Polk Watch: Top QBs Breakdown Through Week 9

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kelin Hendrix | 2027 | Lakeland | @HendrixKelin</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Forget the stat sheet — Hendrix has been the most dynamic offensive player in Polk County since taking over the Dreadnaughts' offense. He's got real arm talent, can drop deep balls in stride, and his dual-threat ability makes defenses pay. Just set a Lakeland program record with 311 passing yards in a single game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brody Brenneman | 2027 | LCS | @brody_brenneman</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 1,668 passing yards | 22 TD | 2 INT</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Right now, Brenneman is the top passing QB in the county. His leadership, consistency, and work ethic stand out. He's fully embraced the winning culture at LCS and keeps his team in every game. As he continues to mature, expect his recruitment to rise — recent EKU offer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jayden McCutchen | 2027 | Fort Meade | @jaydenmccut5</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 817 passing yards | 9 TD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McCutchen is quickly emerging as one of the more well-rounded young quarterbacks in the area. He's calm in the pocket, mobile when needed, and delivers under pressure. Fort Meade's offense has real balance because of his poise and control.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1581696' first='Michael' last='Kearney III'] | 2026 | @BelieveInK3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kearney continues to be the heart of this offense. The dual-threat QB has thrown for 400+ yards and rushed for 700 more, with 8 total TDs. He's getting sharper each week, making better reads, and looking confident heading into the postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1258693' first='Ethan' last='Brous'] | 2026 | Bartow | @d1_e_9</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 119/197 1756 passing yards 12 TDS 143 rushing yards 2 TDS</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brous has stuck to the process and continues to be one of Polk top stat leaders under center. He's calm, composed, and tries to make the smart play instead of forcing throws. Not flashy — just efficient and consistent, which wins games down the stretch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kingston Loydd | 2029 | Lake Wales | @KingstonL50761</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 1,214 passing yards | 9 TD | 1 INT</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thrown into the starting role as a freshman and handling it like a veteran. Loydd commands the offense with confidence and throws with touch. Still young and developing, but he's well ahead of schedule and could be the future cornerstone for Lake Wales.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Josh Middleton Jr | 2026 | Davenport | @j7middleton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Middleton is helping a young Davenport program find its identity. He moves the ball efficiently through the air and gives the team something to rally behind. His confidence keeps growing, and so does his production.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1715880' first='Cru' last='Slocum'] | 2027 | Victory Christian | @CruSlocum</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A lefty with a baseball background, Slocum's arm strength and quick release are easy to spot. He's a two-sport athlete who's becoming more complete as a QB. With more reps and offseason work, he's a breakout candidate heading into 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1655446' first='Brayden' last='Padgett'] | 2027 | Lake Gibson | @brayden_p9</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Padgett has made noticeable strides this year — better mechanics, more confidence in the pocket, and growing into a leadership role. His best game came in Lake Gibson's comeback win last week. He's trending up heading into next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Laquinton Chandler | 2028 | Lake Gibson | @Qchandler627</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Only a sophomore, but already showing veteran poise and patience in the QB room. Chandler's arm talent and field awareness are well beyond his age. He's helping Lake Gibson find its rhythm again and has the tools to be one of Polk's next elite QBs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Amire Hall | 2027 | Ridge Community | @Neweramire</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hall's progression has been impressive this year. As a junior, he's taken charge of Ridge Community's offense and continues to grow into a true leader. A young riser laying the groundwork for what could be a breakout junior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1790347' first='Ashton' last='Frazier'] | 2026 | Kathleen | @AshtonFrazier_</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Frazier's versatility has been key for Kathleen's offense. Whether extending plays or running the ball, he's been a consistent spark and steady presence for a team looking to push into the postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Joseph Shannon | 2029 | Mulberry | @J_ShannonQB1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Standing 6-2 as a freshman, Shannon already looks the part. He's flashed legit arm talent and mobility, showing early signs of a quarterback who could make a big name for himself over the next few seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1841028' first='Gabriel' last='Rivera'] | 2027 | Santa Fe | @g3frmpolk</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rivera's offseason work has paid off — he's leaner, more poised, and playing confident football. He's helped lead Santa Fe to a 6–2 start, showing command of the offense and the ability to extend plays. If the Hawks open things up for him, expect even more production.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Also Follow:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Brexton Chapple | Tenoroc – Consistent producer and leader for his team.<br><br></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Semaj Jeanty | Lake Region – Developing arm with solid upside heading into next year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->