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<p>Summer is one of my favorite parts of the Prep Redzone Calendar because everyone is excited to gear up for the season. One thing I loved last year was taking the time to break down players by classification. Players in the smaller classifications get overlooked, and it can be helpful to spotlight the guys who will play huge roles in the playoff picture. First, we'll look at the quarterbacks in the 1A/2A classifications.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Five 1A/2A QBs to Know in 2026</h2>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1030649' first='Ge'arey' last='Johnson']</strong> | KIPP Pride</p>
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<p>Like a lot of 1A quarterbacks, Johnson isn't a high-volume passer, but he has excellent arm talent. He threw for 11 touchdowns last season, adding five scores on the ground. At 6-foot-4, 200 pounds, he has ideal size, and we like his mechanics and arm strength. As he continues to improve on the finer details, expect him to be a Division II or even FCS offer candidate. </p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2141096' first='Holden' last='Shelton']</strong> | North Stokes</p>
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<p>Shelton split time at quarterback for one of the most pass-happy teams in the 1A class last year. After a 1,000-yard passing season, Shelton will likely be the primary starter in 2026. He takes calculated risks, willing to push the ball down the field and take his shots when he can. I'm excited to see what he can do in 2026 when he's the primary passer.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2142787' first='Brooks' last='Albright']</strong> | Chatham Central</p>
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<p>On a per-game basis, Albright was the most productive 1A quarterback in the state last year. He played five games and a handful of snaps, and still finished fifth in the class in passing. He also added 300 rushing yards on over 10 yards per carry. Now fully healthy, he has the chance to turn around a Chatham Central squad that was completely different with him at the helm.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2183417' first='Michael' last='Alford']</strong> | North Rowan</p>
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<p>Alford led the 2A class in passing last season with nearly 3,000 yards through the air with 28 passing touchdowns. He returns this year, and although he loses his top target, the Cavaliers return half of their receiving yardage and several offensive linemen. Expect Alford to have another big year.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1041542' first='Ty' last='Sigler']</strong> | Community School of Davidson</p>
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<p>After a coaching change, a lot is up in the air at CSD, but Sigler is a multi-year starter who threw for over 2,500 yards last season. The rising senior is one of the most experienced passers in the state, and we expect another productive year from Sigler in 2026.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Other 1A/2A Quarterbacks To Watch</h3>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2135592' first='DJ' last='Graham']</strong> | West Columbus</p>
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<p><strong>Deuce Best</strong> | Starmount</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2003772' first='Tyson' last='Douglas-Brown']</strong> | Corvian Community</p>
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<p><em>Our preseason coverage is just getting started. Coaches, if you want your team featured in a team preview, <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeB9YBH_he_sOP-lhvI26XRh0P9vobS8PsVJy_5QCJ4jQLTvQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=118251332469799088451">fill out our survey</a>. Want to share Prep Redzone with a friend? Help them get 30% off their first billing cycle with promo code Helms30.</em></p>
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Summer is one of my favorite parts of the Prep Redzone Calendar because everyone is excited to gear up for the season. One thing I loved last year was taking the time to break down players by classification. Players in the smaller classifications get overlooked, and it can be helpful to spotlight the guys who will play huge roles in the playoff picture. First, we'll look at the quarterbacks in the 1A/2A classifications.
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