Morris named 2A All-State Player of the Year

Raymundo Frasquillo File Photo/Gila Herald: Riley Morris, shown here returning a blocked punt in the 2A State Championship game, was named the 2A All-State Player of the Year by the AZSportsnetwork. 

By Jon Johnson

jonjohnsonnews@gmail.com

PHOENIX – Riley Morris suffered a severe ankle dislocation during the first quarter of Thatcher’s three-peat 2A State Championship win over Round Valley, but he returned from the hospital in time to hoist the championship trophy. It seems he has a knack for that.

The AZSportsnetwork named Morris as its 2A State Player of the Year on Monday. Quinton Turley, who like Morris does double duty on offense and defense, was named by the organization as its Defensive Player of the Year.

Raymundo Frasquillo File Photo/Gila Herald: Quinton Turley breaks up a pass in the 2A State Championship game.

Morris did it all for the Eagles, as one of their main threat running backs, heavy-hitting linebacker, and a dangerous returner and stopper on special teams.

Turley was also very effective on offense, but he was outright feared on defense as he hit as hard as anyone in the game.

Other kudos were given to First Team All-State Offense members Quinten Mack (OL), Gage Bryce (OL), and Jack Kortsen (QB), while First Team All-State Defense members were Cole Motes (DL), Sam Nicholas (DL), Ben Shumway (LB), Trace Goodman (DB), and Bretton Dodge (Punt Return).

Isaac Pacheco (LB), and Mark Roybal (FLEX) of Morenci were also chosen for the organization’s First Team All-State Defense.

Congratulations to all the players.

In a separate conference voting, Thatcher first-year head coach Ramon Morales was named Coach of the Year.