2025 BJ Media Award Winners

Watch the full livestream of the 2025 BJ Media Awards here:

https://www.youtube.com/live/Pn1f9youVE4

Here is a list of all the winners of the 2025 BJ Media Awards. 

TACKLE

Offensive Player of the Year

Past Winners: Jamar Malone (‘22), Demond Williams (‘23), Dezmen Roebuck (‘24).

This year’s winner - Roye Oliver, Hamilton WR: Roye Oliver put together one of the best seasons in Arizona high school football in 2025. He broke the 6A receiving touchdown record this year as he hauled in 29 of them to go along with 1839 receiving yards.  It didn’t matter who he was going against; Oliver always found a way to make jaw-dropping plays. 

2. Will Mencl, Chandler QB

3. Donivan Dixon, Cactus Shadows QB

4. Blake Roskopf, Desert Edge QB

5. Jax Sculley, Hamilton QB

6. D’Mari Bryant, Millennium RB

7. Daryl Little, Thunderbird WR

Defensive Player of the Year

Past Winners: Anthony Ruiz (‘22), Noah Carter (‘23), Hudson Dunn (‘24). 

This year’s winner - Zeth Angel Thues, Liberty SS: Playing a big role in the success Liberty has had this season and the previous season has been Zeth Angel Thues. Thues does everything and anything on defense and has helped his team be one of the best units in 2025. The Arizona State signee had 49 total tackles (8.5 tackles for loss), 2 sacks, 4 pass deflections, and 4 interceptions. 

2. Dante Bruley, Basha OLB/DE

3. Cooper Kraus, Buena LB

4. Mikyal Davis, Desert Edge DB

5. Antonio Para, Desert Edge SS

6. Derrick LeBlanc, Hamilton DE

7. Hudson Dunn, Liberty OLB

8. Van Merkley, Combs LB

Two-Way Player of the Year

Past Winners: Elias Johnson (‘22), Tyton Slade (‘23), Nathan Spivey (‘24). 

This year’s winner - Jeffrey Smith, Marana RB/LB: Jeffrey Smith played a pivotal role in playing two important positions for Marana this season. On offense, he was a lead running back, having 1094 yards on the ground and 15 total touchdowns. Defensively, he had 108 total tackles, 2 interceptions, and 4 pass breakups. 

2. TJ Fo’ilefutu, Liberty ATH

3. Gunnar Perry, Notre Dame Prep LB/RB

4. Kam Williams, Mesa ATH

5. Joe Yoney, Mohave QB/DB

6. Riley Carson, Mica Mtn WR/DB

7. Jaden Rodgers, Cienega WR/DB

8. Cooper Cronk, Lee Williams WR/DB

9. Jayden Thomas, Buena WR/DB

Special Teams Player of the Year

Past Winners: Matthew Krneta (‘22), Timothy Tyan (‘23), Jamar Beal-Goines (‘24). 

This year’s winner - Riley Carson, Mica Mountain K/P/KR/PR: Riley Carson is the definition of special teams. He did everything and anything for Mica Mountain on that side of the ball this season. He played every position on special teams and even had the biggest play of the season as he had a kickoff return touchdown in the 4A championship game. 

2. Mikey Barth, Basha K

3. Palmer Podwika, Horizon K

4. Francisco Orduno, Mountain Pointe K

5. Mikey Cruz, Shadow Ridge KR/PR

6. Jonathan Guy, Gilbert KR/PR

7. Brayden Baker, Chaparral K/P

8. Ryder Noche, Brophy Prep KR

9. Evan Romero, Mesa K/P

10. Robert Bell, Cactus KR/PR

Offensive Underclassman of the Year

Past Winners: Donivan Dixon (‘23), Noah Roberts (‘24). 

This year’s winner - Jax Sculley, Hamilton QB: After not playing much in 2024 due to injury, Jax Sculley emerged as one of the best quarterbacks in Arizona in 2025 as an underclassman. Sculley had 2947 passing yards and 43 passing touchdowns and helped lead Hamilton to the #1 seed in the Open Division this season. Sculley has shown at a young age that he is one of the best in the state.  

2. Jaylee Abraham, Desert View RB

3. Daryl Little, Thunderbird WR

4. Byron Brandon, Desert Edge RB

5. Amos Augustine, Perry WR

6. Devante Roebuck, Hamilton RB

Defensive Underclassman of the Year

Past Winners: Hudson Dunn (‘23), Mikyal Davis (‘24).

This year’s winner - Ian Fullmer, Pinnacle DE: Ian Fullmer was one of the most dominant players on the defensive line this season. Even though he’s just a sophomore, his impact was felt on Pinnacle this year. He had 20 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks while facing some of the best competition in 6A. 

2. Kacey Allen, Hamilton DB 

3. Ezra Spivey, Tucson DB

4. Jalanie George, Desert Edge DE

5. Braden Krammer, Empire DB

6. Keaton Fields, Hamilton DB

7. Sione Taueli, Mesa DE

Freshman of the Year

Past Winners: Jayden Pico (‘22), Cam Allen (‘23), Roye Oliver (‘24). 

This year’s winner - Dylan Brush, Horizon RB: Horizon, which is known for having an elite running game, added to it this season with Dylan Brush. Brush has been one of the most efficient running backs this season. He had 902 yards on the ground, 8.9 yards per carry, and 9 touchdowns. 

2. Sonny Norwood, Mountain Pointe RB/ATH

3. Roman Oliver, Hamilton WR

4. Kevin Smith, Maryvale DE/TE

5. Alani Folaumoeloa, Mesa OL/DL

6. Yuen Taufete’e, Brophy OL

7. Anthony Rodarte, Desert View WR

Offensive Impact Transfer of the Year

Past Winners: Nikko Boncore (‘24).

This year’s winner - Tee Smith, Casteel QB: Tee Smith is what embodies this award. His impact was felt immediately with Casteel. He helped guide them into the playoffs and even went on to win the 6A championship behind his ridiculous performance. In just nine games, Smith had 3248 total yards and 38 total touchdowns. 

2. Messan Alokpovi, Maryvale QB

3. Khalil Bender, ALA Queen Creek

4. Miles Woods, Maryvale ATH

5. Dom Carmigiano, Red Mountain QB

6. Jhaheem Brown, Desert Edge WR

7. Caleb Tafua, Mesa TE

8. Kane Anetema, Mesa QB

9. Trae Walker, Desert Sunrise QB

10. Julien Alokpovi, Maryvale WR

Defensive Impact Transfer of the Year

Past Winners: Jerry Washington (‘24). 

This year’s winner - Mason Lewis, Basha DB: Mason Lewis joined an already stacked Basha team in mind, and that was to get better. He did just that as he was flying all over the field this season in limited time for Basha. He had one interception on the season and a crucial forced fumble in the Open Division championship game. 

2. Miles Woods, Maryvale ATH

3. LeGarrette Blount Jr, Mountain Pointe DB

4. Kingston Anetema, Mesa ATH

Small Ball Player of the Year

Past Winners: JJ Brutus (‘24). 

This year’s winner - Benjamin Wolfley, Trivium Prep ATH: Benjamin Wolfley was dominant in all three phases of the ball this year for Trivium Prep. On offense, he rushed for 1848 yards and 21 touchdowns. He also had 4 kickoff return touchdowns, then on defense, he snagged 6 interceptions, two of which were pick-sixes.

2. Talan Speir, Ben Franklin WR/DB

3. Baylor Arnold, Veritas Prep WR/DB

4. Sean Helgeson, Scottsdale Christian QB

5. Zachari Haley, Sabino RB

6. Julien Aragon, Morenci RB

7. Gavin Wyler, Ben Franklin QB

8. Dom Dickerson, Scottsdale Christian WR/DB

9. Aaron Crawford, Chandler Prep WR/DB

10. Jett Walker, Show Low RB/LB

11. Aaron Whitten, Phoenix Christian DE/RB

12. Caleb Goldman, Valley Christian RB

13. Ammon Alexander, Ben Franklin OL

14. Kody Dodson, Chandler Prep QB/DB

15. Brian Valentino, San Carlos ATH

QB of the Year

Past Winners: Adam Damante (‘22), Navi Bruzon (‘23), Donivan Dixon (‘24). 

This year’s winner - Will Mencl, Chandler: Will Mencl made himself a household name in 2025. He showed off why he is one of the best gunslingers in Arizona as he led his team to the Open Division championship game. He had 3801 passing yards, 33 passing touchdowns, 718 rushing yards, and 17 rushing touchdowns on the season. 

2. Donivan Dixon, Cactus Shadows

3. Jax Sculley, Hamilton

4. Brady Goodman, Mountain View

5. Blake Roskopf, Desert Edge

6. Colten Meyer, Marana

7. Zach Smith, Arcadia

8. Isaac Soliz, Gila Ridge

9. Evan Heinrich, ACP

10. Ryan Vasavilbaso, Desert View

RB of the Year

Past Winners: Markhi McKinnon (‘22), Adam Mohammed (‘23), Elijah Little (‘24). 

This year’s winner - Jaylee Abraham, Desert View: Jaylee Abraham was dominant all season and even helped turn Desert View into one of the better teams this year. On the ground, Abraham had 1716 yards on the ground, 8.9 yards per carry, and found the end zone a ridiculous 38 total times this season.

2. D’Mari Bryant, Millennium

3. Kenyon Rosenthal, ALA West Foothills

4. Brenner Green, Snowflake

5. Courshawn Hill, Williams Field

6. Lucas Leist, Lee Williams

7. Bodie Zamarano, Horizon

8. Keshawn Barkus, Westwood

9. Michael Lujan, Buena

10. Noah Chanez, Tucson

11. Parker Kaczmarek, Mesquite

12. Chuck Van Dyke, Paradise Honors

13. Jayden Simmons, Flowing Wells

14. Kylin Jackson, Bradshaw Mountain

WR of the Year

Past Winners: Dom Esposito (‘22), Brandon Phelps (‘23), Braxton Huynh (‘24). 

This year’s winner - Daryl Little, Thunderbird: Daryl Little was the opposing defensive back's nightmare this season with his dominant performance. He helped Thunderbird become a passing attack this season as he hauled in 1415 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns this season to become one of the top wideouts in Arizona. 

2. Devin Fitzgerald, Brophy Prep

3. Rico Blassingame, Tolleson

4. Joseph Watts-Diver, Valley Vista

5. Kash Brock, Basha

6. Anthony Cannon, St. Mary’s

7. Jaden Rodgers, Cienega

8. Jai Jones, Chandler

9. Robert Bell, Cactus

10. Skyler Ormita, Chandler

TE of the Year

Past Winners: Duce Robinson (‘22), Ryan Wolfer (‘23), Aveon Williams (‘24). 

This year’s winner - Alex Dafnis, Cactus Shadows: Alex Dafnis was one of the best pass-catchers this season and, all around, a dynamic tight end for Cactus Shadows. Dafnis ended his senior campaign with 875 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns, while additionally having 5 rushing touchdowns. 

2. Luke Johnson, Lake Havasu

3. Kam Segall, Liberty

4. Bear Fisher, Queen Creek

5. Aveon Williams, Casa Grande

6. Torrin Hill, Centennial

OL of the Year

Past Winners: Caleb Lomu (‘22), Carter Lavrusky (‘23), Riggs Anderson (‘24). 

This year’s winner - Jake Hildebrand, Basha:  Jake Hildebrand is one of the best offensive linemen in the state, and he proved that this season. The four-star recruit was a key part of Basha having a dominant passing and rushing game this year. His blocking was also a big reason why Basha was able to hoist the Open Division championship trophy in 2025. 

2. Ammon Alexander, Ben Franklin

3. Malachi Joyner, Williams Field

4. Dajohn Yarborough, Basha

5. Collin Campbell, Williams Field

6. Jalyne Miller, Desert Edge

7. Rex Waterman, Hamilton

8. Aaron Thomas, Mountain Pointe

9. Tye Kennedy, Mountain View

10. Shane Reiersgaard, Brophy

11. Lafaele Folaumoeloa, Mesa

DL of the Year

Past Winners: Dom Solano (‘22), Deshawn Warner (‘23), Jimmy Leon (‘24).

This year’s winner - Dante Bruley, Basha: Dante Bruley was a force in the trenches this season for Basha. Bruley had 101 total tackles (35 tackles for loss), 31 quarterback hurries, and 18 sacks. Bruley was a staple in Basha’s dominant defense this season and a reason why they were the best team in Arizona in 2025. 

2. Samuel Pearson, Combs

3. Tyler Burnstein, Liberty

4. Derrick LeBlanc, Hamilton

5. Andrei Davis-Lopez, Cienega

6. Nathan Jones, Notre Dame Prep

7. Drew Caudle, Gila Ridge

8. Justin Elder, Marana

9. Hudson Dunn, Liberty

10. Jeremiah Adams-Curry, Copper Canyon

11. Andy Rodriguez, Gila Ridge

12. Steven Valdez, Walden Grove

LB of the Year

Past Winners: Alex McLaughlin (‘22), Carson Kolb (‘23), Beckham Barney (‘24).

This year’s winner - Cooper Kraus, Buena: Cooper Kraus manned the middle of the field on defense for Buena this year, and he excelled at it. He had 177 total tackles (29.5 tackles for loss), 6 sacks, and 1 interception on the season. Kraus was the leader of the defense for his team and helped Buena make the playoffs behind his dominant play. 

2. Bryson Bowman, Eastmark

3. Broden Schmidt, Mica Mountain

4. Eli Cramer-Cronin, Basha

5. Gunnar Perry, Notre Dame Prep

6. Dax White, Higley

7. Jaylyn Colter, Mountain Pointe

8. Jameson Wade, Red Mountain

9. Hunter Cotten, ALA West Foothills

10. Marc Duerson, Basha

11. Hayydn Nichols, Snowflake

12. Ezekiel Estep, Mesa

13. Van Merkley, Combs

DB of the Year

Past Winners: Ja’khi Roberston (‘22), Iverson Small (‘23), Cree Thomas (‘24). 

This year’s winner - Antonio Para, Desert Edge: Antonio Para did a little bit of everything on defense this season for Desert Edge. Para had 112 total tackles (26.5 tackles for loss), 6.5 sacks, and 1 interception. Para helped Desert Edge to a 10-0 record in the regular season and helped them become one of the best defenses in Arizona this year. 

2. Kyser Wilson, Basha

3. Ezra Spivey, Tucson

4. Mikyal Davis, Desert Edge

5. Kameron Williams, Mesa

6. Camren Hamiel, Desert Edge

7. Tyreke Cornett, Red Mountain

8. Niko Jandreau, Hamilton

9. Jaxsen Philistine, Walden Grove

10. Hamisi Juma, Chandler

11. Ryder Noche, Brophy Prep

12. Devin Taylor, Centennial

13. Pharrell Hollister, Desert Sunrise

Coach of the Year

Past Winners: Colin Thomas (‘23), Andy Litten (‘24). 

This year’s winner - JR Alcantar, Canyon View: JR Alcantar was looking to transform Canyon View into a football school, and this season, he did that. In 2024, Canyon View missed the playoffs as they went 3-7; however, this year, they not only made the playoffs, but Alcantar helped lead Canyon View to the #6 seed in 5A and make it all the way to the 5A championship game. 

2. Jessica Slaughter, Gila Ridge

3. Ty Wisdom

4. Mark & Marcus Carter, Desert Edge

5. Robert Bonillas, Desert View

6. Travis Dixon, Hamilton

7. Henri McArthur, Desert Edge

8. BJ Pasquel, Arcadia

9. Colin Thomas, Liberty

10. Trevor Reddick, Snowflake

11. Danny Norris, Ben Franklin

Flag

Offensive Player of the Year

Past Winners: Katelyn Jewell (‘23), Samaya Taylor-Jenkins (‘24). 

This year’s winner - Marlie Phillips, Hamilton QB: What Marlie Phillips has done in her two seasons at the high school level is nothing short of amazing. In her sophomore year, Phillips passed for 6079 passing yards and 104 touchdowns. She led Hamilton to back-to-back 6A titles and has yet to lose a game in two seasons at Hamilton. 

2. Emma Fishbeck, Mountain View WR

3. Alexis Eley, Highland QB

4 . Tierah Metcalf, Mountain View QB

5. Imani Campbell, Xavier Prep WR

6. Becky Currence, O’Connor WR

7. Jaiyana Bogan, Campo Verde WR

8. Isabella Garcia, Marana QB

9. Kayla Tacker, Casa Grande WR

10. Malaysia Roebuck, Marana WR

11. Samaya Taylor-Jenkins, Hamilton WR

12. Markiah Riley, Hamilton WR

Defensive Player of the Year

Past Winners: Kayla Tacker (‘23), Kayla Tacker (‘24) 

This year’s winner - Kayla Tacker, Casa Grande DB: Since this award has existed, it has belonged to Kayla Tacker. Tacker wins her third straight BJ Media Defensive Player of the Year for good reason. She continues to be one of the best defensive backs in the state, as she had 55 flag pulls and 16 interceptions on the year. 

2. Cadence McCanless, Red Mountain LB 

3. Demi Woods, Hamilton R

4. Kylie Riggs, Highland R

5. Alyssa Valencia, Marana R:

6. Ava Klene, Red Mtn R

7. Caroline Workman, Desert Mtn DB

8. Payton Davis, Campo Verde R

9. Isa Ady, Xavier Prep R

10. Maggie Maneely, Prescott DB

11. Stella Hulse, Chaparral DB

12. Mariah Ruelas, Corona Del Sol LB

Two-Way Player of the Year

Past Winners: Breana Saunders (‘24). 

This year’s winner - Emma Fishbeck, Mountain View WR/DB: Emma Fishbeck's ability to play both sides of the ball at an elite level is why she is one of the best players in Arizona. Fishbeck in 2025 hauled in 1849 receiving yards and had 34 total touchdowns on offense. While on defense, she snagged 20 interceptions. 

2. Kayla Tacker, Casa Grande WR/DB

3. Samya Taylor-Jenkins, Hamilton WR/DB

4. Ela Witcher, Highland WR/DB

5. Jaiyana Bogan, Campo Verde WR/DB

6. Cameron Mailloux, Mtn Ridge WR/DB

7. Cadence McCanless, Red Mtn ATH

3A/4A Player of the Year

Past Winners: N/A

This year’s winner - Kinsley McCarty, Eastmark WR/DB: Kinsley McCarty suffered an ACL tear in 2024, yet she came back even stronger in 2025. She had 1272 receiving yards and 21 total touchdowns, and snagged 11 interceptions on defense. McCarty was a big reason why Eastmark was able to make it to the 4A championship game this season with her elite play. 

2. Mikaela Oberstein, Eastmark WR/DB

3. Campbell Reader, Scottsdale Christian QB

4. Karstyn Richardson, Mingus Union WR

5. Alexa Montoya, Mesquite QB

6. Gwenyth Scheurn, ALA Gilbert North WR

7. Paige McCrabb, Eastmark QB

8. Abigail Trillo, Valley Christian QB

9. Charis Barrett, Valley Christian R/WR

10. Maggie Maneely, Prescott WR/DB

11. Elliana Madden, St. John Paul II LB/WR

12. Berlyn Hoyt, Paradise Honors LB

Underclassman of the Year

Past Winners: Amaya Moreno (‘24). 

This year’s winner - Amiaya Tice, Mountain Ridge QB: Amiaya Tice came into Mountain Ridge this season and gave them a whole new look. She commanded the offense immediately and had 3866 passing yards, 1032 rushing yards, and 47 total touchdowns to lead Mountain Ridge to a solid season in 6A. 

2. Oakley Blevins-Dobratz, Campo Verde WR/DB

3. Abigail Trillo, Valley Christian QB

4. Deztany Toyota-Villalobos, Buena ATH

5. Amyah Anderson, Corona Del Sol ATH

6. Sofia Villone, Corona Del Sol WR/DB

Freshman of the Year

Past Winners: Marlie Phillips (‘24). 

This year’s winner - Jaiyana Bogan, Campo Verde WR/DB: Jaiyana Bogan was dominant since day one when she suited up for Campo Verde. She was elite on both sides this year, as on offense, she had 969 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns, while on defense, she had 16 interceptions. Bogan’s impact as a freshman was a reason why Campo Verde won the 5A state championship. 

2. Ela Witcher, Highland WR/DB

3. Isabella Garcia, Marana QB

4. Evie Maas, Xavier Prep WR/DB

5. Alexa Montoya, Mesquite QB

Impact Transfer of the Year

Past Winners: N/A

This year’s winner - Amaya Moreno, Campo Verde QB: Amaya Moreno has been a star no matter where she plays. In 2025, she helped Campo Verde win the 5A championship game and had 2117 passing yards, 43 passing touchdowns, 624 rushing yards, and 8 rushing touchdowns. Even after sitting out games due to transferring, Moreno made her impact felt. 

2. Claire McMahon, Campo Verde WR/DB

3. Lacie Nemchick, Highland QB

4. Moriah Green, Hamilton WR

5. Aaliyah Van Heel, Corona Del Sol WR/DB

WR of the Year

Past Winners: Madison Coger (‘24).

This year’s winner - Samaya Taylor-Jenkins, Hamilton: Samaya Taylor-Jenkins somehow always finds a way to get better even when it seems impossible. Taylor-Jenkins had 1783 receiving yards and 32 touchdowns in 2025. Taylor-Jenkins is one of the best athletes Arizona has ever seen and is a big reason why Hamilton won two straight 6A titles. 

2. Malaysia Roebuck, Marana

3. Markiah Riley, Hamilton

4. Becky Currence, O’Connor

5. Imani Campbell, Xavier Prep

6. Jaiyana Bogan, Campo Verde

LB of the Year

Past Winners: N/A

This year’s winner - Cadence McCanless, Red Mtn: Cadence McCanless was the heart and soul of Red Mountain's defense this season and was a reason why they made it back to the 6A title game. She was making plays all over the season as she had 96 flag pulls, 14 pass deflections, and 11 interceptions, one of which was against Highland in the semifinals, which was taken back for 6 points. 

2. Eliana Madden, St. John Paul II

3. Jaylin Guerrero, Gilbert

4. Mariah Ruelas, Corona Del Sol

5. Ginny Wilson, Mountain View

Coach of the Year

Past Winners: Matt Stone (‘24). 

This year’s winner - Brian Coger, Campo Verde: Since AIA has implemented flag football in Arizona, Brian Coger has been one of the best coaches in the state. He led his team to the 2025 5A championship game as they absolutely dominated every team in their conference. In the playoffs, Coger had his team score 189 points and allowed zero points in the entire championship push. 

2. Matt Stone, Hamilton

3. Shaun Lara, Marana

4. Kenny Golladay, Highland

5. Mikel Moreno, Queen Creek

6. Tyrone Johnson, Flagstaff

7. Ryan Hart, Prescott