Honor Among Athletes: 5A All-Honorable Mention Team

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Casting a spotlight on the 5A All-Conference's honorable mention list reveals a group of players whose outstanding performances might not have landed them on the first or second teams but are certainly worth celebrating. These players have delivered exceptional seasons, showcasing skills and determination that deserve recognition. The talent on this list is so impressive that it inspired me to create a unique team, dedicated exclusively to these incredible athletes. This is an All-Honorable Mention Team, a lineup that honors their hard work and dominant play on the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Quarterback:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["954408"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='954408' first='Eltorna' last='Gant'] really knows how to command the field. Despite being only a sophomore, he's got a great presence in the pocket. He has this knack for staying cool and collected, even when the pressure's on. When his first read isn't open, he smoothly moves on to the next option, keeping his composure and using his legs to give his receivers that extra bit of time to find space. Gant shows impressive arm strength as well. Those deep passes look like he's just tossing the ball in the backyard, and when he needs to zip it through a tight window, he does it with ease. Gant's also got great mobility. I love how he looks to keep the play alive, always trying to find an open man before deciding to run with it. He trusts his receivers a lot, always ready to give them a chance to make a play. A multifaceted player, he added 507 rushing yards and 7 more TDs on the ground. Gant's showing he's a dual-threat QB who can make big things happen.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-657a9e9e56791"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Running Back:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations":"","_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-657a9e9e567b9"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Allen Wallace","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Dobson","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Allen Wallace at Dobson is a force as a running back. His blend of speed and strength makes him an all-around back, able to pull off both finesse and power runs. Defenders usually find themselves outmatched as Wallace maneuvers through them with surprising agility. His ability to spot openings and change direction quickly is impressive — he can stop, pivot, and get right back up to full speed in a way that leaves defenders scrambling. This agility, combined with his strength, makes him really effective in moving from the first to the second level, dodging linebackers and finding gaps. His running style is gritty; he's not one to go down on first contact. With over 1,000 rushing yards at an average of 6.6 yards per carry, Wallace isn't just racking up stats; he's dominating the field.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-657a9e9e56854"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wide Receiver:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["704784"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='704784' first='Breon' last='Ballard'] is a real game-changer as a wide receiver. He's got incredibly explosive speed that makes him stand out. Even though he's not the biggest guy on the field, he's not easy to bring down and plays with physicality. Leading all 5A players with at least 25 receptions in yards-per-catch, he's got a knack for finding grass and leaving defenders in the dust. u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eHe has really good control of the open turf, manipulating the space to his advantage and using his speed to burst through. u003c/spanu003eOff the line, his footwork is something else — it's like he's dancing past defenders. He makes great use of his hands to get avoid being jammed at the line. His routes are sharp and precise, making him a consistent threat.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-657a9e9e568ac"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Offensive Line:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Austin Bouffard","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2405","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Willow Canyon","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Austin Bouffard is a key player on the offensive line for Willow Canyon, and he's more than just a big guy blocking. He brings extremely quick feet that have him firing off the line in the run game. Once he gets moving and gets to the second level, he really starts to take control; using his hands to keep engaged and keeping his feet moving throughout it all. In pass protection, his speed becomes his advantage, letting him get into position and keep those defenders at bay. His hands are always busy, making sure he keeps good separation between him and the defender, yet avoiding many penalties. Every play he's in is a showcase of his strength and smarts, really making a difference in how the offensive line holds up.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-657a9e9e5692e"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Defensive Line:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Ryan Snowball","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2406","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Campo Verde","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Ryan Snowball makes his presence known on Campo Verde's defensive line, and don't let his 5'10” height fool you — he's a powerhouse. His stocky build packs a lot of muscle, making him a real problem for offensive linemen. He's not just strong; he's smart about it, using his strength to push back and disrupt plays. Snowball keeps his eyes on the action through the entire play, always tracking the ball and ready to adjust his attack. He's got this relentless energy, always in the thick of things, never slowing down. With 7 sacks and his strength really being run-defense, he's a guy who's not just playing his position; he's owning it, making a big impact every time he's on the field.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-657a9e9e569a9"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Linebacker:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Brock Behrend","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Paradise Valley","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Brock Behrend really stood out on the field for Paradise Valley this season. He brings a mix of skill and strategy to every game. Displaying some truly incredible open-field tackling that's almost like an art form, making precise, calculated moves that stop runs and disrupt plays week after week. Behrend stays disciplined, never straying from his role, which makes him super effective against both the run and the pass. His stats are impressive — 93 tackles, 7 for losses, 3.5 sacks, and he's even forced 3 fumbles. It's clear he's not just out there making plays; he's reading the offense and shutting them down, a key player who really understands the game and brings that understanding to every play.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-657a9e9e56a23"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Defensive Backs:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1116501' first='Derrick' last='Scott']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Casa Grande","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1116501' first='Derrick' last='Scott'] really made a name for himself in the Casa Grande secondary. At 6'1u0022, he's not just tall; he's got a skillset that makes him a real problem for receivers. All-around, his footwork is outstanding, from press-man, to zone coverage, to run support; the footwork is consistently great. His backpedal is smooth and fast, helping him stay in the perfect spot to make plays. He's got this incredible vertical jump too, showing another layer to his impressive athleticism. Scott's always where the ball is, ready to snatch it or knock it down. His tackling is as solid as it gets. With 6 interceptions this year, Scott's not just playing his position; he's making big plays left and right.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-657a9e9e56a9c"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Defensive Backs:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1116491' first='Elijah' last='Mears']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Desert Mountain","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1116491' first='Elijah' last='Mears'], covering the backfield for Desert Mountain, is a quick and smart defender. He's 5'10” but plays like he's a lot bigger, thanks to his explosive speed. He's got this amazing ability to just out his foot in the ground and attack the ball or his man, making him a tough guy to shake off. Mears stays focused, not falling for any tricks, and sticks to his man like glue. A huge part of why he's so hard to fool is his consistency playing the man instead of playing the ball or the quarterbacks eyes. Mears is also great with his hands, making sure he's in control without drawing flags. As a corner, Mears is the guy you can count on to lock down his side of the field.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-657a9e9e56b14"} /-->