A week after earning his second consecutive 4A state championship with Mica Mountain, senior athlete Riley Carson took home the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl Defensive MVP honor on Monday at AT&T Stadium at Arlington, Texas.
Carson, playing safety, made an interception in the end zone at the start of the fourth quarter to preserve the lead in the West’s 16-7 victory over the East.
The Blue-Grey All-American Bowl posted this description of Carson’s game on social media: “Riley Carson was everywhere tonight. Closing space. Reading routes. Delivering hits with bad intentions. … Instincts. Physicality. Football IQ. That’s how you patrol the backend.”
This has been an amazing end to my high school career. My future is looking bright. Thank you to everyone that supported me through this journey and to the Coaches that tapped in wanting me to be a part of their family and those media dawgs that kept SOAZ on the map.#CFB26… pic.twitter.com/NenPB1IvYa
— Riley Carson (@Riley_no13) December 17, 2025
Carson, on a social media post, mentioned of his MVP honor: “This has been an amazing end to my high school career. My future is looking bright. Thank you to everyone that supported me through this journey.”
Carson was one of five players from Southern Arizona invited to participate in the showcase event where the Dallas Cowboys play their home games.
The others were Tanque Verde running back/linebacker Cooper Payne, Ironwood Ridge defensive lineman Alex Busby, Buena offensive lineman Taylor Gjerde and Bisbee defensive lineman Fabian Hernandez.
Payne, who led Tanque Verde to the school’s first semifinal appearance in the state playoffs, scored on a 50-yard fumble return in the third quarter Monday.
Carson will next participate in the Army Bowl National Combine at Frisco, Texas, from Thursday through Sunday.
All of the on-field football activities will be supervised by former NFL and college coaches with game film captured. All data and game film will be used to provide a comprehensive evaluation for each athlete to college recruiters.
I had an amazing experience playing at the blue and grey all American bowl game! Thank you to my parents and all the coaches there making it a great time and learning so much! #blessed
-Multiple tackles
-1 TFL
-1 FF
– 1 Defense TD@BlueGreyFB @GametimeRC @kards87 @TheCoach7Bible pic.twitter.com/zNLgz64zFr— Cooper Payne (@PayneCooper7) December 16, 2025
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