Two major pieces of Hughson High School’s storied football dynasty have announced their future plans. Inside of a packed Reeder Hall on Thursday, Lawson Aviles and Valente Soria made their college commitments official. 

Sharing a ceremony was fitting as the two Huskies, each slated to graduate in June, will both be playing college football in the Grand Canyon State. Aviles, a dynamic receiver, will be taking his talents to Ottawa University Arizona in Surprise, while Soria, a dominant defensive end, will head to Arizona Christian University in Glendale.

Hughson head coach Shaun King has described the two as “incredible young men” and “leaders” in a program that won three consecutive section championships.

Soria was on the varsity roster for the 2023 and 2024 title-winning squads. En route to lifting the 2023 Division VI blue banner, he recorded 42 tackles. Moving on up to Division V in 2024, Soria led the Huskies with 69 tackles (10 for loss), 6.5 sacks, one interception and one fumble recovery as they achieved an undefeated Trans-Valley League championship and completed a section three-peat. His senior year, the 6-foot-1, 205-pounder had 57 tackles, 12 for loss, six sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery. Soria was named All-TVL for the past two seasons.

“I'm truly grateful for this opportunity that God has presented me, and I'm ready to keep working and make you all proud,” Soria told the crowd of teammates, coaches, parents and supporters.

Aviles, meanwhile, made a significant impact in his two seasons in Hughson after a transfer from Pitman High ahead of his junior campaign, winning last year’s D-5 title with the Huskies and capping his high school career off by being named the TVL’s Outstanding Receiver with 35 receptions for 544 yards and a pair of touchdowns. From the slot position, the shifty and speedy Aviles carried the ball 47 times for 444 yards and seven scores. In his junior season, the 5-foot-11, 185-pound wideout had 38 catches for 554 yards and four scores.

“I want to thank God and everyone that's here today, really just supporting me and taking me through this journey,” Aviles said. “My parents were driving me everywhere I needed to go, paying for the things that I needed or wanted, and Coach King was there to accept me and let me be the player I am… Being able to go to the next level and play the sport that I love, I’m just truly blessed.”