Jamarye Joiner (Andy Morales/AllSportsTucson.com)
The Grand Canyon State Gridiron Club announced the winners of the Ed Doherty Award Week Performance Medallions this afternoon. Five players were recognized for outstanding play during their games last week: Gunner Romney (Chandler, WR, Sr.), Rocky Perez (Desert Edge, RB, Sr.), Lance Lawson (Red Mountain, ATH, Sr.), Jamarye Joiner (Cienega, QB, Sr.) and D’Shayne James (Perry, WR, Jr.). By earning these medallions, all five players are added to the end of season awards luncheon on December 9 at The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch and are officially eligible for the 2017 Ed Doherty Award.
“The stakes have increased in Week 9 with playoff implications factored into every game and these players are delivering spectacular performances when their teams need it most,” stated Selection Committee Co-Chairman Rob Yowell. “Our committee was covering these games and the talent displayed under these circumstances is championship caliber. These five young men represent the best of a talented group this week and deserve their official nominations for the Ed Doherty Award.”
Four players named were on the 43-player Watch List (Romney, Lawson, Joiner & James), while Perez came from the field after receiving consideration in previous weeks. Each player will receive their medallions at an upcoming school event later this week and will join the other medallion winners at the Ed Doherty Award luncheon on December 9.
Gunner Romney, Chandler, WR, 6-3, 200, Sr.
The BYU commit battled back from some early season injuries and was back in form with 7 catches for 172yds and 2 TDs in the Wolves 48-19 win over Brophy Prep. Romney’s return to top form is good news for the Wolves as they face rival Hamilton in the “Battle of Arizona Ave” on Friday.
Lance Lawson, Mesa Red Mountain, ATH, 5-9, 185, Sr.
In a critical region clinching matchup with Skyline, Lawson passed for both scores in a 14-0 win and accounted for 190yds of offense (passing, running and receiving) in a game that was dominated by both defenses. He was honored before the game as Red Mountain’s all-time career record holder for all-purpose yards, which currently stands at 5,414yds and counting.
Jamarye Joiner, Vail Cienega, QB, 6-2, 205, Sr.
In a 56-55 overtime win over Oro Valley Ironwood Ridge, the Arizona commit passed for 211 yards and four TDs and ran for 207 yards and a score. Joiner has been Mr. Everything for the 9-0 Bobcats with 2,352 total yards, 19 TD passes, 15 rushing TDs, 1 INT and a 39yd punt average.
D’Shaye James, Gilbert Perry, WR, 6-3, 210, Jr.
James was in dual threat form for the Pumas’ 65-63 thriller over Hamilton with 6 catches for 193yds and 2 TDs and added an 86yd TD pass for good measure. On the season, he surpassed 1,000all-purpose yard and has 12 total TDs for the 8-1 Pumas.
Rocky Perez, Goodyear Desert Edge, RB, 5-9, 185, Sr.
In a 28-14 win over Glendale Deer Valley, Perez ran 31 times for 253 yards and two TDs behind a strong line. Over last two weeks, Perez has 67 carries for 527yds and 6TDs and has the Scorpions on a roll heading into the Region showdown with Verrado this Friday
SELECTION COMMITTEE
Rob Yowell (Co-Chairmen)
Ward Hickey (Co-Chairmen)
Ralph Amsden (Arizona Varsity)
Chris Eaton (Gridiron Arizona)
Jason Jewell (24/7 Scout.com)
Kevin McCabe (Arizona Sports 98.7)
Andy Morales (AzPreps365.com/AllSportsTucson.com)
Richard Obert (Arizona Republic)
Rhett Stallworth (Yuma Catholic Administrator)
Jason Skoda (MyNewsMesa.com)
From news release.
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Andy Morales was recognized by the AIA as the top high school reporter in 2014 and he was awarded the Ray McNally Award in 2017 and he has been a youth, high school and college coach for over 30 years. His own children have won multiple state high school championships and were named to all-state teams. Competing in hockey, basketball, baseball and track & field in high school, his unique perspective can only be found here and on AZPreps365.com. Andy was named a Local Hero by the Tucson Weekly for 2016. Contact Andy Morales at AMoralesMyTucson@yahoo.com
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