Eric Sorenson
The National Football Foundation announced two of their distinguished awards with Higley’s Emmett Rhodes garnering the Chris Chick Memorial Scholarship, and Raymond Jones from Cactus honored with the Shaw Courage Award.
Zone Read was able to catch up with both of their head coaches to get their thoughts on these outstanding student-athletes.
Emmett Rhodes
Over the past two seasons, Higley High School have accomplished unparalleled success, claiming back-to-back football 5A State Championships.
Part of the Knights’ historical run can be attributed to three-year letter winner, and team captain, Emmitt Rhodes, recipient of our Chris Chick Memorial Scholarship.
“Emmett was a leader for our team through his willingness to show up and work everyday,” head coach Eddy Zubey said.
A three-sport athlete, who also wrestles and participates in track and field, the 6-foot-2, 235-pound center earned 1st-Team All-Region last season, as well as 2nd-Team All-Region distinctions that past two seasons.
As a three-year starter, Rhodes has helped anchor one of Arizona’s most explosive high school offenses at HHS.
He’s also established himself as an elite performer in the classroom.
“He challenges himself with AP and honors classes and has done this since his freshman year,” Zubey noted. “Emmett is ranked in the top 10 of his class at Higley, and has earned all A’s in every class he has taken.”
A member of the National Honor Society, Rhodes also participates in computer building in additional to his academic and athletic participation.
He plans to attend the Barrett Honors College at Arizona State and pursue a degree in biochemistry.
Raymond Jones
Few prep student-athletes have overcome what Raymond Jones has the past two years.
The Cactus High two-way standout, and team captain, was diagnosed with a leaking valve in his heart before the 2022 season. After helping lead the Cobras to the 5A State Championship that fall, Jones underwent heart surgery in February of 2023.
This would be the start of a brave, almost unthinkable, comeback to the field this past season.
“If I had to describe Raymond Jones in two words, it would resilient and determined,” Cactus head coach Brian Belles said. “He fought his way back to the football field and played this [past] season with unwavering passion and dedication.”
Beyond the gridiron, the 1st-Team All-Region linebacker, who also played offensive tackle and fullback, carries a 3.7 GPA, is a member of the National Honor Society, and also participates on the CHS wrestling team. Jones also assisted in tutoring some of his teammates.
“He leads by example and his ability to motivate and inspire others is truly remarkable,” Belles added.
During the season he volunteered his time reading to local elementary school students, provided service to the St. Mary’s Food Bank, as well as helped assemble back-to school boxes for veterans’ families in need with Operation Homefront.
Belles understands Jones is truly one of a kind.
“His resilience, community involvement, exceptional athletic abilities, and leadership are the reasons why he is deserving of the Shaw Courage Award.”
Rhodes and Jones will be honored by the NFF at their annual banquet on Saturday, March 2nd.
