The Journey to the Ed Doherty Stage: 2024 Finalists in Focus

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Each year, the Ed Doherty Award celebrates the best of Arizona high school football, honoring athletes who've left an undeniable mark on the gridiron. In 2024, five young men rose above the rest, earning their place as finalists on one of the most prestigious stages in AZ football. These players didn't just rack up stats — they carried their teams, electrified crowds, and embodied the spirit of the game. Whether it was game-changing moments or consistent excellence throughout the season, these finalists showed why they belong among Arizona's best. Let's dive into what made their seasons special and how they earned their spot in the spotlight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2024 Ed Doherty Award Winner: [player_tooltip player_id='368908' first='Dezmen' last='Roebuck']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Huge congratulations to the 2024 Ed Doherty Award Winner: <a href="https://twitter.com/DezmenRoebuck?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DezmenRoebuck</a> !!<a href="https://twitter.com/MaranaFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MaranaFB</a> <a href="https://t.co/qmCZcIhFtO">pic.twitter.com/qmCZcIhFtO</a></p>&mdash; Hunter Tierney (@thehonestupdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/thehonestupdate/status/1868046398257860753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["368908"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6760a022d3850"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='368908' first='Dezmen' last='Roebuck'] entered the 2024 season with a target on his back and a legacy to cement. The Marana wide receiver began the year just 25 catches shy of the state career receptions record, and he didn't just surpass it — he shattered it. Roebuck finished his high school career with an astounding 352 receptions. Along the way, he amassed 4,239 receiving yards, the second-highest total in Arizona history.&nbsp;In his senior season, Roebuck hauled in 95 receptions for 1,131 yards and 14 touchdowns, leading Marana to a 10-1 record and their first-ever berth in the Open Division playoffs; debuting as the top seed. A standout even in the biggest games, he recorded 16 catches for 129 yards and a touchdown in a hard-fought quarterfinal loss to Hamilton. On defense, Roebuck showcased his versatility with 51 tackles and four interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown.&nbsp;Roebuck's combination of quick feet, incredibly secure hands, and high football IQ earned him both the Gatorade Arizona High School Football Player of the Year award and the coveted Ed Doherty Award. Committed to the University of Washington, Roebuck's future in football looks incredibly bright. His talent, polish, and ability to perform in clutch moments suggest he could make an immediate impact for the Huskies. For Arizona high school football fans and media alike, Roebuck's record-breaking journey is one that will be remembered for years to come.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">2024 Ed Doherty Award winner <a href="https://twitter.com/DezmenRoebuck?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DezmenRoebuck</a> talks about what it means for him to be a finalist. <a href="https://t.co/IPaEgIu62S">pic.twitter.com/IPaEgIu62S</a></p>&mdash; Hunter Tierney (@thehonestupdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/thehonestupdate/status/1868340090784579983?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other Finalists</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["739440"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6760a022d38ae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='739440' first='Tait' last='Reynolds'] had an extraordinary junior season at Queen Creek High School, establishing himself as one of Arizona's premier dual-threat quarterbacks. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 205 pounds, Reynolds used both his arm and his legs to lead the Bulldogs to a 10-3 record and a deep playoff run — falling to the eventual champions in the semifinals. His transformation of a team that finished 3-8 the previous year into a 6A semifinalist is a true testament to his leadership.&nbsp;Reynolds' numbers were staggering. He completed 62% of his passes, throwing for 2,238 yards and 22 touchdowns, while making smart decisions with just five interceptions. He went from having a 1:1 TD:INT ratio last season to 4.4:1 as a junior. On the ground, he was equally dangerous, rushing for 1,426 yards and 19 touchdowns, averaging over 10 yards per carry. His willingness to take what the defense gives him puts an incredible amount of stress on defensive coordinators to try and contain. Reynolds' dominance didn't go unnoticed. Beyond being a finalist for the Ed Doherty Award, he was named the Arizona Cardinals High School Player of the Year and the Friday Night Fever Offensive Player of the Year. Reynolds is committed to Clemson University, where he'll be a two-sport Division 1 athlete, playing both football and baseball.&nbsp;His older brothers, Trey and Porter, also played at Queen Creek before heading off to college football careers. As he gears up for his senior year and an exciting future at Clemson, his junior season feels like a sneak peek of what's to come.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">2024 Ed Doherty Award Finalist <a href="https://twitter.com/TaitReynoldsQC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TaitReynoldsQC</a> talks about the impact the seniors on the stage with him have had on Arizona High School Football. <a href="https://t.co/y2zRyUusff">pic.twitter.com/y2zRyUusff</a></p>&mdash; Hunter Tierney (@thehonestupdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/thehonestupdate/status/1868826088404918514?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["368975"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6760a022d38fb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='368975' first='Wyatt' last='Horton'] was the kind of quarterback Pinnacle could always count on in 2024. Horton wasn't just reliable — he was the engine that made Pinnacle's offense run. Week after week, he delivered with precision and poise, showing why his teammates and coaches trusted him to lead the charge. Standing at 6 feet with an unshakeable calm under pressure, Horton led Pinnacle to an 8-2 regular season. What sets Horton apart isn't just his stats. (Although they're quite impressive.) It's the way he carries himself, whether on the field or off, always poised and focused on the next play or the next game. This year, Horton threw for 2,929 yards and 36 touchdowns, completing 65% of his passes. From tight window throws to game-winning drives, Horton had an undeniable ability to read defenses and deliver when it mattered most. His teammates leaned on his leadership during a tough schedule, and he responded every time. In a rivalry matchup against Horizon, he had his best game of the year and led them to a 54-51 shootout victory. He threw for 480 yards with six total touchdowns as Pinnacle took down their rivals. Horton's next chapter will take him to Idaho State University, where he'll bring the same grit and determination that made him a standout at Pinnacle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">2024 Ed Doherty Award Finalist <a href="https://twitter.com/wyatthorton_2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wyatthorton_2</a> talks about the support he&#039;s had along the way. <a href="https://t.co/q4hA15GIfM">pic.twitter.com/q4hA15GIfM</a></p>&mdash; Hunter Tierney (@thehonestupdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/thehonestupdate/status/1868827393781383663?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["954323"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6760adb87e92b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='954323' first='Jimmy' last='Leon']'s 2024 season at Mica Mountain was nothing short of spectacular. At 6'4” and 245 pounds, Leon was a nightmare for opponents on both sides of the ball. Whether he was catching touchdowns as a tight end or dominating in the trenches as a defensive end, Leon made sure his presence was felt every single game.&nbsp;On offense, Leon led the Thunderbolts with 32 receptions for 463 yards and 14 touchdowns, consistently coming through in the clutch. His combination of size, athleticism, and impressive hands made him nearly impossible to cover in the red zone.&nbsp;Defensively, Leon was a force to be reckoned with. He led the state in sacks across players from 4A to 6A, racking up an incredible 16 sacks. Add in 64 tackles — 23.5 of them for a loss — and it's clear he was a game-changer every time he stepped onto the field. In the first round of the playoffs against Coconino, Leon's all-around dominance was on full display: eight tackles, two sacks, and even a pick-six on top of his two receiving touchdowns.&nbsp;Leon's impact extended beyond his stats. His leadership helped lead Mica Mountain to a perfect 14-0 record and capture the 4A state championship. For Mica Mountain and the Tucson football community, Leon's season will be remembered not just for the wins and the stats, but for the way he helped elevate the program to new heights.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">2024 Ed Doherty Award Finalist <a href="https://twitter.com/Jimmyleon_1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jimmyleon_1</a> discussing what it means to build a program and end his high school career with a state championship. <a href="https://t.co/7q9JgDu31K">pic.twitter.com/7q9JgDu31K</a></p>&mdash; Hunter Tierney (@thehonestupdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/thehonestupdate/status/1868829171922911643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["369013"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6760c13ca86f6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='369013' first='Jaxon' last='Knutson']'s season at McClintock High School was all about proving people wrong. Despite flying under the radar through the offseason, the senior quarterback turned heads with his ability to make big plays and keep his team in every game. Standing at 6'3” and 210 pounds, Knutson had the frame, arm strength, and leadership to take the Chargers' offense to another level. Statistically, Knutson was one of the best in Arizona. He threw for 3,796 yards — good enough for 35th-best in the entire nation — and finished the season with a whopping 47 touchdowns against just 5 interceptions. With a completion rate of over 67% and 9.4:1 TD:INT ratio, he was locked in all season, throwing darts deep downfield and threading the needle in tight spots when it mattered most.&nbsp;Yet, despite his standout season, Knutson remains one of the most underrecruited quarterbacks in the state. It hasn't shaken him, though. His work ethic and determination have been undeniable, and it's only a matter of time before college programs take notice of his ability to lead an offense.&nbsp;For McClintock, Knutson wasn't just their quarterback — he was their difference-maker. His senior season proved what he's capable of, and for those who have followed his journey, there's no doubt he's just getting started.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">2024 Ed Doherty Award Finalist <a href="https://twitter.com/JaxonKnutson7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JaxonKnutson7</a> on what it means to be representing McClintock. <a href="https://t.co/azHzIntmS0">pic.twitter.com/azHzIntmS0</a></p>&mdash; Hunter Tierney (@thehonestupdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/thehonestupdate/status/1868831357876814122?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html -->