SBLive’s Top 10 quarterbacks in Idaho high school football for 2023 season
SBLive Idaho is turning its attention to the best high-profile positional players in the state of Idaho.
First stop – top quarterbacks.
The main criteria for these top players are accolades and statistics; coaches recommendations; and the good old-fashioned eye test. Players are divided up by classification, and listed in alphabetical order:
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CLASS 5A
Photo by Loren Orr
Luke Flowers, Rigby, senior
The 6-foot-1, 170-pound University of Montana commit is the third consecutive NCAA Division I quarterback the program has. But the reigning state player of the year has a good chance of doing what those others didn’t, win multiple state titles.
The numbers: Not available.
Coach’s comment: "He is one of the most poised quarterbacks I have ever coached," Rigby coach Armando Gonzalez said. "Nothing really affects him. Whether he is having success or struggling, there isn’t much change in his demeanor or work ethic."
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Drew Hymas, Highland, senior
From Dirk Koetter to Taysom Hill, Highland has produced a who’s-who of quarterbacks in its long and storied history. The 6-foot, 180-pound Hymas is the next great one. His dual-threat ability has the Rams (5-1) with real title aspirations
The numbers: Passing: 64% competition, 740 yards, 11 TDs. Rushing: 323 yards, two TDs.
Coach’s comment: "Drew is a great leader and leads by example,” Highland coach Nicholas Sorrell said. “He is one of the hardest working guys on our team and is always trying to get better. He is a film and football junkie."
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Zeke Martinez, Meridian, junior
If you want to know how much the 5-foot-11, 195-pounder has meant to the program during these three years, consider this: He’s 19-3 (.864) in his career thus far. The Warriors won a total of 22 games from 2015 to 2020 - the year before his arrival.
The numbers: Passing: 72% completion, 1,096 yards, 13 TDs. Rushing: 408 yards, four TDs.
Coach’s comment: "Zeke is a great competitor and student of the game," Meridian coach John Zamberlin said. "He is a two-year captain that leads by example."
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CLASS 4A
Photo courtesy of Skyview athletics
Ben Avella, Bishop Kelly, sophomore
The 6-foot-3, 190-pounder wasn’t on a lot of people’s radars heading into the season - and for good reason. Avella hadn’t started a single varsity game. But his efficiency is a big reason why the Knights are undefeated and state contenders again.
The numbers: Passing: 74% competition, 963 yards, 14 TDs.
Coach’s comment: "Hard work on the field and off and now he is zipping the ball to the numbers," Bishop Kelly coach Chris Culig said. "He has tremendous poise and sees the field extremely well."
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Cache Beus, Skyview, senior
Beus has the prototypical size you want at 6-foot-4, 200 pounds. But the question was how would he fare at the higher levels? Exceptional seems to be the answer for Beus, who was an all-2A WIC first-team performer at Melba last season.
The numbers: Passing: 72% completion, 1,468 yards, 16 TDs. Rushing: 379 yards, four TDs.
Coach’s comment: "Cache is the most physical quarterback I have coached in 16 years as a play caller at Skyview," Skyview coach David Robinson said. "His toughness epitomizes who we are trying to become as a program."
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Peyton King, Hillcrest, senior
The 5-foot-10, 165-pounder had to take his lumps for two years. His rating was nearly half of what is now (106.4) on a team that was outscored, 250-71, and went 0-9. So his growth and maturity this season is nothing short of remarkable.
The numbers: Passing: 68% completion, 1,035 yards, nine TDs. Rushing: 299 yards, two TDs.
Coach’s Comment: "Peyton is the leader of our offense," Hillcrest coach Brennon Mossholder said. "He does a great job of putting our guys in good spots to make plays. He can beat you with his arm or his legs and as a third-year starter, has a great grasp of the offense."
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CLASS 3A
Photo courtesy of Homedale athletics
Dillon Fine, Homedale, senior
Fine’s future isn’t in football. The 6-foot-3, 175-pound all-state pitcher (6-2, 0.63 ERA, 107 Ks) committed to the University of Utah for baseball in August. But it definitely could be. Utah football coach Kyle Whittingham might want to look him up.
The numbers: Passing: 77% completion, 1,254 yards, 23 TDs. Rushing: 248 yards, six TDs.
Coach’s comment: "His demeanor - the guy doesn’t get flustered," Homedale coach Matt Holtry said. "He has a focus about him and a calming presence in the face of the storm. Very humble and very coachable."
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Jack Nelson, Teton, senior
For the first time in a long time, the Timberwolves feel like legit state title contenders. And it largely has to do with their 5-foot-11, 165-pounder under center who kind of came out of nowhere last season. People know his name now, though.
The numbers: Passing: 73% completion, 1,696 yards, 16 TDs. Rushing: 176 yards, two TDs.
Coach’s comment: "He doesn’t even celebrate the touchdowns," Teton coach David Joyce said. "When we score, all the skill guys run and jump, shoulder bump, dab it up and all that stuff. But Jack just calmly walks to the sideline like that’s what was supposed to happen. That’s easily the best part about Jack."
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CLASS 1A (D2)
Photo by Loren Orr/Loren Orr Photography LLC
Ty Koepp, Kendrick, senior
No one on this list has won more games or championships. The 6-foot-2, 175-pounder is the architect of arguably one of the greatest dynasties in state history. He’s 31-4 (.885) with back-to-back titles to his name.
The numbers: Passing: 63% completion, 750 yards, 14 TDs. Rushing: 172 yards, two TDs.
Coach’s comment: "Ty has a will and determination to win football games, and that will rubs off on the teammates around him," Kendrick coach Zane Hobart said. "Ty makes everyone around him better."
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Teague Matthews, Rockland, senior
The 6-foot-5, 210-pounder only started playing the position out of necessity a year ago (he was an all-state wide receiver as a sophomore). But now there is arguably not a better athlete at the position right now.
The numbers: Passing: 60% completion, 1,228 yards, 22 TDs. Rushing: 929 yards, TDs.
Coach’s comment: "His accuracy, anticipation, footwork, athleticism, footwork, athleticism and decision making are second to none,” Rockland coach Gerry Hunter said. “But I think the best attribute that he possesses is his ability to make everyone around him better."
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