Three Broncos Named to Fiesta Sports Foundation Preseason All-State Football Teams

7/18/2024

SCOTTSDALE, AZ (July 18, 2024) – As part of the growing partnership between the Fiesta Sports Foundation and the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA), the organizations have come together for an exciting new program to further recognize some of Arizona's finest football student-athletes. The inaugural Fiesta Sports Foundation Preseason All-State Football Teams, for boys tackle football and girls flag football, will honor 50 student-athletes entering the 2024 Arizona high school football seasons.

The 29 boys and 21 girls will be honored in person at the Arizona Bank & Trust Fiesta Sports Foundation Football Kickoff presented by Fairmont Scottsdale Princess on Thursday, August 15, with 2024 College Football Hall of Fame inductee and Arizona Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald, Jr. as keynote speaker.

"The Fiesta Sports Foundation is committed to enhancing and promoting football at all levels in the state of Arizona. The caliber of Arizona high school football is nationally-recognized and college programs descend on Arizona to secure our state's talented student-athletes for success at the next level. Watching the rapid growth of flag football over the last year, we know that Arizona will be a leader in that sport, and we are already seeing it with several of our honorees earning roster spots with USA Football's national teams," said Fiesta Sports Foundation Executive Director & CEO Erik Moses. "The inaugural Preseason All-State teams are another example of how we are elevating the sport in partnership with the AIA. It was a difficult decision with all the talent that resides in Arizona and we are confident that the student-athletes selected are deserving of the honor."

A selection committee comprised of coaches, media, AIA officials, USA Football and Fiesta Sports Foundation representatives nominated players and determined the honorees through several rounds of voting. There are 17 different schools represented by the 29 boys tackle players and 13 schools for the 21 girls flag players.

"The AIA is committed to promoting high school football for both the boys and the girls," said AIA Executive Director David Hines. "This partnership with the Fiesta Sports Foundation gives our student-athletes additional opportunities to be recognized for their great achievements on the field. Congratulations to of our players being honored today."

The re-imagined Arizona Bank & Trust Fiesta Sports Foundation Football Kickoff takes place on Thursday, August 15, at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess for the first time. The Football Kickoff experience begins with a VIP session at 11:30 a.m. that includes exclusive photo opportunities and a meet-and-greet with Fitzgerald. "Pregame" networking opens at 12:15 p.m. with the main program kicking off at 12:45 p.m., including an in-depth conversation with Fitzgerald and Fiesta Sports Foundation Executive Director & CEO Erik Moses to discuss his Hall of Fame playing career at the University of Pittsburgh and the Arizona Cardinals, competing in one of the first Insight Bowl games played at Chase Field and his extensive off-the-field philanthropic work and business interests.

Tables for this can't-miss celebration of the return of football may be purchased at FiestaBowl.org/FootballKickoff, by calling 480.350.0911 or via email at tickets@fiestabowl.org. Schools and booster clubs will have the opportunity to purchase tables for teammates, coaches, students, etc. at a discounted rate. Those schools taking advantage of this discounted offer will receive visual recognition at the event.

BOYS TACKLE
QB: Luke Haugo (Higley)
RB: Noah Roberts (Basha), Elijah Little (Thunderbird)
WR/TE: Cooper Perry (Notre Dame Prep), Dezmen Roebuck (Marana), Dylan Sims (Queen Creek), Shamar Berrryhill (Centennial)
Offensive Utility/Flex: Nikko Boncore (Centennial)
OL: Logan Powell (Brophy), Nick Spence (Liberty), Anderson Kopp (Brophy), Jake Hildebrand (Basha), Roman Fina (Salpointe)
DL: Caden Branston (Liberty), Garrett Martin (Saguaro), Kaleb Jones (Mountain Pointe), Jackson Murray (Horizon)
LB: Hudson Dunn (Liberty), Aidan Browder (Chandler), Cody Wells (Notre Dame Prep), Carlos Montoya (Walden Grove)
DB: Cree Thomas (Brophy), Rylon Dillard-Allen (Mountain Pointe), Jamar Beal-Goines (Desert Edge), Nathan Spivey (Salpointe)
Placekicker: Aaron Alvarez (Centennial)
Long Snapper: Mack Mulhern (Horizon)
Kickoff Return/Punt Return: Gio Richardson (Basha)
Punter: Gehrig Heil (Arcadia)

GIRLS FLAG
QB: Katelyn Jewell (Canyon View)
RB: Daylee Woods (Hamilton), Jalyssa Guerrero (Gilbert)
WR: Samaya Taylor-Jenkins (Hamilton), Madison Coger (Campo Verde), Kate MacDonald (Xavier), Malaysia Roebuck (Marana), Cadence McCanless (Red Mountain)
Offensive Utility/Flex: Noreal Sparks (Mountain Pointe)
Rusher: Nami Singer (Marana), Carter Dille (Higley)
DB/LB/Flex: Maycie Bassett (Canyon View), Naomi Ndayizeye (Hamilton), Kayla Tacker (Casa Grande), Khalia Dana (Gilbert), Kylee Thurman (Mountain View), Autumn Saavedra (Chandler)
Placekicker: Katie Whipple (Casteel)
Long Snapper: Mikayla Patterson (Xavier)
Kickoff Return/Punt Return: Izzy Guzman (Casteel)
Punter: Kylee Wick (Perry)

ABOUT THE FIESTA SPORTS FOUNDATION
Since 1971, the Fiesta Sports Foundation is a world-class community organization that executes innovative experiences, drives economic growth and champions charitable causes, inspiring pride in all Arizonans during and outside of college football bowl season. As a nonprofit organization, it is driven by its vision for the importance of community outreach and service. Through the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Guaranteed Rate Bowl and its year-round events, such as the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe, corporate partnerships and numerous community events throughout the year, the organization provides charitable giving to enhance Arizona nonprofit organizations that serve communities through youth, sports and education.

ABOUT ARIZONA BANK & TRUST
Arizona Bank & Trust, a division of HTLF Bank, through its parent company, Heartland Financial USA, Inc., operating under the brand name HTLF, (NASDAQ: HTLF), has offices in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe and Gilbert. Arizona Bank & Trust provides an array of products and services to fulfill the financial needs of businesses and individuals. The bank specializes in commercial lending and treasury management services and also provides a wide variety of private banking, retail lending and deposit services along with electronic banking support. Visit www.arizbank.com or call 602.381.2090 for more information. HTLF Bank is Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender.

ABOUT FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS
Set against the backdrop of Arizona's McDowell Mountains, the AAA Five Diamond Fairmont Scottsdale Princess reflects its Southwestern setting with Spanish colonial-style architecture, expansive plazas and lush, flower-filled gardens. The resort features 750 oversized guest rooms, six heated swimming pools, the luxurious 44,000 square foot Well & Being Spa, championship golf at the adjacent TPC Scottsdale and the Trailblazers Kids Club. Dining options include Ironwood American Kitchen serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Bourbon Steak, the AAA Four Diamond steakhouse by acclaimed chef Michael Mina; modern Mexican cuisine at La Hacienda by Richard Sandoval and the new Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar by Richard Sandoval, serving Pan Latin fare with stunning views overlooking the 18th green at the TPC of Scottsdale Stadium Course. The Plaza Bar in Princess Plaza serves craft cocktails nightly with scenic outdoor fire pit patios.