Midseason Highlights: 2024 and 2025 Quarterbacks
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Every team at every level is always keeping an eye out for the next big name to fill the position of gunslinging champion. Every top quarterback who has ever reached the pinnacle of the sports world was once a high school…
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Continue ReadingEvery team at every level is always keeping an eye out for the next big name to fill the position of gunslinging champion. Every top quarterback who has ever reached the pinnacle of the sports world was once a high school player with a dream. However, not every young quarterback has the opportunity of leading their varsity team on Friday nights, but the ones who do earn valuable experience from early on.
This article will highlight five of the top quarterbacks from the 2024 and 2025 graduating classes, each one being within the top-five spots on the leaderboards for their class.
Bekkem Kritza Bekkem Kritza 6'4" | 180 lbs | QB Santa Margarita Catholic | 2025 CA | Fairview | 6’4”, 180lbs | 2025
Over the course of the first four games in his debut high school season, Kritza has already solidified himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the country. In fact, Kritza is currently the nation’s leading freshman in passing yards, according to MaxPreps, while being 49th overall in total passing yards. He comes to the line with a calm presence, which helps him get a clear read of the defense pre-snap. His footwork seems to be in sync with his progressions, while his release and accuracy is unmatched on short, medium, deep passes.
Kritza has completed 99 of his 156 passing attempts for 1,370 yards (state-high), 11 touchdowns, and just two interceptions en route to a 3-1 record. He is averaging 342 passing yards a game and has a current quarterback rating of 109.7, which is outstanding for a freshman. Kritza has helped to lead his team to a 3-1 start and will be looking to improve to four wins as he prepares for Thursday’s matchup against a 2-2 Chaparral.
Derek Hester | Palmer Ridge | 6’1”, 165lbs | 2024
Hester is skilled at making pre-snap reads and has a very poised pocket presence. He is phenomenal in the quick game, making sure to get the ball out on time and on target before the defense has time to adjust. Hester has a strong arm one the ability to throw all over the field.
Hester has completed 57 of his 81 passing attempts for a total of 908 yards and nine touchdowns with four interceptions. He is averaging 227 yards per game and has a 124 QBR. His ability to contribute to the run game has enabled him to reach the end zone twice as a rusher so far. He has helped to lead his team to a 4-0 start and will be looking to stay undefeated as he prepares for an away game against a tough 3-1 Lakewood team.
Blake Barnett Blake Barnett 6'2" | 210 lbs | QB Erie | 2024 State CO | Erie | 6’2”, 210lbs | 2024
In just his second season, Barnett is a stud athlete who is no stranger to the QB spotlight. His ability to beat defenses with his legs is what makes him an extremely difficult player to contain. In the passing game, he has a quick and accurate release whenever throwing short to medium passes. Barnett’s deep ball is something to marvel over as well. He has the ability to dump one downfield for his receiver to run underneath, something he can also do while rolling out to his non-dominant side.
Barnett has completed 34 of his 60 passing attempts for a total of 659 yards and five touchdowns with just one interception. He is averaging 165 passing yards a game with a 116 QBR. In addition to his passing stats, Barnett is a phenomenal runner who has racked up a total of 292 yards and nine touchdowns off 29 carries. This legitimate dual-threat QB has led his team to an undefeated 4-0 start to the season and will be looking to continue the streak against a highly motivated 3-1 Skyline team Friday night.
Alex Birch | Horizon | 5’8”, 157lbs | 2025
Birch is another talented freshman who has been tasked with leading a 5A varsity team this season. One thing that immediately stands out about him is his attention to detail with carrying out his fakes after handing the ball off. Once defenses recognize and respect his ability to throw accurate balls on the run, he manages to pull an end or freeze a backer with his play fakes. Birch has a strong arm and is capable of rifling in short, medium, and deep passes to his receivers, including when on the run. There is a serious upside to his game, which gives him immense potential for his future.
Birch has completed 56 of his 93 attempts for 635 yards and seven touchdowns with only two interceptions. He is averaging just under 160 yards per game with a QBR of 97. He is a superb athlete who has helped lead his team to a 2-2 start heading into what will be a difficult game five against a very talented 3-1 Grandview team.
Jake Jones | Chatfield | 5’11”, 170lbs | 2024
Jones is a talented athlete who can beat defenses with his big-time arm and his running abilities. What stands out the most about Jones is the canon he has for an arm. He has the ability to chuck the ball downfield and put it right on his target. In the pocket, he uses his quick feet and disciplined eyes to avoid rushers and either step up and throw the ball, or take off and use his legs to pick up yards.
So far, Jones is 29 of 49 for 511 yards with five touchdowns and five interceptions. He is averaging 128 yards per game and his QBR is sitting just below 90. As a runner, he has 20 carries for 106 yards and two touchdowns. Jones has helped to lead the Chatfield Chargers to a 4-0 start and will be looking to keep the streak going in a big-time game against 4-0 Pine Creek on Friday.