Arizona Sports & Entertainment Commission Announces Week 9 Medallion Recipients for 2026 Ed Doherty Award
Eleven student-athletes from ten Arizona schools earn medallions and consideration for Arizona’s top prep football honor
PHOENIX (October 21, 2026) — The Arizona Sports & Entertainment Commission (ASEC) and its managed entity, the Grand Canyon State Gridiron Club (GCSGC), have announced 11 recipients of the 2026 Week 9 Ed Doherty Award Medallions, recognizing outstanding performances in games played October 15–16.
“These athletes gave their teams a reason to celebrate this week. From an eight-touchdown performance to game-changing defensive plays, their accomplishments reflect the preparation and effort they bring to the field. We’re excited to honor all 11 recipients and share this recognition with their schools and communities.”
Nikki Balich, Executive Director, Arizona Sports & Entertainment Commission
The Week 9 honorees are Tufden Taylor (Thatcher); Micah Newcombe (Dobson); Gavin Wyler (Benjamin Franklin); Austin Reese (Chandler); Brian Irick (Marcos de Niza); Jackson Larson (Scottsdale Prep); DJ Detrizio (Perry); Davion Woods (Sierra Linda); James Lesueur (Buena); Juelz McCarthy (South Mountain); and Braxton Whittington (Scottsdale Prep).
Each recipient will be presented with his medallion at his respective school and is now in the running for the 2026 Ed Doherty Award, annually recognizing Arizona’s most outstanding high school football player. This year’s recipient will be announced at a special luncheon for the Top 10 nominees following the conclusion of the season. For more information, visit www.azsportsent.com or call 480.517.9700.
Week 9 Medallion Winners
Eleven student-athletes earned Week 9 Ed Doherty Award Medallions and entered the qualified award pool.
Tufden Taylor
ThatcherTaylor rushed 24 times for 252 yards and 4 touchdowns, caught 3 passes for 33 yards, and completed 1 of 6 passes for 11 yards with 1 interception. He added 7 tackles (4 solo) and 3 tackles for loss in a 29–27 win over Payson.
Micah Newcombe
DobsonNewcombe rushed 39 times for 500 yards and 7 touchdowns and added a 38-yard touchdown reception, finishing with 8 total touchdowns. He also recorded 1 solo tackle in a 62–35 win over Paradise Valley.
Gavin Wyler
Benjamin FranklinWyler completed 24 of 29 passes for 360 yards and 4 touchdowns and added 2 carries for 3 yards in a 42–7 win over ALA–Ironwood.
Austin Reese
ChandlerReese recorded 20 tackles (7 solo), 4 tackles for loss, 1 interception, and 1 pass defended in a 20–16 win over Centennial.
Brian Irick
Marcos de NizaIrick recorded 28 tackles (20 solo), 3 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery in a 47–14 win over Glendale.
Jackson Larson
Scottsdale PrepLarson completed 16 of 30 passes for 372 yards and 7 touchdowns and rushed 5 times for 22 yards and 1 touchdown. He added 4 tackles (1 solo) and 1 fumble recovery in a 60–28 win over Heritage Academy Mesa.
DJ Detrizio
PerryDetrizio recorded 6 tackles (3 solo), 2 interceptions for 31 return yards, and 1 pass defended. He also returned a fumble recovery 89 yards for a touchdown in a 34–14 win over Westwood.
Davion Woods
Sierra LindaWoods rushed 17 times for 224 yards and 5 touchdowns in a 54–14 win over La Joya Community.
James Lesueur
BuenaLesueur rushed 12 times for 181 yards and 4 touchdowns while adding 8 tackles (5 solo), 2 tackles for loss, and 1 pass defended in a 48–13 win over Casa Grande.
Juelz McCarthy
South MountainMcCarthy completed 10 of 12 passes for 303 yards and 5 touchdowns and rushed 5 times for 20 yards. He added 5 tackles (3 solo), 1 fumble recovery, 1 forced fumble, and 3 two-point conversions in a 50–7 win over North.
Braxton Whittington
Scottsdale PrepWhittington caught 7 passes for 195 yards and 4 touchdowns while adding 5 tackles (2 solo) in a 60–28 win over Heritage Academy Mesa.
About the Ed Doherty Award
The Ed Doherty Award serves as the State of Arizona’s highest individual high school football honor, annually recognizing the most outstanding player on and off the field. Recipients are selected for demonstrating remarkable ability combined with diligence, perseverance, hard work, and integrity in their pursuit of excellence, while also celebrating a commitment to academics, community, and school pride.
About the Grand Canyon State Gridiron Club
The Grand Canyon State Gridiron Club (GCSGC) is Arizona's leading advocate for high school football, dedicated to recognizing the state's top student-athletes. The club presents the prestigious Ed Doherty Award to the most outstanding prep football player at the end of each season, and in 2024 introduced the Arizona High School Flag Football Player of the Year Award, now given annually to the state’s top girls’ flag football player. Through these initiatives, the club celebrates individual athletic, academic, and leadership achievements, promoting Arizona’s rich football tradition on a national stage.
About the Arizona Sports & Entertainment Commission
The Arizona Sports & Entertainment Commission (ASEC) is a non-profit organization created in 1988. The commission collaborates with hundreds of partners to help fulfill the mission of bringing national and international sporting events to the state; assisting in the promotion of existing events and Arizona sports teams; providing volunteer recruitment and organization for large-scale sporting events; and developing youth sports programs. In 2009, it assumed oversight of the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, and in 2012, the Grand Canyon State Games and the Lori Piestewa National Native American Games. The ASEC was also the founding organization and owner of the 2015 NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl. The commission is also co-owner and strategic partner for Section 7, one of the most prestigious boys' and girls' high school basketball recruiting events in the country. For more information on the ASEC, please call 480.517.9700 or visit www.azsportsent.com.
For more information, call 480.517.9700 or visit azsportsent.com.