The best of the best
Picking Southern Arizona's player of the year wasn't an easy decision but it really came down to a group of five players who out-performed the rest. Here's a look at the finalists for the top honor this season:
HS football: 5 finalists for Southern Arizona player of the Year
Here's a look at the 5 finalists for Southern Arizona's player of the year.
The best of the best
Harrison Beemiller, Ironwood Ridge
Harrison Beemiller, Ironwood Ridge
The do-it-all senior made plays regardless of where he was on the field. Beemiller rushed for a team-high 866 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also caught 15 passes for 277 yards and two scores and completed 35 of 66 passes for 524 yards and seven touchdowns.
Wait, there's more — Beemiller shined as a free safety, intercepting four passes, forcing two fumbles and averaging 4.8 tackles per game.
2015 Football Player of the Year: Dionte Flores, Flowing Wells
Flowing Wells' Dionte Flores was Southern Arizona's top rusher this season with 2,062 yards and 29 touchdowns on 187 carries. He had at least 150 yards rushing in all but two games with a season-high 325 yards and four scores on 20 carries in a win against Amphitheater.
The senior, who doubled as a defensive back, was also second on the team with 10.6 tackles per game. Behind Flores, Flowing Wells went 9-2 and qualified for the state playoffs for the first time since 2001. The Caballeros' lone losses came against the Division IV state champion and runner-up.
Rhett Rodriguez, Catalina Foothills
Rhett Rodriguez, Catalina Foothills
The dual-threat quarterback and the son of UA coach Rich Rodriguez helped pace Foothills to just its second postseason victory. RhettRod, a junior, completed 157 of 236 passes for 2,503 yards and 20 touchdowns with just two interceptions. He also rushed 116 times for 624 yards and 14 scores.
Spencer Schuller, Bisbee
Spencer Schuller, Bisbee
The senior was one of the top wide receivers in the state as he caught 61 passes for 1,534 yards and 26 touchdowns, to set the 2A single-season record. Schuller also pulled in five interceptions and averaged 42.6 yards a punt as Bisbee reached the Division V state quarterfinals.
DeAndre Williams, Tucson High
DeAndre Williams, Tucson High
Williams proved to be one of Southern Arizona's most exciting players to watch as he combined for more than 2,000 yards rushing and receiving. The two-way senior had 199 carries for 1,509 yards and 19 touchdowns; he also caught 25 passes for 494 yards and three scores. When Williams wasn't making plays on offense, he served as Tucson High's top corner and finished the season with four interceptions and eight pass breakups.