quick “skip” to the inside, his foot hits the ground and he takes off through the seam and gets the sack. One of the top recruits in the entire nation, this Kentucky commit is a DOMINANT force on the field, and will make a huge impact at the next level as well.
In the Central Valley region, Ronald Coty Ronald Coty 6’1″ | 210 lbs | QB Kellis | 2025 State AZ III from Raymond S. Kellis High School stands out as a quarterback with an electrifying blend of speed and resilience. His quick-twitch muscles and explosive bursts allow him to zip through the line of scrimmage with remarkable agility, making him a constant threat in the open field. Coty’s elusiveness is matched by his toughness; he’s the kind of player who consistently evades the first rusher and refuses to go down easily. While his passing accuracy is still a work in progress, he more than makes up for it with a powerful arm and a wealth of raw talent. As a ball carrier, Coty is absolutely thrilling to watch, his natural playmaking abilities coming to the fore every time he has the ball in his hands. Whether he’s dodging tackles or launching deep throws, Coty’s presence on the field is a dynamic force, signaling his potential to develop into an even better prospect.
Khameron Athy
Khameron Athy
Khameron Athy, a standout running back from Central High in the Metro region, is a truly electrifying player. With real break-away speed, he consistently leaves defenders trailing. It almost seems as though he has an extra gear he can kick it into, effortlessly shifting from fast to faster. When confronted with a direct challenge from a defender, Athy’s physicality becomes apparent, easily overpowering defenders at all three levels. His agility is a marvel on the field; the complex cuts and moves he executes require extraordinary strength and an exceptional sense of balance. This balance is so crucial to his play, enabling him to pull off jaw-dropping moves while staying upright. He’s the type of running back that has a seasons worth of highlight-worthy plays in each game that he plays. In the opening play against Camelback, Athy showcases his full array, making sharp and quick cuts, cutting back across the field, breaking through would-be tacklers, and ultimately outrunning everyone to the end zone. This blend of skill, decision-making, and execution makes Athy a must-watch talent and one of the most thrilling players to watch with the ball in his hands.
Luke Moga Luke Moga 6’2″ | 190 lbs | QB Sunnyslope | 2024 State AZ , the quarterback for Sunnyslope and named Player of the Year in the San Tan region, exhibits an undeniable arm talent, with good strength and decision-making that are a cut above the typical high school level. His tape reveals a quarterback with the stature of a pocket passer, yet he possesses a surprising amount of athleticism with top-end speed and elusiveness. Moga’s footwork is precise and efficient, facilitating rapid and smart decisions on the field. More than just a skilled player, he is a true leader, the kind of athlete who inspires his team and is not afraid to put his body on the line. This blend of physical talent, leadership, and football intelligence is a clear indicator of why he’s committed to a top program like Oregon, offering a glimpse of his potential at the collegiate level. Moga’s unique combination of traditional pocket passing skills with the agility of a more mobile quarterback marks him as a distinctive and promising talent.
Highlights
Adam Mohammed Adam Mohammed 6’0″ | 180 lbs | RB Apollo | 2024 State AZ , representing the Northwest region, is a running back who brings an exceptional level of intensity and commitment to each play. He’s runs with extraordinary determination, a trait that’s consistently impressive. Mohammed’s agility is showcased in his sharp cuts and the explosive bursts that follow, making him a challenge for defenders to even get a hand on. His elite speed is another key asset, allowing him to outrun entire defenses with ease. Mohammed’s vision on the field, whether as a runner or a receiver, is remarkable. This skill makes him a versatile threat, capable of changing the game’s momentum with every snap. His blazing speed often helps him escape from situations that appear inescapable. Despite this speed, Mohammed is also a power runner, rarely going down upon first contact. What’s truly impressive is how infrequently defenders can even manage to get a hand on him, thanks to his expert control of space and ability to elude them with sharp angles and ankle-breaking cuts. Committed to playing for the University of Arizona, Mohammed’s decision to stay close to home for his college career is exciting news for local fans who have admired his talent and look forward to seeing him excel at the next level. His combination of power, speed, and agility makes him a standout running back, one who has consistently demonstrated the ability to control the game and make significant plays.
Dominic Norris
Dominic Norris
Dominic Norris, a quarterback from Ironwood Ridge in the Sonoran region, impresses with his quarterback-like stature and remarkable calmness in the pocket. Throughout the season, he consistently demonstrated a clear control of the offense. His deep-balls are particularly impressive, displaying great touch and accuracy. Norris showcases a remarkable poise under pressure, showing a good feel for the rush. He moves through the pocket with agility, sidestepping pressure while never losing sight of his receivers. Norris displays confidence in his arm, willingly taking shots downfield and making plays for his team. His precision on shorter routes really stands out; he places the ball exactly where it needs to be, while also ensuring it remains out of the defenders’ reach. This combination of calm under pressure, accuracy in his throws, and a readiness to embrace strategic risks sets Norris apart as a quarterback.
Daxen Hall, the running back from Higley High in the Northeast Valley, epitomizes a dynamic playmaker with his unbelievable speed and quickness, paired with an extraordinary elusiveness in the open field. Despite his smaller stature, Hall exhibits incredible toughness and versatility, combining his sharp vision and precise cuts with power and speed. He has incredible hands that are extremely secure and allow him to be a safety net for his quarterback if he were to get into trouble and need to get rid of the ball. Hall is a serious threat both as a runner and a receiver out of the backfield. A genuine game-wrecker with his ability to transform plays and his dangerous potential after securing the ball. Hall’s talent shines brightest in his knack for finding and bursting through tight gaps, a skill that demonstrates not only physical strength but also a remarkable patience, allowing plays to unfold and exploit openings as they appear. This level of maturity in his gameplay is a testament to his understanding and strategic approach to football.
Dezmen Roebuck Dezmen Roebuck 5’10” | 170 lbs | WR Marana | 2025 State AZ , a wide receiver from Marana named Player of the Year in the Southern region, impresses with his exceptional body control and reliable hands, making him a standout prospect. His ability to handle contested catches is outstanding; he consistently goes up and gets the ball, showcasing his athleticism and secure hands. Roebuck’s long strides give him an edge, allowing him to effortlessly glide past defenders. While he may not have the most jaw-dropping shiftiness, his skill at making people miss is undeniable. Another aspect of his game that stands out is his ability to adjust to the ball in the air, a skill that demonstrates both his athletic talent and his football IQ. Roebuck’s talents extend to the defensive side of the game as well, where he exhibits great instincts, highlighting his versatility and overall athleticism as a player even more.