File Photo By Stan Bonifacio: Thatcher QB Mark Wren searches for an opening. Wren has excelled since his transition to running back and was recently recognized for his big night against Florence.
Contributed Article
PHOENIX – The Grand Canyon State Gridiron Club (GCSGC) announced the recipients of the Week 5 Ed Doherty Award Nomination Medallions. Seven players were recognized for outstanding play during their respective games on Friday, Oct. 30, including Mark Wren (Sr. RB, Thatcher), Zach Bennett (Sr. RB, Flagstaff); Zion Burns (Sr. Rb, Poston Butte); Logan Hubler (Jr. QB, ALA – Queen Creek); Gabe Levy (Sr. Rb, Cienega); Howard Russell (Sr. ATH, Phoenix Christian); and Seth Wilback (Sr. RB, Round Valley).
“It was another impressive week of football and many outstanding performances by Arizona student-athletes. Each week it certainly becomes more difficult to select Medallion Nominees,” said Rob Yowell, Selection Committee Chair, in a release. “Only one of the seven players recognized this week was listed on the Week 3 Watch List™ indicating how competitive the field has become all across the state.”
All seven players will receive their medallions at an upcoming school event this week. By earning Ed Doherty Award Nomination Medallions, they will attend the end of season Ed Doherty Award Luncheon on Jan. 9, 2021 where one athlete will become the recipient of the Ed Doherty Award.
Details on their individual performances on Oct. 30 are as follows:
Mark Wren SR RB – Thatcher
Thatcher’s senior RB, Mark Wren, was the difference in the Eagles 49-35 win over Florence in Week 5 as he had 29 carries for 309 yards and 6 TDs on the night.
Zach Bennett SR RB – Flagstaff
Bennett led the Flagstaff Panther offense in Week 5. He posted 30 rushes for 226 yards in a 38-14 win over Bradshaw Mountain.
Zion Burns SR RB – Poston Butte
Zion Burns played both ways in Week 5. The Poston Butte senior logged 232 yards on 14 carries and 2 TDs, then made 5 tackles and recorded 3 sacks playing at outside linebacker.
Logan Hubler JR QB – ALA – Queen Creek
The junior QB for the Patriots was special in Week 5 going 19/27 for 303 yards and 3 TDs, adding 2 rushing TDs in a 58-16 win over Ben Franklin.
Gabe Levy SR RB – Cienega
Week 5 was Cienega’s season opener. The Bobcats’ senior, Gabe Levy rushed 23 times for 208 yards and 2 TDs in a 28-14 win of Canyon del Oro.
Howard Russell SR ATH – Phoenix Christian
Russell was making plays on both sides of the ball in Week 5 for the Cougars in a 50-20 victory over Chino Valley. On offense he had 18 carries for 233 yards and 5 TDs, 2/2 passing for 80 yards and 2 TDs, then tallied 5 tackles and an interception on defense.
Seth Wilback SR RB – Round Valley
In Week 5, Seth Wilback led the Elks to a 37-29 upset over Snowflake rushing 24 times for 218 yards and 3 TDs.
About Grand Canyon State Gridiron Club
The Grand Canyon State Gridiron Club is the steward of the Ed Doherty Award and is the most meaningful advocate of high school football in the State of Arizona. The mission of the Grand Canyon State Gridiron Club is to represent Arizona amateur athletics by bringing national attention to the extraordinary qualities of our young people and serve in the pursuit of athletic achievement, academic advancement, and greater social affinity.
About the Ed Doherty Award
For 34 years, the Ed Doherty Award has been the State of Arizona’s highest individual high school football honor and is awarded annually to the state’s most outstanding high school football player by the Grand Canyon State Gridiron Club. The Ed Doherty Award recognizes the player whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity. The winner of the award epitomizes great ability combined with diligence, perseverance, and hard work. In addition to on-field performance, the Ed Doherty Award recognizes the well-rounded accomplishments of community involvement, school pride, and academics.
