Colorado’s Top 5A Quarterbacks: Commanding the Game

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Colorado's 5A football landscape is stacked with talented quarterbacks who consistently light up the field with arm strength, accuracy, and dual-threat capabilities. Here's a detailed breakdown of the top signal-callers making their mark this season</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["547636"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a4f42ec4a3d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kiewiet has been the backbone of Westminster's offense, showcasing exceptional accuracy and poise under pressure. He completed 125 of 188 passes for an impressive 1,928 yards and 28 touchdowns, all while throwing just five interceptions—a remarkable touchdown-to-interception ratio. Not just a threat through the air, Kiewiet also proved to be a dynamic runner, tallying 627 yards on 89 carries, averaging a notable 7.0 yards per touch, and adding five touchdowns on the ground. His ability to extend plays and consistently find the end zone makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses and a highly sought-after recruit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["757207"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a4f42ec4aca"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McCarty lives up to his electrifying name with his ability to make plays through the air and occasionally on special teams. He completed 156 of 293 passes for 1,910 yards and 17 touchdowns while battling a challenging schedule. Though his completion rate is 53%, his willingness to take shots downfield kept defenses honest. McCarty also displayed versatility as a punter, averaging 27.8 yards on five punts. With another year of development ahead, McCarty can potentially become one of Colorado's premier quarterbacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1581237"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a4f42ec4b4f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gardner plays with a maturity that belies his age. The sophomore sensation completed 159/246 passes for 1,820 yards and 14 touchdowns, boasting an impressive 64% completion rate. His ability to remain calm in the pocket and make precise throws has been pivotal for Legacy. Gardner isn't just a pocket passer—he added 198 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 61 carries, showing his ability to move the chains with his legs. With two more seasons ahead of him, Gardner is a rising star destined for greatness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["152282"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a4f42ec4bd9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cooper's dual-threat ability was on full display throughout the season. He completed 136 of 230 passes for 1,700 yards and 12 touchdowns, maintaining a solid 59% completion rate. Cooper's mobility made him a constant threat, as he rushed for 388 yards and four touchdowns on 101 carries. His ability to read defenses and make smart decisions under pressure has been instrumental to Pine Creek's success. As a senior leader, Cooper's experience and composure have set the standard for future Pine Creek quarterbacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1523404"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a4f42ec4c46"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">MacDonald is a towering presence in the pocket, standing at 6'6”. He threw for 1,664 yards and 11 touchdowns on 132 completions, maintaining a 53% completion rate. His ability to launch deep passes and read defenses makes him a constant threat. Though more known for his arm, MacDonald added a rushing touchdown on seven carries. With another year ahead, he has the potential to refine his game and become a top-tier prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["404991"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a4f42ec4cac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smith has been a steady and reliable presence for Cherokee Trail. He completed 124 passes for 1,626 yards and 13 touchdowns, showing impressive arm strength and field vision. With a 52% completion rate, Smith demonstrated his ability to make big plays despite facing challenging defensive schemes. On the ground, he contributed an additional touchdown with 82 rushing yards on 31 carries. His leadership and consistency have been invaluable for the Cherokee Trail.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1296071"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a4f42ec4d2c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Steiner exemplifies versatility and grit. He completed 133 passes for 1,612 yards and 16 touchdowns, maintaining a 56% completion rate. Steiner's ability to read defenses and make smart decisions helped Eaglecrest navigate challenging opponents. Not just a passing threat, Steiner also excelled on the ground, rushing for 629 yards on 166 carries, averaging 5.4 yards per carry, and scoring eight touchdowns. His dual-threat capability and leadership make him a dynamic playmaker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["503793"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a4f42ec4d93"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ward's explosive playmaking ability sets him apart. He threw for 1,544 passing yards and 14 touchdowns on 103 completions, with a 51% completion rate. However, it's on the ground where Ward truly shines. He rushed for a staggering 794 yards on just 81 carries, averaging an eye-popping 9.8 yards per carry and scoring six touchdowns. Ward's ability to break off big runs and keep defenses guessing makes him one of Colorado's most electrifying players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->