The Republic's 2022 All-Arizona high school football team, Player of the Year finalists

This is The Arizona Republic's 2022 All-Arizona high school football team with 12 finalists on offense and 12 on defense for Players of the Year. Also listed is the All-Arizona offense and defense, along with honorable mentions. Offensive and defensive Players of the Year will be announced at the 2023 Arizona High School Sports Awards, produced in partnership with Diamond Kitchen and Bath. Nominated athletes can click here to register. The show will be held this spring. Date and location to be announced.

Navi Bruzon, Liberty, QB, 5-10, 180, Jr.

Had monster season leading the Lions, showing efficiency and the ability to extend plays with his legs.

Adam Damante, American Leadership Gilbert North, QB, 6-1, 180, Sr.

His numbers were off the charts, leading the Eagles to their first AIA championship in 4A a year after moving up from 3A.

Devon Dampier, Saguaro, QB, 6-0, 185, Sr.

The Ed Doherty Award winner led Saguaro to the Open final, making big-time throws and runs along the way, including the miracle finish to beat top-ranked Liberty in the semifinals 43-42.

Carter Hancock, Higley, WR, 6-0, 170, Sr.

All he did was catch 106 passes for 1,727 yards and 18 TDs, helping the Knights win the 5A title.

Austin Johnston, Eastmark, WR, 6-1, 184, Sr.

He did it all for the 3A champions, catching 77 passes for 1,562 yards and 22 TDs. He also had 285 yards in kickoff returns and 451 yards in punt returns and had a total of 28 TDs.

Jamar Malone II, Higley, QB, 6-3, 205, So.

One of the most entertaining offenses in the state ran through the sophomore, who passed for 4,017 yards and 44 TDs and ran for 937 yards and 12 TDs leading the Knights to their first 5A championship.

Brandon Phelps, ALA Gilbert North, WR, 6-3, 205, Jr.

Already committed to the University of Arizona, he put up big numbers as Damante's top target, catching 97 passes for 1,710 yards and a 4A-record 28 TDs.

Duce Robinson, Pinnacle, TE, 6-7, 230, Sr.

The nation's top-rated tight end in the 2023 class was a big-play wide receiver threat for the Pioneers, catching 84 passes for 1,614 yards and 14 TDs this season. He had more than 3,000 career receiving yards.

Richard Stallworth, Yuma Catholic, QB, 6-2, 205, Sr.

He became the first Arizona high school quarterback to ever throw for more than 12,000 yards in a career, and he did it in three years. He finished his career with 12,590 passing yards and an all-time state record 168 TD passes.

Isaac Stopke, Lake Havasu, RB, 6-0, 215, Sr.

A rugged, downhill runner, he led the Knights to the 4A semifinals with his bullish style. He had 2,400 rushing yards and 35 TDs.

Demond Williams Jr., Basha, 5-11, 175, QB, Jr.

He is one of the best junior quarterbacks in the nation with his abilty to break down defenses and make nothing into something big. A starter since his sophomore year, he led the Bears to their first Open state championship.

Prince Zombo, Liberty, WR, 6-1, 185, Sr.

An explosive receiver who had his best games against the biggest opponents. More than 200 yards and three TDs against 6A runner-up Pinnacle and two TD catches in regular-season win at Open runner-up Saguaro.

Early Signing Day: Hamilton has six players commit to Division 1 college football programs

Defensive Player of the Year finalists (alphabetical order)

Joseph Allen, Highland, DB, 6-1, 210, Sr.

Very underrated with college coaches, but everybody who played against him won't forget the hard hits he delivered, leading a stout Hawks' defense in a repeat of the 6A championship. He had 100 tackles, playing safety.

Matthew Brimhall, Snowflake, LB, 6-0, 200, Sr.

He led the state in tackles with 225, including a remarkable 119 solo stops, leading the Lobos to the 4A title game after capturing two previous 3A crowns. He had three interceptions and three caused fumbles.

Noah Carter, Centennial, DL, 6-4, 220, Jr.

Another two-way player who excelled on both sides of the ball, he was a defensive game-changer with 14 sacks. He recovered and returned a fumble 91 yards for a touchdown against Chandler in the Open quarterfinals.

My’Keil Gardner, Liberty, DL, 6-3, 275, Sr.

Oregon signee was a monster on the front line, forcing rushed passes from quarterbacks and forcing fumbles. Complete game changer.

Jaxson Jones, Yuma Catholic, DL, 6-3, 220, Jr.

One of the state's most sought-after defensive ends, he went both ways and still had 96 tackles, 22 for losses, and 17 sacks for the Shamrocks.

Cole Martin, Basha, DB, 5-10, 180, Sr.

The Oregon signee was the heart and soul of the state championship team with his fearless play and ability to move from cornerback to safety later in the season, which was a big key to the Bears' title drive.

Alex McLaughlin, Hamilton, LB, 6-2, 190, Sr.

Northern Arizona signee had a breakout season with 107 tackles, eight sacks and three interceptions.

Wyatt Milkovic, Basha, LB, 6-2, 230, Sr.

Biggest part of a fierce defense that fueled the Open title run, the Boise State signee had 144 tackles and 13 QB hurries.

Anthony Ruiz, Liberty, LB, 6-0, 220, Sr.

He was a beast this season, getting into the backfield and disrupting offenses. He had 97 tackles and 11.5 sacks.

A’mauri Washington, Chandler, DL, 6-4, 295, Sr.

An Oregon signee, his skills, strength and speed on the edge and in the interior line, breaking through blocks to make stops made him one of the state's fiercest defensive linemen.

Elijah Rushing, Salpointe, DE, 6-6, 235, Jr.

This man-child has every major college football coach in the country wanting his services. He had 73 tackles, 11.5 sacks and four caused fumbles this year.

Dominic Solano, Cactus, DL, 6-4, 225, Sr.

Montana State got a steal. He could someday play on Sunday, he's that talented. He had 103 tackles and 27.5 sacks, including three in the 5A championship game.

Flying under the radar: Top 50 under-recruited Arizona high school football seniors

All-Arizona offense

QB: Devon Dampier, Saguaro, 6-0, 185, Sr.; RB: Isaac Stopke, Lake Havasu, 6-0, 215, Sr.; RB: Ca’lil Valentine, Chandler, 6-0, 175, Jr.; C: Ryan Blum, Basha, 6-2, 275, Sr.; OL: Elijah Paige, Pinnacle,6-7, 305, Sr.; OL: Caleb Lomu, Highland, 6-5, 260, Sr.; OL: Kaleb Jones, Mountain Pointe, 6-2, 280, So.; OL: James Durand, Basha, 6-5, 275, Sr.; OL: Alex Doost, Mountain Ridge, 6-6, 300, Sr.; TE: Duce Robinson, Pinnacle, 6-6, 225, Sr.; WR: Brandon Phelps, American Leadership Gilbert North, 6-3, 205, Jr.; WR: Carter Hancock, Gilbert Higley, 6-0, 170, Sr.; All-purpose: Austin Johnston, Mesa Eastmark, 6-4, 184, Sr.; KR: Aundre Gibson, Goodyear Desert Edge, 5-11, 180, Jr.; K: Matthew Krneta, Hamilton, 6-0, 185, Sr.

Related: Saguaro QB Devon Dampier wins Doherty Award as Arizona's top high school football player

All-Arizona defense

DL: Noah Carter, Peoria Centennial, 6-4, 220, Jr.; DL: My’Keil Gardner, Liberty, 6-3, 275, Sr.; DL: A’mauri Washington, Chandler, 6-4, 295, Sr.; DL: Dominic Solano, Glendale Cactus, 6-4, 225, Sr.; DL: Elijah Rushing, Salpointe Catholic, 6-6, 235, Jr.; LB: Alex McLaughlin, Hamilton, 6-2, 190, Sr.; LB: Wyatt Milkovic, Basha, 6-2, 230, Sr.; LB: Anthony Ruiz, Liberty, 6-0, 220, Sr.; DB: Cole Martin, Basha, 5-10, 180, Sr.; DB: Jack Bal, Centennial, 6-3, 175, Sr.; DB: Cole Shivers, Saguaro, 5-11, 170, Sr.; DB: Joseph Allen, Highland, 6-1, 210, Sr.; PR: Tre Brown, Mesa, 5-9, 170, Sr.; P: Kanyon Floyd, Horizon, 6-0, 165, Jr.; LS: David Bird, Sandra Day O’Connor, 6-1, 185, Sr.

Read more: The Arizona Republic's final top 10 high school football teams of the 2022 season

Honorable mention

Donovan Aidoo, Higley, DB, 6-2, 180, Jr.; Kaden Anderson, Chandler, TE, 6-4, 220, Jr.; Trevor Auerbach, Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep, DB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Evan Aguirre, Buckeye Youngker, KR; Brendan Anderson, Mountain Ridge, QB, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Kaden Armstrong, Eastmark, LB, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Chris Arviso II, Mountain Pointe, QB, 6-2, 175, Sr.; Dominik Bagchi, Phoenix Central, QB, 5-8, 175, Sr.; Gage Baker, Paradise Honors, QB, 6-0, 165, Jr.; Brady Bakke, Centennial, OL, 6-4, 280, Jr.; Ralph Bernard, Trevor Browne, DL; Shamar Berryhill, Sabino, WR, 6-0, 200, So.; Greg Bienvenue, Mesa Desert Ridge, OL, 6-4, 265, Jr.; Nathan Bilske, Verrado, LB, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Jordan Blake, Mesa Skyline, RB, 5-9, 180, Jr.; Matt Blau, American Leadership Queen Creek, OL, 6-4, 290, Sr.; Jack Bleier, Basha, DL, 6-1, 220, Jr.; Nikko Boncore, Cactus, WR, 6-0, 160, So.; Caleb Botticello, Higley, DE, 6-3, 220, Sr.; Jackson Bowers, Mesa Mountain View, TE, 6-5, 225, Sr.; Taye Brown, Hamilton, LB, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Jackson Browning, Basha, LB, 6-1, 215, Sr.; Parker Bryce, Gilbert, DL, 6-0, 190, Jr.; Deshaun Buchanan, Basha, RB, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Tyson Buckley, Camp Verde, QB, 6-3, 240, Jr.; John Butler, Saguaro, LB, Sr.; Colton Campbell, Williams Field, OL, 6-5, 272, Sr.; Darrien Campbell, Glendale Raymond S Kellis, Athlete, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Kyle Canunan, Sunnyslope, K, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Michael Casillas, Morenci, RB, 5-9, 160, Jr.; Kavaughn Clark, Centennial, RB, 5-8, 180, Sr.; Nolan Clement, Scottsdale Desert Mountain, DL, 6-3, 220, Sr.; Jacob Condie, Desert Ridge, TE, 6-3, 230, Sr.; Zach Cook, Cesar Chavez, OL, 6-7, 285, Sr.; Chris Cordero, Desert Edge, RB, 5-8, 180, Sr.; Drew Cowart, American Leadership Queen Creek, QB, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Carter Crispin, Red Mountain, QB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Kody Cullimore, Highland, Athlete, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Ben Currence, Sandra Day O’Connor, WR, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Myseth Currie, Laveen Cesar Chavez, WR, 6-2, 175, Sr.; Stephon Daily, Phoenix Sierra Linda, WR, 6-4, 180, Sr.; Chandler Davis, Hamilton, DE, 6-2, 232, Sr.; Ryan Davis, Sandra Day O’Connor, DE, Sr.; Bryson Dedmon, Basha, WR, 5-9, 155, Jr.; Antonio Delgado, Phoenix Desert Vista, LB, 5-11, 215, Sr.; Rylon Dillard Allen, Desert Vista, DB, 5-11, 170, So.; Andrew Dudley, Chandler, OL, 6-3, 260, So.; Dom Esposito, Higley, WR, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Brady Ferris, Surprise Willow Canyon, RB, Sr.; Carson Fiske, Chandler Seton Catholic, K, 6-0, 160, Sr.; Landen Francis, Prescott, OL/DL, 6-2, 225, Sr.; Shea Freibaum, Saguaro, LS, 6-1, 200, Sr.; David Galindo, St. Mary’s, Athlete, 5-10, 200, Sr.; Jack Freeburg, Desert Mountain, WR, 6-1, 175, Jr.; Will Galvan, Cactus, Athlete, Sr.; Anthony Garcia, Surprise Shadow Ridge, RB, 5-10, 205, Sr.; Braylon Gardner, Liberty, TE, 6-3, 205, Jr.; Champ Gennicks, 6-3, 202, Jr.; Gavin Geweniger, Scottsdale Chaparral, DE, 6-5, 250, Sr.; Cayden Gibson, Chandler Arizona College Prep, DE, 6-2, 211, Jr.; James Giggey, Bradshaw Mountain, LB, 6-4, 230, Jr.; Marshall Gillette, Northwest Christian, AP, 6-3, 176, Jr.; Ryan Gooding, St. David, QB, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Luke Gonzales, Queen Creek, 6-2, 185, DB, Sr.; Rudy Gonzalez, Winslow, DE, Jr.; C.J. Greer, Phoenix Trevor Browne, RB/DB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Carlos Griffin, Saguaro, DB, Sr.; Damian Gonzalez, Marcos de Niza, K; Wrangler Guilliams, Florence, DL, 6-4, 295, Sr.; Cameron Hackworth, Tucson Sabino, QB, 5-9, 160, Jr.; Daxen Hall, Higley, RB, Jr.; Terrance Hall, Mountain Ridge, 5-10, 170, WR, Sr.; Spencer Halvorson, Pinnacle, LB, 6-0, 190, Jr.; Dominic Hanger, Chandler, OLB/S, 6-1, 205, Sr.; Dillon Hipp, Desert Mountain, TE, 6-6, 230, Jr.; Wyatt Horton, Pinnacle, QB, 5-11, 160, So.; Quintyn Isabell, Phoenix Arcadia, RB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Kaleb Jackson-Carter, Desert Edge, OL, 6-5, 275, Sr.; Mitch Jensen, American Leadership Queen Creek, RB/LB, 5-10, 205, Sr.; Jaxon John, Pima, Athlete, 5-9, 155, Jr.; Samuel Johns, Desert Ridge, DB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Plas Johnson, Chaparral, WR/KR, Sr.; Elijah Joplin, Marana, QB, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Landon Jury, Casteel, QB, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Blayk Kelton, Mogollon, Athlete, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Ryan Kishbaugh, Show Low, Athlete, 5-8, 170, Sr.; Matt Klopfenstien, Horizon, TE, 6-5, 225, Sr.; Roman Kupu, Chandler, LB, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Nate LaDuke, American Leadership Queen Creek, DB, 6-1, 180, Jr.; Cole Lalama, Queen Creek, LB, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Ja’Kobi Lane, Red Mountain, WR, 6-6, 190, Sr.; Lenox Lawson, Red Mountain, Athlete, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Steven Le, Kellis, DB, 5-6, 145, Sr.; Dylan Lee, Gilbert Williams Field, RB, Jr.; Braesen Leon, Marcos de Niza, QB, 6-1, 175, Jr.; Cody Leopold, Prescott, Athlete, 5-10, 200, Sr.; P.J. Lewis, St. Mary’s, Athlete, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Gavin Limongello, Apache Junction, Athlete, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Myles Libman, Pinnacle, WR, Sr.; Miles Lockhart, Basha, DB, Jr.; Drew Logan, Williams, RB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; David Lopez, Brophy Prep, RB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Vinny Mansfield, Desert Edge, WR, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Roan Martinez, Desert Vista, WR, 6-2, 185, Jr.; Jarred Marquez, Yuma Catholic, LB, Sr.; Bubba Mastain, Tucson Pusch Ridge, QB, 6-2, 180, Jr.; Jaedon Matthews, Saguaro, RB, Jr.; Nikita McCrimon, Mesa Westwood, Athlete, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Joseph McCubbin, Tonapah Valley, WR, 5-10, 155, Sr.; Maxon McDowell, Phoenix Bourgade Catholic, Athlete, 6-4, 205, Sr.; Brayden McKinstry Northwest Christian, DL, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Markhi McKinnon, Phoenix Barry Goldwater, RB, 6-0, 215, Jr.; Ryan Meza, American Leadership Queen Creek, Athlete, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Hezekiah Millender, Desert Edge, QB, 6-3, 185, So.; Ashton Miller, American Leadership Queen Creek, LB, 6-2, 195, Sr.; Luke Moga, Sunnyslope, QB, 6-2, 195, Jr.; Adam Mohammed, Apollo, RB, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Mack Molander, Eastmark, QB, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Josh Morales, Paradise Honors, WR, 6-0, 150, Jr.; Tyler Mustain, Pusch Ridge, LB, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Brandon Napier, Thatcher, QB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Zayden Neill, Gilbert San Tan Charter, QB, 6-2, 170, Jr.; Blaise Nelson, Surprise Valley Vista, WR, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Jeremiah Newcombe, Casteel, DB, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Dominic Ochoa, Liberty, DB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Rene Ochoa, Winkelman Hayden, LB, Jr.; Cristian Pando, Willcox, 5-10, 180, RB, Sr.; Gunnar Penzkover, Northwest Christian, DB, 5-10, 145, Jr.; Cooper Perry, Notre Dame, WR, 6-2, 180, So.; McKy Peters, Mesa, LB, Jr.; Ian Palm, Maricopa, LB, 6-3, 220, Sr.; Carter Pruitt, Arcadia, DB, Jr.; Dylan Raiola, Chandler, QB, 6-3, 220, Jr.; Jacob Rasumussen, Thatcher, DL, 6-3, 255, Sr.; Payton Reidhead, Mogollon, DB, 5-10, 150, Sr.; Porter Reynolds, Queen Creek, LB, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Jaxon Richardson, Goodyear Estrella Foothills, LB, Jr.; Colton Reyes, Youngker, P, 5-7, 145, Jr.; Gabe Ricketts, Bradshaw Mountain, RB, 5-11, 185, Jr.; Ben Roberts, Notre Dame Prep, DE, 6-2, 235, Sr.; Dylan Roberts, Centennial, DL, 6-3, 280, Sr.; Levi Robins, Saguaro, DB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Dezmen Roebuck, Marana, WR, 5-11, 170, So.; Gage Rogers, American Leadership Queen Creek, DE, Sr.; Jonathan Rojo, Heritage Academy Laveen, RB; Tommy Romano, Notre Dame Prep, DB/LB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Jaylen Rushing, Mountain Pointe, RB, 5-10, 215, Sr.; Jackson Sander, Higley, LB, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Isaiah Savoie, Apache Junction, RB, 5-11, 185, Jr.; Christian Sanabria, Camp Verde, WR, 6-1, 175, Jr.; Tristen Sanchez, Morenci, DL, 6-1, 205, Jr.; Griffin Schureman, Queen Creek, OL, 6-3, 255, Sr.; Cooper Scott, Highland, DE, Sr.; Ryker Scott, American Leadership Queen Creek, DE, 6-2, 205, Sr.; Genesis Smith, Hamilton, S, 6-2, 188, Sr.; Tyton Slade, American Leadership Gilbert North, WR/DB, 6-2, 180, Jr.; Tre’ Spivey, Hamilton, WR, 6-4, 190, Sr.; Griffin Stalfort, Hamilton, C, 6-2, 280, Sr.; Keaton Stam, Liberty, LB, 6-2, 220, Jr.; Daltin Stockon, Payson, LB, Sr.; Mason Stromstad, Marcos de Niza, DB/LB, 6-3, 195, Sr.; Tyreeq Styles-Obichere, Chandler, KOR, 5-6, 160, Sr.; David Sweetman, Brophy Prep, DL, 6-1, 250, Sr.; Dylan Tapley, Desert Mountain, WR/DB, 6-4, 195, Jr.; Amare Taase, Saguaro, OL, 6-3, 311, Jr.; Braxton Thomas, Desert Vista, QB, 6-3, 210, Jr.; Gaven Thrower, Poston Butte, RB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Jacob Trampp, Eastmark, OL, 6-4, 310, Sr.; Noah Trigueros, Notre Dame Prep, QB, 6-1, 185, Jr.; Viliami Tongotea, Buckeye, RB, 5-9, 200, Sr.;  Aaron Vasquez, Buckeye Youngker, P, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Layton Vining, Liberty, OL, 6-3, 265, Sr.; Deshawn Warner, Desert Edge, DL, 6-4, 220, Jr.; Michael Watkins, Apollo, OL; Sam Webb, Gilbert Christian, RB, 5-8, 160, So.; Bryson Wilke, Willow Canyon, P/K; Santana Wilson, Desert Mountain, DB, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Kenny Worthy, Centennial, DB/KR, 5-11, 180, Jr.; Jamaal Young, Marcos de Niza, WR, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Mikey Young, Paradise Honors, DB/PR, 6-2, 178, Sr.; Cooper Zellner, Gilbert, LB, 5-10, 170, Sr.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: The Republic's 2022 All-Arizona HS football team, POY finalists