Basha coach, Centennial RB earn Cardinals’ weekly high school honors

Coach Chris McDonald of Basha and sophomore running back Kavaughn Clark of Centennial were respectively named the Arizona Cardinals high school coach and player of the week, the NFL team announced Wednesday.

McDonald led the Bears to a 27-20 victory over Mesa Mountain View. Basha scored a touchdown with 21 seconds left to take the lead and intercepted a pass to the end zone from the Toros. Up until this game, Mesa Mountain View was undefeated. Basha is now 5-2 so far this season.

Clark and the Coyotes had a 42-28 win over Chaparral. Clark ran for 284 yards and four touchdowns. Two of his four touchdown runs were late in the fourth quarter to break the 28-28 tie game. Centennial is 5-2 this season.

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.

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

Clark received a glass trophy on Wednesday.

In the final week of the regular season, Basha will face Perry and Clark will play Liberty 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 DB Cole Martin of Hamilton

Week 5: Coach Chris Rizzo of Ironwood and QB Ty Thompson of Mesquite

Week 6: Coaches Marcus and Mark Carter of Desert Edge and K/MLB Jace Feely of Gilbert Christian