Double Duty: Quarterbacks Who Do It All

High school football players playing on both sides of the ball isn't anything new, especially at smaller schools where rosters can get pretty thin. You'll see running backs switching to linebacker, wide receivers stepping in at defensive back – that's just the nature of the game when teams are short on numbers. But quarterbacks doing the same thing? Now that's something you don't see too often.   These quarterbacks are doing more than just doubling up; they're showing a kind of grit that's easy to respect. That's the kind of player who doesn't care about the spotlight as much as they care about getting the job done.   In this piece, we're giving a shoutout to the QBs who didn't just run their team's offense this past season, but also made plays on defense. From delivering game-saving tackles to snagging clutch interceptions, these guys proved that being a quarterback doesn't mean sticking to the pocket. Sometimes, it means rolling up your sleeves and getting to work wherever your team needs you.    If you're talking about quarterbacks who do it all, [player_tooltip player_id='583076' first='Uriah' last='Tenette'] from Prescott has to be near the top of the list. On offense, Tenette made it look easy, throwing for 2,117 yards and 21 touchdowns while adding another 927 yards and 15 scores on the ground. His effortless arm strength and impressive accuracy on the move made him a nightmare for defenses, and when he used his legs, he became an even bigger weapon. Add in his calm pocket presence, and it's clear why he was the heartbeat of Prescott's offense. But Tenette wasn't content to stay on just one side of the ball. Defensively, he thrived as a free safety, showing excellent ball skills and a knack for reading the quarterback's eyes. He rarely got beat deep, always keeping the game in front of him, and his five interceptions this season speak for themselves. One of his standout performances came against Combs, where he scored six total touchdowns, including a 105-yard pick-six that sealed the game. His leadership and versatility were huge reasons Prescott finished with a 10-2 record, a Grand Canyon Region title, and a trip to the second round of the playoffs.     Another quarterback who left his mark on both sides of the ball this season is [player_tooltip player_id='954408' first='Eltorna' last='Gant'] from Vista Grande. Gant was a dynamic force on offense, throwing for 1,748 yards and 14 touchdowns while adding 700 yards and 6 scores with his legs. His athleticism stood out immediately – a strong runner who was tough to bring down but also incredibly slippery with the ball in his hands. Add to that his timing as a passer and his sharp understanding of defensive windows, and you have a player who could hurt you in multiple ways. On defense, Gant played cornerback with the same level of intensity. His footwork on the outside was impressive, and he brought a physical edge that you don't often see from quarterbacks. That footwork and his top-tier athleticism helped him tally eight interceptions this season. It's rare to find a player with the ability to lead the offense and then turn around and shut down a passing attack on defense, but Gant did it with ease.     Holbrook's Darren Justman is a name that stands out when talking about two-way quarterbacks. As the leader of the offense, Justman showed off his intelligence and accuracy, often throwing his receivers open and delivering passes with nice accuracy. His throwing motion might not be textbook, but that didn't stop the ball from finding its mark. He also brought a sneaky dual-threat element to the table, keeping defenses honest with his ability to make plays on the ground. Defensively, Justman was just as impactful. He has an uncanny ability to read the flow of the offense and anticipate where the ball is going. His instincts put him in the right place at the right time more often than not, and his ability to attack routes developing in front of him made him a constant threat to opposing quarterbacks. Justman's knack for making game-changing plays on both sides of the ball made him a cornerstone of Holbrook's success this season.     Bisbee's [player_tooltip player_id='368966' first='Sebastian' last='Lopez'] brought a spectacular two-way presence to the field this season. On offense, Lopez was a dual-threat nightmare, throwing for 2,466 yards and 19 touchdowns while adding 1,236 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground. His quick legs and big arm made him nearly impossible to stop. He really excelled when throwing the ball outside the numbers and could make multiple defenders miss with his shifty moves. Once he broke free, his top-end speed left defenders chasing shadows. On defense, Lopez was equally dominant. His instincts and ability to read the game allowed him to break on the ball with precision. He wasted no time attacking, and when the ball was in his hands, he was always a threat to take it to the house. A physical defender, Lopez's presence on the field elevated Bisbee's defense, snagging a whopping eight interceptions and getting big stops when his team needed them most.     Rocco Haggard really stood out to me when watching Tanque Verde. Not just for his athleticism but for how technically sound he is on both sides of the ball. Offensively, his footwork in the pocket and clean release were pristine, making him incredibly consistent as a passer. He threw for 1,382 yards and 17 touchdowns, showing a big arm and excellent decision-making. On top of that, he added three rushing touchdowns, proving he could get it done with his legs when needed. On defense, Haggard's skills as a defensive back were just as sharp. His ability to maintain great positioning and keep his footwork clean allowed him to stay step-for-step with receivers. He also showed soft hands and great awareness around the ball, leading to four interceptions on the season. Haggard's instincts and technical skill made him a standout on both sides, and his film highlights were truly impressive. He's a player who's just as comfortable shutting down an opponent's passing game as he is leading his own.     [player_tooltip player_id='1145572' first='Connor' last='Lueker'], playing for Round Valley, is the definition of a playmaker. He consistently found ways to make an impact on both sides of the ball throughout the 2024 season. Offensively, Lueker showed he could get it done with both his arm and his legs. While not the fastest or shiftiest runner, he was fast enough and physical, making him tough to bring down. He ended the season on a 330-total-yard, four-total-touchdown performance, really showcasing just how versatile he can be. His upper body mechanics when throwing were excellent, and he showed he's capable of delivering accurate throws from a variety of arm angles. Defensively, Lueker was really impressive. His ability to fight through blocks and make plays in the run game set him apart in the secondary. He also excelled in the passing game, reading the quarterback and reacting quickly to make big plays. With six interceptions on the season — including three in one game — he was a constant threat to opposing offenses.     Dawson Judd is another quarterback who excelled on both sides of the ball this season for Benson. Offensively, Judd was incredibly effective, showcasing a great ability to navigate the pocket and deliver accurate throws on the run. His deep ball was particularly impressive, often landing perfectly for his receivers to make plays. On the ground, he added to his team's success with six touchdowns, leveraging his physicality as a runner to pick up tough yards. Defensively, Judd plays a great safety with fast feet and quick breaks on the ball. He consistently displayed a great feel for the routes developing in front of him, putting himself in the best position to make plays. His ability to read the quarterback and attack the ball made him a disruptive force in the secondary. Judd's balanced skill set and playmaking ability on both sides of the ball made him a cornerstone for Benson this year.

High school football players playing on both sides of the ball isn't anything new, especially at smaller schools where rosters can get pretty thin. You'll see running backs switching to linebacker, wide receivers stepping in at defensive back – that's just the nature of the game when teams are short on numbers. But quarterbacks doing the same thing? Now that's something you don't see too often.