Class 5A
Who: Maize (12-0) vs. Mill Valley (11-1)
When: 1 p.m. Saturday
Where: Carnie Smith Stadium, Pittsburg
Overview:
- After a 2021 matchup with Mill Valley, Maize looks to get revenge and capitalize on its undefeated season.
- Class 5A powerhouse Mill Valley looks to win its fourth straight state championship.
Maize Eagles
Coach Gary Guzman
Key players:
QB Avery Johnson, senior, 6-3, 176 pounds (138-204 for 2,620 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, 1 interception, 745 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns)
RB Daeshaun Carter, senior, 6-0, 183 pounds (117 rushes, 837 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns)
WR Justin Stephens, senior, 6-3, 199 pounds (39 receptions, 622 yards and nine touchdowns)
WR Bryce Cohoon, senior, 6-3, 181 pounds (31 receptions, 812 yards and eight touchdowns)
LB Connor Padgett, senior, 6-2, 184 pounds (59 solo tackles)
DT Caden Miranda, junior, 6-0, 246 pounds (37 solo tackles)
What makes your team special?
“We have a very talented group of seniors with lots of playing experience. These seniors
have played in many big games and have had a great deal of success. They understand the importance of leadership, hard work and holding each other
accountable.”
Who have been key players for you this season?
“Every one of our starting players have been instrumental in the success of our football
team this season.”
Have any players been a surprise?
Christofer Felder – DB
Jonathan Gould – OL
Christian Hanson – DL
Bryson Hayes – WR
Mason Teague – K/P
What got your team into the state championship game?
“A strong and talented senior class that was determined to return to the state
championship game.”
What does your team need to do in order to win the state championship game?
“We have to play well in all three phases of the game. Our offense has to continue to
score points, our defense has to get off the field, and our special teams have to come
up with some big plays.”
Mill Valley
Coach Joel Applebee
Key players:
QB Hayden Jay, senior, 6-1, 185 pounds (87-150 for 1,324 passing yards, 14 passing touchdowns, seven interceptions, 485 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns)
RB Tristan Baker, junior, 5-9, 171 pounds (190 rushes, 1317 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns)
WR Hayes Miller, senior, 6-0, 186 pounds (37 receptions, 587 receiving yards and seven touchdowns)
OL Ty Marsh, senior, 6-1, 221 pounds
OL Jack McKinnon, senior, 6-0, 227 pounds
OL Jack Melvin, senior, 6-0, 265 pounds
S Mikey Bergeron, senior, 6-2, 190 pounds
S Holden Zigmant, senior, 5-9, 181 pounds
S/DB Dylan Massey, senior, 6-1, 165 pounds
LB Broc Worcester, senior, 6-1, 210 pounds (95 total tackles and 7.5 TFLs)
LB Noah Coy, senior, 5-11, 202 pounds (78 total tackles and 10 TFLs)
DL Grant Rutkowski, senior, 6-1, 236 pounds (45 total tackles)
What makes your team special?
“Once again, our senior leadership has been tremendous this year. We have relied on them to set the pace all year. They compete at a high level in everything they do whether it is the weight room, practice field, classroom or outside of school. They push each other on a daily basis.”
Who have been key players for you this season?
“Offensively, we feel like we have a very balanced attack. Our offensive line has done a tremendous job this year in both the run and pass game. Hayden Jay is one of the best leaders we have ever had come through our program. He commands our offense as good as anyone. Defensively, we have relied on our seniors’ leadership starting with our safety group. Holden Zigmant, Mikey Bergeron and Dylan Massey are great leaders. Our front four on the defensive line have been very impressive as well. Broc Worcester has been an incredible leader as well.”
What got your team into the state championship game?
“Again, it goes back to our senior leadership. They truly love the game of football and all that goes in to preparation and practice.”
What does your team need to do in order to win the state championship game?
“We will have to play a clean game. Minimize mistakes, penalties and turnovers.”
