Canyon del Oro senior running back Kayden Luke and Arizona recruit Demond Williams Jr., a senior quarterback at Basha, are two of six players who earned Week 4 Ed Doherty Award nomination medallions for their performances last week.
The Arizona Sports & Entertainment Commission (ASEC) and its managed entity, the Grand Canyon State Gridiron Club (GCSGC), made the announcement Tuesday night.
The nominees will be presented a medallion at their respective school this week and are now in the running for the 2023 Ed Doherty Award, annually recognizing Arizona’s most outstanding high school football player.
This year’s winner will be announced at a special luncheon on Dec. 9. For more information on the award or to purchase tickets to the ceremony, please visit www.azsportsent.com or call 480-517-9700.
Outstanding performances from Week 4 nominees include:
RB/LB Kayden Luke – CDO, Sr.
Luke rushed for 241 yards and three touchdowns on just 12 carries in a 50-20 win over Desert View.
QB Demond Williams, Jr., Basha, Sr.
Williams accounted for all five touchdowns in a 35-31 win over Saguaro, completing 15 of 20 passes for 224 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 185 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries.
QB Gage Baker, Paradise Honors, Sr.
Baker completed 26 of 32 passes for 512 yards and eight touchdowns in a 53-21 victory over Dysart.
RB Nathan Bayus, Sandra Day O’Connor, Sr.
Bayus recorded 214 yards on 20 carries with six touchdowns in a 55-21 win over Cactus.
RB Daxen Hall, Higley, Sr.
Hall led a come-from-behind, 29-24 victory over Marana, rushing for 305 yards and 4 touchdowns on 21 carries.
QB Evan Tarasenko, Northwest Christian, Sr.
Tarasenko led his team to a 48-24 win over Prescott on 19 of 26 passing for 324 yards and five touchdowns.
About the Ed Doherty Award
Since its inception in 1987, the Ed Doherty Award has served as the State of Arizona’s highest individual high school football honor, annually recognizing the most outstanding player on and off the field. Recipients are selected for demonstrating athletic excellence and unwavering integrity, along with a commitment to academics, community, and school pride.
About the Grand Canyon State Gridiron Club
The Grand Canyon State Gridiron Club is the most meaningful advocate of high school football in the State of Arizona. Its mission is to represent Arizona amateur athletics by bringing national attention to the extraordinary qualities of young people in their pursuit of athletic achievement, academic advancement, and greater social affinity.
About the Arizona Sports & Entertainment Commission
The Arizona Sports & Entertainment Commission (ASEC) is a non-profit organization created in 1988. The Commission collaborates with hundreds of partners to help fulfill the mission of bringing national and international sporting events to the state; assisting in the promotion of existing events and Arizona sports teams; providing volunteer recruitment and organization for large-scale sporting events; and developing youth sports programs. In 2009, it assumed oversight of the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, and in 2012, the Grand Canyon State Games and the Lori Piestewa National Native American Games. The ASEC was the founding organization and owner of the 2015 NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl. For more information on the Commission, call 480-517-9700 or visit www.azsportsent.com.
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