Ironwood coach, Mesquite QB earn Cardinals’ weekly high school honors

Coach Chris Rizzo of Ironwood and senior quarterback Ty Thompson of Mesquite were respectively named the Arizona Cardinals high school coach and player of the week, the NFL team announced Wednesday.

Rizzo and the Eagles managed a 20-11 upset victory over the then-undefeated Sunrise Mountain Mustangs. The win moves Ironwood to 4-1 this season.

Thompson and the Wildcats had a 47-46 comeback win over Gilbert High School. Thompson threw three touchdowns in the last six minutes of the game, with one being the game-winning score with a minute left in regulation. All told, Thompson had 548 yards and six touchdowns on the night, helping Mesquite improve to 4-1 on the year.

The weekly awards are selected by a local panel of sports figures, including Cardinals defensive lineman Corey Peters, former high school football coach Kelly Epley, former 12 News sports anchor Bruce Cooper, 3TV/CBS 5 sports anchor Tresa Tudrick, high school broadcaster Michael Carotenuto, and Arizona Republic high school writer Richard Obert.

Rizzo received a plaque and a $1,000 check on behalf of Cardinals Charities in support of the Ironwood football program on Wednesday.

Thompson received a glass trophy.

Rizzo and Ironwood will face Desert Edge at home, while Thompson and Mesquite host Marcos de Niza this Friday at 7 p.m.

Previous 2020 Winners:

Week 1: Coach Mike Zdebski of Hamilton and QB Burton De Lay of Valley Vista

Week 2: Coach Bobby Newcombe of Casteel and RB Eli Sanders of Chandler

Week 3: Coach Mike Fell of Mountain View and WR Eric Lira of Mesquite

Week 4: Coach Ty Widsom of Horizon and RB Cole Martin of Hamilton