The Quarterback Hunters: 4A's Sack Leaders by Region

Across all of 4A, several defenders have set themselves apart as dominant forces when it comes to bringing down the quarterback. These players have shown relentless effort and the ability to take over games without the ball, racking up sack totals that led their respective regions. In this breakdown, we'll take a closer look at 4A's sack leaders and what made their performances so special this season.    Ethan Suda was living in the backfield for Flagstaff's defense this season. Finishing the year with 12.5 sacks, he puts his long arms to good use as he effortlessly moves past offensive linemen. Suda's quick feet also allowed him to keep an eye on his run responsibilities without losing an opportunity for a sack, quickly bursting toward the quarterback when he realizes the running back doesn't have the ball. He had three games this season where he notched multiple sacks on his way to leading the entire 4A division.     [player_tooltip player_id='1145505' first='Gary' last='Chandler'] put together an impressive senior season for Moon Valley. His upper-body strength allowed him to quickly get depth into the backfield, often driving offensive linemen backward and creating constant pressure. Chandler finished the regular season with 12.5 sacks, showcasing his ability to break off blocks and get to the quarterback before they could release the ball. He also added 22 tackles for loss, demonstrating his impact beyond just rushing the passer. His relentless effort and physicality made him a key playmaker for Moon Valley this year.     The incredibly athletic defensive end for Seton Catholic, Michael Probst, led the 4A Southwest in sacks with 11. His mix of a high motor, quick feet, and active hands made him a nightmare for linemen to try to stay in front of for any length of time — they simply aren't able to match his energy for that long. Probst's relentless pursuit of the quarterback often forced hurried throws and mistakes, giving his team a defensive edge when they needed it most. His ability to disrupt plays and create chaos made him a cornerstone of Seton Catholic's defense throughout the season.     [player_tooltip player_id='954323' first='Jimmy' last='Leon'] has been a versatile weapon for a Mica Mountain squad that finds themselves undefeated and holding the 4th seed in the 4A Division playoffs. Producing on both sides of the ball, the region's sack leader also had nine receiving touchdowns on the year as a big-body tight end who can really help the run game. Leon tallied 11 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss, living in the backfield game in and game out. His strength and drive off the ball make stopping him one-on-one a tall task for even the best offensive linemen. A natural athlete, Leon's impact goes far beyond the stats, elevating the entire team's level of play with his leadership and versatility.     Javier Castro's impact on the field for Copper Canyon was undeniable. From the interior of the defensive line, Castro finished the season with 10 sacks, including multiple standout performances where he notched three sacks in a single game. The power needed to consistently put pressure on the quarterback from that spot while still being a standout rund defender is not something many people possess. His ability to rise to the occasion and deliver in key moments made him a constant threat to opposing quarterbacks. With his determination and natural talent, Castro's future looks very bright.     This list is all about pass rushers, and Jose Ocano can do that well, but he seems to have a knack for getting behind the line of scrimmage no matter what kind of play it is. He not only led the region with 10 sacks and added 11 tackles for loss, but Ocano was able to break through on two punts and get his hands on the kick as well. Possessing a clear high football IQ, he has a great understanding of both where and how to attack the trenches and find his way through. His relentless energy and instinctive play make him a player offenses always need to account for.     Rocky Stallworth is a do-it-all linebacker for a strong Yuma Catholic defense. He's the type of player who will not only fill a gap but initiate the contact when he meets the ball carrier, while also being smart and agile in coverage. Stallworth's ability to effortlessly shed blocks and disrupt plays before they can develop completely ruins opponents' offensive gameplans, often forcing them to either double-team him or avoid him altogether. (Not that those tactics are enough to stop him.) The Yuma Catholic linebacker led the entire state of Arizona in tackles with 156; but what's even more impressive is that if you took away all of his assisted tackles and left only his solo, he'd still be in the top 15 for 4A. His nine sacks were enough to lead the 4A West Valley, and as if that production wasn't enough, Stallworth also serves as the team's long snapper.     Sam Pearson showcased his versatility throughout the season, impacting games in a multitude of ways. Not only did he finish with 48 total tackles and 7.5 sacks, but Pearson also demonstrated his ability to contribute beyond the standard defensive stats. Whether recovering a fumble, causing one, blocking a field goal, or getting his mitts on a couple of passes, Pearson proved to be the kind of player who can make big plays when his team needs them most. With Combs sneaking into the postseason as the 16th seed, we'll get to see Pearson's impact on the biggest stage.     Andrew Bentley is incredibly physical coming off the edge for Snowflake. Not afraid to put his body on the line and make a big hit, he sets a tone for the entire defense with the way he plays. Only credited with five sacks on MaxPreps, that was still good enough to lead the 4A East Sky region. In a win against Gilbert, Bentley showed just how much of an impact he can have on a game with 13 tackles, five for loss, and adding three sacks all in 48 minutes of football. This type of production made him a real force for Snowflake's defense.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Honorable Mention</h2>    [player_tooltip player_id='1603446' first='Robert' last='Calvin'] was the only pass rusher in all of 4A to reach double-digit sacks in the regular season but not lead his respective region. Calvin gets an incredible drive off the line of scrimmage, looking like a sprinter firing off the block, and has the speed to get around offensive linemen for quick and easy access to the quarterback. Calvin's unique blend of power and speed allowed him to leave a mark on every snap, even if it wasn't by bringing the quarterback to the ground.

Across all of 4A, several defenders have set themselves apart as dominant forces when it comes to bringing down the quarterback. These players have shown relentless effort and the ability to take over games without the ball, racking up sack totals that led their respective regions. In this breakdown, we'll take a closer look at 4A's sack leaders and what made their performances so special this season.