By Jon Johnson
PIMA—While his senior season with the Pima Roughriders ended a couple of points short of the state championship, defensive lineman Brock Haws has demonstrated poise and been the ultimate example to his teammates on how to not only perform on the field but also conduct yourself off it.
Haws excelled on defense his senior season, copying his junior season effort. Instilling fear in the hearts of quarterbacks and running backs coming before him each week, Haws relentlessly pursued them and, after knocking them to the ground, offered to help them back up so he could do it again.
The Arizona Interscholastic Association recently honored that defensive expertise, with Brock Haws being announced as the 2A Conference Defensive Player of the Year.
“It’s hard to express what Brock has meant to us over these past three years and to be able to culminate it on such an outstanding senior year and be such a dominant player,” said Pima head football coach Josh Wilkins. “He truly is amazing. As we met for the All-State committee, Brock was the only unanimous vote on the day. There were other players presented, but no one else voted for anybody but Brock.”
According to stats from Max Preps, Haws had 107 total tackles his senior season, with 34 being solo tackles and 37 of them being a tackle for loss. Additionally, Haws led his region in sacks and finished second in the conference in that category with 17.
Haws also had the rare lineman interception this year. Click here to see the video of Haws’ highlights on HUDL.
Scottsdale Christian Academy’s Mike Sheahan was named Conference Coach of the Year, with Caleb Randall of Scottsdale Christian named Player of the Year. Conference Offensive Player of the Year was shared by Sir-izzik Sanchez Caldwell of Tonopah Valley and Uriah Neloms of San Tan Charter.
In addition to Haws, Pima had four other first-team all-conference selections and one second-team selection.
2A All-Conference 1st Team
From Pima: Keegan Corona, defensive backs; Preston Russell, defensive lineman; Brock Haws, defensive lineman; Joe Palmer, linebacker; Jeremiah Martinez, running backs.
From Willocx: Landon Ward, kickoff returner.
2A All-Conference 2nd Team
From Pima: Dante McCray, offensive lineman.
From Miami: Deray Mathis, punt returner; Abram Castaneda, quarterbacks; Aiden Goss, receiver.
From Willcox: Remington Todd, defensive backs; Ismael Cuevas, linebacker; Ismael Cuevas, punter; Landon Ward, running backs.
