Gunslinger’s of the Week

A handful of QB's got loose this past weekend, and their performances are something to take note of. Here's a look at 5 QB's who played lights out last week: &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="87345" first="Jackson" last="Esary"], <em>Kalama ’22<img class="size-medium wp-image-24526 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/06/Generic-Featured-Image-3-300x187.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="187" /></em> Esary had a huge night by putting up 353 yards and 3 TD’s through the air to blowout South Umpqua 40-0. Esary did a good job going through progression and hitting throws with anticipation, but also was able to pick up some big yards on his feet when the pocket collapsed. He did a good job getting the ball out quick when he needed to, and also showed the ability to throw off platform, completing a pass almost on his knees. Overall an impressive performance from Esary who showcased his ability to make plays with his arm and on his feet. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="199130" first="Henry" last="Mercado"], <em>Kamiakin ’22</em> Mercado threw for 310 yards and 6 TD’s to beat Sunnyside 54-19. I was extremely impressed with Mercado's arm from what I saw on film this week. He possesses a live arm with the ability to stretch the field vertically and throw receivers open. Mercado did a tremendous job reading coverages and keeping his eyes downfield while under pressure, and delivers with a lightning quick release as the ball just zips out of his hand. Very underrated prospect as he should start to climb up the charts. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="199145" first="Bo" last="Carlson"], <em>Sumner ’22</em> On just 19 attempts, Carlson threw for 250 yards and 5 TD’s to blowout Olympia 49-13. Carlson shows solid poise and rhythm in the pocket and delivers with a fluid release. He's shown the ability to hit throws with velocity or touch, and is checking all the boxes as a next level ready QB. He projects as a D3-NAIA level prospect, and is putting together some solid film during his senior campaign. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="151863" first="Colton" last="Bower"], <em>North Kitsap ’22<img class="size-medium wp-image-223036 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/10/0-1-300x187.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="187" /></em> Bower tossed for 300 yards and 6 TD’s to break the North Kitsap single season passing yards record and help secure a W over Kingston. On two of his TD's, he hit throws with solid touch and placement. Bower did a good job with his pre snap read to know where he was going with the ball before the snap, and was very efficient for that NKHS offense. &nbsp; <strong>Palaina Hooper</strong>, <em>Yelm ’22</em> The total yards for Hooper aren't listed yet, but he went 21-29 with 3 TD’s to help Yelm stay undefeated and smack Central Kitsap 43-6. Hooper showed a solid understanding of reading various coverages and hitting throws in the soft spots with timing and placement. He did a good job delivering throws on designed rollouts as he flashed solid anticipation for routes to develop. Hooper flashed excellent placement and touch on a fade down the sideline for six, and had himself a solid performance. &nbsp;