Redington junior named Aurora Conference Offensive Player of the Year

The 2020 prep football season has been historic for the Redington Huskies football program. And that history goes beyond the limitations while trying to play through the COVID-19 pandemic.

In October, the Huskies ran past Valdez and earned their first postseason win in school history. Now, the Huskies have their first conference offensive player of the year. Junior Jaden Spaulding was named the Aurora Conference Offensive Player of the Year.

“For Jaden, it’s really great,” Redington head coach Matthias Weinberger said. “He has ambition. He’s a hard worker. To get recognition like that is really important. I’m excited for him to get an award like that.”

It’s the second time a Redington player has been listed in the major conference awards. Former Huskies standout TJ Laumatia was named the Peninsula Conference Lineman of the Year in 2016.

While it is a great individual honor, Weinberger said Spaulding’s accolade is a great reflection of the team.

“It’s partially a team award. It’s great for our offensive linemen who block for him,” Weinberger said.

Spaulding and that offensive line were key in Redington’s first playoff victory, a 49-16 win over Valdez in the Division III quarterfinals at Valdez. Spaulding scored four times in the win, and had three rushing touchdowns of 60 yards or more.

“He is capable of scoring every time he touches the ball,” Weinberger said. “Running backs take plays off, time to time. Jaden is 100 percent all of the time.”

Weinberger said Spaulding has the physical tools such as speed and strength, but also the intangibles such as work ethic.

“He’s the complete package,” Weinberger said.

Spaulding was one of three Huskies to earn first-team Aurora Conference honors. Jahzeah Williams was named first-team at wide receiver, defensive back and return specialist. Mason Brouillet was named first-team at offensive tackle and defensive line.

Spaulding (inside linebacker), Trenton Reagan (offensive tackle and defensive line), Dallas Mattson (outside linebacker, kicker and punter), John Gosh (long snapper) and Samuel Pinard (utility player) received second-team honors.

Gosh (center and inside linebacker), Owen Perry (wide receiver and defensive back), Jonathan Dailey (tight end), Dallas Smith (guard) and Sam McDonald (defensive lineman) were named honorable mention.

Monroe Catholic, Valdez, Eielson and Redington participated in the voting.

Contact Frontiersman managing editor Jeremiah Bartz at editor@frontiersman.com.