Claudia Collins
Sa’Kylee Woodard – ’24 OT, Canyon Del Oro
The 6-foot-3, 300-pound offensive lineman’s most recent offer comes from Portland State on Oct. 24.
“[Portland State] likes how aggressive I was off the line of scrimmage. They also said they have visions of me playing all five positions on the offensive line.”
After a great conversation with @wazzubt1993 I’m blessed to receive a offer from Portland St!! @cdo_football @BlairAngulo @AdamSchefter pic.twitter.com/Cbe71NRQ1f
— Sa’Kylee Woodard (@SWoodard55) October 24, 2023
The Canyon Del Oro three-sport athlete also has offers from the University of Arizona and NAU. He was also recently crowned homecoming king during the Dorados game against the Sahuaro Cougars.
If you’re gonna crown ‘em crown ‘em.. Couple of Kings on and off the field. Homecoming royalty tie as @SWoodard55 and Hollace Neasham were both voted King of Homecoming. @AllSportsTucson @cdo_football pic.twitter.com/kcbtaDafb6
— Lori Burkhart (@loriburkhart) October 28, 2023
Currently, CDO is placed at No. 4 in the Open Division rankings ahead of their final regular season game against Walden Grove.
“I think what makes this group special is just how long we have all been playing. Some of us go back all the way to Pop Warner football, alongside the group of sophomores now seniors that have stuck through thick and thin together. Another thing I could say is the brotherhood and the family we create at CDO, it’s like no other. Everyone can talk to one another and we’re all brothers. Something people dream of.”
Sa’Kylee says the entire Canyon Del Oro football program is looking forward to the potential opportunity to play against some of Arizona’s premier teams.
“Also being from Tucson Arizona and getting our school put on the map is really cool cause not a lot of schools from Tucson can do that.”
Khameron Athy – ’24 RB/WR, Central High School
“Obtaining my first Division I offer was very surreal. I couldn’t believe it at first. All I could do was thank God for putting me in this position. Thank you to all the coaches at Central for believing in me and thank you for Southern Utah for being the first ones to see something in me and pull the trigger on me. I will forever be grateful.”
After a great conversation with @delanefitz @OlineCoachWhite @DGS_4ya I am blessed to say I have received my first DIVISION I offer from Southern Utah University 🔴⚫️⚪️ GO THUNDERBIRDS 🦅 @SUUFB_ AG2G ✝️ @OTBElites @CoachHovik @Coach_mallen @coach_chris08 @JUSTCHILLY @247Sports… pic.twitter.com/tRJwM2Bwhv
— 2TwoHavin' (@khamathyy) October 24, 2023
Athy said Southern Utah head coach DeLane Fitzgerald vocalized their admiration of his leadership qualities and winning attitude. He describes himself as having a “dawg mentality” and hopes to find a program that pours into their players to create a winning culture.
Last week Athy broke the school record for most touchdowns in a season and is now leading the state in touchdowns this season with 28. Trung Candidate held the record prior to Athy and was at the game to watch his record be overtaken with Athy’s three touchdowns against North High School.
“Breaking that record was nothing short of amazing for me. I was honored to meet an Arizona/Central legend. Everything me and Trung talked about will stick with me until it is all said and done.”
He added, “I ❤️ U MAMA!”
Central High School is currently 8-1 heading into the final week of the regular season. With only one loss on the season heading into their matchup against Camelback, the Bobcats are on the brink of making it into the 5A playoffs.
The Rise of Central : How Chandler Hovik changed the culture of Bobcat football
“I have learned a lot about myself from being at Central and just being in Arizona alone. I feel like God brought me here to impact people and for others to have an impact on me. Going into the playoffs, I have all the faith in the world that me and my boys will prepare the way we need to. Whether that is mentally or physically the job will get done. All we have to do is buy into what the coaches are selling and the sky is the limit for this team!”
Connor Ackerley – QB, Corona del Sol
Ackerley is currently leading the entire 6A division in passing yards with 2,381. He surpasses the No. 1 ranked quarterback in the state, Demond Williams Jr., who is committed to the Arizona Wildcats.
“It’s pretty cool seeing my name at the top of the list because it shows the hard work that I’ve been putting in is paying off.”
— Jake Barro (@CoachBarro) November 1, 2023
Ackerley received his first offer from Western New Mexico State on Sept. 14.
“The coaches said they really liked what they saw in me and they think I can become a vital part of their program and I think it is a great fit for both me and WNMU.”
After a great conversation with @CoachPron14 I’m excited to receive my first offer from @WNMUFootball! @coach_bhickman @CoachBarro @CoachPerrone @Elev8QBacademy @CdS_Football @JUSTCHILLY @gridironarizona pic.twitter.com/oUqDOXHyGe
— Connor Ackerley (@ConnorAckerley) September 15, 2023
Ackerley is averaging 264 yards per game and has 14 touchdowns heading into the Aztec’s final game of the regular season against Casteel.
“Feeling pretty good about the season I’m having. Obviously would’ve been nice to win some more games this year but that’s in the past now and I have to just focus on the game this week and making a playoff push.”
What’s next?
The final rankings, along with the state tournament brackets, will be revealed during the live bracket show between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4.
