Behind the Line: 4A All-Conference QBs and RBs

<p>The 2024 high school football season saw some of the most electrifying backfield performances in recent memory across Arizona's 4A conference. From quarterbacks who commanded their offenses with poise and precision to running backs who turned every handoff into a highlight reel, these athletes set the standard for excellence. The All-Conference selections recognize not just stats, but leadership, consistency, and the ability to come through when it mattered most.</p>   <p>In this article, we take a closer look at the quarterbacks and running backs who earned All-Conference honors. All season, these guys showed up when it counted — making the big throws, breaking tackles, and keeping their teams in the fight every Friday night.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">First-Team</h2>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Quarterback</h3>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1587252' first='Evan' last='Heinrich'] put together a season for the record books at Arizona College Prep. The junior quarterback set three separate school records for passing yards, passing touchdowns, and completion percentage, finishing the year with 2,410 yards, 30 touchdowns, and a remarkable 67.4% completion rate. Heinrich's efficiency and accuracy were unmatched, and his ability to deliver in big moments gave the Knights their first trip to a state title game. The most remarkable part of his season was his incredible decision-making. He only threw one interception on the entire year — that's less than half a percent (0.42%) of his 236 passing attempts. Whether it was threading the needle on tight throws or commanding the offense with poise, Heinrich set a new standard for quarterbacks at Arizona College Prep.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Running Backs</h3>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1145493' first='Elijah' last='Little'] was nothing short of unstoppable for Thunderbird this season. The senior running back racked up 2,346 rushing yards and an incredible 35 touchdowns, all while averaging an eye-popping 9.2 yards per carry. Whether he was bouncing outside for a big gain or fighting through defenders between the tackles, Little delivered time and time again. His standout game came against Bradshaw Mountain, where he exploded for 283 yards and five touchdowns, showing exactly why he was one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in 4A. Little's relentless running style and big-play ability powered Thunderbird to a 10-1 record, cementing his place among the state's top backs.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Jadon Wetzel turned heads all season long as Flagstaff's go-to playmaker. The senior running back delivered big performances week after week, finishing the year with three games over 200 rushing yards, and all but one over 100. Wetzel's best outing came against Winslow, where he gashed the defense for 258 yards on just 19 carries, an impressive 13.6 yards each rush. Wetzel's combination of size, speed, and relentless determination made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. His strong legs never stopped churning, constantly powering him for extra yards even when defenders had him wrapped up. That workhorse mentality defined his season and was a huge factor in Flagstaff's success this year.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Second-Team</h2>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Quarterback</h3>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1567606' first='Laki' last='Wallwork'] emerged as one of the top quarterbacks in 4A this season, leading Northwest Christian with his natural arm strength and impressive accuracy, especially on the run. Despite not being a major running threat, Wallwork's footwork and awareness in the pocket allowed him to consistently extend plays, keeping defenses on their heels. He passed for 2,781 yards and 28 touchdowns, with a completion rate of 67.6%. In a standout performance against St. Mary's, Wallwork threw for 435 yards and four touchdowns, showcasing both his poise under pressure and his ability to beat defenses over the top. His calm leadership and ability to make big plays when needed were huge for the Crusaders this year.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Running Backs</h3>    <p class="text-gray-700">Josiah Thornwell capped off a perfect season for Mica Mountain with an unforgettable performance in the 4A state championship game. The senior running back rushed for 175 yards on 17 carries and scored four touchdowns, powering the Thunderbolts to a dominant 42-13 victory over Arizona College Prep. Thornwell's ability to find seams in the defense and break tackles was on full display in the championship, but it wasn't just one game — his consistent production throughout the season made him the heart of Mica Mountain's offense. His vision, agility, and strength were key factors in the Thunderbolts' perfect 14-0 record and their first state title in program history.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Carlos Toscano isn't the biggest guy on the field, but man, he plays like he's twice his size. The senior running back was a spark plug for Greenway's offense, exploding for big plays thanks to his quick feet and fearless running style. He rushed for 2,684 yards over his career and had games like the one against Peoria, where he racked up 274 yards and three touchdowns. His ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces is unreal, and he runs with the kind of aggression that makes you forget about his smaller frame. Toscano was the heartbeat of Greenway's offense and a guy defenses just couldn't figure out how to stop.</p>

The 2024 high school football season saw some of the most electrifying backfield performances in recent memory across Arizona's 4A conference. From quarterbacks who commanded their offenses with poise and precision to running backs who turned every handoff into a highlight reel, these athletes set the standard for excellence. The All-Conference selections recognize not just stats, but leadership, consistency, and the ability to come through when it mattered most.