Eric Sorenson
The National Football Foundation announced two of their distinguished awards with Mesa High’s McKy Peters winning the H.A.T Award and ACU’s Kayden Gibson being recognized with the Casiola Award.
Both of these exceptional student-athletes with be recognized at an awards ceremony on Saturday, March 2nd.
“Zone Read” was able to catch up with both of their head coaches to get their thoughts on these outstanding student-athletes.
McKy Peters
On, and off the field, there isn’t much McKy Peters hasn’t accomplished the past four years at Mesa High.
A four-year letter winner, Peters was a two-way standout for the Jackrabbits on Friday nights in the fall.
“McKy was the leader of our defense and was a model of toughness as he contributed on both sides of the ball each game,” Mesa head coach Chad DeGrenier explained. “It was not uncommon for McKy to have a long touchdown run, and then turn around and make a huge play on defense.”
Congrats to @MckyPeters on being named Fiesta Region 1st team Flex. Mcky was all over the field with over 100 tackles, 4 sacks and an interception on defense while playing offense and a 4.2+ GPA! #BAM #CarryOn @MesaHSathletics @CoachKlecka @AmmonFisher @CoachSheridanAZ pic.twitter.com/QlMIF33eXV
— Mesa High Football (@Mesa_FB) December 3, 2023
This past season Peters was named the Bill McCain Outstanding Player of the Year, as well garnered 1st-Team All-Region Defensive Flex, and 2nd-Team All-Region Running Back distinctions.
The two-year captain was named the 2022 Mesa High Defensive Player of the Year after leading the 6A Division in interceptions with seven.
“McKy is not the biggest player on the field but would often make the biggest plays with his toughness and attitude,” DeGrenier noted.
Peters, who carries a 4.06/4/14 GPA, is also the President of the Captain’s Counsel, interned at Wolfgramm Capital Financial, and plays varsity basketball at MHS.
1st week of Character Matters for Fall Athletics!! Thank you Jackrabbits for showing Mesa what it means to have COMMITMENT! pic.twitter.com/k4TcfNnBYm
— Mesa Athletics (@MesaHSathletics) August 28, 2023
All the exemplary accomplishments highlighted above deservedly validate Peters as our H.A.T. Award recipient.
“McKy truly exemplifies the qualities of hustle, attitude, and toughness,” DeGrenier said. “His relentless work ethic on the field is evident through his consistent determination to give his best on every play.”
Kayden Gibson
Arizona College Prep’s Cayden Gibson is the type of individual a coach can build a program around, both on the field, and off.
“Cayden is one of the best overall players I have ever coached,” Myron Blueford said. “His on-field accomplishments speak for themselves, but his off-the-field impact was what was most impressive.”
A four-year letter winner for the Knights, the 6-foot-2, 225-pound defensive end and linebacker who is committed to the University of San Diego, helped elevate the young program, garnering 1st-Team All-State three times, 1st-Team All-Region three times, and All-CUSD three times.
Congratulations & Well Deserved @CaydenGibson555 & @KBSingh90!@CodyTCameron @ctownrivals @brettinaz @JUSTCHILLY @azc_obert @ZachAlvira pic.twitter.com/td8CquLhXu
— AZ College Prep Football (@ACPFootball17) February 8, 2024
Among his myriad of accomplishments, he was also named the Region Defensive Player of the year twice.
“He had an unwavering commitment and passion for the ACP football program and his teammates,” Blueford explained. “Despite his status as being one of the top defensive players in Arizona, he is humble and selfless to his core.”
Off the field, Gibson was a member of the All-Academic Team all four years at ACP. His extra curricular activities include Marketing/DECA, as well serving on the Athletic Leadership Council, while holding a 4.65 GPA.
Thank you to the National Football Foundation for selecting me to be on the Elite Scholar Athlete Team! @ACPFootball17 @CoachBlueford @VaughtCoach @gridironarizona @ctownrivals @AZHSFB pic.twitter.com/p8ufJOsjka
— Cayden Gibson (@CaydenGibson555) January 3, 2024
“In the history of ACP football, there will never be another player with Cayden’s combination of leadership, academic, and physical talents,” Blueford noted. “He is unequivocally the best to ever do it.”
Congratulations to Arizona College Prep’s Cayden Gibson, our Casciola Award winner.
