Last week in this space, I wrote about Iowa’s quarterback situation, dilemma, controversy, back-up-playing-for-an-injured-starter, whatever you want to call it.
C.J. Beathard played like Jake Rudock last weekend against Purdue, and by that I mean it’s still anyone’s guess who will start in Iowa’s next game against Indiana in two weeks. Neither quarterback has done enough to distinguish himself from the other.
This week, I wanted to spotlight two other quarterbacks closer to the area that have done more than enough to distinguish themselves. Those quarterbacks are Colfax-Mingo’s Jared Myers and Prairie City-Monroe’s Logan Gilman. Both have posted exceptional numbers through the first five weeks of the high school season.
There are 340 high schools in Iowa that play football. By my count, that means there’s at least 340 high school quarterbacks in the state. Through five games, Gilman has thrown for the third-most yards (1,376) of any quarterback in any class and Myers (1,322) the fourth-most yards.
Both players’ numbers have skyrocketed from last year’s, and for different reasons. PCM’s ground-orientated offense totalled 395 rushing attempts to only 82 pass attempts last year. The Mustangs are far more balanced this season (160 runs and 155 passes so far), and Gilman, Class 2A’s passing yards leader, is making the most of his opportunities.
PCM’s junior quarterback has attempted 155 passes, tied for fifth-most in the state. Of the 21 quarterbacks in all classes with at least 130 pass attempts, Gilman’s 56.8 completion percentage is third highest. That’s distinguishing yourself.
To some extent, Myers is benefiting from simply being on the field. The Colfax-Mingo junior missed significant time each of the last two seasons due to collarbone and ACL injuries. He’s healthy this year and has put himself in a class of his own.
Myers leads all Class A quarterbacks in touchdown passes (13), completions (88) and attempts (165). New London’s Tristan Kadel is second in completions (63) and attempts (117), and Van Buren’s Garrett Saunders has thrown 11 touchdowns.
Perhaps most impressive, Myers is the only Class A quarterback who’s thrown for more than 1,000 yards so far. Saunders’ 997 is second most. Myers has 1,322. That’s distinguishing yourself.
“I’m the one getting all the glory right now,” Myers said, “but later on down the road at the end of the season, hopefully the playoffs, that’s the goal that everyone will get the glory (and) everyone will get recognized.”
Contact Sports Writer Ben Schuff at (641) 792-3121 Ext. 6536 or at bschuff@newtondailynews.com.