Big City Lights: Top 10 Quarterbacks in the Denver Metro Area
Griffin Conant
In this article:
Who said that the quarterback position isn’t the most important position in football? Well, no one actually. Whether it’s at the high school, college, or professional level, a team will only go as far as their quarterback play. For example, take a moment to recollect about the field generals that were leading their respective squads to playoff appearances in the National Football League. Between notable names like Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, and Matthew Stafford to list a few of the best, the NFL playoffs were dominated by quarterbacks that had phenomenal campaigns. The common theme? Teams that are led by above-average to elite quarterbacks have a direct correlation in winning games, especially in today’s high octane age of explosive offenses and points being scored at an absurd rate. Circling back to the high school football scene, the same triumphant formula has been adopted to offensive attacks throughout the country. Back in the day, teams could get by with average quarterbacks, relying on sturdy defenses and a ferocious running game to dispose of their opponents. Today, although this type of thinking can provide squads with enough firepower to overcome the average bunch each week, the select few that go on championship runs are most of the time backed up by marvelous signal callers. Within the colorful skyline of Denver and its outskirts, there seems to be a gold mine of promising quarterbacks that are dying to show what they are all about. Therefore, here are the top 10 quarterbacks in the Denver Metro area.
QB
Joseph Capra
Joseph
Capra
6'1" | 165 lbs | QB
Denver South | 2023
State
CO
6’1" 165 Denver South
Class of 2023 (#2 QB, #18 Overall)
2021 Stats: Passing: 156/236, 2,464 Yards, 33 TD’s, 5 INT’s, 131.4 QBR
Rushing: 99 CAR, 710 Yards, 7.2 AVG, 8 TD’s
The Denver South product was on a tear during the 2021 season, as the second rated quarterback in the class of 2023 presented a matchup nightmare for defenses on the Ravens’ 2021 schedule. Paired with a rocket arm and his ability to be a slippery scrambler in the pocket, Capra put the Centennial state on official notice after accounting for more than 40 total touchdowns and leading his squad to a 9-3 regular season record. With the talented running quarterback returning for his senior year, Denver South should have lofty expectations in the win department this fall.
QB
Christian Hammond
Christian
Hammond
6'2" | 180 lbs | QB
Cherry Creek | 2023
CO
6’2" 180 Cherry Creek
Class of 2023 (#6 QB, #51 Overall)
2021 Stats: 135/203, 2,025 Yards, 18 TD’s, 6 INT’s, 116.3 QBR
Possibly the most winningest quarterback in the state, the fundamentally savvy Bruins signal caller is no stranger to the spotlight. After climbing the mountain top of high school football with a 5A state championship back in December, Hammond is eager to show Colorado that 2021 was no fluke. Hammond showcases a tremendous understanding of exceptional footwork in the pocket, often times relying on his feet to go through his progressions and scramble when the pocket collapses. Overall, the Bruins leader on offense contains a strong football IQ and rarely turns the ball over, giving Cherry Creek a good chance to win a majority of the games they play.
QB
Isaac Sisneros
Isaac
Sisneros
5'8" | 150 lbs | QB
Kennedy | 2023
State
CO
5’11" 160 Kennedy
Class of 2023 (#9 QB, #71 Overall)
2021 Stats: Passing: 153/274, 2,485 Yards, 33 TD’s, 8 INT’s, 113.8 QBR
Rushing: 54 CAR, 375 Yards, 6.9 AVG, 6 TD’s
Reigning from John F. Kennedy High School and ranked within the top ten of quarterbacks in the class of 2023, Sisneros is one of the more under looked prospects the state has to offer. After two seasons of steady play, the strong armed Commanders field general exploded onto the scene as a junior, ripping apart opposing defenses for 33 passing touchdowns and only 8 INT’s. Additionally, as soon as a defense starts to hone in on the Commanders passing game, the crafty QB will catch you sleeping and hurt you with his legs. Approaching his high school football season finale this fall, the sky is the limit for Sisneros and his quarterbacking abilities.
QB
Ethan Cook
Ethan
Cook
6'3" | 175 lbs | QB
Arvada West | 2023
State
CO
6’3" 175 Arvada West
Class of 2023 (#12 QB, #102 Overall)
2021 Stats: 120/208, 1,857 Yards, 20 TD’s, 7 INT’s, 105.4 QBR
After being named the Arvada West Football Offensive Player of the Year in 2021, the Wildcats are ecstatic for his return next season. Number eight in purple and white demonstrates clean and sound throwing mechanics, as his 15.5 YPA gives off the impression that he isn’t afraid to give his receivers a jump ball by airing it out. Also participating in Track and Field, Cook uses the attributes from a sport that focuses on endurance and stamina to perfect how he moves around within the pocket. Not only did Cook look the part in 2021, but he won football games, leading the Wildcats to an 8-3 regular season record with big time wins against Fossil Ridge, Columbine, and Ralston Valley.
QB
Ben Wigglesworth
Ben
Wigglesworth
6'2" | ATH
Denver East | 2023
State
CO
6’3" 180 Denver East
Class of 2023 (#15 QB, #123 Overall)
2021 Stats: 23/52, 322 Yards, 2 TD’s, 4 INT’s, 45.5 QBR
An intriguing prospect to keep your eye on as the offseason progresses and the season draws nearer, the Denver East quarterbacks has the skillset to break out in 2022. On paper, it appears that Wigglesworth’s statistics are lacking, but keep in mind that the Angels future quarterback saw limited action in backing up his older brother Dylan for most of the campaign. When the younger Wigglesworth was thrusted into the offensive huddle however, the potential of his play could easily be seen. If the soon-to-be senior QB can mature from what he has learned within the past year, expect the #15 ranked quarterback in the state to improve Denver East’s 3-7 record from a season ago.
QB
Frankie Dardano
Frankie
Dardano
5'9" | 155 lbs | QB
Denver North | 2024
State
CO
5’9" 155 Denver North
Class of 2024 (Watch List)
2021 Stats: 140/252, 2,215 Yards, 22 TD’s, 10 INT’s, 97.6 QBR
Standing at an uncharacteristic height of 5’9", Dardano plays the quarterback position passionately and with a whole lot of heart. The first prospect on this list from the class of 2024, Dardano is currently a Watch List nominee and his stupendous play on the football field backs that nomination up. As a sophomore during 2021, the Vikings playmaker put on an aerial display by firing an impressive 22 touchdown tosses while averaging roughly 220 passing yards per game. It was hard to find a signal caller within the 3A realm that was as effective as Dardano played last year, as he also did a good job in getting the ball out quick to his best playmakers out on the edge so that their skillsets were used to the utmost efficiency. With two years of eligibility still under his belt, do not be surprised if Dardano makes another big leap this upcoming season.
Liam
Szarka
6'2" | 190 lbs | QB
Grandview | 2024
State
CO
6’2" 180 Grandview
Class of 2024 (Watch List)
2021 Stats: Passing: 145/264, 1,924 Yards, 14 TD’s, 8 INT’s, 83.3 QBR
Rushing: 90 CAR, 506 Yards, 5.6 AVG, 10 TD’s
Another promising quarterback from the class of 2024 plays his ball at Grandview High School, where the sophomore completed 55% of his passes and even displayed efficiency on the ground with a healthy 5.6 yards per carry mark. The Wolves enjoyed a magical run during postseason play, knocking off school after school each round and ultimately clinching a Final Four berth before faltering against Valor Christian. A huge reason for the success that Grandview occurred was because of Szarka, as his calm demeanor and ability to rally the troops helped the Wolves overcome any adversity that stared them right in the face. Szarka has always been athletic, and if he can fine tune some of his mechanics and accuracy, perhaps Grandview can get over the hump and accomplish their deepest aspirations in reaching the state title game.
QB
Blake Palladino
Blake
Palladino
6'3" | 195 lbs | QB
Dakota Ridge | 2024
State
CO
6’3" 195 Dakota Ridge
Class of 2024 (Watch List)
2021 Stats: 89/159, 1,242 Yards, 11 TD’s, 5 INT’s, 91.2 QBR
There’s no denying the amount of pure arm talent that
Blake Palladino
Blake
Palladino
6'3" | 195 lbs | QB
Dakota Ridge | 2024
State
CO
possesses whenever he is slinging the pigskin. When watching tape and game film from last season, it appears obvious that Palladino can make any throw he wants to when he sets his feet and his shoulders are square when delivering a strike. The consistency of these throws isn’t always there, but the now Dakota Ridge quarterback has the capability of being a legit starting quarterback at the high school level and possibly beyond. After recording a 91.2 QB rating as a sophomore, Palladino will be determined to improve that number in the coming months.
Austyn
Modrzewski
6'5" | 205 lbs | QB
Mountain Vista | 2025
State
CO
6’2" 180 Mountain Vista
Class of 2025 (Watch List)
2021 Stats: 119/168, 1,502 Yards, 15 TD’s, 9 INT’s, 105.8 QBR
The second field general from the class of 2025 to be included among the ten best QB’s in Denver goes by the name of
Austyn Modrzewski
Austyn
Modrzewski
6'5" | 205 lbs | QB
Mountain Vista | 2025
State
CO
, a dynamic player with a sense of swagger when he chucks the rock. Residing at Mountain Vista, Modrzewski is another name to be on the lookout for as a possible, breakout candidate in 2022. The Golden Eagles quarterback has an ideal frame to go along with solid arm strength and above average mobility when the play breaks down. This type of improvisation usually cannot be taught and is another reason why many think Modrzewski is the real deal. The Mountain Vista young gun will be fun to watch in less than six months, and expect the Golden Eagles offense to thrive in year two of Modrzewski under center.
Joseph
Capra
6'1" | 165 lbs | QB
Denver South | 2023
State
CO
6’1" 165 Denver South
Class of 2023 (#2 QB, #18 Overall)
2021 Stats: Passing: 156/236, 2,464 Yards, 33 TD’s, 5 INT’s, 131.4 QBR
Rushing: 99 CAR, 710 Yards, 7.2 AVG, 8 TD’s
The Denver South product was on a tear during the 2021 season, as the second rated quarterback in the class of 2023 presented a matchup nightmare for defenses on the Ravens’ 2021 schedule. Paired with a rocket arm and his ability to be a slippery scrambler in the pocket, Capra put the Centennial state on official notice after accounting for more than 40 total touchdowns and leading his squad to a 9-3 regular season record. With the talented running quarterback returning for his senior year, Denver South should have lofty expectations in the win department this fall.
QB
Christian Hammond
Christian
Hammond
6'2" | 180 lbs | QB
Cherry Creek | 2023
CO
6’2" 180 Cherry Creek
Class of 2023 (#6 QB, #51 Overall)
2021 Stats: 135/203, 2,025 Yards, 18 TD’s, 6 INT’s, 116.3 QBR
Possibly the most winningest quarterback in the state, the fundamentally savvy Bruins signal caller is no stranger to the spotlight. After climbing the mountain top of high school football with a 5A state championship back in December, Hammond is eager to show Colorado that 2021 was no fluke. Hammond showcases a tremendous understanding of exceptional footwork in the pocket, often times relying on his feet to go through his progressions and scramble when the pocket collapses. Overall, the Bruins leader on offense contains a strong football IQ and rarely turns the ball over, giving Cherry Creek a good chance to win a majority of the games they play.
QB
Isaac Sisneros
Isaac
Sisneros
5'8" | 150 lbs | QB
Kennedy | 2023
State
CO
5’11" 160 Kennedy
Class of 2023 (#9 QB, #71 Overall)
2021 Stats: Passing: 153/274, 2,485 Yards, 33 TD’s, 8 INT’s, 113.8 QBR
Rushing: 54 CAR, 375 Yards, 6.9 AVG, 6 TD’s
Reigning from John F. Kennedy High School and ranked within the top ten of quarterbacks in the class of 2023, Sisneros is one of the more under looked prospects the state has to offer. After two seasons of steady play, the strong armed Commanders field general exploded onto the scene as a junior, ripping apart opposing defenses for 33 passing touchdowns and only 8 INT’s. Additionally, as soon as a defense starts to hone in on the Commanders passing game, the crafty QB will catch you sleeping and hurt you with his legs. Approaching his high school football season finale this fall, the sky is the limit for Sisneros and his quarterbacking abilities.
QB
Ethan Cook
Ethan
Cook
6'3" | 175 lbs | QB
Arvada West | 2023
State
CO
6’3" 175 Arvada West
Class of 2023 (#12 QB, #102 Overall)
2021 Stats: 120/208, 1,857 Yards, 20 TD’s, 7 INT’s, 105.4 QBR
After being named the Arvada West Football Offensive Player of the Year in 2021, the Wildcats are ecstatic for his return next season. Number eight in purple and white demonstrates clean and sound throwing mechanics, as his 15.5 YPA gives off the impression that he isn’t afraid to give his receivers a jump ball by airing it out. Also participating in Track and Field, Cook uses the attributes from a sport that focuses on endurance and stamina to perfect how he moves around within the pocket. Not only did Cook look the part in 2021, but he won football games, leading the Wildcats to an 8-3 regular season record with big time wins against Fossil Ridge, Columbine, and Ralston Valley.
QB
Ben Wigglesworth
Ben
Wigglesworth
6'2" | ATH
Denver East | 2023
State
CO
6’3" 180 Denver East
Class of 2023 (#15 QB, #123 Overall)
2021 Stats: 23/52, 322 Yards, 2 TD’s, 4 INT’s, 45.5 QBR
An intriguing prospect to keep your eye on as the offseason progresses and the season draws nearer, the Denver East quarterbacks has the skillset to break out in 2022. On paper, it appears that Wigglesworth’s statistics are lacking, but keep in mind that the Angels future quarterback saw limited action in backing up his older brother Dylan for most of the campaign. When the younger Wigglesworth was thrusted into the offensive huddle however, the potential of his play could easily be seen. If the soon-to-be senior QB can mature from what he has learned within the past year, expect the #15 ranked quarterback in the state to improve Denver East’s 3-7 record from a season ago.
QB
Frankie Dardano
Frankie
Dardano
5'9" | 155 lbs | QB
Denver North | 2024
State
CO
5’9" 155 Denver North
Class of 2024 (Watch List)
2021 Stats: 140/252, 2,215 Yards, 22 TD’s, 10 INT’s, 97.6 QBR
Standing at an uncharacteristic height of 5’9", Dardano plays the quarterback position passionately and with a whole lot of heart. The first prospect on this list from the class of 2024, Dardano is currently a Watch List nominee and his stupendous play on the football field backs that nomination up. As a sophomore during 2021, the Vikings playmaker put on an aerial display by firing an impressive 22 touchdown tosses while averaging roughly 220 passing yards per game. It was hard to find a signal caller within the 3A realm that was as effective as Dardano played last year, as he also did a good job in getting the ball out quick to his best playmakers out on the edge so that their skillsets were used to the utmost efficiency. With two years of eligibility still under his belt, do not be surprised if Dardano makes another big leap this upcoming season.
QB Liam SzarkaSophomore Year, First Team All Conference. @DNorthVikings 💜💛 https://t.co/C0Ne56I2Yu
— Frankie Dardano (@Frankie7Dardano) December 2, 2021
Liam
Szarka
6'2" | 190 lbs | QB
Grandview | 2024
State
CO
6’2" 180 Grandview
Class of 2024 (Watch List)
2021 Stats: Passing: 145/264, 1,924 Yards, 14 TD’s, 8 INT’s, 83.3 QBR
Rushing: 90 CAR, 506 Yards, 5.6 AVG, 10 TD’s
Another promising quarterback from the class of 2024 plays his ball at Grandview High School, where the sophomore completed 55% of his passes and even displayed efficiency on the ground with a healthy 5.6 yards per carry mark. The Wolves enjoyed a magical run during postseason play, knocking off school after school each round and ultimately clinching a Final Four berth before faltering against Valor Christian. A huge reason for the success that Grandview occurred was because of Szarka, as his calm demeanor and ability to rally the troops helped the Wolves overcome any adversity that stared them right in the face. Szarka has always been athletic, and if he can fine tune some of his mechanics and accuracy, perhaps Grandview can get over the hump and accomplish their deepest aspirations in reaching the state title game.
QB
Blake Palladino
Blake
Palladino
6'3" | 195 lbs | QB
Dakota Ridge | 2024
State
CO
6’3" 195 Dakota Ridge
Class of 2024 (Watch List)
2021 Stats: 89/159, 1,242 Yards, 11 TD’s, 5 INT’s, 91.2 QBR
There’s no denying the amount of pure arm talent that
Blake Palladino
Blake
Palladino
6'3" | 195 lbs | QB
Dakota Ridge | 2024
State
CO
possesses whenever he is slinging the pigskin. When watching tape and game film from last season, it appears obvious that Palladino can make any throw he wants to when he sets his feet and his shoulders are square when delivering a strike. The consistency of these throws isn’t always there, but the now Dakota Ridge quarterback has the capability of being a legit starting quarterback at the high school level and possibly beyond. After recording a 91.2 QB rating as a sophomore, Palladino will be determined to improve that number in the coming months.
QB Andrew Heidel 6’0" 170 Ponderosa Class of 2025 (Watch List) 2021 Stats: 128/233, 1,498 Yards, 16 TD’s, 7 INT’s, 85.0 QBR A very promising playmaking quarterback out of Ponderosa in Parker, Heidel was the perfect example of how experience throughout the season can be someone’s best friend. A first-year starter as a freshman, Heidel put his quarterbacking tools on display once the season progressed, seasoning his football IQ bit by bit as time went on. After leading the Mustangs to a respectable 7-5 record and even recording a playoff win vs Aurora Central, Heidel should be viewed as a tantalizing prospect at the quarterback position. After a stellar freshman campaign, Ponderosa is more than enthusiastic to have Heidel locked up as their offensive leader for many years to come. QB Austyn ModrzewskiGreat Experience, Team & Coaches! Thanks @ODFBall 4 Moving Me Up w/Jrs. & 4 Team Captain Honors! Played 2 Qtrs 11/17 193yds 3TDs @EdOBrienCFB @PrepRedzoneCO @bangulo @BrandonHuffman @adamgorney @GregBiggins @AllenTrieu @clintbrew247 @SWiltfong247 @HighImpactFoot1 @sedbonner13 pic.x.com/3XBOHqA1hZ
— Blake Palladino (@PalladinoBlake) January 4, 2022
Austyn
Modrzewski
6'5" | 205 lbs | QB
Mountain Vista | 2025
State
CO
6’2" 180 Mountain Vista
Class of 2025 (Watch List)
2021 Stats: 119/168, 1,502 Yards, 15 TD’s, 9 INT’s, 105.8 QBR
The second field general from the class of 2025 to be included among the ten best QB’s in Denver goes by the name of
Austyn Modrzewski
Austyn
Modrzewski
6'5" | 205 lbs | QB
Mountain Vista | 2025
State
CO
, a dynamic player with a sense of swagger when he chucks the rock. Residing at Mountain Vista, Modrzewski is another name to be on the lookout for as a possible, breakout candidate in 2022. The Golden Eagles quarterback has an ideal frame to go along with solid arm strength and above average mobility when the play breaks down. This type of improvisation usually cannot be taught and is another reason why many think Modrzewski is the real deal. The Mountain Vista young gun will be fun to watch in less than six months, and expect the Golden Eagles offense to thrive in year two of Modrzewski under center.
