Gridiron Groundbreakers: The Dual-Threat QBs and Dominant RBs

In a season where explosive offenses made headlines across Colorado, the backfield brilliance of these quarterbacks and running backs left defenses in the dust. Whether slicing through the secondary for six or dropping dimes from the pocket, this group of elite athletes imposed their will on every snap. With eye-popping efficiency and a nose for the end zone, these dual-threat signal callers and workhorse backs didn't just run the ball—they ran the game. Here's a breakdown of the 2024 backfield game-changers who redefined production and power.    [player_tooltip player_id='1596349' first='Hayden' last='Jones'] put together one of the most complete seasons in the state, mastering the art of the dual-threat quarterback. He was flat-out unstoppable on the ground—155 carries for 1,042 yards at a powerful 6.7 yards per rush. He scored 20 rushing touchdowns and had four 100-yard games, including a jaw-dropping 94-yard sprint against Pueblo East. Jones delivered with poise and precision through the air, completing 81 of 149 passes for 1,284 yards and 20 touchdowns against just five interceptions. His 108.9 QBR rating confirms what the tape already showed—Jones was in full command of the offense.     [player_tooltip player_id='1308262' first='Chace' last='Hurley'], a bulldozer with bursts, proved he was more than a bruiser. With 140 carries for 972 yards, he averaged a sensational 6.9 yards per carry. His four 100-yard games and 11 rushing touchdowns speak to consistency and explosiveness. As a junior, Hurley displayed grown-man strength and balance, easily breaking tackles while staying light on his feet. The future is bright—and defenders should be worried.     Efficiency defined Genavo Pino's senior campaign. He scored 902 yards on 128 carries with an impressive 7.0 yards per rush, tallying 12 touchdowns and four 100-yard performances. But Pino was just as surgical through the air—completing 47 of 79 passes for 776 yards and five touchdowns with only one interception. His 108.4 QBR rating proves he made significant decisions all season. Whether dissecting a defense with his legs or arm, Pino was Pueblo Central's pulse.     [player_tooltip player_id='206561' first='Devon' last='Baker'] provided thunder to [player_tooltip player_id='1596349' first='Hayden' last='Jones']' lightning. A relentless runner with breakaway potential, Baker carried the ball 134 times for 855 yards at 6.4 yards per clip. He added four 100-yard games and 10 touchdowns, including a blistering 78-yard dash against Pueblo East. With his blend of physicality and vision, Baker was the perfect balance of patience and power in Discovery Canyon's dynamic offense.     A true three-sport phenom, [player_tooltip player_id='1513658' first='Cohen' last='Glenn'] showcased next-level athleticism all year. As a quarterback, Glenn ran for 837 yards on 123 carries (6.0 YPC), including an 80-yard house call against Pueblo South. He added eight rushing scores and passed for 785 yards and eight touchdowns. But his resume doesn't stop there—Glenn contributed on the hardwood with 5.1 PPG and 4.3 RPG, and on the diamond, he was dominant. With a .274 batting average, .981 fielding percentage, 70 strikeouts on the mound, and 47 stolen bases, Glenn proved he's a generational athlete with unmatched versatility.     [player_tooltip player_id='553010' first='Patrick' last='Noga'] ran like a freight train on fire. With just 81 carries, he amassed 817 yards—an eye-popping 10.1 yards per rush. He posted three 100-yard games and scored eight rushing touchdowns, including a 78-yard breakaway against Canon City. Noga was the ultimate efficiency back, chewing up yardage in chunks and making defenses pay for missed tackles. He was Pueblo County's hammer in the trenches.     Only a sophomore, [player_tooltip player_id='1631850' first='Jermaine' last='Wilson Jr']., turned heads across the state. He proved he belonged with the big boys with 120 carries for 777 yards (6.5 YPC). His 13 rushing touchdowns and three 100-yard outings—including an 87-yard burst against Greeley Central—show he has an elite breakaway ability. Wilson is just scratching the surface, and if this season is any indication, the future star has already arrived.

In a season where explosive offenses made headlines across Colorado, the backfield brilliance of these quarterbacks and running backs left defenses in the dust. Whether slicing through the secondary for six or dropping dimes from the pocket, this group of elite athletes imposed their will on every snap. With eye-popping efficiency and a nose for the end zone, these dual-threat signal callers and workhorse backs didn't just run the ball—they ran the game. Here's a breakdown of the 2024 backfield game-changers who redefined production and power.