Breakout Passing Performances in Week 5
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For the most part, gone are the days when successful football programs can systemically overcome a persistent lack of talent and production at the quarterback position. In these days of spread formations that seek to create, expand and exploit as…
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Continue ReadingFor the most part, gone are the days when successful football programs can systemically overcome a persistent lack of talent and production at the quarterback position. In these days of spread formations that seek to create, expand and exploit as much field space as possible, it only stands to reason that those taking the snaps in today’s offenses must possess varied skills necessary to deliver and/or distribute the football to these new, distant locations safely, efficiently and quickly. While it isn’t necessarily impossible for teams to succeed without standout quarterback performances like these below, they certainly do improve the odds for success when teams are fortunate enough to have them:
After accounting for 1,500 total yards of offense and 12 touchdowns last season as a sophomore starter, Gregg’s steady progression has Colonel fans eagerly anticipating even bigger moments this season, and he certainly delivered those in Friday’s 53-0 win over Boone County. Completing all 9 of his pass attempts for 194 yards and 6 touchdowns, he also scored a two-point conversion in a contest with reduced offensive snaps as a result of the running-clock “mercy rule.” A durable and athletic dual-threat quarterback, in five games this season, he has completed 47 of 76 pass attempts for 764 yards and 10 touchdowns while also producing 431 yards rushing and 7 touchdowns on 74 carries. Averaging 239.0 yards of total offense per contest, he ranks 19th among all rushers in Class AAAAA, 11th in passing and 19th in scoring with an average of 8.8 points per game. With quick, efficient throwing mechanics and the ability to evade initial pressures with composure, his ability to extend and finish drives will only continue to improve.
A tall, slender passer with tremendous upside, Harris’s most impressive attributes were on full display in his Bearcats’ 49-26 road win at Larue County as he accounted for 6 scores and connected on over 70 percent of his attempts. Completing 10 of 14 pass attempts for 252 yards and 4 touchdowns, he also pulled the ball down and made plays with his legs–adding two additional touchdowns and 21 yards rushing on 3 carries. After generating almost 2,000 yards of total offense and 27 touchdowns last season while leading KCD to 9 wins, he has completed 58 of 99 attempts this season for 931 yards and 11 touchdowns. Presently the #4 passer in Class A with an average of 155 yards per game, he also has scored 6 touchdowns rushing while averaging just under 5 yards per rush on 21 carries. A smooth, technically proficient passer with increasingly disciplined vision and excellent play-action skills, his Bearcats currently remain undefeated and 6-0 for the first time since 2019.
The talented Holman seems to be acclimating exceptionally well his to duties as the full-time starter, as he exploded for 322 yards passing and 4 touchdowns on 32 of 47 passing in his Cougars’ big 34-0 win over Calloway County. In fact, fans and followers needed only to watch the first half to confirm the sophomore’s progress after he connected on scoring tosses of 17, 2, 19 and 4 yards, respectively–all before halftime. A tall, physically developed athlete with polished throwing mechanics and above-average mobility, he has connected on 107 of 187 passes for 1,230 yards and 14 touchdowns for his 5-1 squad, and his average of 205 passing yards per game currently places him 8th in Class AAAA (23rd statewide). With the ability to sense pressure and evade initial rushers while maintaining a sound throwing posture, he already has produced two 300-yard passing games in his first season, and performances like these will ensure that interest from next-level programs will certainly follow.
Highlights
A talented, unflappable competitor who can make all the throws in the passing route tree, James’s reputation certainly precedes him as he now finds himself in his third year as the Blue Tornados’ starting signal caller–with still a fourth one to follow. In Tilghman’s decisive 42-7 win over Allen County-Scottsville, he completed 24 of 36 pass attempts for 376 yards and 4 touchdowns while leading his offensive unit to a dominant first half in which they raced out to a 42-0 lead. For the season, he has connected on 108 of 170 pass attempts for 1,615 yard and 19 touchdowns (versus only 3 interceptions). Currently averaging 269.2 yards passing and 3.2 touchdown passes per game, James ranks #1 among all quarterbacks in Class AAAA and 9th statewide, while also now holding the Tilghman career record for touchdown passes completed (77 and counting). Currently considering next-level offers from Eastern Kentucky, Murray State, Troy, Miami (OH) and others, James’s play is a primary contributor to his historic program’s first 6-0 start since 2003.
Noah Reynolds
Noah Reynolds
A physical competitor with a versatile skill set, Reynolds has split time at quarterback this season with a teammate and turned in perhaps his most impressive outing to date as signal caller in his Commanders’ 54-28 win over Eminence. In addition to completing 16 of 20 pass attempts for 266 yards and 3 touchdowns, he also broke free for 102 yards rushing and 2 additional touchdowns on only 5 carries. While distributing his talents among stints at quarterback, running back and wide receiver, he has completed 38 of 59 passes for 588 yards and 7 touchdowns, he has added 241 yards and 3 touchdowns rushing on 19 carries, and he has even caught 14 passes for 162 yards and another score. Contributing an average of 165.2 yards of total offense per game, he currently ranks 48th among all rushers in Class AA and 21st among passers while helping lead his Washington County squad to their first 4-2 start since 2019.