News Detail

Football's Case Vanden Bosch and Dominic Woods Named Medallion Recipients, Candidates for Arizona’s Top High School Football Player

10/10/2024

PHOENIX (October 9, 2024) -- The Arizona Sports & Entertainment Commission (ASEC) and its managed entity, the Grand Canyon State Gridiron Club (GCSGC), have announced the recipients of the Week 8 Ed Doherty Award Nomination Medallions, recognizing outstanding performances from Week 7 action.

This week’s nominees include Chase Gieszler (Sr. QB, Verrado); Nash Moore (Sr. QB, Buena); Uriah Neloms* (Sr. QB, San Tan Charter); Destry Owings (So. DB, Bagdad); KhaVontae Paul* (Jr. QB/RB, Ironwood); Caleb Randall (Sr. RB/LB, Scottsdale Christian Academy); Sir Stokes* (Sr. WR, Yuma Catholic); Zach Thompson* (Sr. RB, Gilbert); Case Vanden Bosch (Jr. QB, Brophy College Prep); and Dominic Woods (Sr. LB, Brophy College Prep).

"As the season progresses, anticipation is building for key matchups in Arizona high school football,” said Mark Earle, selection committee co-chair. “Young athletes are making a name for themselves, and some superior play is breaking through on both sides of the ball. Friday Night Lights in Arizona is as good as it gets right now!"

Each nominee will be presented his medallion at his respective school and is now in the running for the 2024 Ed Doherty Award, annually recognizing Arizona’s most outstanding high school football player. This year’s recipient will be announced at a special luncheon on Saturday, December 14. For more information on the award or to purchase tickets to the ceremony, please visit www.azsportsent.com, or call 480.517.9700.

Outstanding performances from Week 8 medallion recipients include:

Chase Gieszler – Sr. QB, Verrado High School

Gieszler completed 9-of-9 passes for 286 yards and 4 TDs, rushing for another 49 yards and 1 TD on 3 carries in the Vipers’ 49-13 win over Sunrise Mountain.

Nash Moore – Sr. QB, Buena High School

In a 66-42 win at Casa Grande, Moore was 16-of-21 in passing for 264 yards and 6 TDs.

Uriah Neloms – Sr. QB, San Tan Charter High School

In a 54-0 shutout of Sequoia Pathway Academy, Neloms completed 12-of-15 passes for 265 yards with 5 TDs.

Destry Owings – So. DB, Bagdad High School

Owings had 3 interceptions – including touchdown returns of 100 and 35 yards – and 2 tackles in the Sultans’ 64-0 victory over Lincoln Prep.

KhaVontae Paul – Jr. QB/RB, Ironwood High School

In a 42-26 win over Agua Fria, Paul rushed 30 times for 295 yards with 4 TDs, while completing 7-of-13 passes for 112 yards.

Caleb Randall – Sr. RB/LB, Scottsdale Christian Academy

Randall picked up 202 yards on 25 carries with 2 TDs, while recording 11 total tackles (7 solo) and 1 sack on defense as the Eagles defeated Veritas Prep, 27-13.

Sir Stokes – Sr. WR, Yuma Catholic High School

Stokes had 9 catches for 269 yards and 3 TDs in the Shamrocks’ 45-13 victory over St. Mary’s.

Zach Thompson – Sr. RB, Gilbert High School

In a 35-20 victory over Sunnyslope, Thompson rushed for 319 yards on 36 carries with 5 TDs.

Case Vanden Bosch – Jr. QB, Brophy College Prep

Vanden Bosch was 14-of-22 in passing for 207 yards with 2 TDs, adding another 84 rushing yards on 17 carries with two more 2 TDs, vs. Basha.

Dominic Woods – Sr. LB, Brophy College Prep

Woods recorded 14 total tackles (12 solo), 1 sack and 1 fumble recovery vs. Basha.

About the Ed Doherty Award

Since its inception in 1986, the Ed Doherty Award has served 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 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 boys’ prep football player at the end of each season, and just recently introduced the Arizona High School Flag Football Player of the Year Award, to be given annually to the state’s top girls’ flag football player. Through these initiatives, the club celebrates 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 the founding organization and owner of the 2015 NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl. For more information on the commission, call 480.517.9700 or visit www.azsportsent.com.