The Cardinals announced the top honors in a media release on Monday.
Thompson, 6-foot-4, 210 pounds, led Mesquite to back-to-back 4A titles, including Friday's dramatic 39-38 win over Glendale Cactus. Thompson threw a TD pass with 17 seconds left, then a 2-point conversion pass to Eric Lira to cap a comeback that saw the Wildcats trailing 38-24 entering the final quarter.
"I'm just very grateful and blessed to be named to such an award," Thompson said. "I feel honored to be recognized by the Cardinals. It's just a privilege to be in this situation."
Garretson led Chandler to its second Open Division state championship with a 23-21 win over rival Chandler Hamilton on Saturday. It was Chandler's 36th consecutive win. Garretson, who was The Arizona Republic's Coach of the Year last season in his first year as head coach, is 23-0 leading the Wolves.
"We all understand it's never a one-man show in the world of football," Garretson said. "I have great players and an unbelievable staff that has been together throughout this journey the past 11 years.
"On behalf of my players and staff, thank you Arizona Cardinals for this most prestigious award."
Thompson was 166 of 272 passing for 3,171 yards and 31 touchdowns in just 10 games. He ran for 232 yards and eight TDs on 68 carries. He will be signing his college letter of intent on Wednesday with Oregon.
Anthem Boulder Creek senior Jacob Cisneros was named by the Cardinals as the Offensive Player of the Year, after compiling 2,852 all-purpose yards, rushing for 1,552 and 21 TDs. He had 666 receiving yards and 10 more TDs on 41 catches. He also had 495 yards on 14 kick returns.
Queen Creek linebacker Trey Reynolds was name the Cardinals Defensive Player of the Year, after being in on 157 tackles, 67 solo, with one interception and a fumble recovery.
Chandler Hamilton sophomore kick returner Cole Martin was chosen the Cardinals Special Teams Player of the Year. He had 525 yards in kickoff returns and 297 yards in punt returns. He also was a standout cornerback on the defense.
A virtual zoom ceremony to honor each winner will be held Thursday, at 6 p.m.
Each of the top players will receive a customized jersey and glass trophy, the Cardinals said. Garretson will be honored with a trophy and $2,000 to support the Chandler Wolves football program.
The awards were chosen by a local sports panel consisting of 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/azcentral.com high school writer Richard Obert.
To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on Twitter @azc_obert.
Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today
Sources: Monday's Suns-Grizzlies 'looks good to go' after three Phoenix games have been postponed Phil Kessel, Oliver Ekman-Larsson help Coyotes beat Sharks for first win of the season Arizona Cardinals' Kliff Kingsbury among NFL coaches favored to be fired next Optimism surrounds ASU football program with expected return of most seniors James Harden to the Nets? Of course, it'll work. But can the trade redeem Steve Nash?