There are some top prep QBs in Fresno area — and there are more also looking good
Through the first four weeks of the high school football season, one thing can be said: The Tri-River Athletic Conference will be unpredictable because of quarterback play.
That is because all of the teams in the TRAC are ranked in the top 10 by The Fresno Bee, led by Clovis East at No. 1.
The Bee will dive into the TRAC just before that portion of the schedule begins following the bye week.
For now, The Bee will name the quarterbacks who have looked impressive minus Daniel Gomez (Hanford), Tyus Miller (Clovis East), Deagan Rose (Clovis) and Tanner Wilson (Sunnyside) — all of whom were expected to do big things from the start of the season.
If we’re missing a QB or two, let us know and state your case to agalaviz@fresnobee.com. The Bee will add responses to this story. For now, these are the quarterbacks who have looked impressive.
Jordan Crisp, Tulare Union: The Bee remembered seeing Crisp when the Tribe visited Garza, and he put on a show. This season is no different as he’s led Tulare to a 3-0 record and No. 7 ranking. Crisp has 756 yards and nine touchdowns.
Jelani Dippel, Central: Before the season, there was an unknown at the QB position following David Marquez, who is now at Fresno City College. The Grizzlies turned to the sophomore and has led the team to a 4-0 record after throwing 980 yards and 12 touchdowns. Maybe it’s not a surprise considering Grizzlies coach Kyle Biggs is a former QB himself.
Tyler Franklin, Bullard: The Knights are 3-1, taking a first loss to impressive Bakersfield, but still Franklin has given his team a lot of hope. He comes over from Clovis West with his father, Louis, and all he’s done is be successful. Franklin has a section-leading 18 touchdowns.
JJ Howard, Clovis West: This freshman is impressive. The Bee watched in person at a recent game and he took a big hit. He got up, though. He has command of the offense which bodes well for Clovis West coach Eric Brown. Howard will only get better and that is good news for the sixth-ranked Golden Eagles. He has 10 touchdown passes.
Jayden Najera, Golden West: Enough can’t be said about the Trailblazers. Sure, they have one loss, but Golden West is firing away en route to a No. 20 ranking behind the leadership of Najera. He has 17 touchdowns against an interception. That is impressive.
Noah Zamora, McLane: The Highlanders have a huge North Yosemite League game against Sunnyside on Thursday and a lot will be relied upon under Zamora. How will he fare? So far, he’s looking really good for the Highlanders, en route to 12 touchdowns.
This story was originally published September 18, 2024 at 2:37 PM.
