The Grand Canyon State Gridiron Club (GCSGC) announced the recipients of the Week 8 Ed Doherty Award Nomination Medallions. Eight players were recognized for outstanding play during their respective games on Friday, October 11: Brandon Buckner (Sr. DE/OLB, Chandler); Deavon Crawford (Sr. WR, Cesar Chavez); Eric Haney (Sr. DB/SB, Centennial); Brock Locnikar (Sr. LB, Notre Dame Prep); Jake Martinelli (Sr. QB, Horizon); Jack Miller (Sr. QB, Chaparral); Ryan Powell (Jr. QB, Miami) and AJ Skaggs (Sr. QB, Sabino).

“Overall, there were record setting performances highlighted in excellent games during Week 8,” said Rob Yowell, Selection Committee Chair. “These eight young men represent the best of a talented group this week and deserve their official nominations.”

Crawford, Locnikar, Martinelli, and Miller were named on the 56-player Week 3 Watch List™ released on September 10, 2019. All eight players will receive their Medallions at an upcoming school event this week. By earning these Ed Doherty Award Nomination Medallions, they will attend the end of season Ed Doherty Award Luncheon on December 14, 2019 where one athlete will become the recipient of the Ed Doherty Award.

Details on their individual performances on October 11th are as follows:

 

Brandon Buckner – Sr. DE/OLB – Chandler

In the Wolves’ 49-0 win over Brophy during Week 8, Brandon Buckner recorded 9 tackles and 5 sacks. In only his third game of the season, the senior has 7 sacks and 9 TFL on the season.

 

Deavon Crawford – Sr. WR – Cesar Chavez

In Week 8 of his first season at Cesar Chavez, Devon Crawford had 3 receptions for 165 yards and 2 TDs in the 62-0 win over Tucson. A starter on both sides of the ball, Crawford added 6 tackles on defense.

 

Eric Haney – Sr. DB/SB – Centennial

Haney made an impact in almost every phase of the Coyotes 48-0 win over Sunnyslope, during Week 8, by scoring 3 touchdowns – one rushing, one receiving and another with an 80 yard KO return. On defense, he added a three tackles and an INT.

 

Brock Locnikar – Sr. LB – Notre Dame Prep

In the 35-34 loss to Horizon in 2 OT, Brock Locnikar stormed with 18 tackles (13 solo) and 1 sack. The senior LB has 83 solo tackles leading the state in all divisions and leads 5A with 112 total tackles through Week 8.

 

Jake Martinelli – Sr. QB – Horizon

The senior QB delivered a double-overtime 35-34 win over Notre Dame during Week 8. Martinelli posted 138 yards passing with 2 TDs and added 153 yards rushing with a TD, including the game tying TD pass on 4th and 10 in the 2nd OT.

 

Jack Miller – Sr. QB – Chaparral

After missing the past four games due to injury, Miller returned in Week 8 to lead the Firebirds to a 35-31 comeback win over O'Connor. He was 19-28 for 257 yards and 3 TDs, including the go-ahead TD pass with under three minutes left in the game.

 

Ryan Powell – Jr. QB – Miami

The junior QB was 13-24 passing for 439 yards and 9 TDs leading the Vandals to a 74-12 win over San Carlos. Through Week 8, Powell has logged 1,870 yards and 26 TDs on the season.

 

AJ Skaggs – Sr. QB – Sabino

Skaggs has been on a roll lately and his hot hand has led the Sabercats to a 5-2 start. The senior QB was 14-17 for 304 yards and 5 TDs in a 48-2 win over Tanque Verde.