SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 Sports) - Our 5A most valuable player is Lone Peak quarterback Chase Hansen. Hansen led the Knights to an undefeated season and their first state football title in school history. Hansen threw for 2,917 yards and 40 touchdowns, and rushed for 1,382 yards and 16 more touchdowns. Hansen accounted for 475 yards of total offense and five touchdowns in Lone Peak's championship game win over Fremont. Other candidates included Fremont's Nick Vigil, Jordan's Austin Kafentzis, Cottonwood's Gabe Hosea and Alta's Bryan Engstrom.
In 4A, our MVP was a no-brainer. Logan High quarterback D.J. Nelson put up the best numbers in the entire state. Nelson was virtually unstoppable, rushing for 1,605 yards and 24 touchdowns, while passing for 3,489 yards and a state-high 49 touchdowns. Nelson set a state record in the 4A semifinals with 606 yards of total offense against Bountiful. Nelson led the Grizzlies to a perfect 14-0 record and a state title. Other players considered were Timpview's Jake Lloyd, Scott Porter of Olympus, Herriman's Francis Bernard and East High's Liti Molisi.
Our 3A most valuable player is Hurricane running back Brian Scott. Scott led the entire state with 31 rushing touchdowns to go along with 1,638 yards. Scott was especially great when it counted the most, rushing for 206 yards in the 3A semifinals against Spanish Fork, and three touchdowns in the championship game victory over Desert Hills. Scott and the Tigers capped an undefeated season with their first state title ever. Other players considered were Spanish Fork's Hayden Nielsen and Christian Taele, and Mike Needham of Desert Hills.
In 2A, Millard High running back Jesse Rhodes wins our MVP award. Even though Manti beat Millard in the title game, Rhodes was thoroughly dominant all season long, rushing for 1,723 yards and 23 touchdowns. Manti's Brady Aste and Millard's Pancho Alcala were also finalists for the MVP award.
In 1A, Duchesne's Braiden Despain takes the MVP for the second straight year. Despain led the Eagles to another state title, rushing for 1.238 yards and 13 touchdowns.
