6A Season Preview: District 17 Quarterbacks

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this article we will take a look at the quarterbacks in District 17 and what to expect from them. We have many returning starters with great talent and high expectations, as well as some quarterback battles heading into the fall. This district is loaded with young quarterbacks with experience already, and who will be some top names soon enough!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>[player_tooltip player_id=’119241’ first=’Brad’ last=’Jackson’] (2024) - Cypress Creek</em></span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jackson returns for the third straight season as quarterback and has made great strides in his game. He is a mobile guy, who extends plays when running out of the pocket and has the arm strength to get the ball where it needs to be, especially on the run. Jackson is a dangerous player outside of the pocket, guiding his receivers to the spots he needs them, and then delivering it only where they can get it. Jackson threw for 2,971 yards and 29 touchdowns to go along with that. He was named 1st Team in the district as well. Jackson is a player who can take this team places especially now with the experience he has gained. He is a seasoned quarterback who will not back from any challenge. Keep eyes on him next season, he may shock a lot of people.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>[player_tooltip player_id=’276024’ first=’Nash’ last=’Rankin’] (2023) - Stratford</em></span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rankin returns as the starter from a season ago where he threw for 2,742 yards and 26 touchdowns, and was named to the First Team All District. One thing that stands out about Rankin is his ability to hit his targets in stride, especially on the deep ball. He showed great accuracy and had a nice touch on his throws. Rankin looked in command in the pocket, never really flustered, and put the ball in the bread basket. We should expect more good things from he and the Spartans again for this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Chase Goodwin (2023) - Memorial</em></span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Goodwin was strong in the pocket last season, making quick reads and throws before defenses could react. He showed good footwork, evading rushers in front of him and went through his progressions fast. If he saw something he did not like, he did not try to force it. Goodwin took care of the ball which helped his team in many situations. The Columbia commit should come out on fire for the season and set the tone for the team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>[player_tooltip player_id=’147432’ first=’Trey’ last=’Owens’] (2024) - Cy Fair</em></span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Owens enters his junior season with many eyes on him. At 6’4" with good movement in the pocket, he is already getting attention from colleges. Owens had an impressive sophomore season, throwing for 1,739 yards and 18 touchdowns. He looked cool and collected in the pocket, and showed great accuracy on his throws. Seeing his development and growth from last season will be something to keep track of.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>[player_tooltip player_id=’147470’ first=’Adam’ last=’Tran’] (2024) - Jersey Village</em></span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tran and the Falcons had an outstanding season last year, going undefeated in the regular season behind a high powered offense. Tran threw for 2,062 yards and 16 touchdowns, and showed off a strong arm especially under distress. Tran was able to fit the ball into small windows with some good zip on the ball and placing it right in his receivers chest. He has shown that he can help take a team far and with another year under his belt, expect Tran to be even better for the upcoming season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->