Conference Breakdowns: QB’s in the Northwest 2A Conference

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this new series of articles, I will be posting positional breakdowns by conference so you can get to know who might be taking the field next season. For this article, I will be talking about the quarterbacks within the Northwest 2A Conference.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Anacortes HS</strong>: <em>[player_tooltip player_id='643392' first='Rex' last='Larson'] c/o 2024</em>. Rex was one of my favorite QB's to watch during last season. He was always at the field putting in extra work with his targets and it paid off when Anacortes had a big time season. They didn't have many players graduating so with most of the key players back, they will likely have another big time season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lynden HS</strong>:<em> [player_tooltip player_id='945865' first='Brant' last='Heppner'] c/o 2025</em>. Brant is one of the biggest QB's in the state. He stands at 6'6" and it is incredibly hard to take him down in the backfield. He can use his legs nicely, being able to gain positive yardage and truck smaller defenders along the way. Heppner has a solid arm but will need to showcase more big plays through the air if the Lions want to win back to back state titles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Archbishop Murphy HS</strong>: <em>Isaak Smith c/o 2024 or Jovin Shoker c/o 2024</em>. Issak Smith is who I have been hearing is going to be the starter for the Wildcats. Smith is an insane athlete who can gain yards with his feet as well. Shoker is an incoming transfer from Canada who has a great size and a big time arm. He has a big frame and can absorb hits well, I think he is a big time QB. The Wildcats can't go wrong with either one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lakewood HS</strong>: <em>Evan Stacey c/o 2025 or Noah Espe c/o 2025</em>. From what I have heard from players on this Lakewood team, they have a 2 man battle for who will be the starting QB. Evan Stacey and Noah Espe are the same age and both will get equal opportunity to win the job.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sedro-Woolley HS</strong>: <em>[player_tooltip player_id='1108329' first='Carsten' last='Reynolds'] c/o 2024</em>. Carsten is a very efficient passer, completing 51/80 last season. He threw for about 900 yards and also added 600 more yards on the ground. He throws on the run very well and can tuck it to take it 60+ yards for a TD.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sehome HS</strong>: <em>[player_tooltip player_id='726166' first='Nolan' last='Wright'] c/o 2026</em>. Nolan was a stud last season starting as a freshman. He throws on the run very well when rollin gout to either side but can also sit in the pocket and make accurate, smart throws. He is going to be a top QB in the conference, especially with a full off season of growing his game and connections with his targets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Squalicum HS</strong>: <em>[player_tooltip player_id='693680' first='Marcus' last='Nixon'] c/o 2025</em>. With SQHS's QB transferring over to town-rival Bellingham, the Storm are now stuck trying to find another playmaker to fill in. From what I have heard, it will be top running back [player_tooltip player_id='693680' first='Marcus' last='Nixon'] who will be the starting QB. I expect to see a lot of wildcat formation with them this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Burlington-Edison HS</strong>: <em>[player_tooltip player_id='206284' first='Cade' last='Knutzen'] c/o 2024</em>. Cade has a gorgeous long ball, being able to place it right over the defenders hands into his WR's. He can sling it downfield easily, not having to drop back a ton and get ready to launch it as his power comes naturally.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->