The vaunted Cienega offensive line (Andy Morales/AllSportsTucson.com)
The top players not only possess the very best stats; they also make valuable contributions to a team. This list is for the bigger schools. I’ll cover the smaller schools next week. This list is also not complete. How can it be? That is why it’s not a ranking. That list is for another day.
Jamarye Joiner, ATHLETE Cienega (7-0)
Almost 1,500 yards of offense in limited action due to shared responsibilities to this point. Those numbers will double next year.
Alex Courtemanche, RB Desert View (6-1)
180 rushes for 1,535 yards with 23 touchdowns. Courtemanche is averaging 220 yards a game at almost 9 yards a pop. He also has 150 points on the year. Much like Dionte Flores last year, defenses know he is coming but they can’t stop him.
Soma Ikaika Helu, RB Ironwood Ridge (6-1)
98 carries for 849 yards with 12 touchdowns. Averaging as much as Courtemanche but the Nighthawks have a more balanced attack.
Ty Grigsby, RB Rincon/UHS (3-4)
Ty Grigsby is the reason the Rangers are STILL in the 6A playoff hunt eight games into the season. Like Courtemanche and Ikaika Helu, Grigsby is averaging 9 yards a carry.
Drew Dixon, ATHLETE Sabino (6-1)
Where would the Sabercats be without Dixon? Dixon comes to play and he is a true “most valuable player” for a team.
DJ Hinton, ATHLETE Tucson (4-3)
DJ Hinton runs, catches, punts, kick returns and terrorizes on defense.
Rhett Rodriguez, QB Catalina Foothills (6-1)
1,395 yards passing, 18 TDS and only 1 interception. Rodriguez does not make mistakes.
Caleb Ryden, QB Mountain View (5-2)
Over 2,000 yards of offense in what was supposed to be down year at the QB spot for the Mountain Lions.
Isaiah Lovett, WR Mountain View (5-2)
Nearing 1,000 yards receiving, the senior standout seems to always be open for a big gain.
James Offerman, LB Sabino (6-1)
69 tackles. Comes up big for the Sabercats in all those close games.
Remington Vail and Dakota Haynes, LBs Pusch Ridge (4-3)
All the talk is about the offensive side but these two have 68 tackles each.
Cameron Tober, LB/DE Salpointe (5-2)
10 sacks? Almost unheard of.
Ezra Thomas, LB/DE Amphitheater (5-2)
8 sacks have helped get the Panthers on the right track.
Aaron Aros, KICKER Cienega (7-0)
Six field goals with one from 49-yards out.
Ironwood Ridge, Catalina Foothills & Cienega Offensive Lines
Statistically, three of the best lines in the state. Max Michalczik at tight end almost unfair for the Falcons.
Mountain View, Ironwood Ridge, Marana and Catalina Foothills Defensive Lines
Not much getting through that first line of defense.
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Andy Morales was recognized by the AIA as the top high school reporter in 2014 and 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. Contact Andy Morales at AMoralesMyTucson@yahoo.com
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