QB1: 4A’s Top Returning Passing Leaders

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The 4A division features a strong group of returning quarterbacks ready to lead their offenses this season. With proven production, arm talent, and command under center, these passers bring experience and playmaking ability back to the field. Here's a look at the top QB1s to know heading into the 2026 season.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2116466"],"_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-6a6ad99b464a6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Horn is 4A's top returning passer after throwing for 2,681 yards and 21 touchdowns while completing 65% of his passes. His footwork stays clean and consistent from drop back to release, giving him a rhythm that keeps his mechanics on time in the pocket. He generates extra zip and depth on his throws by driving through his hips and shoulders on the delivery. Pressure doesn't rattle him — he keeps his eyes up, works through progressions cleanly, and protects the football with sound decision-making. He's also a threat once he leaves the pocket, athletic enough to create with his legs and turn a busted play into positive yards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/LukeHorn_/status/2062300442558959893","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/LukeHorn_/status/2062300442558959893 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2101854"],"_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-6a6ad99b46519"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Soliz had a breakout junior season throwing for 2,455 yards, 33 touchdowns while completing 63% and leading Gila Ridge to a 9-1 regular season record. He's proven to be a consistent, reliable passer who puts up points in bunches and can attack all three levels of the field with good timing and accuracy. Production speaks for itself and would expect another season of big numbers as a senior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2262322,"_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-6a6ad99b46565"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In his first year as a starter, Youngker threw for 1,881 yards and 15 touchdowns while completing 59% of his throws. At his size of 5'8” 135 lbs. he possesses good arm strength and velocity on the ball. Like his ability to maneuver the pocket to avoid pressure to extend the play while keeping his eyes downfield. Shows the ability to create and locate second chance throwing windows with good vision and awareness. Plays with confidence and freedom allowing his playmaking ability to show up on film.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/GavinYoungker/status/2039131851000840677","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/GavinYoungker/status/2039131851000840677 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1572676"],"_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-6a6ad99b465b1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LaDuke completed just over 50% of his passes for 1,693 yards and 18 touchdowns. Presents a solid 6'0” 200 lb. frame and shows good overall feel and instincts for the position. His natural athleticism shows up on tape both as a passer and a ball carrier. Great ability to manipulate pressure and move the pocket as he scans the field. Shows the strength and balance to shake off contact whether he's sliding in the pocket or picking up yards on the ground by himself. Very smooth and under control operating the offense. Voted the 4A Desert Sky Offensive Player of the Year as a junior and would expect even more production as a senior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/jacobladuke8/status/2000450562513641487","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/jacobladuke8/status/2000450562513641487 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1603426"],"_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-6a6ad99b465fb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Anguiano completed 115 of 201 attempts for 1,661 yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior. He shows good field vision and processing ability to go through his progression. He's decisive as a passer moving to his next read when covered. Throws from a well-balanced platform in the pocket using good footwork and mechanics through his drop and delivery. Plus arm strength downfield flashing the touch and trajectory to play the ball where his receivers can make plays. Like his ability to escape and buy extra time, sliding up or laterally from pressure in the pocket while maintaining his quick release. Heading into his third year as a starter expect to see him continue to improve and build on his numbers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/yurrMichael7/status/1986902123750277449","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/yurrMichael7/status/1986902123750277449 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->