2025 Team Preview: Horizon Huskies

It's that time of year again. The 2025 football season is rapidly approaching. Schools stepping into new divisions after realignment over the offseason, upperclassmen preparing to leave their mark, and hungry underclassmen eager to make their presence known. We will highlight all the storylines as we begin to preview teams, covering the players you should be on the lookout for when watching these programs. We will begin in the 5A Northeast Division, starting with the Horizon Huskies.   The former 5A State Champions in 2021 are reloading for another exciting season under head coach Tyson Ditmore. Last season, this team went 8-3, making the Open Division postseason for the second time in program history before losing in the first round to the Basha Bears. Widely respected across the region, this program has earned a reputation for developing some of the most outstanding and sought-after talent in the state year after year.   Here are key players to watch out for Horizon:    It is now time for 2026 Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1844156' first='Carter' last='Puma'] to take the reigns of this Horizon Huskies offense. This dual-threat QB is ready to take his team back to the Open Division playoff and shouldn't miss a beat. He demonstrates outstanding poise when moving around and can deliver in the face of pressure. His pocket mobility and ability to throw on the run are already excellent, as he throws the ball with great anticipation and accuracy. What is electric about Puma is his running ability, as he is a crafty, tough runner who is not afraid to put his pads down when he needs to. It's an exhilarating time for Puma as he enters his senior season, ready to put on a show for his first full season as the starter.      2026 Running Back [player_tooltip player_id='595765' first='Bodie' last='Zamorano'] will be the head featured weapon for this Horizon offense. Leading the team in rushing yards last season with 605 rushing yards with an average per carry of 4.7, he is ready to boost those numbers even higher this next season. He is a dangerous man in space, with exceptional elusiveness and jump-cut ability that allows him to change direction at a moment's notice. He has the speed to put distance between himself and the defense while running with a stocky, tough demeanor that makes it challenging for secondaries to bring him down. He demonstrates that he can catch it out of the backfield as well as pass block when needed, all qualities he will look to elevate this upcoming year. Zamorano is set to put himself as one of the most overall well-rounded backs in the state.      2026 Wide Receiver Jake Giraud is going to be a reliable target on the outside for his first time varsity starting QB. His junior season was a good one for his first year as a starter, where he racked in 29 catches for 239 yards in a stacked receivers room. He has strong hands when snagging the ball out of the air, always coming back and helping his QB out. He demonstrates great route-running awareness and IQ, as he can find voids in zones for easy completions. He has the potential to be a great red zone target this upcoming season with his 6'3, 185lbs frame. With tons of seniors leaving from last season's team, look for Giraud to explode for a stellar senior season.      2028 Offensive Lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1707412' first='Liam' last='McNeal'] is an exciting underclassman who will be a significant force up front for Horizon. Standing already at an imposing 6'7 240lbs, he has great size that he will look to continue filling out over his high school career. What impressed me the most about McNeal was his body control. He was never out of position, always keeping calm and keeping light on his feet to follow agile rushers around the edge. He has a reliable anchor, making bull rushes against him ineffective due to his strong legs that sink down into the dirt. McNeal is a thrilling prospect to watch throughout this season and beyond, as he recently just picked up his first offer from UNLV.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/liam_mcneal21/status/1931232761517334613 </div></figure>     2026 Linebacker Gage Lee is going to be a major component of this Horizon defense. In his junior season, he racked in 60 total tackles, 27 of those as solo tackles, 2 TFLs, and 3 pass deflections. He demonstrates high football IQ, reading his keys patiently and diagnosing the play with keen awareness. Once he does, he attacks downhill with ferocity and speed, quickly bringing runners down to the ground. He matches up well against running backs and tight ends, able to mirror them out of the backfield and physically play through them for the pass breakup. Lee has immense potential to be a formidable defender for his team and in Arizona.      A tone setter for the defense this upcoming season will be 2026 Defensive Back [player_tooltip player_id='1543103' first='Stratton' last='Knee'].He amassed in his first full season as a varsity starter 47 total tackles, 27 of those as solo tackles, 1 TFL, 1 INT, 4 pass deflections, and 1 forced fumble. He is an aggressor when he gets going downhill at the strong safety position, not afraid to lay straight into the ball carrier with his pads. He is a sound tackler who raps up effectively, especially in the open field. He demonstrates the ability to disrupt the passing game by covering the field effectively and forcing turnovers for his team through fumbles, showcasing excellent timing and punch. Knee will be an exciting player to watch this season as he looks to be an aggressive contributor for the Horizon defense.      2026 Defensive Back Colton Becker is set to have an extraordinary season for this Horizon team. At the roaming free safety position, he had 57 total tackles, 38 of those as solo tackles, 3 INTs, and a forced fumble. He is a lengthy and agile athlete who displays excellent range at the position. His ball skills are undeniable, as he makes big-time turnover plays for his team, whether from picks or forced fumbles. He is a hard-nosed tackler who isn't afraid to stick his head into traffic and bring down ball carriers with aggression. Becker is an dynamic player to keep your eyes on to see how he progresses in his final year.

It's that time of year again. The 2025 football season is rapidly approaching. Schools stepping into new divisions after realignment over the offseason, upperclassmen preparing to leave their mark, and hungry underclassmen eager to make their presence known. We will highlight all the storylines as we begin to preview teams, covering the players you should be on the lookout for when watching these programs. We will begin in the 5A Northeast Division, starting with the Horizon Huskies.